france24--2020-08-19--US will trigger UN ‘snapback’ forcing return of Iran sanctions, Trump says

US President Donald Trump takes questions during a news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington , D.C. , August 19 , 2020 .
The United States will demand Thursday that all United Nations sanctions be reimposed against Iran , President Donald Trump announced Wednesday , a move that follows America ’ s embarrassing failure to extend an arms embargo against Tehran .
The administration ’ s insistence on snapping back international sanctions against Iran sets the stage for a contentious dispute .
It ’ s possible that the US call will be ignored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could call into question the UN Security Council ’ s ability to enforce its own legally binding decisions .
“ Two years ago I withdrew the United States from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal , which was a product of the Obama-Biden foreign policy failure — a failure like few people have seen in terms of the amount of money we paid for absolutely nothing and a short-term deal , ” Trump said .
He pledged that under his administration , Iran will never have a nuclear weapon .
“ If and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first month , Iran will come to us and they are going to be asking for a deal so quickly because they are doing very poorly , ” he said , adding that sanctions have crippled Iran ’ s economy and limited the amount of money it can use to support militant groups .
Trump said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to present the US demand to reimpose the sanctions , accusing Iran of significant non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal .
The Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been eased under that deal .
Other nations claim the US has no standing to make the demand because the Trump administration pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal two years ago .
Pompeo and Trump have made no secret of their intention to invoke the rare and controversial diplomatic move in the wake of the administration ’ s defeat at the United Nations last week on extending the arms embargo .
The US won just one other “ yes ” vote , with China and Russia opposed and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arms embargo , Russia and China bitterly oppose reimposing sanctions on Iran .
So do other Security Council members , including US allies Britain and France , a dispute that could result in a battle over the legitimacy of the UN ’ s most powerful body .
“ Iran ’ s support for its proxies in Syria only helps to bolster the Assad regime and undermine the UN process , ” said US Ambassador Kelly Craft in remarks at Wednesday ’ s council meeting on Syria .
“ How will giving Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of international peace and security ?
” The Trump administration seeks to reimpose all UN sanctions against Iran under the so-called “ snapback ” mechanism that was approved with the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six major powers .
Under the deal , Tehran received billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program .
The “ snapback ” mechanism was created in the event Tehran was proven to be in violation of the accord .
While other members of the UN Security Council say the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran deal , the Trump administration argues that it retains its standing as an original participant in the accord and as a permanent member of the Security Council that endorsed the agreement .
Trump said that when the United States entered the deal , it was clear that the US always would have the right to invoke a reimposition of the UN sanctions .
That ’ s not how other countries see it .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that since the US is no longer a party to the nuclear deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Security Council to activate the rapid reinstatement of sanctions mechanism.
” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the Trump administration of unleashing a politically motivated campaign against Iran and called for “ universal condemnation ” of the US attempt to impose a permanent arms embargo on the Islamic Republic .
Speaking to reporters Wednesday , Pompeo defended the US decision to invoke the snapback provision .
It ’ s unclear whether other members of the council can stop it through technical procedural means .
“ This will be a fully valid enforceable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expectation that it will be enforced just like every other Security Council resolution that is in place , ” said Pompeo , who is to meet Thursday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at his residence.
” We will be in full compliance with that and we have every expectation that every country in the world will live up to its obligations.
” The administration ’ s position is that once it has notified the council that it is invoking “ snapback , ” all the UN sanctions will be reimposed in 30 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would veto any resolution that attempts to prolong the sanctions relief .
The administration ’ s view is that once those 30 days have passed , any country that doesn ’ t enforce the UN sanctions will be hit with US penalties for violating a binding UN Security Council action .
What the administration ’ s position does not account for , however , is a scenario in which the rest of the world simply ignores the United States on the grounds that it no longer has legal standing to invoke snapback .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sanctions architecture won ’ t be able to effectively handle such a massive enforcement exercise on its own .
Other countries may also hedge their bets pending the outcome of the Nov. 3 US presidential election , believing that Democratic nominee Joe Biden would reverse Trump ’ s decision should the president fail to win a second term .
The US argument is highly controversial .
Not only has it been ridiculed by the Chinese , Russians and Europeans , not even the biggest Iran hawks in the United States all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security adviser John Bolton , who has long held anti-Iran positions , has said the US lost its snapback standing when it withdrew from the deal and moving ahead is not worth the damage it could do to US veto power in the council .
In a rare moment of agreement , Iran ’ s Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif praised Bolton this week .
“ At least he is consistent — a trait notably absent in this US administration , ” Zarif tweeted .
Former US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nuclear deal during the Obama administration , said , “ It was never expected that someone who withdrew from the ( deal ) would have standing to in fact bring the snapback provision .
”

The Trump administration is set to demand the restoration of all international sanctions on Iran in a move that will further isolate the US at the United Nations and possibly deal a fatal blow to one of former President Barack Obama’s signature foreign policy achievements.
US President Donald Trump takes questions during a news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C. on August 19, 2020.
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At President Donald Trump’s direction, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the UN that the US is invoking the “snapback” mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that endorsed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
“The United States intends to restore virtually all of the previously suspended United Nations sanctions on Iran,” Trump said on Wednesday. “It’s a snapback.”
As set out by the resolution enshrining the 2015 deal, the “snapback” would re-impose UN sanctions that were eased in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program.
But the US move faces steep opposition and could prompt a revolt from the council’s other members. None of them believes the US has the standing to invoke "snapback" because Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal two years ago.
It’s possible the US call will simply be ignored by other UN members – an outcome that could call into question the Security Council’s relevance and ability to enforce its own legally binding decisions.
Trump and Pompeo have made no secret of their intention to pursue the controversial diplomatic move, particularly in the wake of the US administration’s embarrassing defeat last week at the Security Council on extending the arms embargo on Iran that expires in October. The US won just one other “yes” vote, with China and Russia opposed and the 11 other members abstaining.
As with the arms embargo, Russia and China bitterly oppose reimposing other UN sanctions on Iran. So do other Security Council members, including US allies Britain and France, which are hoping to preserve the nuclear deal in the event Trump loses his bid for a second term in November's presidential election and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden rejoins the agreement.
The Europeans fear that the re-imposition of sanctions may prompt Iran to quit the nuclear deal entirely and plow ahead with efforts to develop atomic weapons. The Trump administration says it quit the deal precisely because the deal eased sanctions, opening major revenue streams for Iran.
US has 'every expectation' sanctions will be re-imposed
Trump said that when the United States entered the deal, it was clear that the US always would have the right to invoke a re-imposition of the UN sanctions.
That’s not how other countries see it.
China has said that since the US is no longer a party to the nuclear deal it “has no right to demand the Security Council to activate the rapid reinstatement of sanctions”. Russia has accused the administration of unleashing a politically motivated campaign against Iran that runs counter to international law.
The Europeans have also rejected the US position, which holds that the UN sanctions will be automatically restored 30 days after the snapback has been invoked. The US would veto any resolution that attempts to prolong sanctions relief during that period.
The administration’s view is that once those 30 days have passed, any country that doesn’t enforce the UN sanctions will be hit with US penalties for violating a binding Security Council action.
“This will be a fully valid enforceable Security Council resolution and we have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other Security Council resolution that is in place,” Pompeo said Wednesday. ”We will be in full compliance with that and we have every expectation that every country in the world will live up to its obligations.”
What the administration’s position does not account for, however, is a scenario in which the rest of the world simply ignores the United States on the grounds that it no longer has legal standing to invoke the snapback.
Bolton: Push for 'snapback' could harm US veto power
The US argument is highly controversial. Not only has it been ridiculed by the Chinese, Russians and Europeans, not even the biggest Iran hawks in the United States all agree with it.
Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, who has long held anti-Iran positions, has called the argument “too cute by half” and said the US lost its snapback standing when it withdrew from the deal. He said moving ahead is not worth the damage it could do to the US’s veto power in the council.
In a rare moment of agreement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif praised Bolton this week. “At least he is consistent — a trait notably absent in this U.S. administration,” Zarif tweeted.
.@AmbJohnBolton has repeated today what he said on May 8, 2018, while National Security Advisor in the Trump administration.
At least he is consistent—a trait notably absent in this US administration.
US recourse to Dispute Resolution Mechanism in 2231 has NO LEG TO STAND ON. pic.twitter.com/txNBhyOkv4 — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) August 16, 2020
Former US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, a lead negotiator of the nuclear deal during the Obama administration, said: “It was never expected that someone who withdrew from the (deal) would have standing to in fact bring the snapback provision.”
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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france24--2020-08-19--Gnabry and Lewandowski fire ruthless Bayern into Champions League final

Serge Gnabry ( R ) celebrates with Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski after scoring for Bayern Munich in their 3-0 Champions League semi-final victory over Lyon in Lisbon Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday , winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain .
Lyon squandered two golden opportunities to go ahead early on at the Estadio Jose Alvalade , through Memphis Depay and Karl Toko-Ekambi .
Within seconds of the latter miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18th-minute lead in stunning style , and the Germany winger scored again just after the half-hour mark .
Gnabry , who scored four times in Bayern 's 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage , has now scored nine in nine appearances in this season 's competition .
Lewandowski 's inevitable goal , his 55th of the season , came two minutes from time .
Bayern as a team have 42 goals in 10 Champions League outings , with this more modest victory following their 8-2 trouncing of Barcelona in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a hard game , '' insisted coach Hansi Flick .
`` We needed a bit of luck to get through the opening stages before Serge made the difference . ''
They have won all their European matches this season but the biggest test awaits , against a PSG side who will be a step up from what they faced here .
Lyon came seventh in the last French season , which was shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic .
PSG won Ligue 1 and crushed RB Leipzig 3-0 in their semi-final .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even in the bizarre atmosphere behind closed doors in Portugal 's capital .
`` For me , it 's a dream come true .
Playing in the UEFA Champions League and making it to the final .
It 's everything you can ask for , '' Bayern 's Alphonso Davies told BT Sport .
The German champions will be looking to win their sixth European Cup , seven years on from their last Champions League triumph .
It will be their 11th final altogether , against a club appearing in their first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be disappointment as their second semi-final appearance ends the same way as their first , a defeat by Bayern in 2010 .
This was a step too far for Rudi Garcia 's side following their shock successes against Juventus and Manchester City .
Now they must rouse themselves for a new Ligue 1 season which is just about to start , but there will be no European football at all for Lyon in 2020/21 , for the first time in 24 years .
They would have had to win this Champions League just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair they will wonder what might have been in this semi-final had they taken at least one of those early chances .
`` Congratulations to Bayern .
I do n't think they were unbeatable , '' said Toko-Ekambi .
`` We had chances to score and we played well . ''
Bayern certainly take risks with their incredibly high line , inviting opponents to try to get in behind them .
Lyon 's chance arrived inside the fourth minute .
Maxence Caqueret intercepted a Thiago Alcantara pass , looked up and released Depay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but , with the angle tightening , he could only find the side-netting with his shot .
The next big let-off for the Bavarians came when Leo Dubois sent a pass in behind for Toko-Ekambi .
He got his shot away at the second attempt but hit the upright .
Just 49 seconds after that , Lyon were behind .
Gnabry cut in from the right into the middle before letting fly from just inside the box .
His thumping left-foot strike gave Anthony Lopes no chance .
It was a different game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 33rd minute .
He stole possession in the Lyon half and laid the ball out to Ivan Perisic .
The Croatian 's low cross should have been converted by Lewandowski .
Lopes saved from him but Gnabry converted the follow-up .
Substitute Philippe Coutinho had a late effort disallowed for offside , before Lewandowski made it 3-0 as he headed home Joshua Kimmich 's free-kick .
Bayern now have 20 consecutive victories and are unbeaten in 29 matches , a run that began last December .
Just a few weeks before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having sacked coach Niko Kovac .
The transformation under Flick has been astonishing and they are now 90 minutes away from ending this longest of seasons with a treble .

Lisbon (AFP) –
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Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Lyon squandered two golden opportunities to go ahead early on at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, through Memphis Depay and Karl Toko-Ekambi.
Within seconds of the latter miss, Gnabry had blasted Bayern into an 18th-minute lead in stunning style, and the Germany winger scored again just after the half-hour mark.
Gnabry, who scored four times in Bayern's 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage, has now scored nine in nine appearances in this season's competition.
Lewandowski's inevitable goal, his 55th of the season, came two minutes from time.
Bayern as a team have 42 goals in 10 Champions League outings, with this more modest victory following their 8-2 trouncing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
"We knew this would be a hard game," insisted coach Hansi Flick. "We needed a bit of luck to get through the opening stages before Serge made the difference."
They have won all their European matches this season but the biggest test awaits, against a PSG side who will be a step up from what they faced here.
Lyon came seventh in the last French season, which was shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic. PSG won Ligue 1 and crushed RB Leipzig 3-0 in their semi-final.
It promises to be an enthralling final, even in the bizarre atmosphere behind closed doors in Portugal's capital.
"For me, it's a dream come true. Playing in the UEFA Champions League and making it to the final. It's everything you can ask for," Bayern's Alphonso Davies told BT Sport.
The German champions will be looking to win their sixth European Cup, seven years on from their last Champions League triumph. It will be their 11th final altogether, against a club appearing in their first ever final.
For Lyon there will be disappointment as their second semi-final appearance ends the same way as their first, a defeat by Bayern in 2010.
- Step too far -
This was a step too far for Rudi Garcia's side following their shock successes against Juventus and Manchester City.
Now they must rouse themselves for a new Ligue 1 season which is just about to start, but there will be no European football at all for Lyon in 2020/21, for the first time in 24 years.
They would have had to win this Champions League just to qualify again, and to be fair they will wonder what might have been in this semi-final had they taken at least one of those early chances.
"Congratulations to Bayern. I don't think they were unbeatable," said Toko-Ekambi. "We had chances to score and we played well."
Bayern certainly take risks with their incredibly high line, inviting opponents to try to get in behind them.
Lyon's chance arrived inside the fourth minute. Maxence Caqueret intercepted a Thiago Alcantara pass, looked up and released Depay. The Dutchman went round Manuel Neuer but, with the angle tightening, he could only find the side-netting with his shot.
- Astonishing transformation -
The next big let-off for the Bavarians came when Leo Dubois sent a pass in behind for Toko-Ekambi. He got his shot away at the second attempt but hit the upright.
Just 49 seconds after that, Lyon were behind.
Gnabry cut in from the right into the middle before letting fly from just inside the box. His thumping left-foot strike gave Anthony Lopes no chance.
It was a different game after that and Gnabry made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.
He stole possession in the Lyon half and laid the ball out to Ivan Perisic. The Croatian's low cross should have been converted by Lewandowski. Lopes saved from him but Gnabry converted the follow-up.
Substitute Philippe Coutinho had a late effort disallowed for offside, before Lewandowski made it 3-0 as he headed home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick.
Bayern now have 20 consecutive victories and are unbeaten in 29 matches, a run that began last December. Just a few weeks before that Bayern were in a mess, having sacked coach Niko Kovac.
The transformation under Flick has been astonishing and they are now 90 minutes away from ending this longest of seasons with a treble.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Mali colonel Assimi Goita declares himself junta leader as opposition pledges support

Colonel Assimi Goita speaks to the press at the Malian Ministry of Defence in Bamako , Mali , on August 19 , 2020 after confirming his position as the president of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People ( CNSP ) .
Army colonel Assimi Goita on Wednesday introduced himself as Mali ’ s new military strongman a day after a coup that was condemned by the international community but won support from the country ’ s opposition .
The African Union , European Union , the United States and the UN Security Council have all demanded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boubou Cisse and others taken captive in Tuesday ’ s coup that followed months of protests .
In the Malian capital Bamako , Goita said after meeting top civil servants that he was the leader of the “ National Committee for the Salvation of the People ” that has seized power .
“ Mali is in a situation of socio-political crisis .
There is no more room for mistakes , ” Goita , surrounded by armed military men , told journalists .
His entourage told AFP that Goita , who is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mali ’ s special forces based in the centre of the west African country , torn for the last five years by jihadist and sectarian violence .
Several military men told AFP on condition of anonymity that Goita was the true force behind the coup .
Fellow coup chiefs meanwhile called on the public to return to normal life , warned against acts of “ vandalism ” and threatened to punish any soldier found guilty of extortion .
The opposition coalition M5-RFP said in a statement that “ it took note of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ open a civilian political transition ” and would work with it on “ developing a roadmap.
” The coalition ’ s Choguel Maiga told journalists “ we will organise the biggest patriotic rally on Friday ” in Bamako and nationwide in order to “ celebrate the Malian people ’ s victory ” .
The dramatic events in one of Africa ’ s most volatile countries began early Tuesday , when rebel officers mutinied at a base near Bamako and headed into the city , where they detained Keita and Cisse .
Hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic stagnation , corruption and a brutal Islamist insurgency—announced his resignation .
He said he had been given no other choice but to quit , and sought to avoid bloodshed .
Jubilant crowds had cheered the rebels on Tuesday as they arrived in the capital Bamako .
There were few visible traces of those events on Bamako ’ s streets on Wednesday—troops had not been deployed en masse despite the coup leaders announcing a night-time curfew .
The 55-nation AU blasted the “ unconstitutional change of government ” in Mali .
The bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move that bars a member from attending all summits and meetings— “ until restoration of constitutional order ” .
It also called for the release of Keita and other officials , a demand also made forcefully by Brussels and Washington .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States “ strongly condemns the August 18 mutiny in Mali as we would condemn any forcible seizure of power.
” “ The freedom and safety of detained government officials and their families must be ensured , ” he said .
The 15-nation West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in vain to mediate in the long-running political crisis , also said it would suspend Mali from its internal decision-making bodies .
It pledged to close land and air borders to Mali and push for sanctions against “ all the putschists and their partners and collaborators ” .
ECOWAS said its leaders will meet on Thursday via video conference to discuss the coup .
The coup leaders had appeared on television overnight to pledge a political transition and new elections within a “ reasonable time ” .
In a brief media appearance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staff Ismael Wague called on Malians to “ resume their activities in a healthy manner.
” Civil servants were “ invited ” to return to work on Thursday , he said .
He added that no people had died during the coup , despite unconfirmed reports of several deaths .
With Mali the cornerstone of French-led efforts to roll back jihadists in the Sahel , President Emmanuel Macron reiterated Wednesday his call to return to civilian rule .
“ The fight against terrorist groups and the defence of democracy and the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted .
Macron added that for French forces “ to leave is to provoke instability and to weaken our fight .
It is not acceptable.
” Wague said “ all past agreements ” would be respected , including Mali ’ s support for anti-jihadist missions such as the UN force in Mali ( MINUSMA ) , France ’ s Barkhane force , the G5 Sahel , and European special-forces initiative Takuba .
Swathes of Mali ’ s territory are outside of the control of central authorities and years of fighting have failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of lives since emerging in 2012 .
The failure to roll back the jihadists was a major factor in fuelling frustrations with Keita ’ s rule , say analysts .
Tensions flared in April after the government held long-delayed parliamentary elections , the results of which are still disputed .

Army colonel Assimi Goita on Wednesday introduced himself as Mali’s new military strongman a day after a coup that was condemned by the international community but won support from the country’s opposition.
Colonel Assimi Goita speaks to the press at the Malian Ministry of Defence in Bamako, Mali on August 19, 2020 after confirming his position as the president of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP).
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The African Union, European Union, the United States and the UN Security Council have all demanded the junta free ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Keita's former prime minister Boubou Cisse and others taken captive in Tuesday’s coup that followed months of protests.
In the Malian capital Bamako, Goita said after meeting top civil servants that he was the leader of the “National Committee for the Salvation of the People” that has seized power.
“Mali is in a situation of socio-political crisis. There is no more room for mistakes,” Goita, surrounded by armed military men, told journalists.
02:38
His entourage told AFP that Goita, who is in his forties, had until now headed Mali’s special forces based in the centre of the west African country, torn for the last five years by jihadist and sectarian violence.
Several military men told AFP on condition of anonymity that Goita was the true force behind the coup.
Fellow coup chiefs meanwhile called on the public to return to normal life, warned against acts of “vandalism” and threatened to punish any soldier found guilty of extortion.
The opposition coalition M5-RFP said in a statement that “it took note of the commitment” the junta has made to “open a civilian political transition” and would work with it on “developing a roadmap”.
The coalition’s Choguel Maiga told journalists “we will organise the biggest patriotic rally on Friday” in Bamako and nationwide in order to “celebrate the Malian people’s victory”.
‘Unconstitutional change’
The dramatic events in one of Africa’s most volatile countries began early Tuesday, when rebel officers mutinied at a base near Bamako and headed into the city, where they detained Keita and Cisse.
Hours later, Keita – beset by angry protests over economic stagnation, corruption and a brutal Islamist insurgency – announced his resignation.
He said he had been given no other choice but to quit, and sought to avoid bloodshed.
Jubilant crowds had cheered the rebels on Tuesday as they arrived in the capital Bamako.
There were few visible traces of those events on Bamako’s streets on Wednesday – troops had not been deployed en masse despite the coup leaders announcing a night-time curfew.
The 55-nation AU blasted the “unconstitutional change of government” in Mali.
The bloc announced that it was suspending Mali – a rare move that bars a member from attending all summits and meetings – “until restoration of constitutional order”.
It also called for the release of Keita and other officials, a demand also made forcefully by Brussels and Washington.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States “strongly condemns the August 18 mutiny in Mali as we would condemn any forcible seizure of power”.
“The freedom and safety of detained government officials and their families must be ensured,” he said.
The 15-nation West African bloc ECOWAS, which had tried in vain to mediate in the long-running political crisis, also said it would suspend Mali from its internal decision-making bodies.
It pledged to close land and air borders to Mali and push for sanctions against “all the putschists and their partners and collaborators”.
ECOWAS said its leaders will meet on Thursday via video conference to discuss the coup.
‘Take responsibility’
The coup leaders had appeared on television overnight to pledge a political transition and new elections within a “reasonable time”.
In a brief media appearance, junta spokesman and Air Force deputy chief of staff Ismael Wague called on Malians to “resume their activities in a healthy manner”.
Civil servants were “invited” to return to work on Thursday, he said.
He added that no people had died during the coup, despite unconfirmed reports of several deaths.
Anti-jihadist fight
With Mali the cornerstone of French-led efforts to roll back jihadists in the Sahel, President Emmanuel Macron reiterated Wednesday his call to return to civilian rule.
“The fight against terrorist groups and the defence of democracy and the rule of law are inseparable,” he tweeted.
Macron added that for French forces “to leave is to provoke instability and to weaken our fight. It is not acceptable.”
Wague said “all past agreements” would be respected, including Mali’s support for anti-jihadist missions such as the UN force in Mali (MINUSMA), France’s Barkhane force, the G5 Sahel, and European special-forces initiative Takuba.
Swathes of Mali’s territory are outside of the control of central authorities and years of fighting have failed to halt an Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives since emerging in 2012.
The failure to roll back the jihadists was a major factor in fuelling frustrations with Keita’s rule, say analysts.
Tensions flared in April after the government held long-delayed parliamentary elections, the results of which are still disputed.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-08-19--Bayern 'not unbeatable' says Lyon's Toko Ekambi

Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi said he did n't think Bayern Munich were `` unbeatable '' in the Champions League despite Wednesday 's 3-0 loss to the German side in the semi-finals in Lisbon .
The Cameroon international missed two clear-cut chances , notably hitting the post just moments before Serge Gnabry scored the opening goal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade .
`` We could 've done better , we could 've scored goals - me the first one , '' Toko Ekambi told French broadcaster RMC Sport .
`` It did n't go our way tonight , we missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great goalkeeper . ''
Five-time European champions Bayern , who will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final , have won their last 20 matches and are unbeaten in 29 outings , a run that began last December .
`` I do n't think they 're unbeatable , '' said Toko Ekambi .
`` We knew they were a great side before the game and we knew we had to play out of our skins to win this match but we were n't able to do it . ''
`` Sometimes you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
`` Tonight we did n't do the things we needed to win the match . ''

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Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi said he didn't think Bayern Munich were "unbeatable" in the Champions League despite Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the German side in the semi-finals in Lisbon.
The Cameroon international missed two clear-cut chances, notably hitting the post just moments before Serge Gnabry scored the opening goal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
"We could've done better, we could've scored goals - me the first one," Toko Ekambi told French broadcaster RMC Sport.
"It didn't go our way tonight, we missed some chances and we were up against a great goalkeeper."
Five-time European champions Bayern, who will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final, have won their last 20 matches and are unbeaten in 29 outings, a run that began last December.
"I don't think they're unbeatable," said Toko Ekambi. "We knew they were a great side before the game and we knew we had to play out of our skins to win this match but we weren't able to do it."
"Sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't," he added. "Tonight we didn't do the things we needed to win the match."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--'She put us back together': Jill Biden, loyal campaign cohort

Jill Biden , seen during the Democratic National Convention , applauds as her husband Joe Biden is formally designated as the party 's nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in the November 3 , 2020 election Jill Biden is the `` tough and loyal '' partner to an American politician whose personal tragedies have sometimes overshadowed his accomplishments .
But the energetic campaign surrogate is suddenly in the spotlight as her husband Joe becomes the Democratic presidential nominee .
The alliance goes back more than four decades , to when Joe Biden was in a dark place .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car crash in 1972 and was raising his young boys as a widow , commuting daily from Delaware to Washington where he served as a US senator .
Then he met Jill Jacobs , and they married in 1977 .
They have been a socio-political power center ever since , through two failed presidential runs , his eight years as vice president and the death of his son Beau due to cancer .
`` She put us back together , '' said Biden as he described Jill 's impact on the tragedy-scarred family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loyal . ''
Biden was speaking in a video that aired Tuesday night during the Democratic National Convention as it formally designated the 77-year-old as the party 's presidential nominee to challenge Donald Trump for the White House .
The video ran moments before the 69-year-old Jill Biden gave the biggest speech of her political life , a personal testimonial to her husband 's character , capabilities and heart .
`` How do you make a broken family whole ? ''
she said of Biden 's persistence through adversity , a quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American families suffering through a deadly coronavirus pandemic , mass layoffs and tensions over racial injustice .
`` The same way you make a nation whole , '' she added .
`` With love and understanding -- and with small acts of compassion .
With bravery .
With unwavering faith . ''
Jill Biden was born in 1951 and grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania .
A teacher who eventually earned a doctorate in education , she delivered her Tuesday speech live from the very classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington , Delaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She made the case for her husband 's presidency in personal terms , while also connecting with Americans worried about sending their children back to school , or grieving over loved ones lost to coronavirus .
`` As a mother and a grandmother , as an American , I am heartbroken by the magnitude of this loss -- by the failure to protect our communities , '' she said , without mentioning Trump .
`` Like so many of you , I 'm left asking : how do I keep my family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the role of protector in March at a Super Tuesday victory party , when she dramatically fended off two protesters who lunged at her husband on stage .
`` We 're OK , '' said Jill reassuringly .
Jill Biden assumed the role of second lady in 2009 when Biden became vice president , participating in multiple high-profile events with first lady Michelle Obama , and developing a comfortable public speaking style .
But ever since Biden rolled out his campaign in May 2019 , she has been a particularly forceful surrogate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire and battleground states such as Florida , often campaigning with a vigor that sometimes seemed to exceed her husband 's .
She often presents her husband as the candidate who best appeals not only to moderate Democrats , but also to independents and Republicans disappointed with Trump .
`` A lot of Republicans have whispered to me : 'Jill , I made a mistake before ' '' and voted for Trump , she told campaign volunteers in New Hampshire in February .
`` ' I 'm a Republican but I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them as saying .
Often headlining her own smaller , intimate events supporting her husband 's campaign , Jill Biden has been a stylish , effervescent and effective presence on the trail -- at least until the pandemic brought in-person campaigning to a halt .
She has also steeled herself against the attacks on her husband coming from Trump and his allies .
But she seemed to win over at least one Republican Tuesday .
`` Tonight , Jill Biden did a very good job representing herself and Joe in the causes they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham .
`` She 's an outstanding person who has led a consequential life . ''

Wilmington (United States) (AFP) –
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Jill Biden is the "tough and loyal" partner to an American politician whose personal tragedies have sometimes overshadowed his accomplishments. But the energetic campaign surrogate is suddenly in the spotlight as her husband Joe becomes the Democratic presidential nominee.
The alliance goes back more than four decades, to when Joe Biden was in a dark place. He had lost his wife and daughter in a car crash in 1972 and was raising his young boys as a widow, commuting daily from Delaware to Washington where he served as a US senator.
Then he met Jill Jacobs, and they married in 1977. They have been a socio-political power center ever since, through two failed presidential runs, his eight years as vice president and the death of his son Beau due to cancer.
"She put us back together," said Biden as he described Jill's impact on the tragedy-scarred family.
"She is so damn tough and loyal."
Biden was speaking in a video that aired Tuesday night during the Democratic National Convention as it formally designated the 77-year-old as the party's presidential nominee to challenge Donald Trump for the White House.
The video ran moments before the 69-year-old Jill Biden gave the biggest speech of her political life, a personal testimonial to her husband's character, capabilities and heart.
"How do you make a broken family whole?" she said of Biden's persistence through adversity, a quality she believes connects him with millions of American families suffering through a deadly coronavirus pandemic, mass layoffs and tensions over racial injustice.
"The same way you make a nation whole," she added. "With love and understanding -- and with small acts of compassion. With bravery. With unwavering faith."
- 'A consequential life' -
Jill Biden was born in 1951 and grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania.
A teacher who eventually earned a doctorate in education, she delivered her Tuesday speech live from the very classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware where she taught English in the 1990s.
She made the case for her husband's presidency in personal terms, while also connecting with Americans worried about sending their children back to school, or grieving over loved ones lost to coronavirus.
"As a mother and a grandmother, as an American, I am heartbroken by the magnitude of this loss -- by the failure to protect our communities," she said, without mentioning Trump.
"Like so many of you, I'm left asking: how do I keep my family safe?"
She found herself in the role of protector in March at a Super Tuesday victory party, when she dramatically fended off two protesters who lunged at her husband on stage.
"We're OK," said Jill reassuringly.
Jill Biden assumed the role of second lady in 2009 when Biden became vice president, participating in multiple high-profile events with first lady Michelle Obama, and developing a comfortable public speaking style.
But ever since Biden rolled out his campaign in May 2019, she has been a particularly forceful surrogate.
She barnstormed early voting states Iowa and New Hampshire and battleground states such as Florida, often campaigning with a vigor that sometimes seemed to exceed her husband's.
She often presents her husband as the candidate who best appeals not only to moderate Democrats, but also to independents and Republicans disappointed with Trump.
"A lot of Republicans have whispered to me: 'Jill, I made a mistake before'" and voted for Trump, she told campaign volunteers in New Hampshire in February.
"'I'm a Republican but I can support Joe,'" she quoted them as saying.
Often headlining her own smaller, intimate events supporting her husband's campaign, Jill Biden has been a stylish, effervescent and effective presence on the trail -- at least until the pandemic brought in-person campaigning to a halt.
She has also steeled herself against the attacks on her husband coming from Trump and his allies.
But she seemed to win over at least one Republican Tuesday.
"Tonight, Jill Biden did a very good job representing herself and Joe in the causes they believe in," tweeted Senator Lindsey Graham.
"She's an outstanding person who has led a consequential life."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Defending NBA champion Raptors claw out victory over Nets

Toronto reserve Norman Powell scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter as the defending champion Raptors rallied to beat Brooklyn 104-99 Wednesday in their NBA playoff series .
The Raptors took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round clash , being played in the league 's quarantine bubble in Orlando , Florida .
The Raptors , who had converted 22 three-pointers in a game-one blowout of the Nets , connected on just 25.7 percent of their three-point attempts -- and 43.7 percent of shots overall -- under heavy defensive pressure from a Nets team eager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proved crucial , with nine Toronto giveaways leading to six Nets points while 17 Brooklyn turnovers resulted in 23 points for the Raptors .
Brooklyn , trailing by three with 15 seconds remaining , had a chance to force overtime but an ill-timed pass on their final possession led to a final , decisive turnover -- forced by Toronto 's Kyle Lowry -- that sealed the win for the Raptors .
`` We 've been here before , '' said Toronto 's Fred VanVleet , who delivered a double-double of 24 points and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to stick with it , weather the storm . ''
Trailing 80-74 through three quarters , the Raptors opened the fourth on a 17-5 scoring run , taking their first lead since the second period on OG Anunoby 's dunk with nine minutes to play .
Powell extended the lead to eight points with a driving dunk , and the Raptors held on .
Lowry finished with 21 points and nine rebounds and Pascal Siakam added 19 points for the Raptors , who will try to take a 3-0 lead on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action in Orlando , where in other games the Boston Celtics faced the Philadelphia 76ers , the Utah Jazz took on the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks played the Los Angeles Clippers .

Miami (AFP) –
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Toronto reserve Norman Powell scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter as the defending champion Raptors rallied to beat Brooklyn 104-99 Wednesday in their NBA playoff series.
The Raptors took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round clash, being played in the league's quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.
The Raptors, who had converted 22 three-pointers in a game-one blowout of the Nets, connected on just 25.7 percent of their three-point attempts -- and 43.7 percent of shots overall -- under heavy defensive pressure from a Nets team eager to even the series.
But turnovers proved crucial, with nine Toronto giveaways leading to six Nets points while 17 Brooklyn turnovers resulted in 23 points for the Raptors.
Brooklyn, trailing by three with 15 seconds remaining, had a chance to force overtime but an ill-timed pass on their final possession led to a final, decisive turnover -- forced by Toronto's Kyle Lowry -- that sealed the win for the Raptors.
"We've been here before," said Toronto's Fred VanVleet, who delivered a double-double of 24 points and 10 assists. "You've just got to stick with it, weather the storm."
Trailing 80-74 through three quarters, the Raptors opened the fourth on a 17-5 scoring run, taking their first lead since the second period on OG Anunoby's dunk with nine minutes to play.
Powell extended the lead to eight points with a driving dunk, and the Raptors held on.
Lowry finished with 21 points and nine rebounds and Pascal Siakam added 19 points for the Raptors, who will try to take a 3-0 lead on Friday.
The game opened the day's action in Orlando, where in other games the Boston Celtics faced the Philadelphia 76ers, the Utah Jazz took on the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks played the Los Angeles Clippers.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Brazil VP challenges DiCaprio to a hike in the jungle

Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao ( L ) has invited US actor Leonardo DiCaprio on an eight-hour hike in the Amazon after the film star posted a newspaper report on fires that are destroying large swathes of the rainforest Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio Wednesday to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon , saying he wanted to show the Hollywood star the rainforest is not actually burning .
Mourao , who heads President Jair Bolsonaro 's task force on fighting deforestation , took issue with DiCaprio reposting an Instagram video from The Guardian newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rainforest in flames .
`` I 'd like to invite our most recent critic , the actor Leonardo DiCaprio , to come with me to Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira ( in northern Brazil ) and walk eight hours through the jungle , '' Mourao said at an event on sustainable development in the Amazon organized by the National Industrial Confederation ( CNI ) .
`` He 'll get a better understanding of how things work in this immense region . ''
DiCaprio , an outspoken environmentalist , shared The Guardian 's post on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accompanying caption cited satellite data from Brazil 's space agency , INPE , showing the number of fires in the Brazilian Amazon in July increased 28 percent year-on-year , with early numbers for August also showing an increase .
`` Brazil 's president , Jair Bolsonaro , is under pressure internationally to curb the fires , but he has publicly doubted the severity of them in the past claiming opponents and indigenous communities were responsible , '' said the post .
Bolsonaro has faced international condemnation for presiding over rising deforestation and huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The far-right leader has downplayed the issue , saying last week that `` this story that the Amazon is burning is a lie . ''
But he is also keen to avoid a repeat of last year 's international outcry .
In July , he decreed a 120-day ban on the agricultural fires used by farmers and ranchers to clear their fields with the slash-and-burn method -- the main cause of fires in the Amazon , according to experts .
And he has deployed the army to the region ahead of this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under way .
He was quick to play up the fact that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon decreased 36 percent in July 2020 from the record level of July 2019 .
However , the same data also show that deforestation increased 34.5 percent year-on-year in the 12 months through July .

Sao Paulo (AFP) –
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Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio Wednesday to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show the Hollywood star the rainforest is not actually burning.
Mourao, who heads President Jair Bolsonaro's task force on fighting deforestation, took issue with DiCaprio reposting an Instagram video from The Guardian newspaper with images of the world's biggest rainforest in flames.
"I'd like to invite our most recent critic, the actor Leonardo DiCaprio, to come with me to Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira (in northern Brazil) and walk eight hours through the jungle," Mourao said at an event on sustainable development in the Amazon organized by the National Industrial Confederation (CNI).
"He'll get a better understanding of how things work in this immense region."
DiCaprio, an outspoken environmentalist, shared The Guardian's post on his own Instagram account Friday.
The accompanying caption cited satellite data from Brazil's space agency, INPE, showing the number of fires in the Brazilian Amazon in July increased 28 percent year-on-year, with early numbers for August also showing an increase.
"Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, is under pressure internationally to curb the fires, but he has publicly doubted the severity of them in the past claiming opponents and indigenous communities were responsible," said the post.
Bolsonaro has faced international condemnation for presiding over rising deforestation and huge fires in the Amazon last year.
The far-right leader has downplayed the issue, saying last week that "this story that the Amazon is burning is a lie."
But he is also keen to avoid a repeat of last year's international outcry.
In July, he decreed a 120-day ban on the agricultural fires used by farmers and ranchers to clear their fields with the slash-and-burn method -- the main cause of fires in the Amazon, according to experts.
And he has deployed the army to the region ahead of this year's fire season, which is getting under way.
Mourao claims the policies are working.
He was quick to play up the fact that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon decreased 36 percent in July 2020 from the record level of July 2019.
However, the same data also show that deforestation increased 34.5 percent year-on-year in the 12 months through July.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--NFL will consider playoff bubble for extra COVID-19 safety

NFL playoff teams could compete for a championship next January in a playoff bubble to better protect players from COVID-19 , NFL vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said Wednesday .
Vincent said on a conference call that New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton suggested a post-season bubble in the latest competition committee call , a move that would need backing from the NFL Players Association also .
`` All things are on the table , '' said Vincent , who said the NFL used the term `` secure environment '' rather than `` bubble '' much the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to describe its quarantine environment .
The playoff bubble remains only an idea , with the league planning to start the season September 10 with Houston at reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City and a full 16 games per club to follow at team home stadiums .
Thus far , 13 NFL clubs said they do not plan to allow spectators and six others say they will have only a limited number of fans at games , trimming stadium capacity to allow social distancing .
Teams will follow local government regulations in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League have had success with bubble quarantine atmospheres , avoiding the outbreaks that have hit Major League Baseball , which has teams traveling and playing in team ballparks rather than in a quarantine situation .
The NFL plans to use an advisory committee to handle matters such as COVID-19 outbreaks and postponements because of potential conflict of interest issues for members of the competition committee .
The league is working out how to handle possible seeding issues if teams do not play the same number of games due to cancellation of games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people allowed on the field before games , barring cheerleaders , mascots , media and fans .
There is no decision about whether or not the NFL will continue daily COVID-19 testing beyond September 5 , the Saturday before the season opens .
Traveling NFL teams , barred from leaving their hotels or eating in restaurants open to the public , will not be allowed to grab takeout food .
Room service and contactless delivery will be permitted .

New York (AFP) –
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NFL playoff teams could compete for a championship next January in a playoff bubble to better protect players from COVID-19, NFL vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said Wednesday.
Vincent said on a conference call that New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton suggested a post-season bubble in the latest competition committee call, a move that would need backing from the NFL Players Association also.
"All things are on the table," said Vincent, who said the NFL used the term "secure environment" rather than "bubble" much the way the NBA has adopted "campus" to describe its quarantine environment.
The playoff bubble remains only an idea, with the league planning to start the season September 10 with Houston at reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City and a full 16 games per club to follow at team home stadiums.
Thus far, 13 NFL clubs said they do not plan to allow spectators and six others say they will have only a limited number of fans at games, trimming stadium capacity to allow social distancing. Teams will follow local government regulations in their areas.
The NBA and National Hockey League have had success with bubble quarantine atmospheres, avoiding the outbreaks that have hit Major League Baseball, which has teams traveling and playing in team ballparks rather than in a quarantine situation.
The NFL plans to use an advisory committee to handle matters such as COVID-19 outbreaks and postponements because of potential conflict of interest issues for members of the competition committee.
The league is working out how to handle possible seeding issues if teams do not play the same number of games due to cancellation of games.
The NFL has trimmed the number of people allowed on the field before games, barring cheerleaders, mascots, media and fans.
There is no decision about whether or not the NFL will continue daily COVID-19 testing beyond September 5, the Saturday before the season opens.
Traveling NFL teams, barred from leaving their hotels or eating in restaurants open to the public, will not be allowed to grab takeout food. Room service and contactless delivery will be permitted.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--Iran says holding UAE boat over fishermen deaths

Iranian fishermen seen in this 2015 picture clean their nets after unloading their catch in the southern port of Chabahar Iran on Thursday said it seized a United Arab Emirates vessel and summoned the UAE envoy after two of its fishermen were shot dead in an incident in the Gulf .
The foreign ministry said the boat was seized on Monday after UAE coastguard vessels `` opened fire on several Iranian fishing boats ... leading to the deaths of two fishermen '' , adding that it had summoned the UAE charge d'affaires to protest .
`` The Emirati boat was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republic of Iran because it was sailing illegally in our waters , and its crew have been arrested , '' a statement added .
The incident comes amid high tensions between the two countries following last week 's surprise announcement that the UAE has agreed to normalise ties with Israel under a US-brokered deal .
Iran has condemned the agreement , with President Hassan Rouhani calling it a `` big mistake '' and warning `` against opening the path of Israel to the region '' , without elaborating on what that would mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` threats '' by the UAE which on Sunday summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest `` unacceptable and inflammatory '' rhetoric .
The UAE , which downgraded its relations with Iran in 2016 amid fierce rivalry between Tehran and Emirati ally Saudi Arabia , said the remarks `` had serious implications for security and stability in the Gulf region '' .
Establishing diplomatic ties between Israel and Washington 's Middle East allies , including the oil-rich Gulf states , has been central to US President Donald Trump 's regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement by Tehran of the incident comes a day after Trump said the United States will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran .
This follows last week 's US defeat at the UN Security Council when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran .
Tehran has been at loggerheads with Washington since 2018 , when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the historic 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reimposed sanctions .
On Thursday , the foreign ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` its deep regret '' for the incident resulting in the deaths of two Iranian fishermen and `` announced its willingness to make compensation for any damage caused '' .
Despite strained ties , Iran and the UAE have longstanding economic links and the Emirates are home to a significant Iranian expatriate community .
Last year , Iran received a coastguard delegation from the UAE aimed at reviving maritime security talks .

Tehran (AFP) –
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Iran on Thursday said it seized a United Arab Emirates vessel and summoned the UAE envoy after two of its fishermen were shot dead in an incident in the Gulf.
The foreign ministry said the boat was seized on Monday after UAE coastguard vessels "opened fire on several Iranian fishing boats... leading to the deaths of two fishermen", adding that it had summoned the UAE charge d'affaires to protest.
"The Emirati boat was seized by coast guards of the Islamic republic of Iran because it was sailing illegally in our waters, and its crew have been arrested," a statement added.
The incident comes amid high tensions between the two countries following last week's surprise announcement that the UAE has agreed to normalise ties with Israel under a US-brokered deal.
Iran has condemned the agreement, with President Hassan Rouhani calling it a "big mistake" and warning "against opening the path of Israel to the region", without elaborating on what that would mean.
Rouhani's remarks were seen as "threats" by the UAE which on Sunday summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest "unacceptable and inflammatory" rhetoric.
The UAE, which downgraded its relations with Iran in 2016 amid fierce rivalry between Tehran and Emirati ally Saudi Arabia, said the remarks "had serious implications for security and stability in the Gulf region".
Establishing diplomatic ties between Israel and Washington's Middle East allies, including the oil-rich Gulf states, has been central to US President Donald Trump's regional strategy to contain Iran.
Thursday's announcement by Tehran of the incident comes a day after Trump said the United States will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran.
This follows last week's US defeat at the UN Security Council when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran.
Tehran has been at loggerheads with Washington since 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the historic 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reimposed sanctions.
On Thursday, the foreign ministry said that the UAE government had expressed "its deep regret" for the incident resulting in the deaths of two Iranian fishermen and "announced its willingness to make compensation for any damage caused".
Despite strained ties, Iran and the UAE have longstanding economic links and the Emirates are home to a significant Iranian expatriate community.
Last year, Iran received a coastguard delegation from the UAE aimed at reviving maritime security talks.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--Matthaeus warns Bayern to defend deeper against fleet-footed PSG

Germany legend Lothar Matthaeus warned Bayern Munich to defend deeper in Sunday 's Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain or risk blowing the treble .
After demolishing Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-finals , Bayern endured a nervous start to Wednesday 's 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon , who wrecked havoc early on by getting in behind the Germans ' defence .
`` Bayern had a harder time against Lyon than against Barcelona , '' former Bayern midfielder and West Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus said on Wednesday .
`` If they play like that on Sunday , they wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the role as favourites .
`` Paris have more quality than Barcelona and Lyon , they also have enough players who can put the ball into the key spaces . ''
Lyon squandered golden chances when quick passes into space initially forced Bayern onto the back foot .
Memphis Depay fired wide and Toko Ekambi hit the post for Lyon in the opening 15 minutes before Serge Gnabry calmed Munich nerves with two first-half goals .
A late Robert Lewandowski header sealed the win to extend Bayern 's winning streak to 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is without question after racking up 42 goals in 10 European matches , 15 of which by Lewandowski , the Champions League 's top-scorer , while Gnabry is on nine .
Yet their defence struggled on occasion , raising concerns what PSG 's forwards Neymar , Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria could do with space to exploit .
`` In attack , they still have their quality , but at the back they need to be more stable , '' said Matthaeus .
`` Maybe against Paris they should n't defend so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed of Neymar and Mbappe '' .
`` We were lucky to hold out in the first phase of the match , '' admitted Hansi Flick , who seemed more relieved than euphoric to reach the final .
`` We 'll have to see that we organise the defence a little differently .
`` Our great strength is pressuring on the opponent and I think that we will succeed against Paris as well . ''
Centre-back David Alaba saids Bayern 's pressing game - forcing opponents into mistakes in their own half - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can adapt against PSG .
`` Of course , we play a game which always carries a high risk because we stand so high ( up the pitch ) , '' said the Austria defender .
`` You ca n't defend every ball , we will look at the ( Lyon ) game and make our analysis . ''
Specialist German magazine Kicker described Bayern as `` a giant with feet of clay '' on Thursday , pointing to Thiago Alcantara 's poor pass that led to Depay 's chance and Alphonso Davies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post .
Joshua Kimmich was guilty of poor positioning on occasions , but Benjamin Pavard could replace him at right-back against PSG after recovering from injury .
Bayern 's back four will be under pressure to cope with the Parisians ' pace , especially centre-backs Alaba and Jerome Boateng , who came off against Lyon with a leg knock .
Former Bayern and France defender Bixente Lizarazu spelt out how to counter PSG 's attack .
`` When Mbappe is there , the opposing defence moves back twenty metres .
That changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who won six Bundesliga titles in Munich .
`` You have to know how to defend deep and not everyone knows how to do that . ''

Lisbon (AFP) –
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Germany legend Lothar Matthaeus warned Bayern Munich to defend deeper in Sunday's Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain or risk blowing the treble.
After demolishing Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-finals, Bayern endured a nervous start to Wednesday's 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon, who wrecked havoc early on by getting in behind the Germans' defence.
"Bayern had a harder time against Lyon than against Barcelona," former Bayern midfielder and West Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus said on Wednesday.
"If they play like that on Sunday, they won't win the Champions League or live up to the role as favourites.
"Paris have more quality than Barcelona and Lyon, they also have enough players who can put the ball into the key spaces."
Lyon squandered golden chances when quick passes into space initially forced Bayern onto the back foot.
Memphis Depay fired wide and Toko Ekambi hit the post for Lyon in the opening 15 minutes before Serge Gnabry calmed Munich nerves with two first-half goals.
A late Robert Lewandowski header sealed the win to extend Bayern's winning streak to 21 matches.
Bayern's ability to score is without question after racking up 42 goals in 10 European matches, 15 of which by Lewandowski, the Champions League's top-scorer, while Gnabry is on nine.
- Space to exploit -
Yet their defence struggled on occasion, raising concerns what PSG's forwards Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria could do with space to exploit.
"In attack, they still have their quality, but at the back they need to be more stable," said Matthaeus.
"Maybe against Paris they shouldn't defend so high, because Paris will use the speed of Neymar and Mbappe".
Bayern's head coach agreed with Matthaeus.
"We were lucky to hold out in the first phase of the match," admitted Hansi Flick, who seemed more relieved than euphoric to reach the final.
"We'll have to see that we organise the defence a little differently.
"Our great strength is pressuring on the opponent and I think that we will succeed against Paris as well."
Centre-back David Alaba saids Bayern's pressing game - forcing opponents into mistakes in their own half - carries a certain risk, but they can adapt against PSG.
"Of course, we play a game which always carries a high risk because we stand so high (up the pitch)," said the Austria defender.
"You can't defend every ball, we will look at the (Lyon) game and make our analysis."
- 'Clay feet' -
Specialist German magazine Kicker described Bayern as "a giant with feet of clay" on Thursday, pointing to Thiago Alcantara's poor pass that led to Depay's chance and Alphonso Davies' lapse in concentration before Ekambi hit the post.
Joshua Kimmich was guilty of poor positioning on occasions, but Benjamin Pavard could replace him at right-back against PSG after recovering from injury.
Bayern's back four will be under pressure to cope with the Parisians' pace, especially centre-backs Alaba and Jerome Boateng, who came off against Lyon with a leg knock.
Former Bayern and France defender Bixente Lizarazu spelt out how to counter PSG's attack.
"When Mbappe is there, the opposing defence moves back twenty metres. That changes everything," said Lizarazu, 50, who won six Bundesliga titles in Munich.
"You have to know how to defend deep and not everyone knows how to do that."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--Israeli tanks shell Gaza amid truce efforts

Israel has bombed the Gaza Strip almost every night since August 6 in retaliation for arson balloons or , more rarely , rocket fire Israeli tanks shelled Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip early Thursday in response to Palestinian fire balloons as mediators sought to broker an end to the latest flare-up .
Israel has bombed the Gaza Strip almost every night since August 6 in retaliation for the balloons or , more rarely , rocket fire , from across the border .
It has also tightened its 13-year blockade of Gaza 's two million inhabitants .
It has banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed its goods crossing with the territory , prompting the closure of Gaza 's sole power plant for want of fuel .
`` Explosive and arson balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel , '' a military statement said early Thursday .
`` In response ... tanks targeted military posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip . ''
Gaza security officials said the fire hit Hamas observation posts near Al-Maghazi and Al-Bureij refugee camps and the city of Khan Yunis , without causing any casualties .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli reprisals had mainly involved warplanes , and Gaza security sources said the switch to tanks could be an attempt to de-escalate .
It came after an Egyptian delegation shuttled between the two sides , trying to broker a return to an informal truce .
One of just two Arab countries to have signed a peace treaty with Israel , Egypt has acted to calm repeated flare-ups in recent years to prevent any repetition of the three wars they have fought since 2008 .
The latest ceasefire , which has already been renewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars in financial aid from Qatar to Gaza .
But complaints from Hamas that Israel has failed to live up to its side of the bargain have been accomnopanied by sporadic flare-ups on the border .
The truce provided for permits for Gazans to work in Israel and financing for Gaza development projects , both measures that would provide some economic relief in an impoverished territory where unemployment exceeds 50 percent .
Sources told AFP the twin issues were at the root of the latest flare-up .
A source close to Hamas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation it expected a `` return to calm '' before considering implementation of truce provisions such as `` the extension of the eastern Gaza industrial zone '' and the construction of a new power line to the territory .
Hamas has asked for the number of work permits issued to Gazans to be doubled to 10,000 once anti-coronavirus restrictions are lifted , the source said .
The truce also stipulated a monthly aid payment from Qatar of $ 30 million until the end of next month but the source said Gaza 's Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial subsidy by 10 million dollars per month '' and extend its timeframe .
The chairman of the Qatar committee for the reconstruction of Gaza , ambassador Mohammed Al-Emadi , spoke Wednesday of `` intensive efforts to contain the escalation '' between Israel and Hamas .
On Thursday morning , Qatar did not comment on its aid to Gaza .

Gaza (Territoires palestiniens) (AFP) –
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Israeli tanks shelled Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip early Thursday in response to Palestinian fire balloons as mediators sought to broker an end to the latest flare-up.
Israel has bombed the Gaza Strip almost every night since August 6 in retaliation for the balloons or, more rarely, rocket fire, from across the border.
It has also tightened its 13-year blockade of Gaza's two million inhabitants.
It has banned Gaza fishermen from going to sea and closed its goods crossing with the territory, prompting the closure of Gaza's sole power plant for want of fuel.
"Explosive and arson balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel," a military statement said early Thursday.
"In response... tanks targeted military posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip."
Gaza security officials said the fire hit Hamas observation posts near Al-Maghazi and Al-Bureij refugee camps and the city of Khan Yunis, without causing any casualties.
Since the exchanges erupted two weeks ago, Israeli reprisals had mainly involved warplanes, and Gaza security sources said the switch to tanks could be an attempt to de-escalate.
It came after an Egyptian delegation shuttled between the two sides, trying to broker a return to an informal truce.
One of just two Arab countries to have signed a peace treaty with Israel, Egypt has acted to calm repeated flare-ups in recent years to prevent any repetition of the three wars they have fought since 2008.
The latest ceasefire, which has already been renewed several times, is bolstered by millions of dollars in financial aid from Qatar to Gaza.
But complaints from Hamas that Israel has failed to live up to its side of the bargain have been accomnopanied by sporadic flare-ups on the border.
- List of demands -
The truce provided for permits for Gazans to work in Israel and financing for Gaza development projects, both measures that would provide some economic relief in an impoverished territory where unemployment exceeds 50 percent.
Sources told AFP the twin issues were at the root of the latest flare-up.
A source close to Hamas said the Israeli government told the Egyptian delegation it expected a "return to calm" before considering implementation of truce provisions such as "the extension of the eastern Gaza industrial zone" and the construction of a new power line to the territory.
Hamas has asked for the number of work permits issued to Gazans to be doubled to 10,000 once anti-coronavirus restrictions are lifted, the source said.
The truce also stipulated a monthly aid payment from Qatar of $30 million until the end of next month but the source said Gaza's Gulf benefactor had "agreed to increase the financial subsidy by 10 million dollars per month" and extend its timeframe.
The chairman of the Qatar committee for the reconstruction of Gaza, ambassador Mohammed Al-Emadi, spoke Wednesday of "intensive efforts to contain the escalation" between Israel and Hamas.
On Thursday morning, Qatar did not comment on its aid to Gaza.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--What's behind Thailand's protests and what comes next?

The protesters are rallying against the government of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha A pro-democracy movement led by student groups is gathering steam across Thailand , with some activists even calling for reform of the kingdom 's unassailable monarchy .
Authorities have so far made 11 arrests on various charges , including sedition and breaking coronavirus rules , before releasing them on bail .
Here is what we know so far : - What do the protesters want ?
- The protesters are rallying against the government of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha .
The former army chief led a coup in 2014 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years .
Under the junta , a new constitution was drafted before elections were held last year .
Prayut was voted in to lead a civilian government -- a win analysts say was tilted by the new charter 's provisions .
Protesters say the whole process was a stitch-up and are calling for parliament to be dissolved , the constitution rewritten and an end to the harassment they are facing .
They also have a list of 10 demands for the monarchy , including throwing out a defamation law that shields the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law is one of the harshest in the world , carrying a jail sentence of up to 15 years per charge .
Discontent has been simmering since February when the leaders of an opposition party , popular among young people , were banned from politics .
Many protesters say the move against the Future Forward Party was politically motivated .
A pandemic lockdown , which sent Thailand 's economy into freefall , exposed the chasms between the billionaire class and the poor .
In June , prominent activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit , who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then disappeared .
Thailand 's social media-savvy activists lit up Twitter with their demands for answers .
The online campaign spilled offline mid-July and the wave of protests across the country started , with up to 20,000 turning out at the biggest rally so far last weekend .
- We 've seen Thai protests before .
What 's different ?
- True , Thailand has seen a spin-cycle of violent street protests and military coups over the decades .
But in the past the protest movements had vast financial and political clout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say there is no single leader -- a strategy partly inspired by the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests .
Daring to take on the taboo topic of the country 's monarchy is also a first .
Under the constitution , the royals -- including the super-rich King Maha Vajiralongkorn -- are supposed to stay out of politics , but they wield enormous clout .
Since the king took the throne in 2016 , he has made unprecedented changes , taking direct control of the palace 's fortune and moving two army units under his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arch-royalist military and powerful billionaire clans .
The student-led protests have drawn support from a broad demographic , including many from the country 's working classes .
The movement has also spread to high schools across the country with teenagers tying white bows of solidarity in their hair and on backpacks .
But pro-royalist groups are enraged and have held their own , smaller counter-demonstrations with mostly older protesters carrying signs like , `` Do n't touch the monarchy '' .
Army chief Apirat Kongsompong has ominously warned that `` hatred of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prayut last week branded the protest demands as `` unacceptable '' to most Thais but later struck a more conciliatory note by calling for unity .
- What comes next ?
- By tackling the monarchy , Paul Chambers of Naresuan University says the protesters have `` effectively forced the genie out of the bottle '' .
Historians -- and even the student leaders themselves -- have raised the spectre of a previous student-led movement .
That ended in October 1976 in what became known as the Thammasat University massacre .
Students protesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot , beaten to death and lynched by state forces and royalist mobs .
Matt Wheeler of International Crisis Group points to the `` clear pattern '' of the state using deadly force against pro-democracy protesters .
`` So much is at stake for those who benefit from the status quo that it would be imprudent to rule it out , '' he told AFP .
`` We 're now living in a world where social media is embedded in every aspect of our life , so people are not going to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Bangkok (AFP) –
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A pro-democracy movement led by student groups is gathering steam across Thailand, with some activists even calling for reform of the kingdom's unassailable monarchy.
Authorities have so far made 11 arrests on various charges, including sedition and breaking coronavirus rules, before releasing them on bail.
Here is what we know so far:
- What do the protesters want? -
The protesters are rallying against the government of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha.
The former army chief led a coup in 2014 and kept the kingdom under military rule for five years.
Under the junta, a new constitution was drafted before elections were held last year.
Prayut was voted in to lead a civilian government -- a win analysts say was tilted by the new charter's provisions.
Protesters say the whole process was a stitch-up and are calling for parliament to be dissolved, the constitution rewritten and an end to the harassment they are facing.
They also have a list of 10 demands for the monarchy, including throwing out a defamation law that shields the powerful royal family from criticism.
The law is one of the harshest in the world, carrying a jail sentence of up to 15 years per charge.
- Why now? -
Discontent has been simmering since February when the leaders of an opposition party, popular among young people, were banned from politics.
Many protesters say the move against the Future Forward Party was politically motivated.
A pandemic lockdown, which sent Thailand's economy into freefall, exposed the chasms between the billionaire class and the poor.
In June, prominent activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit, who had been living in self-exile in neighbouring Cambodia, then disappeared.
Thailand's social media-savvy activists lit up Twitter with their demands for answers.
The online campaign spilled offline mid-July and the wave of protests across the country started, with up to 20,000 turning out at the biggest rally so far last weekend.
- We've seen Thai protests before. What's different? -
True, Thailand has seen a spin-cycle of violent street protests and military coups over the decades.
But in the past the protest movements had vast financial and political clout behind them.
Today's student demonstrators say there is no single leader -- a strategy partly inspired by the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.
Daring to take on the taboo topic of the country's monarchy is also a first.
Under the constitution, the royals -- including the super-rich King Maha Vajiralongkorn -- are supposed to stay out of politics, but they wield enormous clout.
Since the king took the throne in 2016, he has made unprecedented changes, taking direct control of the palace's fortune and moving two army units under his command.
At his side are the arch-royalist military and powerful billionaire clans.
- What's the reaction? -
Mixed.
The student-led protests have drawn support from a broad demographic, including many from the country's working classes.
The movement has also spread to high schools across the country with teenagers tying white bows of solidarity in their hair and on backpacks.
But pro-royalist groups are enraged and have held their own, smaller counter-demonstrations with mostly older protesters carrying signs like, "Don't touch the monarchy".
Army chief Apirat Kongsompong has ominously warned that "hatred of the nation" is an incurable disease.
Prayut last week branded the protest demands as "unacceptable" to most Thais but later struck a more conciliatory note by calling for unity.
- What comes next? -
Hard to predict.
By tackling the monarchy, Paul Chambers of Naresuan University says the protesters have "effectively forced the genie out of the bottle".
Historians -- and even the student leaders themselves -- have raised the spectre of a previous student-led movement.
That ended in October 1976 in what became known as the Thammasat University massacre.
Students protesting the return of a military dictator were shot, beaten to death and lynched by state forces and royalist mobs.
Matt Wheeler of International Crisis Group points to the "clear pattern" of the state using deadly force against pro-democracy protesters.
"So much is at stake for those who benefit from the status quo that it would be imprudent to rule it out," he told AFP.
Prominent activist Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree plays down such fears.
"We're now living in a world where social media is embedded in every aspect of our life, so people are not going to let an event like that happen again."
burs-dhc/rs/kaf
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--No fanzones in Paris for Champions League final

There will be no fanzones in the French capital for this weekend 's Champions League final that pitches Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich , French police told AFP on Thursday .
The mayor 's office also opposed fanzone plans that had been pitched by Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu on Wednesday .
That idea was `` a bad suggestion '' , Paris health official Anne Souyris told AFP .
`` It 's not thought out and it does n't make any sense from a health point of view , '' said Souyris .
PSG take on Bayern in Lisbon on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several departments in the Ile-de-France region around Paris passing the `` alert threshold '' of 50 new daily coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants .
`` All I see is an massive cluster , '' Souyris said of a potential fanzone , recommending gatherings in small groups of 10 or less in cafes where social distancing is possible .
French police arrested 36 people including three minors after clashes , notably on the Champs-Elysees , following PSG 's semi-final victory on Tuesday .
Police were deployed in big numbers both on the Champs-Elysees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arc de Triomphe with the Place de la Concorde , and around PSG 's home ground of the Parc des Princes in the west of the city .
Thousands of PSG fans , often very young and for the most part not wearing masks in line with coronavirus health and safety protocols , paraded down the Champs-Elysees in cars , and on mopeds and scooters , in a cacophony of horn-blowing and chanting .
For the final , PSG have organised a live transmission of the game for the reglemented number of 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If we do that at the stadium , we risk having groupings we wo n't be able to manage , '' warned Souyris .

Paris (AFP) –
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There will be no fanzones in the French capital for this weekend's Champions League final that pitches Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich, French police told AFP on Thursday.
The mayor's office also opposed fanzone plans that had been pitched by Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu on Wednesday.
That idea was "a bad suggestion", Paris health official Anne Souyris told AFP.
"It's not thought out and it doesn't make any sense from a health point of view," said Souyris.
PSG take on Bayern in Lisbon on Sunday, but their progress has coincided with several departments in the Ile-de-France region around Paris passing the "alert threshold" of 50 new daily coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
"All I see is an massive cluster," Souyris said of a potential fanzone, recommending gatherings in small groups of 10 or less in cafes where social distancing is possible.
French police arrested 36 people including three minors after clashes, notably on the Champs-Elysees, following PSG's semi-final victory on Tuesday.
Police were deployed in big numbers both on the Champs-Elysees, the iconic Parisian avenue that connects the Arc de Triomphe with the Place de la Concorde, and around PSG's home ground of the Parc des Princes in the west of the city.
Thousands of PSG fans, often very young and for the most part not wearing masks in line with coronavirus health and safety protocols, paraded down the Champs-Elysees in cars, and on mopeds and scooters, in a cacophony of horn-blowing and chanting.
For the final, PSG have organised a live transmission of the game for the reglemented number of 5,000 spectators at the Parc des Princes.
"If we do that at the stadium, we risk having groupings we won't be able to manage," warned Souyris.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--France, Germany see surge in coronavirus cases as holidaymakers return home

France and Germany recorded their worst daily infection rates in months with concerns growing Thursday that coronavirus cases could spike in Europe just as holidaymakers return home and children go back to school .
France , one of Europe 's worst-hit countries , on Wednesday recorded new coronavirus cases at the fastest daily rate since May .
Almost 3,800 Covid-19 infections were confirmed in the past 24 hours , the French health ministry 's DGS public health division said .
`` All indicators continue to climb and transmission of the virus is intensifying , '' the DGS said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first French city to declare face masks compulsory outdoors .
Masks are already mandatory on public transport in France and indoors in public places , amid fears that a mass movement of people as the summer break draws to a close will lead to a spike in infections .
Earlier this week , the French government announced that masks would also be required in workplaces , including meeting rooms , corridors and open spaces .
Germany on Thursday reported 1,707 new cases of the coronavirus in the past 24 hours , the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in April .
The country has fared better than many European neighbours in suppressing the virus so far but like elsewhere , the number of cases has jumped significantly over the summer holidays .
Much of the rise has been blamed on returning holidaymakers as well as parties and family gatherings .
Schools already resumed last week in parts of Germany .
Faced with the surge in cases , Germany earlier this month introduced free , mandatory tests for anyone returning from areas deemed at high risk for Covid-19 infections .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be no further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions .
On Wednesday , Spain recorded 6,700 new infections in 24 hours , bringing the country 's total to more than 370,000 , the highest caseload in western Europe .
In Finland , the government on Wednesday removed most EU countries from its `` green travel list '' , meaning that only people arriving from a handful of states will be able to enter the country without coronavirus restrictions from Monday .
An ethics and safety debate is raging around the world as the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope Francis said Wednesday that the pandemic is exacerbating inequalities between rich and poor , and called for universal vaccines not reserved just for the wealthiest .
Some governments have struck deals with companies , hoping to secure exclusive supplies of the vaccines when developed .
In the United States , the country 's top infectious diseases official , Anthony Fauci , said the government would not make any future Covid-19 vaccine obligatory for the general public .
But he said local jurisdictions could make it mandatory for some groups , like children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate and try and force anyone to take a vaccine .
We 've never done that , '' said Fauci , a member of the White House coronavirus task force , during a video talk Wednesday organised by George Washington University .
His comments came hours after Australia 's Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that coronavirus vaccines , once approved , would be mandatory for everyone in his country barring medical exemptions .
The coronavirus pandemic has now killed more than 780,000 people and infected over 22 million , according to an AFP @ @

France and Germany have recorded their worst daily infection rates in months with concerns growing Thursday that coronavirus cases could spike in Europe just as holidaymakers return home and children go back to school.
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France, one of Europe's worst-hit countries, has been recording new coronavirus cases at the fastest daily rate since May.
Some 4,711 Covid-19 infections were confirmed in the past 24 hours, the French public health body said Thursday, a new post-lockdown high.
An additional 3,800 infections were announced a day earlier. "All indicators continue to climb and transmission of the virus is intensifying," the DGS said in a statement Wednesday.
During its two months of lockdown, which ran from March 17 to May 11, France saw a peak of 7,578 infections per day (March 31). But since then, there have been only a few days when the number of new infections per day rose above 4,500, all in the first half of April.
After lockdown ended the number of new infections per day dropped to a low of just 115 on May 24 and the seven-day moving average of new infections – which accounts for data reporting irregularities – dropped to 272 a few days later, according to health ministry data.
Since then, the number of new infections per day has crept up to about 1,000 by the end of July, with an acceleration from mid-August. The seven-day moving average now stands close to 3,000, a level last seen mid-April.
Earlier this week, the French government announced that masks would also be required in workplaces, including meeting rooms, corridors and open spaces.
Toulouse on Wednesday became the first French city to declare face masks compulsory outdoors.
Masks are already mandatory on public transport in France and indoors in public places, amid fears that a mass movement of people as the summer break draws to a close will lead to a spike in infections.
Mandatory tests
Germany on Thursday reported 1,707 new cases of the coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest daily toll since the peak of the pandemic in April.
The country has fared better than many European neighbours in suppressing the virus so far but like elsewhere, the number of cases has jumped significantly over the summer holidays.
Much of the rise has been blamed on returning holidaymakers as well as parties and family gatherings. Schools already resumed last week in parts of Germany.
Faced with the surge in cases, Germany earlier this month introduced free, mandatory tests for anyone returning from areas deemed at high risk for Covid-19 infections.
And Chancellor Angela Merkel warned this week there could be no further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.
On Wednesday, Spain recorded 6,700 new infections in 24 hours, bringing the country's total to more than 370,000, the highest caseload in western Europe.
In Finland, the government on Wednesday removed most EU countries from its "green travel list", meaning that only people arriving from a handful of states will be able to enter the country without coronavirus restrictions from Monday.
Vaccines for all?
An ethics and safety debate is raging around the world as the race to develop a vaccine gathers pace.
Pope Francis said Wednesday that the pandemic is exacerbating inequalities between rich and poor, and called for universal vaccines not reserved just for the wealthiest.
Some governments have struck deals with companies, hoping to secure exclusive supplies of the vaccines when developed.
In the United States, the country's top infectious diseases official, Anthony Fauci, said the government would not make any future Covid-19 vaccine obligatory for the general public.
But he said local jurisdictions could make it mandatory for some groups, like children.
"You don't want to mandate and try and force anyone to take a vaccine. We've never done that," said Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, during a video talk Wednesday organised by George Washington University.
His comments came hours after Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that coronavirus vaccines, once approved, would be mandatory for everyone in his country barring medical exemptions.
The coronavirus pandemic has now killed more than 780,000 people and infected over 22 million, according to an AFP tally.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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