france24--2020-10-25--Seychelles opposition leader Ramkalawan wins presidency in landmark victory

Supporters of the presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan dance and chant slogans as they celebrate his victory in the streets of Victoria , the Seychelles on October 25 , 2020 .
The Seychelles presidential election has seen an upset , with the electoral commission on Sunday declaring longtime opposition contender Wavel Ramkalawan the winner over incumbent Danny Faure .
The ruling party has been knocked from power for the first time since 1977 .
Opposition leader Ramkalawan , a 59-year-old priest who has largely devoted himself to politics , received 54 % of the vote in the Indian Ocean island nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission chair Danny Lucas said , calling the race “ hotly contested . ''
“ Mr .
Faure and I are very good friends and an election does not mean the end of one ’ s contribution to one ’ s motherland , ” Ramkalawan , a six-time presidential candidate , said shortly after the announcement .
He promised a consultative approach and “ no interference by the executive ” in the work of the country 's various institutions .
Faure accepted his loss and added “ I wish you all the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The outgoing president promised to continue living in the country and said he would be available to dispense advice .
The new president is expected to be sworn in Monday .
Ramkalawan ’ s party also won more than a two-third ’ s majority of National Assembly seats , the news agency reported .
The voting turnout was roughly 75 % in the archipelago nation of just under 100,000 people whose tourism-heavy economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic .
The United States and other nations quickly congratulated citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the U.S. calling the vote “ orderly and free.
” The U.S. congratulated Ramkalawan , saying that “ your historic election is evidence that Seychelles has become a truly democratic nation.
” The country 's history includes a stretch of one-party rule , a coup in 1977 and a coup attempt in 1981 .
Faure , who has been outspoken on the dangers of climate change and the need to protect island nations like his own , assumed the presidency in 2016 after longtime President James Michel stepped down after the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opposition coalition .
> > The Interview : Seychelles President Danny Faure warns of rising sea levels due to global warming

The Seychelles presidential election has seen an upset, with the electoral commission on Sunday declaring longtime opposition contender Wavel Ramkalawan the winner over incumbent Danny Faure. The ruling party has been knocked from power for the first time since 1977.
Supporters of the presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan dance and chant slogans as they celebrate his victory in the streets of Victoria, the Seychelles on October 25, 2020.
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Opposition leader Ramkalawan, a 59-year-old priest who has largely devoted himself to politics, received 54% of the vote in the Indian Ocean island nation while Faure received 43%, the commission chair Danny Lucas said, calling the race “hotly contested."
“Mr. Faure and I are very good friends and an election does not mean the end of one’s contribution to one’s motherland,” Ramkalawan, a six-time presidential candidate, said shortly after the announcement. He promised a consultative approach and “no interference by the executive” in the work of the country's various institutions.
Faure accepted his loss and added “I wish you all the best,” the Seychelles News Agency reported. The outgoing president promised to continue living in the country and said he would be available to dispense advice.
The new president is expected to be sworn in Monday.
Ramkalawan’s party also won more than a two-third’s majority of National Assembly seats, the news agency reported.
The voting turnout was roughly 75% in the archipelago nation of just under 100,000 people whose tourism-heavy economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
The United States and other nations quickly congratulated citizens of the Seychelles for the peaceful election, with the U.S. calling the vote “orderly and free.”
The U.S. congratulated Ramkalawan, saying that “your historic election is evidence that Seychelles has become a truly democratic nation.” The country's history includes a stretch of one-party rule, a coup in 1977 and a coup attempt in 1981.
Faure, who has been outspoken on the dangers of climate change and the need to protect island nations like his own, assumed the presidency in 2016 after longtime President James Michel stepped down after the ruling United Seychelles party lost parliamentary elections to an opposition coalition.
>>The Interview: Seychelles President Danny Faure warns of rising sea levels due to global warming
(AP)
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france24--2020-10-25--Storm cling on to beat Panthers and win NRL final

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france24--2020-10-25--Italy imposes tough virus curbs as US cases hit record highs

Italy unveiled tough new restrictions on Sunday to help curb surging coronavirus cases , while the pandemic has taken centre stage in the US election campaign as infections there hit record levels .
Spain was also mulling a new national state of emergency to enable it to impose curfews after it became the first country in the European Union to pass the grim milestone of one million cases .
The World Health Organization has warned of an `` exponential '' rise in infections threatening health systems ' ability to cope with a second wave of the pandemic , testing many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control earlier this year .
Covid-19 has now claimed the lives of 1.1 million people and infected more than 42 million globally , with the WHO warning the northern hemisphere was at an especially critical juncture with winter looming .
Governments are struggling to balance new restrictions against the need to revive economies already battered by earlier draconian lockdowns after the virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year .
But populations weary of social isolation and economic hardship have bristled at the tougher measures including curfews and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epicentre of the first European outbreak , on Sunday tightened its anti-virus curbs despite opposition from regional chiefs and street protests .
Cinemas , theatres , gyms and swimming pools must all close under the new rules , which come into force on Monday and run until November 24 , while restaurants and bars will have to stop serving at 6 pm .
The new measures were introduced just hours after dozens of far-right protesters in Rome clashed with riot police during a demonstration against a curfew , setting off fireworks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe , Spain was bracing for a national state of emergency , overnight curfews and other new containment measures expected to be decided at a cabinet meeting on Sunday .
`` The curfew is good for those who are drinking in the street a lot lately , because at our age people go out a lot , they are uncontrolled and then what happens , happens , '' said 17-year-old student Juan Pelayo in Valladolid , a town in the Castilla and Leon region which has gone ahead and introduced a nighttime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can infect your parents , then your parents go to work , they infect everybody , you have to keep in mind that there are elderly people , and elderly people might die . ''
The United States remains the hardest-hit country on the planet , and on Saturday it set a daily record for new Covid-19 cases for the second straight day , at nearly 89,000 , with a further surge expected as cold weather arrives .
The virus has become a central issue ahead of the November 3 election , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic with challenger Joe Biden .
And US Vice President Mike Pence 's chief of staff tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday , the latest in a list of figures connected to Trump 's administration to do so .
`` The idea that somehow this White House has done anything but completely screw this thing up is nonsense , '' said Trump 's predecessor Barack Obama , who hit the campaign trail on Saturday to campaign for Biden , his former deputy .
The virus has claimed more than 224,000 American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a majority of voters say Trump has handled the crisis poorly .
After the US , the worst affected countries are Brazil , India , Mexico and Britain .
Colombia became the latest country to record a million confirmed Covid-19 cases on Saturday while France recorded a 24-hour record of more than 45,000 infections a day after passing the same milestone .
The French government has extended an overnight curfew to cover areas home to around 46 million people -- two out of every three French .
`` The difference compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we also have all the chronic pathologies of the winter period to take care of , '' emergency doctor Agnes Ricard-Hibon told local television .
In neighbouring Germany , the city of Frankfurt became the latest to cancel its traditional Christmas market , which usually attracts more than two million visitors .
`` The order of the day is to reduce contacts , ( and ) to meet as few people as possible , '' Chancellor Angela Merkel said after Germany recorded its 10,000th coronavirus death on Saturday .
On Friday , WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many countries are seeing an exponential increase in Covid-19 cases and that is now leading to hospitals and intensive care units running close to or above capacity . ''
`` We urge leaders to take immediate action to prevent further unnecessary deaths . ''

Rome (AFP) –
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Italy unveiled tough new restrictions on Sunday to help curb surging coronavirus cases, while the pandemic has taken centre stage in the US election campaign as infections there hit record levels.
Spain was also mulling a new national state of emergency to enable it to impose curfews after it became the first country in the European Union to pass the grim milestone of one million cases.
The World Health Organization has warned of an "exponential" rise in infections threatening health systems' ability to cope with a second wave of the pandemic, testing many nations that appeared to have the virus under control earlier this year.
Covid-19 has now claimed the lives of 1.1 million people and infected more than 42 million globally, with the WHO warning the northern hemisphere was at an especially critical juncture with winter looming.
Governments are struggling to balance new restrictions against the need to revive economies already battered by earlier draconian lockdowns after the virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
But populations weary of social isolation and economic hardship have bristled at the tougher measures including curfews and limits on social gatherings.
- Youngsters 'uncontrolled' -
Italy, the epicentre of the first European outbreak, on Sunday tightened its anti-virus curbs despite opposition from regional chiefs and street protests.
Cinemas, theatres, gyms and swimming pools must all close under the new rules, which come into force on Monday and run until November 24, while restaurants and bars will have to stop serving at 6 pm.
The new measures were introduced just hours after dozens of far-right protesters in Rome clashed with riot police during a demonstration against a curfew, setting off fireworks, burning bins and throwing projectiles.
Elsewhere in Europe, Spain was bracing for a national state of emergency, overnight curfews and other new containment measures expected to be decided at a cabinet meeting on Sunday.
"The curfew is good for those who are drinking in the street a lot lately, because at our age people go out a lot, they are uncontrolled and then what happens, happens," said 17-year-old student Juan Pelayo in Valladolid, a town in the Castilla and Leon region which has gone ahead and introduced a nighttime curfew on its own.
"You can infect your parents, then your parents go to work, they infect everybody, you have to keep in mind that there are elderly people, and elderly people might die."
- 'Close to capacity' -
The United States remains the hardest-hit country on the planet, and on Saturday it set a daily record for new Covid-19 cases for the second straight day, at nearly 89,000, with a further surge expected as cold weather arrives.
The virus has become a central issue ahead of the November 3 election, with President Donald Trump sparring over his handling of the pandemic with challenger Joe Biden.
And US Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, the latest in a list of figures connected to Trump's administration to do so.
"The idea that somehow this White House has done anything but completely screw this thing up is nonsense," said Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, who hit the campaign trail on Saturday to campaign for Biden, his former deputy.
The virus has claimed more than 224,000 American lives, with no end in sight, and a majority of voters say Trump has handled the crisis poorly.
After the US, the worst affected countries are Brazil, India, Mexico and Britain.
Colombia became the latest country to record a million confirmed Covid-19 cases on Saturday while France recorded a 24-hour record of more than 45,000 infections a day after passing the same milestone.
The French government has extended an overnight curfew to cover areas home to around 46 million people -- two out of every three French.
"The difference compared to the first wave is that now we also have all the chronic pathologies of the winter period to take care of," emergency doctor Agnes Ricard-Hibon told local television.
In neighbouring Germany, the city of Frankfurt became the latest to cancel its traditional Christmas market, which usually attracts more than two million visitors.
"The order of the day is to reduce contacts, (and) to meet as few people as possible," Chancellor Angela Merkel said after Germany recorded its 10,000th coronavirus death on Saturday.
On Friday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that "too many countries are seeing an exponential increase in Covid-19 cases and that is now leading to hospitals and intensive care units running close to or above capacity."
"We urge leaders to take immediate action to prevent further unnecessary deaths."
burs/txw/lc
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Iraqis rally to revive year-old revolt against the system

Iraqi demonstrators wave flags as they gather in Tahrir Square in the centre of the capital Baghdad Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets Sunday on the first anniversary of a revolt against a political system failing to deliver basic services and against the growing influence of pro-Iran militias .
The mobilisation kept up the protest movement 's key demand for the ouster of the entire ruling class accused of corruption and being beholden to neighbouring Iran .
`` We want to achieve our objective of building a new Iraq , '' Ali Ghazi , a demonstrator from the southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the centre of protests , told AFP .
About 600 protesters were killed and 30,000 wounded in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and the south last year , before the movement launched last October lost momentum and then ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic .
A campaign of targeted assassinations of leading figures of the revolt followed , with the United Nations pinning responsibility on militias .
The burgeoning protests helped usher in Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in May , but he has yet to deliver on any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says one in three young people is unemployed in Iraq , OPEC 's second-biggest oil producer .
With lifeline oil prices plummeting , the knock-on effect has been brutal for the average Iraqi , with salaries delayed and basic services sorely lacking .
In a flat , technocratic speech on Saturday , the intelligence chief turned prime minister struck a tempered tone between appeasing protesters and warning against an escalation .
Kadhemi repeatedly urged security forces not to fire at demonstrators but also called on protesters to `` respect the uniform '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helmets and plastic shields were lined up Sunday near major bridges close to the Green Zone , the home of government offices , parliament and the US embassy .
Kadhemi ’ s influence is being tested against a backdrop of armed factions .
He also faces a rising tide of resentment from young protesters intent on breaking the status quo based on sectarian loyalties since the 2003 US invasion .
On activist messaging boards online , protesters said they would ramp up their demands this year and head to the high-security Green Zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds to stay put in nearby Tahrir Square , warning that moving outside the capital 's iconic protest epicentre `` was not in anyone 's interest '' .
The Green Zone , a no-go zone for ordinary Iraqis , is separated by Al-Jumhuriyah bridge from Tahrir .
On the bridge , hundreds of protesters atop concrete barriers Sunday shouted slogans in memory of fallen `` martyrs '' , waving Iraqi flags and portraits of those killed .
Security forces also sealed off other bridges over the Tigris River .
`` We want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a new law organising political parties and for the state to take control of the flow of arms , '' said lawyer Sajjad Salam , leading a group of demonstrators from the southern city of Kut .
Hussein Mortada from Amara , also in the south , said he was he was determined to take part in the revival of the so-called `` October revolution '' despite `` threats from political parties and powerful local figures '' .
In his address to the nation , Kadhemi said parliamentary elections now scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to protesters ' demands , would go ahead .
Iraq 's parliament is stacked with pro-Iran blocs resistant to tangible political reforms , as debate on a new electoral law is held up .
Armed pro-Iran factions have accused protesters of being `` agents '' of the US `` occupier '' .
Last week , the US slapped the Iranian ambassador to Iraq with sanctions , citing `` terrorist '' acts against its interests .
Tensions have been high since January when a US drone strike near Baghdad airport killed top Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis .
About 90 rockets have since targeted the US presence in Iraq , with several claimed by pro-Iran armed groups .

Baghdad (AFP) –
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Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets Sunday on the first anniversary of a revolt against a political system failing to deliver basic services and against the growing influence of pro-Iran militias.
The mobilisation kept up the protest movement's key demand for the ouster of the entire ruling class accused of corruption and being beholden to neighbouring Iran.
"We want to achieve our objective of building a new Iraq," Ali Ghazi, a demonstrator from the southern city of Nasiriyah that has been also at the centre of protests, told AFP.
About 600 protesters were killed and 30,000 wounded in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and the south last year, before the movement launched last October lost momentum and then ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A campaign of targeted assassinations of leading figures of the revolt followed, with the United Nations pinning responsibility on militias.
The burgeoning protests helped usher in Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in May, but he has yet to deliver on any major reforms.
A World Bank report says one in three young people is unemployed in Iraq, OPEC's second-biggest oil producer.
With lifeline oil prices plummeting, the knock-on effect has been brutal for the average Iraqi, with salaries delayed and basic services sorely lacking.
In a flat, technocratic speech on Saturday, the intelligence chief turned prime minister struck a tempered tone between appeasing protesters and warning against an escalation.
Kadhemi repeatedly urged security forces not to fire at demonstrators but also called on protesters to "respect the uniform".
Riot police clad in bulletproof vests, helmets and plastic shields were lined up Sunday near major bridges close to the Green Zone, the home of government offices, parliament and the US embassy.
Kadhemi’s influence is being tested against a backdrop of armed factions.
He also faces a rising tide of resentment from young protesters intent on breaking the status quo based on sectarian loyalties since the 2003 US invasion.
- 'Protesting despite threats' -
On activist messaging boards online, protesters said they would ramp up their demands this year and head to the high-security Green Zone.
Military spokesman Yahya Rasool has urged crowds to stay put in nearby Tahrir Square, warning that moving outside the capital's iconic protest epicentre "was not in anyone's interest".
The Green Zone, a no-go zone for ordinary Iraqis, is separated by Al-Jumhuriyah bridge from Tahrir.
On the bridge, hundreds of protesters atop concrete barriers Sunday shouted slogans in memory of fallen "martyrs", waving Iraqi flags and portraits of those killed.
Security forces also sealed off other bridges over the Tigris River.
"We want to dissolve parliament, a transparent electoral law, a new law organising political parties and for the state to take control of the flow of arms," said lawyer Sajjad Salam, leading a group of demonstrators from the southern city of Kut.
Hussein Mortada from Amara, also in the south, said he was he was determined to take part in the revival of the so-called "October revolution" despite "threats from political parties and powerful local figures".
In his address to the nation, Kadhemi said parliamentary elections now scheduled for June 2021, brought forward partly in response to protesters' demands, would go ahead.
Iraq's parliament is stacked with pro-Iran blocs resistant to tangible political reforms, as debate on a new electoral law is held up.
Armed pro-Iran factions have accused protesters of being "agents" of the US "occupier".
Last week, the US slapped the Iranian ambassador to Iraq with sanctions, citing "terrorist" acts against its interests.
Tensions have been high since January when a US drone strike near Baghdad airport killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and an Iraqi lieutenant, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
About 90 rockets have since targeted the US presence in Iraq, with several claimed by pro-Iran armed groups.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Pakistan's PM Khan accuses Macron of 'attacking Islam'

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan accused French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday of `` attacking Islam '' , after the European leader criticised Islamists and defended the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed .
Khan 's comments follow statements Macron made last week after a French teacher was beheaded near Paris after he had shown cartoons of the Prophet during a class he was leading on free speech .
Macron said the teacher `` was killed because Islamists want our future . ''
In a series of tweets , Khan said the remark would sow division .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have put healing touch & denied space to extremists rather than creating further polarisation & marginalisation that inevitably leads to radicalisation , '' Khan wrote .
`` It is unfortunate that he has chosen to encourage Islamophobia by attacking Islam rather than the terrorists who carry out violence , be it Muslims , White Supremacists or Nazi ideologists . ''
Macron already sparked controversy earlier this month when he said `` Islam is a religion that is in crisis all over the world '' .
The French teacher became the target of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesson material -- the same images that sparked a bloody assault by Islamist gunmen on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo , the original publisher , in January 2015 .
Caricatures of Mohammed are forbidden by Islam .
Blasphemy is an explosive issue in ultra-conservative Pakistan , where anyone deemed to have insulted Islam or Islamic figures can face the death penalty .
`` By attacking Islam , clearly without having any understanding of it , President Macron has attacked & hurt the sentiments of millions of Muslims in Europe & across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an address to the United Nations last month , Khan , a populist leader who has been known to play to Pakistan 's hardline religious base , blasted Charlie Hebdo for re-publishing the cartoons , saying `` wilful provocations '' should be `` universally outlawed '' .
Several Muslim countries have called for a boycott of French goods .

Islamabad (AFP) –
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Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan accused French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday of "attacking Islam", after the European leader criticised Islamists and defended the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.
Khan's comments follow statements Macron made last week after a French teacher was beheaded near Paris after he had shown cartoons of the Prophet during a class he was leading on free speech.
Macron said the teacher "was killed because Islamists want our future."
In a series of tweets, Khan said the remark would sow division.
"This is a time when Pres Macron could have put healing touch & denied space to extremists rather than creating further polarisation & marginalisation that inevitably leads to radicalisation," Khan wrote.
"It is unfortunate that he has chosen to encourage Islamophobia by attacking Islam rather than the terrorists who carry out violence, be it Muslims, White Supremacists or Nazi ideologists."
Macron already sparked controversy earlier this month when he said "Islam is a religion that is in crisis all over the world".
The French teacher became the target of an online hate campaign over his choice of lesson material -- the same images that sparked a bloody assault by Islamist gunmen on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, the original publisher, in January 2015.
Caricatures of Mohammed are forbidden by Islam.
Blasphemy is an explosive issue in ultra-conservative Pakistan, where anyone deemed to have insulted Islam or Islamic figures can face the death penalty.
"By attacking Islam, clearly without having any understanding of it, President Macron has attacked & hurt the sentiments of millions of Muslims in Europe & across the world," Khan said.
In an address to the United Nations last month, Khan, a populist leader who has been known to play to Pakistan's hardline religious base, blasted Charlie Hebdo for re-publishing the cartoons, saying "wilful provocations" should be "universally outlawed".
Several Muslim countries have called for a boycott of French goods.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Chileans vote on changing Pinochet-era constitution

Activists hold a banner reading “ Chile Reject ” during a rally ahead of the upcoming referendum on a new Chilean constitution in Vina del Mar on October 22 , 2020 .
A year to the day after more than one million people thronged downtown Santiago in the biggest march of Chile 's social uprising , Chileans vote Sunday on whether to change the country 's dictatorship-era constitution .
Voters are expected to turn out in numbers , spurred on by slogans that scream from the graffiti-scrawled walls of central Santiago , harking back to the violence-scarred protests that left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Chile decides , '' and `` I want peace so I 'm voting Reject ! ''
shout inscriptions in the city center , where blue-jacketed copies of the constitution -- which critics say favored the wealthy -- are selling as souvenirs .
`` Learn how they privatized our water , '' bawled one vendor from a kiosk on the central Paseo Huerfanos street .
A protest movement which had daily drawn thousands onto the streets reached critical mass on October 25 , 2019 , and within weeks President Sebastian Pinera had agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new constitution .
Demand for a new constitution had been a recurring theme of the protests , set off by a hike in public transport fares .
They rapidly turned into widespread demonstrations against social and economic inequalities -- encompassing health , education and pensions -- inherited from Augusto Pinochet 's 1973-1990 rule .
Chileans will be asked two questions on the ballot papers : to approve or reject a new constitution , and if necessary , what kind of body should draft it -- a mixed assembly composed equally of lawmakers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up entirely of citizens .
Opinion polls show more than 70 percent support a new constitution , with just 17 percent voting for rejection .
Polls also indicate similar backing for a constituent all-citizen convention , to be elected in April 2021 .
Their draft would be put to another referendum in 2022 .
`` A first aim of this constitutional process is to leave behind the shadow of Pinochet 's dictatorship , in order to draw up a new constitution without the original sin of having been established under the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political scientist at the University of Santiago , told AFP .
The second objective , Mella added , `` is to be able to resolve through political and peaceful means the problems that have become structural and that trivialize the functioning of the Chilean democracy , '' such as inequality and social exclusion .
Rejectionists , including conservative lawmakers , warn that the constitutional process could undermine the decades of economic stability underpinned by the existing constitution , and deter foreign investment .
Their fears are fueled by the violence that accompanied the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am ( 1100 GMT ) and close at 8:00 pm , two hours longer than usual to allow voters enough time and avoid overcrowding due to the coronavirus pandemic which has hit Chile hard .
Chile surpassed 500,000 Covid-19 cases on Saturday , with nearly 14,000 deaths , lending some uncertainty to the likely turnout in a country where voting is voluntary .
The referendum `` is taking place in the midst of a pandemic that requires overcoming fear in order to go to the polls , '' said Gloria de la Fuente @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political research group , in a newspaper column .
Authorities have introduced special health measures in voting stations to try to ensure public safety during Sunday 's referendum .
Tables , chairs and other furniture have been disinfected in all voting centers .
At the National Stadium in Santiago , which is expected to welcome around 300,000 voters , disinfection teams have been spraying the facilities with copper nanoparticles , which have proved effective in destroying the virus .

A year to the day after more than one million people thronged downtown Santiago in the biggest march of Chile's social uprising, Chileans vote Sunday on whether to change the country's dictatorship-era constitution.
Activists hold a banner reading “Chile Reject” during a rally ahead of the upcoming referendum on a new Chilean constitution in Vina del Mar on October 22, 2020.
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Voters are expected to turn out in numbers, spurred on by slogans that scream from the graffiti-scrawled walls of central Santiago, harking back to the violence-scarred protests that left 30 people dead and thousands wounded.
"Chile decides," and "I want peace so I'm voting Reject!" shout inscriptions in the city center, where blue-jacketed copies of the constitution -- which critics say favored the wealthy -- are selling as souvenirs.
"Learn how they privatized our water," bawled one vendor from a kiosk on the central Paseo Huerfanos street.
A protest movement which had daily drawn thousands onto the streets reached critical mass on October 25, 2019, and within weeks President Sebastian Pinera had agreed to initiate a process to draft a new constitution.
Demand for a new constitution had been a recurring theme of the protests, set off by a hike in public transport fares. They rapidly turned into widespread demonstrations against social and economic inequalities -- encompassing health, education and pensions -- inherited from Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 rule.
Chileans will be asked two questions on the ballot papers: to approve or reject a new constitution, and if necessary, what kind of body should draft it -- a mixed assembly composed equally of lawmakers and citizens, or a 155-member convention made up entirely of citizens.
Support for new constitution
Opinion polls show more than 70 percent support a new constitution, with just 17 percent voting for rejection.
Polls also indicate similar backing for a constituent all-citizen convention, to be elected in April 2021.
Their draft would be put to another referendum in 2022.
"A first aim of this constitutional process is to leave behind the shadow of Pinochet's dictatorship, in order to draw up a new constitution without the original sin of having been established under the use of force," Marcelo Mella, a political scientist at the University of Santiago, told AFP.
The second objective, Mella added, "is to be able to resolve through political and peaceful means the problems that have become structural and that trivialize the functioning of the Chilean democracy," such as inequality and social exclusion.
Rejectionists, including conservative lawmakers, warn that the constitutional process could undermine the decades of economic stability underpinned by the existing constitution, and deter foreign investment.
Their fears are fueled by the violence that accompanied the protests.
Covid-19 health measures in place at voting stations
Polling stations open at 8:00 am (1100 GMT) and close at 8:00 pm, two hours longer than usual to allow voters enough time and avoid overcrowding due to the coronavirus pandemic which has hit Chile hard.
Chile surpassed 500,000 Covid-19 cases on Saturday, with nearly 14,000 deaths, lending some uncertainty to the likely turnout in a country where voting is voluntary.
The referendum "is taking place in the midst of a pandemic that requires overcoming fear in order to go to the polls," said Gloria de la Fuente, head of the Chile 21 Foundation political research group, in a newspaper column.
Authorities have introduced special health measures in voting stations to try to ensure public safety during Sunday's referendum.
Tables, chairs and other furniture have been disinfected in all voting centers.
At the National Stadium in Santiago, which is expected to welcome around 300,000 voters, disinfection teams have been spraying the facilities with copper nanoparticles, which have proved effective in destroying the virus.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-10-25--Iraqis rally to relaunch year-old anti-government revolt

Iraqis demonstrate in Baghdad 's Al-Firdous Square on October 1 during a commemoration of the mass anti-government protest movement that started a year ago Thousands of Iraqis headed Sunday to Baghdad 's iconic Tahrir Square and its high-security Green Zone to mark the first anniversary of a protest movement against the country 's stagnant political class .
`` This is an important day , we are here to keep the movement going , '' student Mohamed Ali said in the square , epicentre of the revolt .
The renewed mobilisation has retained protesters ' key demand of the ouster of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and being beholden to neighbouring Iran .
Iraq is the second largest oil exporter in the world but has struggled to pay salaries for its bloated public sector .
`` We have the same demands as last year , '' Ali told AFP .
In a months-long revolt launched in October 2019 , hundreds of thousands of demonstrators camped out in Baghdad and southern cities to demand a total overhaul of a political system failing to deliver basic services and salaries .
About 600 protesters were killed and 30,000 wounded in clashes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then ground to a halt in the spring due to the coronavirus crisis and rising US-Iran tensions .
Since Saturday , military checkpoints and roadblocks have been erected around the square and the Green Zone , which is off-limits to Iraqi citizens .
The fortified Green Zone -- site of parliament , government offices and the US embassy -- is separated by a bridge from the square .
Riot police stationed around major thoroughfares have barred demonstrators waving Iraqi flags from trying to cross .
Other parallel bridges have also been sealed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests , activists are divided over whether to stay put in Tahrir or head to the Green Zone at the risk of violence breaking out .

Baghdad (AFP) –
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Thousands of Iraqis headed Sunday to Baghdad's iconic Tahrir Square and its high-security Green Zone to mark the first anniversary of a protest movement against the country's stagnant political class.
"This is an important day, we are here to keep the movement going," student Mohamed Ali said in the square, epicentre of the revolt.
The renewed mobilisation has retained protesters' key demand of the ouster of the entire ruling class accused of corruption and being beholden to neighbouring Iran.
Iraq is the second largest oil exporter in the world but has struggled to pay salaries for its bloated public sector.
"We have the same demands as last year," Ali told AFP.
In a months-long revolt launched in October 2019, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators camped out in Baghdad and southern cities to demand a total overhaul of a political system failing to deliver basic services and salaries.
About 600 protesters were killed and 30,000 wounded in clashes with security forces before the movement lost momentum then ground to a halt in the spring due to the coronavirus crisis and rising US-Iran tensions.
Since Saturday, military checkpoints and roadblocks have been erected around the square and the Green Zone, which is off-limits to Iraqi citizens.
The fortified Green Zone -- site of parliament, government offices and the US embassy -- is separated by a bridge from the square.
Riot police stationed around major thoroughfares have barred demonstrators waving Iraqi flags from trying to cross.
Other parallel bridges have also been sealed off.
With no central leadership behind the protests, activists are divided over whether to stay put in Tahrir or head to the Green Zone at the risk of violence breaking out.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Afghan forces kill top al Qaeda militant wanted by US

Afghan forces have killed a top al Qaeda militant wanted by the United States , as the government on Sunday accused the Taliban of still keeping close ties with the Islamist militant group .
Abu Muhsin al-Masri , an Egyptian national believed to be the group 's number-two in the Indian subcontinent , was targeted in eastern Ghazni province , Afghanistan 's intelligence agency said in a statement .
The National Directorate of Security did not provide further details about the operation or when it was carried out .
Masri 's killing was an indication of the relationship between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interior Minister Masoud Andarabi claimed on Sunday without providing details .
`` The killing of one of the key Al-Qaeda member , al-Masri by the National Directorate of Security demonstrates close ties of the Taliban with the terrorist groups that are operating against the Afghan government and its people , '' he tweeted .
`` They still keep close relations with the terrorist groups and they are lying to different sides . ''
The Taliban government 's sheltering of al Qaeda was the original reason for the US invasion of Afghanistan after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a landmark deal between the United States and the Taliban in February , the Taliban agreed to not allow Afghan soil to be used by foreign extremists including al Qaeda in return for Washington withdrawing its troops .
Al-Masri , who also goes by the name Husam Abd-al-Ra'uf , is on the FBI 's Most Wanted Terrorists list .
A US warrant for his arrest was issued in December 2018 , after he was charged with providing support and resources to a foreign terrorist organisation and plotting to kill US nationals , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Afghan intelligence agency , who did not want to be named , told AFP that an aide to al-Masri who was `` in contact with the Taliban '' was also detained during the operation in Ghazni province , a volatile region where Taliban fighters are very active .
Meanwhile , on Sunday the death toll from a bomb blast claimed by the Islamic State group at a higher education centre in Kabul rose to 24 – most of them students .
Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said another 57 people had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre in the western district of the capital .
Students were seen on Sunday morning salvaging books from nearby accommodation that was also damaged in the blast .
Residents in several districts of western Kabul belong to the minority Shiite Hazara community , and are often targeted by Sunni extremists of the Islamic State group .
Violence rages in Afghanistan as peace talks continue in Qatar between the Taliban and the Afghan government in a bid to end the country 's long-running war .

Afghan forces have killed a top al Qaeda militant wanted by the United States, as the government on Sunday accused the Taliban of still keeping close ties with the Islamist militant group.
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Abu Muhsin al-Masri, an Egyptian national believed to be the group's number-two in the Indian subcontinent, was targeted in eastern Ghazni province, Afghanistan's intelligence agency said in a statement.
The National Directorate of Security did not provide further details about the operation or when it was carried out.
Masri's killing was an indication of the relationship between the Taliban and al Qaeda, Afghanistan's Interior Minister Masoud Andarabi claimed on Sunday without providing details.
01:41
"The killing of one of the key Al-Qaeda member, al-Masri by the National Directorate of Security demonstrates close ties of the Taliban with the terrorist groups that are operating against the Afghan government and its people," he tweeted.
"They still keep close relations with the terrorist groups and they are lying to different sides."
The Taliban government's sheltering of al Qaeda was the original reason for the US invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
In a landmark deal between the United States and the Taliban in February, the Taliban agreed to not allow Afghan soil to be used by foreign extremists including al Qaeda in return for Washington withdrawing its troops.
Al-Masri, who also goes by the name Husam Abd-al-Ra'uf, is on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list.
A US warrant for his arrest was issued in December 2018, after he was charged with providing support and resources to a foreign terrorist organisation and plotting to kill US nationals, according to the FBI.
A source at the Afghan intelligence agency, who did not want to be named, told AFP that an aide to al-Masri who was "in contact with the Taliban" was also detained during the operation in Ghazni province, a volatile region where Taliban fighters are very active.
Death toll rises
Meanwhile, on Sunday the death toll from a bomb blast claimed by the Islamic State group at a higher education centre in Kabul rose to 24 – most of them students.
Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said another 57 people had been wounded in Saturday's attack at the centre in the western district of the capital.
Students were seen on Sunday morning salvaging books from nearby accommodation that was also damaged in the blast.
Residents in several districts of western Kabul belong to the minority Shiite Hazara community, and are often targeted by Sunni extremists of the Islamic State group.
Violence rages in Afghanistan as peace talks continue in Qatar between the Taliban and the Afghan government in a bid to end the country's long-running war.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-10-25--Melbourne Cup to go ahead, but without spectators

Fans will not be allowed at next month 's Melbourne Cup due to coronavirus restrictions Australia 's Melbourne Cup horse race will go ahead next month but without crowds due to coronavirus restrictions , organisers said on Sunday , dealing the event a major blow .
First run in 1861 , it is a cultural institution and up to 100,000 well-dressed punters usually flock to Flemington , with boozy parties held nationwide and the winning horse instantly becoming a household name in Australia .
But despite hopes that some sort of crowd would still be allowed on November 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Victoria Racing Club conceded it would not be possible .
`` While we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to Cup Week , we understand the ( Victorian ) government 's commitment to keeping our community safe , '' chairman Amanda Elliott said in a statement .
`` We also recognise the need for certainty and clarity for our patrons . ''
Victoria state has been battling a resurgence of Covid-19 , with Melbourne 's five million people under stay-at-home restrictions for three months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with only a handful of daily infections , and some lockdown rules were relaxed last week .
But big-ticket sporting events in Melbourne have been hit hard with the Australian Rules grand final played outside the city on Saturday for the first time in over a century .
This year 's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was cancelled at the last minute in March as the virus first emerged in the city .
Organisers are confident cricket 's Boxing Day Test in December -- this year featuring India -- and the Australian Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead .
But whether fans are allowed remains to be seen .

Melbourne (AFP) –
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Australia's Melbourne Cup horse race will go ahead next month but without crowds due to coronavirus restrictions, organisers said on Sunday, dealing the event a major blow.
First run in 1861, it is a cultural institution and up to 100,000 well-dressed punters usually flock to Flemington, with boozy parties held nationwide and the winning horse instantly becoming a household name in Australia.
But despite hopes that some sort of crowd would still be allowed on November 3, within government and public health guidelines, the Victoria Racing Club conceded it would not be possible.
"While we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to Cup Week, we understand the (Victorian) government's commitment to keeping our community safe," chairman Amanda Elliott said in a statement.
"We also recognise the need for certainty and clarity for our patrons."
Victoria state has been battling a resurgence of Covid-19, with Melbourne's five million people under stay-at-home restrictions for three months.
Case numbers have dwindled in recent weeks with only a handful of daily infections, and some lockdown rules were relaxed last week.
But big-ticket sporting events in Melbourne have been hit hard with the Australian Rules grand final played outside the city on Saturday for the first time in over a century.
This year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was cancelled at the last minute in March as the virus first emerged in the city.
Organisers are confident cricket's Boxing Day Test in December -- this year featuring India -- and the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam in January will go ahead.
But whether fans are allowed remains to be seen.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--UN treaty banning nuclear weapons to take effect as 50th country ratifies text

China 's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1 , 2019 .
China is among the countries that have not signed the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons .
An international treaty banning nuclear weapons has been ratified by a 50th country , the UN said Saturday , allowing the `` historic '' text to enter into force after 90 days .
While nuclear powers have not signed up to the treaty , activists who have pushed for its enactment hold out hope that it will nonetheless prove to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual deterrent effect .
Honduras became the 50th country to ratify .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it `` the culmination of a worldwide movement to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons , '' according to a statement from his spokesman .
`` It represents a meaningful commitment towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons , which remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations . ''
NGOs also welcomed the news , including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons ( ICAN ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace Prize for its key role in bringing the treaty to fruition .
`` Honduras just ratified the Treaty as the 50th state , triggering entry into force and making history , '' ICAN said in a tweet .
Peter Maurer , president of the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) , said in a statement : `` Today is a victory for humanity , and a promise of a safer future . ''
The 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima , marked in August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty .
They have included Nigeria , Malaysia , Ireland , Malta and Tuvalu .
Thailand , Mexico , South Africa , Bangladesh , New Zealand , Vietnam and the Vatican are among the countries that had already ratified it .
It is now to enter into force on January 22 , 2021 , the UN said .
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons -- which bans the use , development , production , testing , stationing , stockpiling and threat of use of such weapons -- was adopted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the approval of 122 countries .
Eighty-four states have since signed it , though not all have ratified the text .
The clutch of nuclear-armed states , including the United States , Britain , France , China and Russia , have not signed the treaty .
However , campaigners hope that it coming into force will have the same impact as previous international treaties on landmines and cluster munitions , bringing a stigma to their stockpiling and use , and thereby a change in behavior even in countries that did not sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it expects `` companies to stop producing nuclear weapons and financial institutions to stop investing in nuclear weapon producing companies . ''
The coalition 's executive director Beatrice Fihn called it `` a new chapter for nuclear disarmament . ''
`` Decades of activism have achieved what many said was impossible : nuclear weapons are banned . ''
Saying his country had played a `` decisive role '' alongside others , Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz wrote on Twitter it was `` an important step toward our goal of a world without nuclear arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve as a deterrent and say they remain committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty , which seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons .
Russia , US negotiating as New START treaty set to expire next year Separately , Russia and the United States have been seeking to break an impasse in long-running talks aimed at extending a nuclear arms deal between them .
The two sides have struggled to find common ground over the fate of the New START treaty , which limits both sides to 1,550 deployed warheads but is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US wants to rework the deal to include China and cover new kinds of weapons , Russia is willing to extend the agreement for five years without any new conditions -- and each side has repeatedly shot down the other 's proposals .
The agreement was signed in 2010 at the peak of hopes for a `` reset '' in relations between the two countries .
Together with the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) treaty , it was considered a centerpiece of international arms control .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after accusing Moscow of violations .

An international treaty banning nuclear weapons has been ratified by a 50th country, the UN said Saturday, allowing the "historic" text to enter into force after 90 days.
China's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019. China is among the countries that have not signed the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons.
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While nuclear powers have not signed up to the treaty, activists who have pushed for its enactment hold out hope that it will nonetheless prove to be more than symbolic and have a gradual deterrent effect.
Honduras became the 50th country to ratify.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it "the culmination of a worldwide movement to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons," according to a statement from his spokesman.
"It represents a meaningful commitment towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, which remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations."
NGOs also welcomed the news, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a coalition that won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its key role in bringing the treaty to fruition.
"Honduras just ratified the Treaty as the 50th state, triggering entry into force and making history," ICAN said in a tweet.
Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said in a statement: "Today is a victory for humanity, and a promise of a safer future."
The 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, marked in August, saw a wave of countries ratify the treaty.
They have included Nigeria, Malaysia, Ireland, Malta and Tuvalu.
Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Vietnam and the Vatican are among the countries that had already ratified it.
It is now to enter into force on January 22, 2021, the UN said.
'A new chapter'
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons -- which bans the use, development, production, testing, stationing, stockpiling and threat of use of such weapons -- was adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2017 with the approval of 122 countries.
Eighty-four states have since signed it, though not all have ratified the text.
The clutch of nuclear-armed states, including the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia, have not signed the treaty.
However, campaigners hope that it coming into force will have the same impact as previous international treaties on landmines and cluster munitions, bringing a stigma to their stockpiling and use, and thereby a change in behavior even in countries that did not sign up.
ICAN said in a statement that it expects "companies to stop producing nuclear weapons and financial institutions to stop investing in nuclear weapon producing companies."
The coalition's executive director Beatrice Fihn called it "a new chapter for nuclear disarmament."
"Decades of activism have achieved what many said was impossible: nuclear weapons are banned."
Saying his country had played a "decisive role" alongside others, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz wrote on Twitter it was "an important step toward our goal of a world without nuclear arms."
Nuclear-armed states argue their arsenals serve as a deterrent and say they remain committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Russia, US negotiating as New START treaty set to expire next year
Separately, Russia and the United States have been seeking to break an impasse in long-running talks aimed at extending a nuclear arms deal between them.
The two sides have struggled to find common ground over the fate of the New START treaty, which limits both sides to 1,550 deployed warheads but is due to expire next February.
While the US wants to rework the deal to include China and cover new kinds of weapons, Russia is willing to extend the agreement for five years without any new conditions -- and each side has repeatedly shot down the other's proposals.
The agreement was signed in 2010 at the peak of hopes for a "reset" in relations between the two countries.
Together with the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, it was considered a centerpiece of international arms control.
However, the United States withdrew from the INF last year after accusing Moscow of violations.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-10-26--Chileans vote in favour of changing Pinochet-era constitution, according to partial results

People embrace as others gather to protest against Chile 's government during a referendum on a new Chilean constitution in @ @ @ @ @ 25 , 2020 .
Chileans voted overwhelmingly to replace their dictatorship-era constitution in a referendum @ @ @ @ @ , setting off celebrations in the capital .
The `` Approve '' vote to throw-out @ @ @ @ @ the nation 's glaring inequalities led by 77.50 percent to 22.50 percent , with over @ @ @ @ @ counted .
Horn-blaring cars circulated in the centre of the capital celebrating victory for the @ @ @ @ @ minutes of the polls closing .
Crowds gathered near Plaza Italia , the epicenter of @ @ @ @ @ the word `` Rebirth '' was projected onto the city 's Telefonica telecommunications tower .

Chileans poured into the country's main squares on Sunday night after voters gave a ringing endorsement to a plan to tear up the country's Pinochet-era constitution in favour of a new charter drafted by citizens.
People embrace as others gather to protest against Chile's government during a referendum on a new Chilean constitution in Santiago, Chile, October 25, 2020.
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In Santiago's Plaza Italia, the focus of the massive and often violent social protests last year which sparked the demand for a new magna carta, fireworks rose above a crowd of tens of thousands of jubilant people singing in unison as the word "rebirth" was beamed onto a tower above.
With more than three quarters of the votes counted, 78.12% of voters had opted for a new charter. Many have expressed hopes that a new text will temper an unabashedly capitalist ethos with guarantees of more equal rights to healthcare, pensions and education.
"This triumph belongs to the people, it's thanks to everyone's efforts that we are at this moment of celebration," Daniel, 37, told Reuters in Santiago's Plaza Nunoa. "What makes me happiest is the participation of the youth, young people wanting to make changes."
Chile's President Sebastian Pinera said if the country had been divided by the protests and debate over whether to approve or reject plans for a new charter, from now on they should unite behind a new text that provided "a home for everyone."
02:26
The centre-right leader, whose popularity ratings plummeted to record lows during the unrest and have remained in the doldrums, spoke to those who wanted to keep the present constitution credited with making Chile one of Latin America's economic success stories.
Any new draft must incorporate "the legacy of past generations, the will of present generations and the hopes of generations to come," he said.
He gave a nod to fears that the high expectations placed in a new charter cannot be met, saying: "This referendum is not the end, it is the start of a road we must walk towards a new constitution."
As votes were counted on live television around the country, spontaneous parties broke out on street corners and in squares around the country. Drivers honked car horns, some as revellers danced on their roofs, and others banged pots and pans. The flag of the country's indigenous Mapuche people, who will seek greater recognition in the new charter, was ubiquitous.
Four fifths of voters said they wanted the new charter to be drafted by a specially-elected body of citizens - made up of half women and half men - over a mixed convention of lawmakers and citizens, highlighting general mistrust in Chile's political class.
Members of a 155-seat constitutional convention will be voted in by April 2021 and have up to a year to agree a draft text, with proposals approved by a two-thirds majority.
Among issues likely to be at the fore are recognition of Chile's Mapuche indigenous population, powers of collective bargaining, water and land rights and privatised systems providing healthcare, education and pensions.
Chileans will then vote again on whether they accept the text or want to revert to the previous constitution.
The National Mining Society (Sonami), which groups the companies in the sector into the world's largest copper producer, said it hoped for "broad agreement on the principles and norms" that determine the sector's coexistence with Chilean citizens and that the regulatory certainty that have allowed the sector to flourish would continue.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-10-25--Angry diplomatic response after Qatar 'forcibly examined' women at airport

Female passengers flying from Qatar were subjected to invasive searches after a premature baby was found abandoned in an airport bathroom , in an incident labelled `` offensive '' and `` grossly inappropriate '' by Australia 's government .
Airport officials have not denied the incident , saying women passengers `` were asked to assist '' with inquiries to locate the mother of the baby , who they say is still alive .
Qatari authorities have launched an appeal to trace the infant 's family .
Security agents escorted an undisclosed number of women -- including Australians -- from aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport to ambulances , where they were examined for signs they had recently given birth .
`` ( Officials ) were forcing women to undergo invasive body searches -- basically forced Pap smears , '' a source in Doha briefed on the incident told AFP , referring to an internal examination of the cervix .
Doha 's Hamad International airport said in a statement that `` medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare of a mother who had just given birth and requested she be located prior to departing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the specific area of the airport where the new born infant was found were asked to assist in the query , '' the statement said .
It did not state what was asked of the women or how many were affected .
An Australian government spokeswoman said the country was `` deeply concerned at the unacceptable treatment '' of the female passengers .
`` The advice that has been provided indicates that the treatment of the women concerned was offensive , grossly inappropriate , and beyond circumstances in which the women could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said in a statement .
The incident , first reported by Australia 's Seven Network broadcaster , happened on October 2 and came to light after a number of affected Australian passengers spoke out .
One of the flights involved , Qatar Airways ' October 2 flight QR908 to Sydney , was four hours late departing Doha as a result , according to specialised air traffic website Flightradar24 .
Women from several other countries and flights are understood to have been affected , but their numbers and nationalities are not yet known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday for the child 's mother to come forward , suggesting that the checks undertaken at the time were inconclusive .
`` The newborn infant remains unidentified , but is safe under the professional care of medical and social workers , '' it said in its statement , and requested that anyone with information come forward .
Qatar 's foreign minister is expected to write to his Australian counterpart about the incident this week .
The Australian spokeswoman said the government has `` formally registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Affairs and Trade is engaged on this matter through diplomatic channels , '' it said .
Qatar practices a strict form of Islamic law , with stiff penalties applied to women who fall pregnant or bear children outside marriage .
The novel coronavirus pandemic has grounded many airlines ' long-haul operations , including those of Australia 's flag-carrier Qantas , while Qatar Airways has continued to fly many of its routes despite the downturn in demand .

Female passengers flying from Qatar were subjected to invasive searches after a premature baby was found abandoned in an airport bathroom, in an incident labelled "offensive" and "grossly inappropriate" by Australia's government.
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Airport officials have not denied the incident, saying women passengers "were asked to assist" with inquiries to locate the mother of the baby, who they say is still alive.
Qatari authorities have launched an appeal to trace the infant's family.
Security agents escorted an undisclosed number of women – including Australians – from aircraft on the tarmac at Doha's international airport to ambulances, where they were examined for signs they had recently given birth.
"(Officials) were forcing women to undergo invasive body searches – basically forced Pap smears," a source in Doha briefed on the incident told AFP, referring to an internal examination of the cervix.
Doha's Hamad International airport said in a statement that "medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare of a mother who had just given birth and requested she be located prior to departing".
"Individuals who had access to the specific area of the airport where the new born infant was found were asked to assist in the query," the statement said.
It did not state what was asked of the women or how many were affected.
'Unacceptable treatment'
An Australian government spokeswoman said the country was "deeply concerned at the unacceptable treatment" of the female passengers.
"The advice that has been provided indicates that the treatment of the women concerned was offensive, grossly inappropriate, and beyond circumstances in which the women could give free and informed consent," she said in a statement.
The incident, first reported by Australia's Seven Network broadcaster, happened on October 2 and came to light after a number of affected Australian passengers spoke out.
One of the flights involved, Qatar Airways' October 2 flight QR908 to Sydney, was four hours late departing Doha as a result, according to specialised air traffic website Flightradar24.
Women from several other countries and flights are understood to have been affected, but their numbers and nationalities are not yet known.
Doha airport launched an appeal late Sunday for the child's mother to come forward, suggesting that the checks undertaken at the time were inconclusive.
"The newborn infant remains unidentified, but is safe under the professional care of medical and social workers," it said in its statement, and requested that anyone with information come forward.
Qatar's foreign minister is expected to write to his Australian counterpart about the incident this week.
The Australian spokeswoman said the government has "formally registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari authorities".
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is engaged on this matter through diplomatic channels," it said.
Qatar practices a strict form of Islamic law, with stiff penalties applied to women who fall pregnant or bear children outside marriage.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has grounded many airlines' long-haul operations, including those of Australia's flag-carrier Qantas, while Qatar Airways has continued to fly many of its routes despite the downturn in demand.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-10-25--Exeter chairman Rowe warns 'greedy' England against adding Tests

Exeter chairman Tony Rowe warned `` greedy '' England against expanding the international programme following his side 's memorable double-winning season .
The Chiefs followed Leicester , Wasps and Saracens by being crowned champions of both Europe and England in the same campaign after a tense 19-13 win over Wasps in the Premiership final at a rainswept Twickenham on Saturday .
That success came just a week after Exeter edged out Paris 's Racing 31-27 in the European Champions Cup final in Bristol .
Players in England and France are contracted to their clubs rather than their national unions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine they must be released for Test duty during agreed international windows .
Many leading teams on both sides of the Channel , however , are becoming increasingly frustrated by the rule , which deprives them of their top stars for large chunks of the season .
The clubs were also angered at what they saw as a lack of consultation over the revamped Autumn Nations Cup created in response to the Covid-19 crisis after the coronavirus pandemic put paid to the existing November Test programme .
`` All this stuff coming down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally against that , '' Rowe said .
`` We employ the players , they are our players .
Being forced to release them for so many international games is not good .
We do n't get compensated enough .
`` The reality is that we bred these guys for ourselves , we did n't breed them for England .
`` England can get too greedy .
They are very quick to run the other way when we want money .
At the moment we are desperate for money in the Premiership to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are one of the wealthier clubs and we will see it through , but there are some clubs that are really struggling and we should be able to turn to the Rugby Football Union for financial support because they turn to us when they want our players . ''
Rowe has overseen Exeter 's decade-long climb from the second tier of English rugby to the summit of the European club game .
Now he has set his sights on global domination should a proposed world club championship get off the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do Europe in five years after the first Premiership title , '' explained Rowe , with Exeter ahead of schedule having lifted their maiden Premiership trophy in 2017 .
`` How about we do the world in the next five ?
It would be nice to have a world club game . ''

Twickenham (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
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Exeter chairman Tony Rowe warned "greedy" England against expanding the international programme following his side's memorable double-winning season.
The Chiefs followed Leicester, Wasps and Saracens by being crowned champions of both Europe and England in the same campaign after a tense 19-13 win over Wasps in the Premiership final at a rainswept Twickenham on Saturday.
That success came just a week after Exeter edged out Paris's Racing 31-27 in the European Champions Cup final in Bristol.
Players in England and France are contracted to their clubs rather than their national unions, but under World Rugby's controversial regulation nine they must be released for Test duty during agreed international windows.
Many leading teams on both sides of the Channel, however, are becoming increasingly frustrated by the rule, which deprives them of their top stars for large chunks of the season.
The clubs were also angered at what they saw as a lack of consultation over the revamped Autumn Nations Cup created in response to the Covid-19 crisis after the coronavirus pandemic put paid to the existing November Test programme.
"All this stuff coming down about more international games -- I am totally against that," Rowe said.
"We employ the players, they are our players. Being forced to release them for so many international games is not good. We don't get compensated enough.
"The reality is that we bred these guys for ourselves, we didn't breed them for England.
"England can get too greedy. They are very quick to run the other way when we want money. At the moment we are desperate for money in the Premiership to stay alive."
He added: "We are one of the wealthier clubs and we will see it through, but there are some clubs that are really struggling and we should be able to turn to the Rugby Football Union for financial support because they turn to us when they want our players."
Rowe has overseen Exeter's decade-long climb from the second tier of English rugby to the summit of the European club game.
Now he has set his sights on global domination should a proposed world club championship get off the ground.
"I said that we'd do Europe in five years after the first Premiership title," explained Rowe, with Exeter ahead of schedule having lifted their maiden Premiership trophy in 2017.
"How about we do the world in the next five? It would be nice to have a world club game."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Qatar 'forcibly examined' women, drawing angry diplomatic response

The invasive searches held up departure of one Qatar Airways flight to Australia for four hours Female passengers flying from Qatar were subjected to invasive searches after a premature baby was found abandoned in an airport bathroom , in an incident labelled `` offensive '' and `` grossly inappropriate '' by Australia 's government .
Airport officials have not denied the incident , saying women passengers `` were asked to assist '' with inquiries to locate the mother of the baby , who they say is still alive .
Qatari authorities have launched an appeal to trace the infant 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of women -- including Australians -- from aircraft on the tarmac at Doha 's international airport to ambulances , where they were examined for signs they had recently given birth .
`` ( Officials ) were forcing women to undergo invasive body searches -- basically forced Pap smears , '' a source in Doha briefed on the incident told AFP , referring to an internal examination of the cervix .
Doha 's Hamad International airport said in a statement that `` medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birth and requested she be located prior to departing '' .
`` Individuals who had access to the specific area of the airport where the new born infant was found were asked to assist in the query , '' the statement said .
It did not state what was asked of the women or how many were affected .
An Australian government spokeswoman said the country was `` deeply concerned at the unacceptable treatment '' of the female passengers .
`` The advice that has been provided indicates that the treatment of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and beyond circumstances in which the women could give free and informed consent , '' she said in a statement .
The incident , first reported by Australia 's Seven Network broadcaster , happened on October 2 and came to light after a number of affected Australian passengers spoke out .
One of the flights involved , Qatar Airways ' October 2 flight QR908 to Sydney , was four hours late departing Doha as a result , according to specialised air traffic website Flightradar24 .
Women from several other countries and flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but their numbers and nationalities are not yet known .
Doha airport launched an appeal late Sunday for the child 's mother to come forward , suggesting that the checks undertaken at the time were inconclusive .
`` The newborn infant remains unidentified , but is safe under the professional care of medical and social workers , '' it said in its statement , and requested that anyone with information come forward .
Qatar 's foreign minister is expected to write to his Australian counterpart about the incident this week .
The Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari authorities '' .
`` The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is engaged on this matter through diplomatic channels , '' it said .
Qatar practices a strict form of Islamic law , with stiff penalties applied to women who fall pregnant or bear children outside marriage .
The novel coronavirus pandemic has grounded many airlines ' long-haul operations , including those of Australia 's flag-carrier Qantas , while Qatar Airways has continued to fly many of its routes despite the downturn in demand @

Doha (AFP) –
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Female passengers flying from Qatar were subjected to invasive searches after a premature baby was found abandoned in an airport bathroom, in an incident labelled "offensive" and "grossly inappropriate" by Australia's government.
Airport officials have not denied the incident, saying women passengers "were asked to assist" with inquiries to locate the mother of the baby, who they say is still alive.
Qatari authorities have launched an appeal to trace the infant's family.
Security agents escorted an undisclosed number of women -- including Australians -- from aircraft on the tarmac at Doha's international airport to ambulances, where they were examined for signs they had recently given birth.
"(Officials) were forcing women to undergo invasive body searches -- basically forced Pap smears," a source in Doha briefed on the incident told AFP, referring to an internal examination of the cervix.
Doha's Hamad International airport said in a statement that "medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare of a mother who had just given birth and requested she be located prior to departing".
"Individuals who had access to the specific area of the airport where the new born infant was found were asked to assist in the query," the statement said.
It did not state what was asked of the women or how many were affected.
- ' Unacceptable treatment' -
An Australian government spokeswoman said the country was "deeply concerned at the unacceptable treatment" of the female passengers.
"The advice that has been provided indicates that the treatment of the women concerned was offensive, grossly inappropriate, and beyond circumstances in which the women could give free and informed consent," she said in a statement.
The incident, first reported by Australia's Seven Network broadcaster, happened on October 2 and came to light after a number of affected Australian passengers spoke out.
One of the flights involved, Qatar Airways' October 2 flight QR908 to Sydney, was four hours late departing Doha as a result, according to specialised air traffic website Flightradar24.
Women from several other countries and flights are understood to have been affected, but their numbers and nationalities are not yet known.
Doha airport launched an appeal late Sunday for the child's mother to come forward, suggesting that the checks undertaken at the time were inconclusive.
"The newborn infant remains unidentified, but is safe under the professional care of medical and social workers," it said in its statement, and requested that anyone with information come forward.
Qatar's foreign minister is expected to write to his Australian counterpart about the incident this week.
The Australian spokeswoman said the government has "formally registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari authorities".
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is engaged on this matter through diplomatic channels," it said.
Qatar practices a strict form of Islamic law, with stiff penalties applied to women who fall pregnant or bear children outside marriage.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has grounded many airlines' long-haul operations, including those of Australia's flag-carrier Qantas, while Qatar Airways has continued to fly many of its routes despite the downturn in demand.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Kulusevski rescues point for Juventus against Verona

Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench to rescue a point as champions Juventus , playing without Cristiano Ronaldo , were held to a third consecutive Serie A stalemate at home against Hellas Verona on Sunday .
Portuguese forward Ronaldo remains absent after testing positive for coronavirus with Juventus preparing for next week 's Champions League tie against Barcelona in Turin .
`` We had a too wait-and-see first half , we were n't very aggressive with the midfielders but we had the most dangerous opportunities , '' said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo .
`` But we do n't have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swedish forward Kulusevski grabbed the equaliser with 13 minutes to go after substitute Andrea Favilli put Verona ahead after an hour in Turin .
Pirlo 's side are fifth in Serie A , three points behind leaders AC Milan who host Roma on Monday .
Napoli moved up to second place , one point behind the leaders , after a 2-1 win over promoted Benevento , a match in which brothers Lorenzo and Roberto Insigne scored for rival clubs .
Nine-time reigning champions Juventus have stalled under new coach Pirlo , having also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time out and 2-2 at Roma .
Argentina forward Paulo Dybala got his first start in three months but despite threatening could not find the winner .
Ebrima Colley had a goal ruled offside after quarter of an hour for Verona with goalkeeper Marco Silvestri denying Federico Bernardeschi early .
Juventus had their chances with Juan Cuadrado rattling the woodwork just before the break , with the Colombian then setting up Alvaro Morata who lobbed over Silvestri into the goal , only to be ruled offside .
Favilli came on after 55 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead finishing off a Mattia Zaccagni cross .
Morata missed another chance on 72 minutes with Dybala hitting the crossbar five minutes later , before Kulusevski beat Silvestri from an angle .
The Verona goalkeeper pulled off two late saves from Dybala and a Morata header , as the eighth-placed visitors also remain without a win in three games .
Lorenzo Insigne cancelled out a goal from his younger brother Roberto as Napoli staged a 2-1 comeback win over local rivals Benevento .
`` I 'm very happy , but sorry my first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , '' said midfielder Roberto , 26 , who opened the scoring after half an hour against his hometown club who he left two seasons ago for Benevento .
`` Playing against my brother and Napoli , the team of my city , is a great feeling , but we are all a little saddened by the result . ''
Lorenzo Insigne , 29 , marked his return from injury with a stunning equaliser for his 68th top-flight goal for Napoli .
The Napoli captain also had a goal ruled offside before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after an hour , with Matteo Politano setting up Andrea Petagna for the winner seven minutes later .
`` After the game ?
I told him ( Roberto ) my left is better than his , '' joked Lorenzo .
`` No , I 'm kidding , we also hugged because today was an exciting day for our family .
I 'm happy with the goal and congratulate my brother too .
`` The left foot is not my favourite but I struck it very well and I must say it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side got back to winning ways after their surprise 1-0 Europa League home defeat by AZ Alkmaar .
Benevento are 12th after their third defeat in five games .
Fiorentina got back winning 3-2 against Udinese thanks to a Gaetano Castrovilli brace either side of a Nikola Milenkovic header .
In Sardinia , Argentine striker Giovanni Simeone , son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone , scored his fourth goal in five games as Cagliari beat 10-man Crotone 4-2 .
Five of the goals came in a thrilling first half .
Cagliari are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Milan (AFP) –
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Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench to rescue a point as champions Juventus, playing without Cristiano Ronaldo, were held to a third consecutive Serie A stalemate at home against Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Portuguese forward Ronaldo remains absent after testing positive for coronavirus with Juventus preparing for next week's Champions League tie against Barcelona in Turin.
"We had a too wait-and-see first half, we weren't very aggressive with the midfielders but we had the most dangerous opportunities," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo.
"But we don't have to take a slap to react."
Swedish forward Kulusevski grabbed the equaliser with 13 minutes to go after substitute Andrea Favilli put Verona ahead after an hour in Turin.
Pirlo's side are fifth in Serie A, three points behind leaders AC Milan who host Roma on Monday.
Napoli moved up to second place, one point behind the leaders, after a 2-1 win over promoted Benevento, a match in which brothers Lorenzo and Roberto Insigne scored for rival clubs.
Nine-time reigning champions Juventus have stalled under new coach Pirlo, having also been held by promoted Crotone 1-1 last time out and 2-2 at Roma.
Argentina forward Paulo Dybala got his first start in three months but despite threatening could not find the winner.
Ebrima Colley had a goal ruled offside after quarter of an hour for Verona with goalkeeper Marco Silvestri denying Federico Bernardeschi early.
Juventus had their chances with Juan Cuadrado rattling the woodwork just before the break, with the Colombian then setting up Alvaro Morata who lobbed over Silvestri into the goal, only to be ruled offside.
Favilli came on after 55 minutes and five minutes later had the visitors ahead finishing off a Mattia Zaccagni cross.
Morata missed another chance on 72 minutes with Dybala hitting the crossbar five minutes later, before Kulusevski beat Silvestri from an angle.
The Verona goalkeeper pulled off two late saves from Dybala and a Morata header, as the eighth-placed visitors also remain without a win in three games.
- Insigne brothers score -
Lorenzo Insigne cancelled out a goal from his younger brother Roberto as Napoli staged a 2-1 comeback win over local rivals Benevento.
"I'm very happy, but sorry my first goal in Serie A was against my brother," said midfielder Roberto, 26, who opened the scoring after half an hour against his hometown club who he left two seasons ago for Benevento.
"Playing against my brother and Napoli, the team of my city, is a great feeling, but we are all a little saddened by the result."
Lorenzo Insigne, 29, marked his return from injury with a stunning equaliser for his 68th top-flight goal for Napoli.
The Napoli captain also had a goal ruled offside before blasting in with his weaker left foot after an hour, with Matteo Politano setting up Andrea Petagna for the winner seven minutes later.
"After the game? I told him (Roberto) my left is better than his," joked Lorenzo.
"No, I'm kidding, we also hugged because today was an exciting day for our family. I'm happy with the goal and congratulate my brother too.
"The left foot is not my favourite but I struck it very well and I must say it was a beautiful goal."
Gennaro Gattuso's side got back to winning ways after their surprise 1-0 Europa League home defeat by AZ Alkmaar.
Benevento are 12th after their third defeat in five games.
Fiorentina got back winning 3-2 against Udinese thanks to a Gaetano Castrovilli brace either side of a Nikola Milenkovic header.
A pair of Stefano Okaka headers had revived Udinese hopes.
In Sardinia, Argentine striker Giovanni Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, scored his fourth goal in five games as Cagliari beat 10-man Crotone 4-2.
Five of the goals came in a thrilling first half. Cagliari are 10th with Crotone bottom of the table.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-25--Seven held after British military boards threatened oil tanker in English Channel

British soldiers boarded a tanker in the English Channel ( pictured February 2019 ) , off the Isle of Wight , after an alert was raised for the welfare of the ship 's crew British soldiers on Sunday boarded an oil tanker off England 's south coast and detained seven suspects , the defence ministry said , after the crew were forced to take shelter from stowaways who threatened them .
The alert was raised for the welfare of the crew of the Nave Andromeda tanker around 1000 GMT after they were forced to retreat to a safe area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised Armed Forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel ... that was subject to suspected hijacking , '' the Ministry of Defence posted on Twitter .
`` Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained , '' the ministry said , adding that the crew were `` safe and well '' .
British media said the boat was stormed by the Special Boat Service with 16 personnel boarding the Liberian-registered tanker .
A source on the Isle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain 's Daily Mail : `` The captain clearly stated he feared for ( the crew 's ) lives and needed urgent assistance , they needed rescuing ... .
It was desperation , you could hear the fear in his voice . ''
The Defence Ministry said police investigations `` will now continue '' .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that the operation had taken place `` in dark skies , and worsening weather '' .
`` We should all be grateful for our brave personnel , '' he added .
`` Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisive action of our police and armed forces who were able to bring this situation under control , '' tweeted Home Secretary Priti Patel .
Stowaways `` had made verbal threats towards the crew '' but `` no-one has been reported injured '' , police in the southern county of Hampshire said earlier , adding that they had imposed a three-mile ( five kilometres ) exclusion zone around the tanker .
The ship was around six miles off the Isle of Wight , police said .
Britain 's coastguard and border protection agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
A coastguard spokesman said two helicopters had been sent to support the police .
Law firm Tatham & Co. , which represents the ship 's owners , told the BBC that the incident was `` 100 percent not a hijacking '' .
Rather , the stowaways resisted being locked in a cabin after being discovered , the lawyers added .
A source close to the shipping company also told the BBC that crew had been aware of stowaways on board for some time , but that they had turned violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew then retreated to the ship 's secure citadel , where attackers are unable to enter , added the source .
The boat left Nigeria last week carrying 42,000 tonnes of crude oil and was due to dock in Southampton earlier Sunday .

London (AFP) –
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British soldiers on Sunday boarded an oil tanker off England's south coast and detained seven suspects, the defence ministry said, after the crew were forced to take shelter from stowaways who threatened them.
The alert was raised for the welfare of the crew of the Nave Andromeda tanker around 1000 GMT after they were forced to retreat to a safe area.
"In response to a police request, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised Armed Forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel... that was subject to suspected hijacking," the Ministry of Defence posted on Twitter.
"Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained," the ministry said, adding that the crew were "safe and well".
British media said the boat was stormed by the Special Boat Service with 16 personnel boarding the Liberian-registered tanker.
Those arrested were reportedly Nigerian stowaways.
A source on the Isle of Wight off the south coast told Britain's Daily Mail: "The captain clearly stated he feared for (the crew's) lives and needed urgent assistance, they needed rescuing.... It was desperation, you could hear the fear in his voice."
The Defence Ministry said police investigations "will now continue".
- 'Verbal threats' -
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that the operation had taken place "in dark skies, and worsening weather".
"We should all be grateful for our brave personnel," he added.
"Today we are thankful for the quick and decisive action of our police and armed forces who were able to bring this situation under control," tweeted Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Stowaways "had made verbal threats towards the crew" but "no-one has been reported injured", police in the southern county of Hampshire said earlier, adding that they had imposed a three-mile (five kilometres) exclusion zone around the tanker.
The ship was around six miles off the Isle of Wight, police said.
Britain's coastguard and border protection agencies were also called in to help defuse the incident.
A coastguard spokesman said two helicopters had been sent to support the police.
Law firm Tatham & Co., which represents the ship's owners, told the BBC that the incident was "100 percent not a hijacking".
Rather, the stowaways resisted being locked in a cabin after being discovered, the lawyers added.
A source close to the shipping company also told the BBC that crew had been aware of stowaways on board for some time, but that they had turned violent as the vessel approached Britain.
The crew then retreated to the ship's secure citadel, where attackers are unable to enter, added the source.
The boat left Nigeria last week carrying 42,000 tonnes of crude oil and was due to dock in Southampton earlier Sunday.
© 2020 AFP