france24--2020-12-03--UK fashion awards recongnise turbulent year

In a break from tradition to mark a tumultuous year , the British Fashion Council 's ( BFC ) annual awards on Thursday honoured 20 individuals and brands , including Chanel and Burberry , who `` led change in the industry '' .
The honourees , revealed in a video posted online , were recognised for their contribution to one of four categories -- community , creativity , environment and people -- with many honoured for their contribution during the coronavirus pandemic .
They included French fashion house Chanel , which `` moved manufacturing to support the production of PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the coronavirus fight by repurposing its trench coat factory to make non-surgical gowns .
Over 800 members of the international fashion industry were asked to nominate who they thought should receive an accolade , with the list being whittled down to a final 20 .
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas was among those presenting the awards , as was Formula One great Lewis Hamilton .
Other honourees included London-based designer Michael Halpern , whose tribute at London Fashion Week to frontline health workers and contribution to the production of PPE was called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people category recognised those who encouraged `` equal , diverse , empowered workforces from head office to supply chain and shop floor . ''
They included New York-based designer Aurora James , who was honoured for her campaign calling on retailers to commit to dedicating 15 percent of their shelf space to black-owned brands , while others received accolades for their work with Black Lives Matter .
British big-hitter Stella McCartney was honoured in the environmental category for having `` raised the bar for the industry as a whole with creativity and sustainability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fellow British designer Jonathan Anderson , founder of the JW Anderson label , picked up an award in the creativity category , for those who have `` defined the shape of global fashion . ''
`` This year , Jonathan Anderson redefined the possibilities of what a show can be with Covid-19 restrictions by pioneering show-in-a-box and show-on-the-wall concepts for both JW Anderson and Loewe , '' said the BFC .
`` The collections were a defiant celebration of fashion and craft . ''
The Fashion Awards is the annual fundraiser for the @ @ @

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
In a break from tradition to mark a tumultuous year, the British Fashion Council's (BFC) annual awards on Thursday honoured 20 individuals and brands, including Chanel and Burberry, who "led change in the industry".
The honourees, revealed in a video posted online, were recognised for their contribution to one of four categories -- community, creativity, environment and people -- with many honoured for their contribution during the coronavirus pandemic.
They included French fashion house Chanel, which "moved manufacturing to support the production of PPE" and British giant Burberry, which joined the coronavirus fight by repurposing its trench coat factory to make non-surgical gowns.
Over 800 members of the international fashion industry were asked to nominate who they thought should receive an accolade, with the list being whittled down to a final 20.
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas was among those presenting the awards, as was Formula One great Lewis Hamilton.
Other honourees included London-based designer Michael Halpern, whose tribute at London Fashion Week to frontline health workers and contribution to the production of PPE was called "inspiring and extraordinary".
The people category recognised those who encouraged "equal, diverse, empowered workforces from head office to supply chain and shop floor."
They included New York-based designer Aurora James, who was honoured for her campaign calling on retailers to commit to dedicating 15 percent of their shelf space to black-owned brands, while others received accolades for their work with Black Lives Matter.
British big-hitter Stella McCartney was honoured in the environmental category for having "raised the bar for the industry as a whole with creativity and sustainability shaping the brand's DNA."
Fellow British designer Jonathan Anderson, founder of the JW Anderson label, picked up an award in the creativity category, for those who have "defined the shape of global fashion."
"This year, Jonathan Anderson redefined the possibilities of what a show can be with Covid-19 restrictions by pioneering show-in-a-box and show-on-the-wall concepts for both JW Anderson and Loewe," said the BFC.
"The collections were a defiant celebration of fashion and craft."
The Fashion Awards is the annual fundraiser for the BFC Foundation.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-03--California announces regional lockdown plan as Covid-19 overwhelms hospitals

People wait outside the emergency room of the Garfield Medical Center in Monterey Park , California on December 1 , 2020 .
The number of U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations topped 100,000 for the first time , as California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday said he was likely to impose stay-at-home orders on every region of the state except the San Francisco Bay Area later this week .
California ’ s new policy will take effect in any of five designated geographic regions 48 hours after the capacity of the intensive care units of their local hospitals falls to 15 % or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If we don ’ t act now , our hospital system will be overwhelmed , ” Newsom told reporters .
In affected regions , bars , wineries , personal services and salons will be closed , while restaurants will be relegated to takeout and delivery and retail capacity will be limited to 20 % , Newsom said .
Schools will remain open .
It is one of the most restrictive of a series of state initiatives to curb the next wave of the disease , which threatens to take 3,000 lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next two months .
Globally , the death toll on Thursday from COVID-19 was 10,000 people every day on average over the past week , amounting to a total of 1.5 million lives lost since the start of the pandemic , according to Reuters ’ count .
Meanwhile , the U.S. daily toll from COVID-19 reached its second-highest level ever on Wednesday with 2,811 lives lost , according to a Reuters tally , one short of the record set April 15 .
Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the U.S. Centers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Wednesday warned that December , January and February were likely to be “ the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation.
” The United States could start losing around 3,000 people – roughly the number that died in the attacks of Sept. 11 , 2001 – each day over the next two months .
“ Before we see February , we could be close to 450,000 Americans that have died from this virus , ” Redfield said .
The U.S. death toll since the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United State are stretched to their limits , driving political leaders to impose restrictions like California ’ s in order to prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed .
In the Midwest , Governor Mike DeWine said on Thursday that Ohio ’ s hospitals “ not only remain in crisis but the crisis is worsening , ” as his state reported its fifth-highest case count of the pandemic .
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on Thursday she may extend a three-week “ pause ” on some private and economic activities in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Vaccines offer a ray of hope , with two promising candidates poised to receive emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) this month .
An FDA panel of outside advisers will meet on Dec. 10 to discuss whether to recommend emergency use authorization of Pfizer Inc ’ s vaccine .
U.S. health officials predict the first inoculations could start days or weeks later .
Vice President Mike Pence , speaking at a meeting with FedEx Corp in Memphis , said the White House expects to ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then begin injections within 24 hours of that .
Moderna Inc ’ s vaccine is expected to be reviewed on Dec. 17 .
Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines proved highly effective at preventing illness in large clinical trials .
Several other COVID-19 vaccines are also in later stages of development .
But inoculations face opposition from significant numbers of Americans who reject medical science , as well as from those wary of the safety of vaccines developed at record speed .
A Gallup poll released on Nov. 17 found 58 % of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up from 50 % in September .
That is still not enough , experts say , to achieve widespread immunity .
Moreover , many Americans still refuse to follow even basic public health guidance such as wearing masks and avoiding crowds .
Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have volunteered to get their COVID-19 shots on television to promote their safety , according to aides to Bush and Clinton and an Obama interview on Sirius XM radio .
“ I may end up taking it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that people know that I trust this science , ” Obama said in the interview , which aired on Thursday .
At least one former skeptic said she and her husband would take the vaccine , given the surge in infections and her high blood pressure and age , which increase her risk of severe illness .
“ I didn ’ t think I ’ d say this , but right now , yeah , I absolutely would , ” said Nina Lyons , 65 , a retiree living in Pittsburgh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s repercussions along down the line I am going say that it ’ s worth taking that risk .
”

California’s governor on Thursday announced plans to impose COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on a regional basis, with tougher social and economic restrictions to be triggered when intensive care units near maximum capacity at a region’s hospitals.
People wait outside the emergency room of the Garfield Medical Center in Monterey Park, California on December 1, 2020.
Advertising Read more
The latest constraints, unveiled as coronavirus infections and hospitalizations soared further, will take effect after 48 hours in any of five designated geographic regions where available ICU space falls to 15% of capacity or less, Governor Gavin Newsom said.
Newsom said he expects all portions of the state outside the San Francisco Bay Area to reach their respective 15% thresholds this week. The Bay area is expected to follow by mid- to late-December. Each region is to remain under its stay-at-home order for at least three weeks once they are imposed.
The four other designated regions are Southern California, including San Diego and Los Angeles, as well as the state’s largely agricultural San Joaquin Valley, the greater Sacramento area surrounding the state capital, and Northern California beyond the Bay Area.
COVID-19 hospitalizations in California, the most populous U.S. state with nearly 40 million residents, have climbed 86% over two weeks, Newsom said. The state documented a record 18,591 additional cases on Wednesday alone, 12% of which will end up requiring hospital treatment within two weeks.
“If we don’t act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed. If we don’t act now, we will continue to see the death rate climb,” Newsom said in an online presentation streamed live from his home in suburban Sacramento.
Our ICUs are climbing quickly toward their capacity. Our death rate is rising.
To slow the surge of #COVID19 and save lives, CA is introducing a Regional Stay-At-Home Order.
Regions where ICU capacity⁰fall below 15% will be placed into this Stay-at-Home Order ⁰for 3 weeks. — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 3, 2020
The new restrictions will represent the most stringent social-distancing rules anywhere in the United States, and the most far-reaching in California since Newsom imposed his original, first-in-the-nation statewide lockdown in March.
At that time, the outlook for relief seemed far off and uncertain from the emerging public health crisis.
‘Not a marathon any longer’
Newsom stressed that the latest measures would be temporary, as vaccines from several pharmaceutical companies were nearing U.S. regulatory approval for distribution, with California designated to receive its first batch of 327,000 doses later this month.
“This is not a marathon any longer. This is a sprint,” he said.
The latest order will direct residents to remain at home and avoid travel except as necessary for permitted activities, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, dog walks and individual outdoor exercise.
03:21
Restaurants will be limited to takeout and pickup service, while bars, breweries and distilleries will be shuttered, along with fitness centers, hair salons, barber shops, casinos and nail parlors.
Retail establishments may remain in business while limited to 20% of capacity, with hotels permitted to stay open to support “critical infrastructure” only.
Office workplaces will be closed except for essential sectors where remote working is impossible. Public schools with in-classroom instruction already in place may remain open.
Under the plan, indoor religious services will remain prohibited, despite recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions siding with churches and synagogues that challenged state social distancing rules on worship.
No mention of the subject was made during the governor’s 90-minute presentation.
The Democratic governor’s latest actions immediately drew criticism from political opponents.
“Governor Newsom clearly doesn’t understand that Californians are tired of being locked in their homes,” Republican state Senator Melissa Melendez said of Newsom’s plan.
The California Chamber of Commerce said the latest restrictions heightened the need for Congress to provide additional relief to small businesses.
(REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-12-03--California to ban gatherings and 'non-essential' activities

Once a region is placed under the new limits -- an `` emergency brake '' which will last for a minimum of three weeks -- the gathering of people from different households will be banned California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced new statewide bans on gatherings and `` non-essential '' activities , as hospitals in the nation 's most populous state face being overwhelmed by record Covid-19 cases .
The limits will come into effect once 85 percent of intensive care unit beds have been filled -- a development expected in four of California 's five regions `` as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We are announcing and introducing a regional 'stay-at-home ' order in the state of California , fundamentally predicated on the need to stop gathering with people outside of your household , '' said Newsom .
Once a region is placed under the new limits -- an `` emergency brake '' which will last for a minimum of three weeks -- the gathering of people from different households will be banned .
Bars and personal services such as hair salons will be temporarily closed , and restaurants will only be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're also establishing a framework where all non-essential travel is as well temporarily restricted statewide , '' said Newsom .
Hotels will no longer be allowed to cater to tourists , while campgrounds will be closed for overnight stays .
Offices must close , except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible .
Shops will be limited at 20 percent capacity , while only schools with waivers will be allowed to remain open .
California is experiencing record new cases of Covid-19 in a third wave of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which 113 deaths were recorded , up from around 14 daily fatalities in early November .
The state overall has seen almost 1.3 million cases , and more than 19,400 deaths .
The measures follow similar bans on gatherings that went into place this week in densely populated and badly hit Los Angeles County .
They extend upon a near-statewide nighttime curfew introduced last month .
But the new , stricter measures still fall short of California 's first lockdown in March , which saw most outdoor activities including beach access and hiking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the state including Los Angeles county , where the recent outdoor dining ban and closure of playgrounds have drawn heavy criticism and lawsuits , with some cities openly discussing ways to defy the limits .
Newsom warned state funds could be withheld from counties that fail to enforce the measures .
`` If we do n't act now , our hospital system will be overwhelmed , '' he said .
`` If we do n't act now , we 'll continue to see a death rate climb , more lives lost @ @

Los Angeles (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced new statewide bans on gatherings and "non-essential" activities, as hospitals in the nation's most populous state face being overwhelmed by record Covid-19 cases.
The limits will come into effect once 85 percent of intensive care unit beds have been filled -- a development expected in four of California's five regions "as early as the next day or two."
"We are announcing and introducing a regional 'stay-at-home' order in the state of California, fundamentally predicated on the need to stop gathering with people outside of your household," said Newsom.
Once a region is placed under the new limits -- an "emergency brake" which will last for a minimum of three weeks -- the gathering of people from different households will be banned.
Bars and personal services such as hair salons will be temporarily closed, and restaurants will only be allowed to offer take-out and delivery.
"We're also establishing a framework where all non-essential travel is as well temporarily restricted statewide," said Newsom.
Hotels will no longer be allowed to cater to tourists, while campgrounds will be closed for overnight stays.
Offices must close, except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
- 'More lives lost' -
Shops will be limited at 20 percent capacity, while only schools with waivers will be allowed to remain open.
California is experiencing record new cases of Covid-19 in a third wave of the virus, with two days this week in which 113 deaths were recorded, up from around 14 daily fatalities in early November.
The state overall has seen almost 1.3 million cases, and more than 19,400 deaths.
The measures follow similar bans on gatherings that went into place this week in densely populated and badly hit Los Angeles County.
They extend upon a near-statewide nighttime curfew introduced last month.
But the new, stricter measures still fall short of California's first lockdown in March, which saw most outdoor activities including beach access and hiking banned.
Anger has been rising in parts of the state including Los Angeles county, where the recent outdoor dining ban and closure of playgrounds have drawn heavy criticism and lawsuits, with some cities openly discussing ways to defy the limits.
Newsom warned state funds could be withheld from counties that fail to enforce the measures.
"If we don't act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed," he said.
"If we don't act now, we'll continue to see a death rate climb, more lives lost."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-03--UK vows 68 percent emissions cut by end of decade

Britain 's plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions include banning petrol and diesel new vehicle sales , quadrupling offshore wind power and scaling up hydrogen production capacity , all within the decade Britain will aim to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than two-thirds this decade , in what the government on Thursday said would be the fastest reduction of any major economy .
The target to reduce emissions by 68 percent by 2030 , compared to 1990 levels , is part of legally-binding plans for the country to become carbon neutral by 2050 .
It comes as Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambition Summit and stages COP26 , the United Nation 's annual climate gathering , in Glasgow next November .
`` Today , we are taking the lead with an ambitious new target to reduce our emissions by 2030 , faster than any major economy , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement .
`` But this is a global effort , which is why the UK is urging world leaders as part of next week 's Climate Ambition Summit to bring forward their own ambitious plans to cut emissions and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month unveiled plans for `` a green industrial revolution '' which he has boasted will create and support 250,000 jobs .
It includes banning petrol and diesel new vehicle sales , quadrupling offshore wind power and scaling up hydrogen production capacity , all within the decade .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma , the COP26 president , said the new 2030 emissions target `` reflects the urgency and scale of the challenge our planet faces '' .
He added : `` I hope other countries join us and raise the bar at next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the COP26 . ''
The 2015 Paris climate accord committed each signatory country to submitting plans to cut their greenhouse gas emissions , known as their Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC ) .
Britain 's new 2030 target , which replaces a previous aim to reduce its NDC by 53 percent , meets experts ' recommendations at the independent Climate Change Committee , the government said .
`` This is important progress but not sufficient , '' said Ed Matthew , of The Climate Coalition , an umbrella group of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warming .
`` A more ambitious cut is both feasible and necessary to keep us safe and reflect our massive historic carbon emissions , '' he added .
Nick Mabey , chief executive of climate change think-tank E3G , said while there was `` room for more ambition '' the British target `` puts pressure on the rest of the world to rise to the climate challenge '' .
`` The UK has seized the opportunity to set an unmistakable direction of travel , hopefully inspiring other countries . ''
Meanwhile several business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Credible plans matter in the race to zero , so today ’ s announcement is welcomed , '' said Peter Simpson , co-chair of The Prince of Wales 's Corporate Leaders Group .
`` Climate change wo n't wait for us , and the time for action is now , '' he added .
Roy Bedlow , head of renewable investor Low Carbon , called the decarbonisation target `` ambitious but achievable '' .
`` The UK is a world-leader in delivering renewable energy projects at scale and we have now have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Britain will aim to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than two-thirds this decade, in what the government on Thursday said would be the fastest reduction of any major economy.
The target to reduce emissions by 68 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, is part of legally-binding plans for the country to become carbon neutral by 2050.
It comes as Britain prepares to co-host a December 12 Climate Ambition Summit and stages COP26, the United Nation's annual climate gathering, in Glasgow next November.
"Today, we are taking the lead with an ambitious new target to reduce our emissions by 2030, faster than any major economy," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.
"But this is a global effort, which is why the UK is urging world leaders as part of next week's Climate Ambition Summit to bring forward their own ambitious plans to cut emissions and set net zero targets."
Johnson last month unveiled plans for "a green industrial revolution" which he has boasted will create and support 250,000 jobs.
It includes banning petrol and diesel new vehicle sales, quadrupling offshore wind power and scaling up hydrogen production capacity, all within the decade.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma, the COP26 president, said the new 2030 emissions target "reflects the urgency and scale of the challenge our planet faces".
He added: "I hope other countries join us and raise the bar at next week's UN Climate Ambition Summit, and ahead of the COP26."
- 'Not sufficient' -
The 2015 Paris climate accord committed each signatory country to submitting plans to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, known as their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Britain's new 2030 target, which replaces a previous aim to reduce its NDC by 53 percent, meets experts' recommendations at the independent Climate Change Committee, the government said.
But environmental campaigners gave it a mixed reception.
"This is important progress but not sufficient," said Ed Matthew, of The Climate Coalition, an umbrella group of more than 140 groups urging action against global warming.
"A more ambitious cut is both feasible and necessary to keep us safe and reflect our massive historic carbon emissions," he added.
Nick Mabey, chief executive of climate change think-tank E3G, said while there was "room for more ambition" the British target "puts pressure on the rest of the world to rise to the climate challenge".
"The UK has seized the opportunity to set an unmistakable direction of travel, hopefully inspiring other countries."
Meanwhile several business groups in Britain endorsed the aim.
"Credible plans matter in the race to zero, so today’s announcement is welcomed," said Peter Simpson, co-chair of The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group.
"Climate change won't wait for us, and the time for action is now," he added.
Roy Bedlow, head of renewable investor Low Carbon, called the decarbonisation target "ambitious but achievable".
"The UK is a world-leader in delivering renewable energy projects at scale and we have now have legally binding targets to match," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-03--Spurs scrape through as Europa League qualifiers take shape

Premier League leaders Tottenham struggled to gain the draw they needed in Linz , finishing 3-3 on Thursday thanks to two penalties , to secure a place in the knock-out rounds of the Europa League .
The result in Austria ensured that Antwerp will also advance from Group J .
Elsewhere , Braga , AC Milan , Lille , Villarreal , Dinamo Zagreb , Red Star Belgrade , Slavia Prague , Bayer Leverkusen , Rangers , Benfica , Granada and Eindhoven ensured their places in the last 32 with one round of group games still to play .
They join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had already qualified .
In Linz , the hosts dominated the first half but only scored once , through Peter Michorl .
Spurs , who had not managed a shot on target , won a penalty for handball in added time .
Gareth Bale converted for his 200th career goal .
Son Heung-min put Spurs ahead on the counter attack in the 56th minute .
With Linz still threatening , coach Jose Mourinho made a series of defensive substitutions .
Tottenham had three centre backs , three full backs and two defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute when Johannes Eggestein still found a huge hole and lashed in a shot that Joe Hart reached but could not keep out .
Three minutes later , Spurs regained the lead .
One of the two attacking players , Steven Bergwijn was tripped to earn a penalty and the other , Dele Alli , swept it home .
Spurs could not keep the lead .
Young Frenchman Mamoudou Karamoko smashed in an equaliser from outside the box in added time .
Mourinho complained about the attitude of some of his team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ group phase does n't motivate some of the players , I knew it , '' he said .
`` When I saw the warm-up before the game I had a feeling and I told the players before the game that there was a huge difference in intensity , communication and enthusiasm in their warm-up and our warm-up because I was looking at both . ''
The draw was enough to put Tottenham through and next week they will host Antwerp , who beat Ludogorets 3-1 , with first place at stake .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals behind at home to eliminated Celtic but rallied to win 4-2 and advance .
Tom Rogic and Odsonne Edouard scored for the visitors in the first 14 minutes , but Hakan Calhanoglu and Samuel Castillejo responded with two quick goals midway through the half .
Jens Petter Hauger and Brahim Diaz , with a clever chip , struck in the second half .
`` The lads wanted to test me , to see if I 'd recovered , '' said Pioli , back on the bench after a bout of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the comeback , but also for qualifying with one round to spare . ''
`` In this unprecedented time with so many matches close together , it 's good to be able to catch your breath . ''
Milan are second in the group , one point behind Lille who also came from behind to win at home .
Burak Yilmaz came off the bench in the 77th minute with .
Lille losing to 10-man The Turkey striker poked home the equaliser three minutes later and smashed in the winner four minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rangers , advanced with 3-2 home victory over Standard Liege .
The Belgians , who need to win , took the lead twice in the first half , but James Tavernier hit a penalty just before half time .
Scott Arfield won the game in the 65th minute , running onto a pull back to end a crisp move with a precise low drive .
`` We showed tonight what a team we are , '' said Arfield .
The tightest group is F where Alkmaar fought back to draw 1-1 with Napoli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from behind twice to draw at home with Rijeka , who picked up their first point .
The Italians lead by two points from Sociedad and Alkmaar and host the Basques next week .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Premier League leaders Tottenham struggled to gain the draw they needed in Linz, finishing 3-3 on Thursday thanks to two penalties, to secure a place in the knock-out rounds of the Europa League.
The result in Austria ensured that Antwerp will also advance from Group J.
Elsewhere, Braga, AC Milan, Lille, Villarreal, Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade, Slavia Prague, Bayer Leverkusen, Rangers, Benfica, Granada and Eindhoven ensured their places in the last 32 with one round of group games still to play.
They join Leicester, Arsenal, Hoffenheim and Roma who had already qualified.
In Linz, the hosts dominated the first half but only scored once, through Peter Michorl. Spurs, who had not managed a shot on target, won a penalty for handball in added time. Gareth Bale converted for his 200th career goal.
Son Heung-min put Spurs ahead on the counter attack in the 56th minute.
With Linz still threatening, coach Jose Mourinho made a series of defensive substitutions.
Tottenham had three centre backs, three full backs and two defensive midfielders on the field by the 84th minute when Johannes Eggestein still found a huge hole and lashed in a shot that Joe Hart reached but could not keep out.
Three minutes later, Spurs regained the lead. One of the two attacking players, Steven Bergwijn was tripped to earn a penalty and the other, Dele Alli, swept it home.
Spurs could not keep the lead. Young Frenchman Mamoudou Karamoko smashed in an equaliser from outside the box in added time.
Mourinho complained about the attitude of some of his team.
"The fact that the Europa League group phase doesn't motivate some of the players, I knew it," he said.
"When I saw the warm-up before the game I had a feeling and I told the players before the game that there was a huge difference in intensity, communication and enthusiasm in their warm-up and our warm-up because I was looking at both."
The draw was enough to put Tottenham through and next week they will host Antwerp, who beat Ludogorets 3-1, with first place at stake.
In Group H, AC Milan fell two goals behind at home to eliminated Celtic but rallied to win 4-2 and advance.
Tom Rogic and Odsonne Edouard scored for the visitors in the first 14 minutes, but Hakan Calhanoglu and Samuel Castillejo responded with two quick goals midway through the half.
- 'Catch your breath' -
Jens Petter Hauger and Brahim Diaz, with a clever chip, struck in the second half.
"The lads wanted to test me, to see if I'd recovered," said Pioli, back on the bench after a bout of coronavirus.
"I'm happy for the reaction and the comeback, but also for qualifying with one round to spare."
"In this unprecedented time with so many matches close together, it's good to be able to catch your breath."
Milan are second in the group, one point behind Lille who also came from behind to win at home. Burak Yilmaz came off the bench in the 77th minute with. Lille losing to 10-man The Turkey striker poked home the equaliser three minutes later and smashed in the winner four minutes after that.
Celtic's neighbours city Rangers, advanced with 3-2 home victory over Standard Liege. The Belgians, who need to win, took the lead twice in the first half, but James Tavernier hit a penalty just before half time. Scott Arfield won the game in the 65th minute, running onto a pull back to end a crisp move with a precise low drive.
"We showed tonight what a team we are," said Arfield.
The tightest group is F where Alkmaar fought back to draw 1-1 with Napoli and La Liga leaders Real Sociedad came from behind twice to draw at home with Rijeka, who picked up their first point. The Italians lead by two points from Sociedad and Alkmaar and host the Basques next week.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Ghana heads for two-horse presidential vote

Ghanaians go to the polls on Monday in a contest that will revive old rivalries between incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessor , John Mahama .
Ten other candidates , including three women , are vying for the nation 's top job , but the vote is essentially a fight between two foes who will be slugging it out for the third time .
More than 17 million people are registered to vote in the West African nation 's eighth consecutive poll since it returned to democracy nearly 30 years ago .
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are for parliament as well as the presidency .
`` There are party events and activity everywhere to drum up support , the airwaves are full of party songs , but we are not seeing mass rallies as usual , '' Kojo Asante , director for advocacy and policy engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development , told AFP .
The presidential race is expected to be very close .
Independent polls have predicted a slim win for Akufo-Addo , while his New Patriotic Party ( NPP ) is expected to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2012 , Mahama narrowly defeated Akufo-Addo with 50.7 percent of the vote and in 2016 , Akufo-Addo beat Mahama with 53.8 percent .
Many Ghanaians are worried that `` vigilantes '' hired by parties and deployed to provide security for politicians could cause problems at polling stations .
Ghana has traditionally managed to contain post-electoral violence and have a peaceful transition of power -- a rarity in much of West Africa .
Even so , there have been pre-election clashes and disagreements over the neutrality of the electoral commission , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' register .
`` Tensions between the two main parties have n't subsided and the stage is set for a potentially disputed outcome , '' Sam Kwarkye , senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies wrote in a report .
Asante is `` cautiously optimistic '' that the election will be peaceful , and welcomes the large pool of international and local election observers .
`` Everybody wants the Ghana election to go well .
We already have too many trouble spots in the region to deal with . ''
The police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed .
On the streets of Accra on Friday , there was little of the usual widespread wearing of party T-shirts as a sign of poliltical allegiance .
Activists distributed handbills and flyers to commuters and from door to door .
Potentials voters said they hoped for a peaceful election .
`` I ’ ll be voting and I ’ ve already made up my mind .
It ’ s a matter of continuity for me , '' trader Gloria Tsotso Afoley , a mother of three , told AFP .
Student Abigail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Absolutely change .
Corruption has been rife over the past four years . ''
But 70-year-old retired Group Captain Francis Mensah said he would not vote because he could not `` trust politicians anymore . ''
A key exporter of cocoa , oil and gold , Ghana saw its economy severely hit by the pandemic .
Growth in the nation of 30 million people is expected to fall to 0.9 percent in 2020 , the lowest in 30 years , according to the IMF , and a steep decline from 6.5 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy had already struggled with debt servicing , a weak currency and rising inflation .
Akufo-Addo has been given high marks for his handling of the pandemic and his record on education and on providing access to electricity .
But the 76-year-old has disappointed some in his performance on tackling graft -- the key issue on which he was elected four years ago .
Despite this , corruption is a difficult issue for Mahama , 62 , to latch onto , as he himself left office under a cloud of sleaze allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor economic decisions and racking up unsustainable debts .
But the skilled communicator has brushed aside the criticism , making ambitious promises to build infrastructure and modernise the country .
Another bold move by Mahama was picking former education minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate , the first woman on the ticket of a major party .
Akufo-Addo , as expected , opted for continuity , with current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as running mate .
Results of the vote could be announced within 24 hours after the polls close .

Accra (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Ghanaians go to the polls on Monday in a contest that will revive old rivalries between incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessor, John Mahama.
Ten other candidates, including three women, are vying for the nation's top job, but the vote is essentially a fight between two foes who will be slugging it out for the third time.
More than 17 million people are registered to vote in the West African nation's eighth consecutive poll since it returned to democracy nearly 30 years ago.
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted but not stopped campaigning for the elections, which are for parliament as well as the presidency.
"There are party events and activity everywhere to drum up support, the airwaves are full of party songs, but we are not seeing mass rallies as usual," Kojo Asante, director for advocacy and policy engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, told AFP.
The presidential race is expected to be very close.
Independent polls have predicted a slim win for Akufo-Addo, while his New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to have a lower majority in the 275-member legislature.
In 2012, Mahama narrowly defeated Akufo-Addo with 50.7 percent of the vote and in 2016, Akufo-Addo beat Mahama with 53.8 percent.
- Disputed outcome? -
Many Ghanaians are worried that "vigilantes" hired by parties and deployed to provide security for politicians could cause problems at polling stations.
Ghana has traditionally managed to contain post-electoral violence and have a peaceful transition of power -- a rarity in much of West Africa.
Even so, there have been pre-election clashes and disagreements over the neutrality of the electoral commission, especially on the compilation of the new voters' register.
"Tensions between the two main parties haven't subsided and the stage is set for a potentially disputed outcome," Sam Kwarkye, senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies wrote in a report.
Asante is "cautiously optimistic" that the election will be peaceful, and welcomes the large pool of international and local election observers.
"Everybody wants the Ghana election to go well. We already have too many trouble spots in the region to deal with."
The police say more than 62,000 personnel have been deployed.
On the streets of Accra on Friday, there was little of the usual widespread wearing of party T-shirts as a sign of poliltical allegiance. Activists distributed handbills and flyers to commuters and from door to door.
Potentials voters said they hoped for a peaceful election.
"I’ll be voting and I’ve already made up my mind. It’s a matter of continuity for me," trader Gloria Tsotso Afoley, a mother of three, told AFP.
Student Abigail Lomotey told AFP "we need change. Absolutely change. Corruption has been rife over the past four years."
But 70-year-old retired Group Captain Francis Mensah said he would not vote because he could not "trust politicians anymore."
- Corruption issue -
A key exporter of cocoa, oil and gold, Ghana saw its economy severely hit by the pandemic.
Growth in the nation of 30 million people is expected to fall to 0.9 percent in 2020, the lowest in 30 years, according to the IMF, and a steep decline from 6.5 percent expansion in 2019.
Before Covid-19, the economy had already struggled with debt servicing, a weak currency and rising inflation.
Akufo-Addo has been given high marks for his handling of the pandemic and his record on education and on providing access to electricity.
But the 76-year-old has disappointed some in his performance on tackling graft -- the key issue on which he was elected four years ago.
Despite this, corruption is a difficult issue for Mahama, 62, to latch onto, as he himself left office under a cloud of sleaze allegations.
Mahama has also been criticised for poor economic decisions and racking up unsustainable debts.
But the skilled communicator has brushed aside the criticism, making ambitious promises to build infrastructure and modernise the country.
Another bold move by Mahama was picking former education minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate, the first woman on the ticket of a major party.
Akufo-Addo, as expected, opted for continuity, with current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as running mate.
Results of the vote could be announced within 24 hours after the polls close.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Global virus cases top 65 million as nations plan for vaccine

France announced that its vaccinations will be free and begin in January for one million elderly in retirement homes Global coronavirus infections passed 65 million on Friday and countries doubled down on restrictions , even as plans to roll out vaccines gathered pace .
Joe Biden said he would ask Americans to wear masks for 100 days when he takes over as president of the United States , the world 's worst-hit country from a pandemic that has now killed more than 1.5 million people across the planet .
`` I 'm going to ask the public for 100 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask -- not forever , '' Biden told CNN on Thursday .
The US is among the countries posting all-time highs in daily deaths this week along with Italy , which is undergoing a dramatic resurgence after it largely tamped down its earlier outbreak by enforcing a strict lockdown in the spring .
The alarming spikes come after more positive news on vaccine development , with US-based Moderna announcing its candidate drug confers immunity for at least three months .
To build trust in vaccines after they are approved , 78-year-old Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public -- following up on similar commitments from former US presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton .
Biden also used the CNN interview to say he had asked the government 's top infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci to join his Covid team and serve as a chief medical adviser .
But in a sign of the difficult work ahead , California announced new statewide bans on gatherings and non-essential activities , as hospitals in the nation 's most populous state face being overwhelmed .
The pandemic is showing little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global death toll in recent weeks reaching its highest rate since the virus emerged in China late last year .
However , the rapid development of several vaccines has provided respite from the dismal cycle of lockdowns and surging cases .
Britain on Wednesday became the first Western country to approve a vaccine for general use , piling pressure on other countries to swiftly follow suit .
But Fauci said Britain had rushed its approval process .
`` In all fairness to so many of my UK friends , you know , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the marathon and joined it in the last mile , '' he told CBS , although he later said he had not meant to imply `` any sloppiness '' .
Britain 's regulator hit back on Friday , saying : `` No vaccine would be authorised for supply in the UK unless the expected standards of safety , quality and efficacy are met . ''
Other nations are also moving ahead with plans to roll out the vaccines .
Belgium and France have said jabs would begin in January for the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones to focusing on vaccines .
IBM said on Thursday that hackers had targeted companies involved in the effort to distribute doses around the world .
The firm said it was not sure if the cyberattacks had been successful or who was behind them , but the precision of the operation had `` the potential hallmarks of nation-state tradecraft '' .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that even if vaccines were quickly approved , the world would still be fighting the pandemic 's aftershocks .
`` Let 's not fool ourselves .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch across years , even decades to come , '' Guterres said while opening a special UN summit on the virus .
The worlds of sport and culture are still grappling with the pandemic 's society-altering effects .
On Thursday , Warner Bros. studio said it would release its entire 2021 schedule of movies on HBO Max streaming and in theatres simultaneously -- a paradigm shift for the cinema industry .
And the organisers of the Tokyo Olympics , which will take place one year later than planned , said Friday the postponement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a further $ 2.4 billion .
But some English football supporters were given a reminder of pre-pandemic days as Arsenal welcomed a crowd of 2,000 for Thursday 's Europa League win over Rapid Vienna .
`` It 's just great to have that sound back and have our 12th man back , '' said Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Global coronavirus infections passed 65 million on Friday and countries doubled down on restrictions, even as plans to roll out vaccines gathered pace.
Joe Biden said he would ask Americans to wear masks for 100 days when he takes over as president of the United States, the world's worst-hit country from a pandemic that has now killed more than 1.5 million people across the planet.
"I'm going to ask the public for 100 days to mask. Just 100 days to mask -- not forever," Biden told CNN on Thursday.
The US is among the countries posting all-time highs in daily deaths this week along with Italy, which is undergoing a dramatic resurgence after it largely tamped down its earlier outbreak by enforcing a strict lockdown in the spring.
The alarming spikes come after more positive news on vaccine development, with US-based Moderna announcing its candidate drug confers immunity for at least three months.
To build trust in vaccines after they are approved, 78-year-old Biden said he was willing to be vaccinated in public -- following up on similar commitments from former US presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Biden also used the CNN interview to say he had asked the government's top infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci to join his Covid team and serve as a chief medical adviser.
But in a sign of the difficult work ahead, California announced new statewide bans on gatherings and non-essential activities, as hospitals in the nation's most populous state face being overwhelmed.
- Vaxx hack -
The pandemic is showing little sign of slowing, with the daily global death toll in recent weeks reaching its highest rate since the virus emerged in China late last year.
However, the rapid development of several vaccines has provided respite from the dismal cycle of lockdowns and surging cases.
Britain on Wednesday became the first Western country to approve a vaccine for general use, piling pressure on other countries to swiftly follow suit.
But Fauci said Britain had rushed its approval process.
"In all fairness to so many of my UK friends, you know, they kind of ran around the corner of the marathon and joined it in the last mile," he told CBS, although he later said he had not meant to imply "any sloppiness".
Britain's regulator hit back on Friday, saying: "No vaccine would be authorised for supply in the UK unless the expected standards of safety, quality and efficacy are met."
Other nations are also moving ahead with plans to roll out the vaccines. Belgium and France have said jabs would begin in January for the most vulnerable.
But officials were not the only ones to focusing on vaccines.
IBM said on Thursday that hackers had targeted companies involved in the effort to distribute doses around the world.
The firm said it was not sure if the cyberattacks had been successful or who was behind them, but the precision of the operation had "the potential hallmarks of nation-state tradecraft".
- '12th man back' -
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that even if vaccines were quickly approved, the world would still be fighting the pandemic's aftershocks.
"Let's not fool ourselves. A vaccine cannot undo damage that will stretch across years, even decades to come," Guterres said while opening a special UN summit on the virus.
The worlds of sport and culture are still grappling with the pandemic's society-altering effects.
On Thursday, Warner Bros. studio said it would release its entire 2021 schedule of movies on HBO Max streaming and in theatres simultaneously -- a paradigm shift for the cinema industry.
And the organisers of the Tokyo Olympics, which will take place one year later than planned, said Friday the postponement would inflate its already bloated budget by a further $2.4 billion.
But some English football supporters were given a reminder of pre-pandemic days as Arsenal welcomed a crowd of 2,000 for Thursday's Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.
"It's just great to have that sound back and have our 12th man back," said Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
burs-jxb/txw
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--UN says rights situation in Belarus deteriorating

Belarus has been gripped by massive protests that erupted after Alexander Lukashenko , 66 , secured a sixth term as president in an August election The human rights situation in crisis-wracked Belarus is deteriorating , the UN rights chief said Friday , highlighting mass arrests , including of journalists , and numerous allegations of torture .
Michelle Bachelet said there were no signs of improvements in Belarus since an urgent debate before the UN Human Rights Council on the situation there several months ago .
`` On the contrary , recent weeks have seen continued deterioration , particularly with respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she told the council , pointing out that hundreds of demonstrators continued to be arrested each week .
Belarus has been gripped by massive protests that erupted after Alexander Lukashenko , 66 , secured a sixth term as president of the ex-Soviet republic in an August election .
The opposition charges that the election was rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls .
Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody .
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said there were `` multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres , '' warning that such incidents could amount to torture .
She also voiced alarm over the `` numerous allegations of torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment in custody , '' pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the council , Belarus ambassador Yuri Ambrazevich rejected the statements of concern , saying they were `` promoting unconfirmed facts '' .
This , he said , was basically `` fake news , used by instigators of the protests to fan hysteria '' .
He also hinted that the council was being hypocritical for focusing on the situation in Belarus while `` real wars , internal conflicts and humanitarian catastrophes '' were raging .
When it came to police brutality , he maintained the situation was far worse in other countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Germany .
He also highlighted Poland , where he said `` police brutality suppresses protests against the barbaric attempt to impose on society approaches to family planning that smacks of the Middle Ages '' .
Most of the diplomats at the session echoed Bachelet 's concerns .
Speaking on behalf of 42 mostly European countries , British ambassador Julian Braithwaite pointed to the `` targeting , harassment and detention of journalists and media workers '' .
`` We are deeply concerned by the excessive use of force by the authorities against journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment , '' he said .
According to the UN rights office , 373 journalists are among those arrested since August , including six who remain in detention .
Belarus was not without its backers , however , with countries including Russia , Iran , Cuba and Venezuela coming to its defence .
Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov said there was police violence in several other countries , including France and the United States .
`` The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that @ @ @ @ @

Geneva (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
The human rights situation in crisis-wracked Belarus is deteriorating, the UN rights chief said Friday, highlighting mass arrests, including of journalists, and numerous allegations of torture.
Michelle Bachelet said there were no signs of improvements in Belarus since an urgent debate before the UN Human Rights Council on the situation there several months ago.
"On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council, pointing out that hundreds of demonstrators continued to be arrested each week.
Belarus has been gripped by massive protests that erupted after Alexander Lukashenko, 66, secured a sixth term as president of the ex-Soviet republic in an August election.
The opposition charges that the election was rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls.
Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the vote.
Children and senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody.
- 'Fake news' -
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said there were "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture.
She also voiced alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October.
Speaking via video link to the council, Belarus ambassador Yuri Ambrazevich rejected the statements of concern, saying they were "promoting unconfirmed facts".
This, he said, was basically "fake news, used by instigators of the protests to fan hysteria".
He also hinted that the council was being hypocritical for focusing on the situation in Belarus while "real wars, internal conflicts and humanitarian catastrophes" were raging.
When it came to police brutality, he maintained the situation was far worse in other countries, pointing to police treatment of anti-mask demonstrators in Germany.
He also highlighted Poland, where he said "police brutality suppresses protests against the barbaric attempt to impose on society approaches to family planning that smacks of the Middle Ages".
Most of the diplomats at the session echoed Bachelet's concerns.
Speaking on behalf of 42 mostly European countries, British ambassador Julian Braithwaite pointed to the "targeting, harassment and detention of journalists and media workers".
"We are deeply concerned by the excessive use of force by the authorities against journalists, including reports of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," he said.
According to the UN rights office, 373 journalists are among those arrested since August, including six who remain in detention.
Belarus was not without its backers, however, with countries including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela coming to its defence.
Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov said there was police violence in several other countries, including France and the United States.
"The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Cyprus hopes to roll out Covid vaccine by year-end

A file picture shows people getting free Covid-19 tests in the Cyprus capital Nicosia on November 18 , 2020 Cyprus expects its first deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines before the end of the year as part of the rollout across Europe once the drugs are approved , officials said Friday .
Zoi Dorothea Pana , a member of the government 's coronavirus task force , said two manufacturers -- AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech -- had pledged to start supplying countries with their vaccines in December .
If all goes according to plan , Cyprus will get 119,024 doses from AstraZeneca and 48,955 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In total , Cyprus has ordered around 1.8 million doses from AstraZeneca , Pfizer/BioNTech and Janssen , with each vaccine requiring two shots for immunity .
Cyprus expects to receive 1,192,043 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from December through to the second quarter of 2022 .
Delivery of 391,637 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is expected this month , and this would continue until the third quarter of 2021 .
Another 200,000 doses are expected from Janssen from the second quarter of next year .
Once the rollout starts , those given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital staff plus high-risk vulnerable groups with serious illness .
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou has said Covid-19 vaccines would not be obligatory .
Cyprus , a member of the European Union , takes part in all four agreements signed by the European Commission with the vaccine companies .
Once the European Medicines Agency approve a vaccine it needs confirmation from the European Commission before distribution can begin .
A deal for the Moderna vaccine has yet to be completed .
Cyprus on Thursday approved a new four-tier safe travel list in place of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Under the new regime that is to take effect from March 1 , arrivals who can prove they are vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer need to present a negative PCR test upon arrival .
Other travellers will have to meet the requirements for their country of origin .
The scheme is based on country risk assessments by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
It includes a green tier that allows free entry to the island for people arriving from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier countries with a higher risk will have to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of travelling .
Those from red tier countries will be allowed to enter Cyprus if they carry a negative PCR test and undergo another test upon arrival at the airport .
They will not have to self-isolate .
A final , grey category is for people who are not Cypriot citizens or residents who require special permission to enter from high risk countries .
They will be required to present a negative PCR test taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into quarantine after arriving .

Nicosia (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Cyprus expects its first deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines before the end of the year as part of the rollout across Europe once the drugs are approved, officials said Friday.
Zoi Dorothea Pana, a member of the government's coronavirus task force, said two manufacturers -- AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech -- had pledged to start supplying countries with their vaccines in December.
If all goes according to plan, Cyprus will get 119,024 doses from AstraZeneca and 48,955 from Pfizer/BioNTech, according to government advisers.
In total, Cyprus has ordered around 1.8 million doses from AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Janssen, with each vaccine requiring two shots for immunity.
Cyprus expects to receive 1,192,043 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from December through to the second quarter of 2022.
Delivery of 391,637 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is expected this month, and this would continue until the third quarter of 2021.
Another 200,000 doses are expected from Janssen from the second quarter of next year.
Once the rollout starts, those given priority will be front line workers like hospital staff plus high-risk vulnerable groups with serious illness.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou has said Covid-19 vaccines would not be obligatory.
Cyprus, a member of the European Union, takes part in all four agreements signed by the European Commission with the vaccine companies.
- Safe travel scheme -
Once the European Medicines Agency approve a vaccine it needs confirmation from the European Commission before distribution can begin.
A deal for the Moderna vaccine has yet to be completed.
Cyprus on Thursday approved a new four-tier safe travel list in place of a three-category system to revive tourism, which has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the new regime that is to take effect from March 1, arrivals who can prove they are vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer need to present a negative PCR test upon arrival.
Other travellers will have to meet the requirements for their country of origin.
The scheme is based on country risk assessments by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
It includes a green tier that allows free entry to the island for people arriving from low-risk countries.
Passengers arriving from orange tier countries with a higher risk will have to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of travelling.
Those from red tier countries will be allowed to enter Cyprus if they carry a negative PCR test and undergo another test upon arrival at the airport. They will not have to self-isolate.
A final, grey category is for people who are not Cypriot citizens or residents who require special permission to enter from high risk countries.
They will be required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure and go into quarantine after arriving.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Man United to install seats for 'safe standing' at Old Trafford

Manchester United are to trial safe standing at Old Trafford Manchester United are to install 1,500 barrier seats early next year as they prepare to trial `` safe standing '' at Old Trafford .
Fans can finally return to Premier League matches in some parts of England this weekend after coronavirus restrictions were eased .
But United have been pressing ahead with plans to create a section of seating that allows fans to stand against barriers .
Following recommendations on stadium safety made after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster , all-seater venues have been mandatory in the top tiers of English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there has been a renewed push in recent years for safe standing to be brought in , with United following fellow Premier League clubs Tottenham and Wolves by installing barrier seating at their ground .
Managing director Richard Arnold said in April that United 's `` belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where -- as with other clubs -- we have seen examples of persistent standing '' .
Local government officials approved the plans to trial 1,500 barrier seats earlier this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 2021 .
Jim Liggett , operations director at United , told a fans ' forum : `` We now have confirmation from the SGSA ( Sports Grounds Safety Authority ) that we can make arrangements to install circa 1,500 seats with barriers in the J Stand area , as part of the proposed trial .
`` Due to the ongoing impact of Covid and the fact that we are playing matches behind closed doors , the work to install the seats with barriers will commence early in the New Year . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no update as to when the government would `` take forward its manifesto commitment to introduce safe standing '' .
United are not currently allowed fans in the stadium as Manchester has been put in the tier 3 category .
Old Trafford last hosted supporters in the 2-0 Premier League derby win against Manchester City on March 8 .

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Manchester United are to install 1,500 barrier seats early next year as they prepare to trial "safe standing" at Old Trafford.
Fans can finally return to Premier League matches in some parts of England this weekend after coronavirus restrictions were eased.
But United have been pressing ahead with plans to create a section of seating that allows fans to stand against barriers.
Following recommendations on stadium safety made after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, all-seater venues have been mandatory in the top tiers of English football since the 1994/95 season.
But there has been a renewed push in recent years for safe standing to be brought in, with United following fellow Premier League clubs Tottenham and Wolves by installing barrier seating at their ground.
Managing director Richard Arnold said in April that United's "belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where -- as with other clubs -- we have seen examples of persistent standing".
Local government officials approved the plans to trial 1,500 barrier seats earlier this year and installation is due to start in early 2021.
Jim Liggett, operations director at United, told a fans' forum: "We now have confirmation from the SGSA (Sports Grounds Safety Authority) that we can make arrangements to install circa 1,500 seats with barriers in the J Stand area, as part of the proposed trial.
"Due to the ongoing impact of Covid and the fact that we are playing matches behind closed doors, the work to install the seats with barriers will commence early in the New Year."
But he added that there had been no update as to when the government would "take forward its manifesto commitment to introduce safe standing".
United are not currently allowed fans in the stadium as Manchester has been put in the tier 3 category. Old Trafford last hosted supporters in the 2-0 Premier League derby win against Manchester City on March 8.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Denmark to end North Sea oil and gas production by 2050

Denmark 's decision to end oil and gas production by 2050 means a tender for exploration in the North Seas will be cancelled Denmark , the EU 's biggest oil producer post-Brexit , said Friday it will halt all North Sea oil and gas production and exploration by 2050 in line with its bid to become an energy transition role model .
Following an agreement reached between the Social Democratic government and a majority in parliament , `` Denmark becomes the biggest oil and gas producer to set a date for a definitive end '' to oil production , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Denmark produces far less oil than neighbouring Norway , which produces around 1.4 million barrels per day , and the UK with around one million per day , since Britain 's exit from the EU it has become the bloc 's largest producer with around 100,000 barrels per day , according to oil giant BP 's annual figures .
The decision means an eighth tender offer for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea will now be cancelled .
Danish oil production , which began in 1972 , has been on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been halved in the past decade .
Its gas production has also become minimal , at 3.2 billion cubic metres last year .
`` We are now putting an end to the fossil fuels era and tying our North Sea activities to the 2050 climate neutral goal outlined in our climate law , '' Energy Minister Dan Jorgensen said .
The Nordic country , which aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent within 10 years , aims to `` use the decision as a starting point to take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive elimination of oil and gas '' as an energy source , the ministry said .
The decision was hailed by environmental organisations .
`` Denmark has a moral obligation to end the search for new oil to send a clear signal that the world can and must act to meet the Paris Agreement and mitigate the climate crisis , '' Greenpeace Denmark said in a statement to AFP .
Denmark 's oil fields are located about 150 kilometres ( 95 miles ) off its west coast , near its maritime borders with @ @ @ @

Copenhagen (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Denmark, the EU's biggest oil producer post-Brexit, said Friday it will halt all North Sea oil and gas production and exploration by 2050 in line with its bid to become an energy transition role model.
Following an agreement reached between the Social Democratic government and a majority in parliament, "Denmark becomes the biggest oil and gas producer to set a date for a definitive end" to oil production, the energy ministry said in a statement.
While Denmark produces far less oil than neighbouring Norway, which produces around 1.4 million barrels per day, and the UK with around one million per day, since Britain's exit from the EU it has become the bloc's largest producer with around 100,000 barrels per day, according to oil giant BP's annual figures.
The decision means an eighth tender offer for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea will now be cancelled.
Danish oil production, which began in 1972, has been on the decline for several years, and has been halved in the past decade.
Its gas production has also become minimal, at 3.2 billion cubic metres last year.
"We are now putting an end to the fossil fuels era and tying our North Sea activities to the 2050 climate neutral goal outlined in our climate law," Energy Minister Dan Jorgensen said.
The Nordic country, which aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent within 10 years, aims to "use the decision as a starting point to take on the role as world leader in the progressive elimination of oil and gas" as an energy source, the ministry said.
The decision was hailed by environmental organisations.
"Denmark has a moral obligation to end the search for new oil to send a clear signal that the world can and must act to meet the Paris Agreement and mitigate the climate crisis," Greenpeace Denmark said in a statement to AFP.
Denmark's oil fields are located about 150 kilometres (95 miles) off its west coast, near its maritime borders with Britain and Norway.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Hezbollah files lawsuits over Beirut blast claims

The August 4 explosion of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser at the Beirut port killed more than 200 people , wounded thousands and ravaged parts of the city Lebanon 's Hezbollah said Friday it had filed slander lawsuits against an ex-parliamentarian and a political party who allegedly claimed the Shiite movement was responsible for the Beirut port blast .
The explosion of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser at the Beirut port on August 4 was Lebanon 's worst peace-time disaster .
It killed more than 200 people , wounded at least 6,500 others and ravaged large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched a probe into the disaster , but no conclusions on responsiblity have yet been reached .
Accusations have swirled , however , in some media and on social networks alleging Hezbollah had considerable control over port activities , or was making use of the highly-explosive fertiliser .
`` The accusations directed at Hezbollah over the port blast are false and constitute a real injustice , '' Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi said .
The movement has filed lawsuits against former independent parliamentarian Fares Souaid and the website of the Christian Lebanese Forces party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to reporters outside the judicial court in Beirut , the Hezbollah MP said the Shiite movement would file more lawsuits in the future .
`` We have assigned a group of lawyers to file lawsuits with the judiciary to pursue all those who have practised deception , falsification , slander and false accusations , '' he said .
Souaid and the Lebanese Forces are both opposed to Iran-backed Hezbollah , the only side not to have disarmed armed after the 1975-1990 civil war .
Hezbollah is labelled a `` terrorist '' group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also the most powerful player in Lebanese politics and holds seats in parliament .
Lebanon 's government resigned after the August explosion but remains in a caretaker capacity , while talks on forming a new one have hit a wall .
A investigation into the blast launched by Lebanese authorities has led to the arrest of 25 people , including top port and customs officials .
Lebanon is mired in its worst economic crisis in decades , increasing the poverty rate to more than half the population .

Beirut (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Lebanon's Hezbollah said Friday it had filed slander lawsuits against an ex-parliamentarian and a political party who allegedly claimed the Shiite movement was responsible for the Beirut port blast.
The explosion of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser at the Beirut port on August 4 was Lebanon's worst peace-time disaster.
It killed more than 200 people, wounded at least 6,500 others and ravaged large swathes of the capital.
Lebanon has launched a probe into the disaster, but no conclusions on responsiblity have yet been reached.
Accusations have swirled, however, in some media and on social networks alleging Hezbollah had considerable control over port activities, or was making use of the highly-explosive fertiliser.
"The accusations directed at Hezbollah over the port blast are false and constitute a real injustice," Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi said.
The movement has filed lawsuits against former independent parliamentarian Fares Souaid and the website of the Christian Lebanese Forces party over such allegations, he said.
Speaking to reporters outside the judicial court in Beirut, the Hezbollah MP said the Shiite movement would file more lawsuits in the future.
"We have assigned a group of lawyers to file lawsuits with the judiciary to pursue all those who have practised deception, falsification, slander and false accusations," he said.
Souaid and the Lebanese Forces are both opposed to Iran-backed Hezbollah, the only side not to have disarmed armed after the 1975-1990 civil war.
Hezbollah is labelled a "terrorist" group by several Western nations.
But it is also the most powerful player in Lebanese politics and holds seats in parliament.
Lebanon's government resigned after the August explosion but remains in a caretaker capacity, while talks on forming a new one have hit a wall.
A investigation into the blast launched by Lebanese authorities has led to the arrest of 25 people, including top port and customs officials.
Lebanon is mired in its worst economic crisis in decades, increasing the poverty rate to more than half the population.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Under-fire Zidane asks Madrid players to stand up and be counted

' I have the strength needed , ' said Zinedine Zidane as slumping Real Madrid prepared to face Sevilla Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane takes his side to Sevilla this weekend after insisting he has no intention of resigning despite a disastrous recent run .
Madrid have won just once in La Liga since October and crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday , meaning they must beat Borussia Moenchengladbach next week to advance from the group stage .
In La Liga , Real have drawn with in-form Villarreal , were edged out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valencia since their last league victory , leaving the champions in fourth place , seven points off leaders Real Sociedad .
`` I have the strength needed to turn the situation around and I am going to give everything to do that , so are the players , '' Zidane said after the loss in Ukraine .
`` We have to lift ourselves up and think about the next match .
We 're on a bad run , there 's nothing else to do other than think about the next match and move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to show character , '' he added .
Spanish press reports have linked former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Madrid forward Raul forward to the Frenchman 's job .
According to AS , Real 's captain Sergio Ramos called a squad meeting this week , exhorting his team-mates to give `` an extra push until the end of the year . ''
`` This is Real Madrid , gentlemen .
Together , we 've come out of worse , '' Ramos reportedly said ahead of the trip to the Ramon Sanchez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six of their last eight visits .
Saturday 's hosts went unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight throughout November , hitting form after a sluggish start to the season under former Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui .
Spain playmaker Suso is set to return for the Europa League champions after being sidelined for six weeks with a muscle injury .
The Atletico Madrid attacker is on the verge of already equalling his goal tally for last season , when he hit nine , finally showing justifying his 126 million euros fee .
The price tag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second most expensive teenager in history , behind only what Paris Saint-Germain paid for Kylian Mbappe .
In his first season at Atletico , Felix appeared to feel the burden of the transfer fee and his progress was also hampered by missing 13 games through injury .
On Saturday , Atletico host 17th-place Real Valladolid and a win could send them top temporarily with Sociedad heading to Alaves a day later .

Madrid (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane takes his side to Sevilla this weekend after insisting he has no intention of resigning despite a disastrous recent run.
Madrid have won just once in La Liga since October and crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, meaning they must beat Borussia Moenchengladbach next week to advance from the group stage.
In La Liga, Real have drawn with in-form Villarreal, were edged out at lowly Alaves and were hammered at Valencia since their last league victory, leaving the champions in fourth place, seven points off leaders Real Sociedad.
"I have the strength needed to turn the situation around and I am going to give everything to do that, so are the players," Zidane said after the loss in Ukraine.
"We have to lift ourselves up and think about the next match. We're on a bad run, there's nothing else to do other than think about the next match and move on.
"In difficult moments, you have to show character," he added.
Spanish press reports have linked former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Madrid forward Raul forward to the Frenchman's job.
According to AS, Real's captain Sergio Ramos called a squad meeting this week, exhorting his team-mates to give "an extra push until the end of the year."
"This is Real Madrid, gentlemen. Together, we've come out of worse," Ramos reportedly said ahead of the trip to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium where they have lost on six of their last eight visits.
Saturday's hosts went unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight throughout November, hitting form after a sluggish start to the season under former Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.
Spain playmaker Suso is set to return for the Europa League champions after being sidelined for six weeks with a muscle injury.
Player to watch: Joao Felix
The Atletico Madrid attacker is on the verge of already equalling his goal tally for last season, when he hit nine, finally showing justifying his 126 million euros fee.
The price tag for his move from Benfica made him the second most expensive teenager in history, behind only what Paris Saint-Germain paid for Kylian Mbappe. In his first season at Atletico, Felix appeared to feel the burden of the transfer fee and his progress was also hampered by missing 13 games through injury.
On Saturday, Atletico host 17th-place Real Valladolid and a win could send them top temporarily with Sociedad heading to Alaves a day later.
Fixtures
Friday (all times GMT)
Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (2000)
Saturday
Levante v Getafe (1300), Sevilla v Real Madrid (1515), Atletico Madrid v Real Valladolid (1730), Cadiz v Barcelona (2000)
Sunday
Granada v Huesca (1300), Osasuna v Real Betis (1515), Villarreal v Elche (1730), Deportivo Alaves v Real Sociedad (2000)
Monday
Eibar v Valencia (2000)
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--India summons Canada envoy after Trudeau backs protests

Farmers hold placards and shout slogans during a protest at the Delhi-Haryana state border India on Friday summoned Canada 's ambassador and warned of serious damage to diplomatic ties after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on growing protests by farmers , authorities said .
Tens of thousands of Indian farmers have been trying for more than a week to encircle the capital New Delhi in protest at new laws on farm produce trading .
There have been clashes with police and Trudeau released a Twitter video this week calling the events `` concerning '' and saying farmers should be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are led by farmers from Punjab , an Indian state which accounts for many migrants in Canada .
The Indian foreign ministry said it had summoned Canada 's top diplomat for a warning over `` unacceptable interference '' in India 's internal matters .
`` Such actions , if continued , would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada , '' said a statement .
The ministry said `` ill-informed '' comments by Trudeau and other Canadian politicians had encouraged `` extremist '' gatherings in front of Indian missions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimise extremist activism . ''
The Indian government has passed reforms which enable farmers to sell produce anywhere in India and avoid state-run markets .
Farming still dominates the Indian economy and forms a powerful political bloc but it has been in crisis for many years .
Thousands of small farmers have committed suicide in recent years , blaming their debts .
Two entry points into New Delhi are now being guarded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to protest inside the capital .
Talks between ministers and protesters have hit a stalemate and media reported that on Thursday farm leaders refused to eat or drink anything offered by the government during negotiations .

New Delhi (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
India on Friday summoned Canada's ambassador and warned of serious damage to diplomatic ties after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on growing protests by farmers, authorities said.
Tens of thousands of Indian farmers have been trying for more than a week to encircle the capital New Delhi in protest at new laws on farm produce trading.
There have been clashes with police and Trudeau released a Twitter video this week calling the events "concerning" and saying farmers should be allowed to stage peaceful protests.
The protests are led by farmers from Punjab, an Indian state which accounts for many migrants in Canada.
The Indian foreign ministry said it had summoned Canada's top diplomat for a warning over "unacceptable interference" in India's internal matters.
"Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada," said a statement.
The ministry said "ill-informed" comments by Trudeau and other Canadian politicians had encouraged "extremist" gatherings in front of Indian missions in Canada.
"We expect the Canadian government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimise extremist activism."
The Indian government has passed reforms which enable farmers to sell produce anywhere in India and avoid state-run markets.
Farming still dominates the Indian economy and forms a powerful political bloc but it has been in crisis for many years. Thousands of small farmers have committed suicide in recent years, blaming their debts.
Two entry points into New Delhi are now being guarded by heavily armed security forces against farmers who want to protest inside the capital.
Talks between ministers and protesters have hit a stalemate and media reported that on Thursday farm leaders refused to eat or drink anything offered by the government during negotiations.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--UK insists can achieve 68 percent emissions cut by 2030

Britain is picking up the pace as it aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 Britain insisted Friday it can meet a new commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than two-thirds this decade compared to 1990 levels , the fastest reduction target of any major economy .
The government announced the aim late Thursday to reduce UK emissions by at least 68 percent by 2030 , as part of legally-binding plans for the country to become carbon neutral by 2050 .
It comes as Britain prepares to co-host a December 12 Climate Ambition Summit and stage COP26 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Glasgow next November .
`` We can do green growth , '' Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma told BBC radio Friday , claiming the UK economy had grown 75 percent over the last three decades while emissions had been nearly halved .
Prime Minister Johnson last month unveiled plans for `` a green industrial revolution '' to achieve the goal , which he has boasted will also create and support 250,000 jobs .
It includes banning sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles , quadrupling offshore wind power and scaling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COP26 president , added in a statement that the new 2030 target `` reflects the urgency and scale of the challenge our planet faces '' .
`` I hope other countries join us and raise the bar at next week 's UN Climate Ambition Summit , and ahead of the COP26 , '' he said .
In a video message on Twitter , Johnson acknowledged reaching the goal `` wo n't be easy '' but said that it would `` set us on course to hit net zero by 2050 '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders not only to match our ambition but to set out exactly how they plan to do so , '' he added .
The 2015 Paris climate accord commits signatories to take action to limit temperature rises to `` well below '' 2.0 Celsius above pre-industrial levels and try to limit them to 1.5C .
Each signatory submitted plans committing to cut their greenhouse gas emissions , known as their Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC ) .
Britain 's new 2030 target is its first NDC projection as an independent country since leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When it was part of the EU , Brussels ' NDC for the entire bloc was to reduce emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030 , although London set its sights on a 53-percent cut while still a member .
The main opposition Labour party said there is `` a yawning gap '' between the Johnson government 's aspirations and its policies to deliver them .
`` The government did n't have the policies to meet their previous target and the chasm will be even greater now , '' said Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman .
A watchdog report released Friday backed up Labour 's criticism , noting government departments were `` yet to put in place all the essential components '' to meet the challenge .
`` Government also needs to spearhead a concerted national effort to achieve the ambitious outcome of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 , '' the National Audit Office said .
Environmental campaigners also gave the 2030 aim a mixed reception , while several business groups in Britain endorsed it .
`` This is important progress but not sufficient , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Climate Coalition , an umbrella group of more than 140 organisations urging action against global warming .
`` A more ambitious cut is both feasible and necessary to keep us safe and reflect our massive historic carbon emissions , '' he added .
But Roy Bedlow , head of renewable investor Low Carbon , called the decarbonisation target `` ambitious but achievable '' .
`` The UK is a world-leader in delivering renewable energy projects at scale and we have now have legally binding targets to match , '' he said .

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Britain insisted Friday it can meet a new commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than two-thirds this decade compared to 1990 levels, the fastest reduction target of any major economy.
The government announced the aim late Thursday to reduce UK emissions by at least 68 percent by 2030, as part of legally-binding plans for the country to become carbon neutral by 2050.
It comes as Britain prepares to co-host a December 12 Climate Ambition Summit and stage COP26, the annual United Nations annual climate gathering, in Glasgow next November.
"We can do green growth," Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma told BBC radio Friday, claiming the UK economy had grown 75 percent over the last three decades while emissions had been nearly halved.
Prime Minister Johnson last month unveiled plans for "a green industrial revolution" to achieve the goal, which he has boasted will also create and support 250,000 jobs.
It includes banning sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles, quadrupling offshore wind power and scaling up hydrogen production capacity.
Sharma, the COP26 president, added in a statement that the new 2030 target "reflects the urgency and scale of the challenge our planet faces".
"I hope other countries join us and raise the bar at next week's UN Climate Ambition Summit, and ahead of the COP26," he said.
In a video message on Twitter, Johnson acknowledged reaching the goal "won't be easy" but said that it would "set us on course to hit net zero by 2050".
"We're going to challenge world leaders not only to match our ambition but to set out exactly how they plan to do so," he added.
- 'Not sufficient' -
The 2015 Paris climate accord commits signatories to take action to limit temperature rises to "well below" 2.0 Celsius above pre-industrial levels and try to limit them to 1.5C.
Each signatory submitted plans committing to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, known as their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Britain's new 2030 target is its first NDC projection as an independent country since leaving the European Union in January this year.
When it was part of the EU, Brussels' NDC for the entire bloc was to reduce emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030, although London set its sights on a 53-percent cut while still a member.
The main opposition Labour party said there is "a yawning gap" between the Johnson government's aspirations and its policies to deliver them.
"The government didn't have the policies to meet their previous target and the chasm will be even greater now," said Ed Miliband, Labour's business and energy spokesman.
A watchdog report released Friday backed up Labour's criticism, noting government departments were "yet to put in place all the essential components" to meet the challenge.
"Government also needs to spearhead a concerted national effort to achieve the ambitious outcome of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050," the National Audit Office said.
Environmental campaigners also gave the 2030 aim a mixed reception, while several business groups in Britain endorsed it.
"This is important progress but not sufficient," said Ed Matthew, of The Climate Coalition, an umbrella group of more than 140 organisations urging action against global warming.
"A more ambitious cut is both feasible and necessary to keep us safe and reflect our massive historic carbon emissions," he added.
But Roy Bedlow, head of renewable investor Low Carbon, called the decarbonisation target "ambitious but achievable".
"The UK is a world-leader in delivering renewable energy projects at scale and we have now have legally binding targets to match," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Raka returns in France's six changes for Autumn Nations Cup final

Clermont 's Aliverti Raka made the first of four Test appearances against Scotland in August 2019 Winger Alivereti Raka is @ @ @ @ @ head coach Fabien Galthie on Friday for this weekend 's Autumn Nations Cup final with @ @ @ @ @ 25 , who made his previous Test appearance at last year 's Rugby World Cup @ @ @ @ @ the French federation and the Top 14 league .
French squad members are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ sheets across the six matches during the autumnal campaign with Raka replacing Teddy Thomas on @ @ @ @ @ 's match at Twickenham .
Elsewhere , Bordeaux-Begles 20-year-old Yoram Moefana will make his first @ @ @ @ @ 's place at outside centre .
Toulouse No .
8 Selevasio Tolofua comes in for @ @ @ @ @ is altered while 23-year-old Baptiste Couilloud takes over the captaincy from fellow scrum-half Baptiste Serin @ @ @ @ @ Bayonne lock Guillaume Ducat is set to make his senior bow and half-back Sebastien Bezy @ @ @ @ @ for the first time since June 2016 .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Winger Alivereti Raka is among six changes named by head coach Fabien Galthie on Friday for this weekend's Autumn Nations Cup final with England.
Fijian-born Raka, 25, who made his previous Test appearance at last year's Rugby World Cup benefits from an agreement between the French federation and the Top 14 league.
French squad members are allowed to feature on just three team sheets across the six matches during the autumnal campaign with Raka replacing Teddy Thomas on the right flank for Sunday's match at Twickenham.
Elsewhere, Bordeaux-Begles 20-year-old Yoram Moefana will make his first international start taking Jean-Pascal Barraque's place at outside centre.
Toulouse No. 8 Selevasio Tolofua comes in for Sekou Macalou as the back-row is altered while 23-year-old Baptiste Couilloud takes over the captaincy from fellow scrum-half Baptiste Serin.
On the bench, Bayonne lock Guillaume Ducat is set to make his senior bow and half-back Sebastien Bezy could feature for his country for the first time since June 2016.
France team to face England (15-1)
Brice Dulin, Alivereti Raka, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere; Matthieu Jalibert, Baptiste Couilloud (capt); Selevasio Tolofua, Anthony Jelonch, Cameron Woki, Baptiste Pesenti, Killian Geraci, Dorian Aldegheri, Pierre Bourgarit, Hassane Kolingar
Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Rodrigue Neti, Uini Atonio, Guillaume Ducat, Sekou Macalou, Sebastien Bezy, Louis Carbonel, Jean Pascal Barraque
© 2020 AFP