france24--2020-10-11--Lakers' Green received death threats after NBA Finals miss

Los Angeles guard Danny Green said he was n't fazed to receive death threats on social media after missing a late three-pointer in the Lakers ' game-five loss to Miami in the NBA Finals .
Green said he and fiancee Blair Bashen , a former collegiate volleyball player , had both received threats after the Lakers were unable to clinch a title on Friday .
`` I had to ask , 'Are you getting death threats ? '
And she said , 'Yeah , you are too , ' and I was like , I do n't know , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , '' Green told reporters after Sunday 's shootaround prior to game six in the NBA 's quarantine bubble in Orlando , Florida .
`` Nor am I upset , shaken or worried about it , '' Green said , adding that he 's become used to social media bullying .
`` Those people 's opinions do n't matter to me , '' Green said .
`` Only people in that locker room and on this roster are the opinions that are relevant and that matter to me .
And if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged and still believe in me and believe in us , that 's all that matters to me : that we can get this thing done , '' he said .
The Lakers trailed by one point when Green missed a wide-open three-pointer with 7.1 seconds remaining in the game .
Markieff Morris grabbed the rebound but accidentally threw the ball out of bounds and the Heat went on to win 111-108 and Green said his close call made him an `` easy target '' for frustrated Lakers fans .
`` Basketball-wise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green said of the shot .
`` I had more time than I realized , should have took more time , probably rushed it a little bit , a little off balance .
`` But we got a good look , we got a second opportunity and if I could get that play back again , I 'd give anything to get that shot back again .
Trust me . ''
Lakers superstar LeBron James , who was under heavy pressure under the basket when he passed the ball out to Green on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not falling was just something that happens in basketball .
`` Danny had a hell of a look , '' James said .
`` It just did n't go down .
I know he wishes he could have it again .
I wish I could make a better pass .
You just live with it . ''

Orlando (AFP) –
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Los Angeles guard Danny Green said he wasn't fazed to receive death threats on social media after missing a late three-pointer in the Lakers' game-five loss to Miami in the NBA Finals.
Green said he and fiancee Blair Bashen, a former collegiate volleyball player, had both received threats after the Lakers were unable to clinch a title on Friday.
"I had to ask, 'Are you getting death threats?' And she said, 'Yeah, you are too,' and I was like, I don't know, because I don't really pay attention or care," Green told reporters after Sunday's shootaround prior to game six in the NBA's quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.
"Nor am I upset, shaken or worried about it," Green said, adding that he's become used to social media bullying.
"Those people's opinions don't matter to me," Green said. "Only people in that locker room and on this roster are the opinions that are relevant and that matter to me. And if they're still confident in me and still encouraged and still believe in me and believe in us, that's all that matters to me: that we can get this thing done," he said.
The Lakers trailed by one point when Green missed a wide-open three-pointer with 7.1 seconds remaining in the game.
Markieff Morris grabbed the rebound but accidentally threw the ball out of bounds and the Heat went on to win 111-108 and Green said his close call made him an "easy target" for frustrated Lakers fans.
"Basketball-wise, it was a good look," Green said of the shot. "I had more time than I realized, should have took more time, probably rushed it a little bit, a little off balance.
"But we got a good look, we got a second opportunity and if I could get that play back again, I'd give anything to get that shot back again. Trust me."
Lakers superstar LeBron James, who was under heavy pressure under the basket when he passed the ball out to Green on the perimeter, said Green's shot not falling was just something that happens in basketball.
"Danny had a hell of a look," James said. "It just didn't go down. I know he wishes he could have it again. I wish I could make a better pass. You just live with it."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--Portugal, Italy hold onto Nations League top spots as England down Belgium

Stellar attacking talent failed to produce the goods in France 's 0-0 draw with Portugal Portugal and Italy kept hold of first place in their UEFA Nations League groups on Sunday with goalless draws against France and Poland on a night of little drama , while England saw off Belgium to take the initiative in their pool .
There was not much to talk about at the Stade de France as a star-studded line up of players including Cristiano Ronaldo , Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann failed to muster much of a spectacle in the League A , Group 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cavernous stadium just outside Paris to watch France host the reigning European champions were treated to just four shots on target as two rugged defences cancelled out each team 's attacks .
`` We did n't score a goal , but we were n't here to score goals , '' said Portugal coach Fernando Santos .
`` France are a great team .
They have great players .
It 's not always possible to create opportunities . ''
Pepe headed home what he thought was a 74th-minute opener when he got on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was flagged offside .
Ronaldo , chasing his 102nd international goal , was denied by a flying save from Hugo Lloris in added time .
Mbappe fluffed France 's best when Rui Patricio anticipated his gentle chip when one-on-one with the Portuguese stopper .
Both sides are on seven points , four ahead of Croatia , whose 2-1 home win over Sweden earlier on Sunday was the group 's more entertaining match , with a calamitous late lapse from Pontus Jansson allowing the 2018 World Cup finalists to snatch the points in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a high ball into the penalty area with six minutes remaining and allowed Ivan Perisic to nip in behind .
The Inter Milan winger then squared the ball for Andrej Kramaric to tap in from close range .
Sweden are stuck on no points after losing all three of their matches .
Italy stretched their unbeaten streak to 18 matches and held onto top spot in League A , Group 1 with their stalemate in Gdansk .
New Juventus signing Federico Chiesa missed the chance to win the match for the dominant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11th minute .
Roberto Mancini 's side are one point ahead of the Netherlands , who also drew 0-0 with Bosnia and Herzegovina , ahead of their meeting in Bergamo on Wednesday .
`` We had several opportunities , especially in the first half when we could have scored at least two goals , '' said Mancini .
`` Beyond the result , however , we are happy .
We did n't score , but it happens . ''
England manager Gareth Southgate said his side showed what they were made of after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and move top of League A , Group 2 earlier on Sunday .
The Three Lions are on seven points , one ahead of the world 's top-ranked side after Marcus Rashford 's spot-kick and Mason Mount 's deflected winner 25 minutes from time cancelled out Romelu Lukaku 's early penalty .
`` We are not going to face a more difficult game defensively , '' said Southgate .
`` That is the beauty of the Nations League , you get games against this level of opponent .
`` It 's a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win it should give them a sense of what might be possible in the next few years . ''
Denmark are three points behind England in third after their simple 3-0 win over bottom side Iceland .
In League B , Erling Braut Haaland showed what the rescheduled Euro 2020 would be missing after he slammed home a hat-trick to help Norway to a 4-0 thrashing of Romania .
Haaland struck in the 13th , 64th and 74th minutes as Norway moved level on six points with group leaders Austria , 1-0 winners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the Euros playoffs by Serbia on Thursday .

Paris (AFP) –
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Portugal and Italy kept hold of first place in their UEFA Nations League groups on Sunday with goalless draws against France and Poland on a night of little drama, while England saw off Belgium to take the initiative in their pool.
There was not much to talk about at the Stade de France as a star-studded line up of players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann failed to muster much of a spectacle in the League A, Group 3 match.
The 1,000 fans gathered in the cavernous stadium just outside Paris to watch France host the reigning European champions were treated to just four shots on target as two rugged defences cancelled out each team's attacks.
"We didn't score a goal, but we weren't here to score goals," said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.
"France are a great team. They have great players. It's not always possible to create opportunities."
Pepe headed home what he thought was a 74th-minute opener when he got on the end of Bruno Fernandes' free-kick but was flagged offside.
Ronaldo, chasing his 102nd international goal, was denied by a flying save from Hugo Lloris in added time.
Mbappe fluffed France's best when Rui Patricio anticipated his gentle chip when one-on-one with the Portuguese stopper.
Both sides are on seven points, four ahead of Croatia, whose 2-1 home win over Sweden earlier on Sunday was the group's more entertaining match, with a calamitous late lapse from Pontus Jansson allowing the 2018 World Cup finalists to snatch the points in a soaking Zagreb.
Defender Jansson dawdled under a high ball into the penalty area with six minutes remaining and allowed Ivan Perisic to nip in behind. The Inter Milan winger then squared the ball for Andrej Kramaric to tap in from close range.
Sweden are stuck on no points after losing all three of their matches.
- Italy settle for Poland point -
Italy stretched their unbeaten streak to 18 matches and held onto top spot in League A, Group 1 with their stalemate in Gdansk.
New Juventus signing Federico Chiesa missed the chance to win the match for the dominant 'Azzurri' from close range in the 11th minute.
Roberto Mancini's side are one point ahead of the Netherlands, who also drew 0-0 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, ahead of their meeting in Bergamo on Wednesday.
"We had several opportunities, especially in the first half when we could have scored at least two goals," said Mancini.
"Beyond the result, however, we are happy. We didn't score, but it happens."
England manager Gareth Southgate said his side showed what they were made of after coming from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 and move top of League A, Group 2 earlier on Sunday.
The Three Lions are on seven points, one ahead of the world's top-ranked side after Marcus Rashford's spot-kick and Mason Mount's deflected winner 25 minutes from time cancelled out Romelu Lukaku's early penalty.
"We are not going to face a more difficult game defensively," said Southgate. "That is the beauty of the Nations League, you get games against this level of opponent.
"It's a great experience for them and to go and win it should give them a sense of what might be possible in the next few years."
Denmark are three points behind England in third after their simple 3-0 win over bottom side Iceland.
In League B, Erling Braut Haaland showed what the rescheduled Euro 2020 would be missing after he slammed home a hat-trick to help Norway to a 4-0 thrashing of Romania.
Haaland struck in the 13th, 64th and 74th minutes as Norway moved level on six points with group leaders Austria, 1-0 winners at Northern Ireland.
Norway were knocked out of the Euros playoffs by Serbia on Thursday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--Italy settle for goalless Nations League draw in Poland

Federico Chiesa ( L ) missed a chance to score as Italy and Poland drew 0-0 in Gdansk .
Italy failed to make their most of their domination on Sunday as they settled for a goalless draw against Poland in their Nations League A , Group 1 match in Gdansk .
Italy , top of the group with five points , nevertheless extended their unbeaten run under coach Roberto Mancini to 18 matches .
`` We had several opportunities , especially in the first half when we could have scored at least two goals , '' said Mancini .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which could have played a role .
Beyond the result , however , we are happy .
We did n't score but it happens . ''
Italy host the Netherlands , who have four points , in Bergamo on Wednesday with Poland , also on four points , taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Warsaw .
The 'Azzurri ' came into the game off a 6-0 friendly win over Moldova in Florence with an Italy ' B ' team .
But Mancini reverted to his regular setup with a midfield built around Nicolo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federico Chiesa had Italy 's best chance after 10 minutes with the newly-signed Juventus winger sending an Andrea Belotti cross wide on front of goal .
Belotti in turn missed a chance to finish off after 23 minutes .
Emerson Palmieri made a decisive block on Robert Lewandowski , with Chiesa teeing up Emerson just after the hour , but the Chelsea defender headed off target .
Mancini brought on fresh legs with Moise Kean entering the field in place of Chiesa with 20 minutes to go as Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Domenico Berardi and Manuel Locatelli all came on in the final minutes but failed to break through .
Emerson again threatened with 10 minutes to go after connecting with a Verratti cross but Polish goalkeeper Łukasz Fabianski denied the effort .
At the other end of the pitch Gianluigi Donnarumma easily dealt with a Kamil Jozwiak header .

Gdansk (Poland) (AFP) –
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Italy failed to make their most of their domination on Sunday as they settled for a goalless draw against Poland in their Nations League A, Group 1 match in Gdansk.
Italy, top of the group with five points, nevertheless extended their unbeaten run under coach Roberto Mancini to 18 matches.
"We had several opportunities, especially in the first half when we could have scored at least two goals," said Mancini.
"The pitch was in very bad condition which could have played a role. Beyond the result, however, we are happy. We didn't score but it happens."
Italy host the Netherlands, who have four points, in Bergamo on Wednesday with Poland, also on four points, taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Warsaw.
The 'Azzurri' came into the game off a 6-0 friendly win over Moldova in Florence with an Italy 'B' team.
But Mancini reverted to his regular setup with a midfield built around Nicolo Barella, Jorginho and Marco Verratti.
Federico Chiesa had Italy's best chance after 10 minutes with the newly-signed Juventus winger sending an Andrea Belotti cross wide on front of goal.
Belotti in turn missed a chance to finish off after 23 minutes.
Emerson Palmieri made a decisive block on Robert Lewandowski, with Chiesa teeing up Emerson just after the hour, but the Chelsea defender headed off target.
Mancini brought on fresh legs with Moise Kean entering the field in place of Chiesa with 20 minutes to go as Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik replaced Mateusz Klich.
Sassuolo trio Francesco Caputo, Domenico Berardi and Manuel Locatelli all came on in the final minutes but failed to break through.
Emerson again threatened with 10 minutes to go after connecting with a Verratti cross but Polish goalkeeper Łukasz Fabianski denied the effort.
At the other end of the pitch Gianluigi Donnarumma easily dealt with a Kamil Jozwiak header.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--Star-studded France and Portugal in Nations League stalemate

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe both went close , but Portugal and France drew 0-0 France and Portugal played out a cagey UEFA Nations League goalless draw at the Stade de France on Sunday to remain locked together at the top of League A , Group 3 .
Despite the array of attacking talent in their teams , Portugal , the reigning European and Nations League champions , and world champions France managed just four shots on target between them .
France came in on a five-game winning run having scored 11 goals in their last two matches while Portugal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet the match was a repeat of the cautious Euro 2016 final at the same stadium which was 0-0 after 90 minutes before Eder scored the winner for Portugal in extra time .
On Sunday , Porto centre back Pepe did head the ball into the net from a free kick but was judged offside and Cristiano Ronaldo , chasing his 102nd international goal , was denied by a flying save from Hugo Lloris in added time .
For France , Kylian Mbappe had a one-on-one chance but goalkeeper Rui Patricio anticipated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage in the four-team group , Portugal lead France on goal difference , with Croatia four points behind in third .
They meet again in Portugal on November 14 .
Only the top team in each group advances .

Paris (AFP) –
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France and Portugal played out a cagey UEFA Nations League goalless draw at the Stade de France on Sunday to remain locked together at the top of League A, Group 3.
Despite the array of attacking talent in their teams, Portugal, the reigning European and Nations League champions, and world champions France managed just four shots on target between them.
France came in on a five-game winning run having scored 11 goals in their last two matches while Portugal had won their last four competitive internationals. Yet the match was a repeat of the cautious Euro 2016 final at the same stadium which was 0-0 after 90 minutes before Eder scored the winner for Portugal in extra time.
On Sunday, Porto centre back Pepe did head the ball into the net from a free kick but was judged offside and Cristiano Ronaldo, chasing his 102nd international goal, was denied by a flying save from Hugo Lloris in added time.
For France, Kylian Mbappe had a one-on-one chance but goalkeeper Rui Patricio anticipated his gentle chip.
At the half-way stage in the four-team group, Portugal lead France on goal difference, with Croatia four points behind in third. They meet again in Portugal on November 14. Only the top team in each group advances.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--Scotland beat Slovakia to stretch unbeaten run

Aussie rules : Australian-born Lyndon Dykes scored his second goal for Scotland in a 1-0 win over Slovakia Scotland stretched their unbeaten run to seven games as Lyndon Dykes 's goal earned a 1-0 Nations League win over Slovakia at Hampden on Sunday .
Steve Clarke 's men move to the top of League B Group 2 and there were more encouraging signs for the Scots who booked their place in the Euro 2020 playoff final in midweek .
A trip to Serbia next month gives Scotland the chance to qualify for a major tournament for the first time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League campaign could also provide the opportunity to reach the World Cup in 2022 .
Clarke made four changes to the side that needed Scotland 's first ever penalty shootout to see off Israel in midweek and was rewarded with a more commanding performance .
Australian-born Dykes took his tally to two goals in four appearances for his adopted country by sliding home Stephen O'Donnell 's fine cross on 54 minutes .
Slovakia ended the Republic of Ireland 's hopes of reaching next year 's European Championships in the playoff semi-finals on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pavel Hapal rarely threatened .
Oli McBurnie came close to his first Scotland goal when the Sheffield United striker 's header came back off the crossbar late on .
But one goal was enough to keep the hosts one point clear of the Czech Republic , who visit Hampden on Wednesday .

Glasgow (AFP) –
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Scotland stretched their unbeaten run to seven games as Lyndon Dykes's goal earned a 1-0 Nations League win over Slovakia at Hampden on Sunday.
Steve Clarke's men move to the top of League B Group 2 and there were more encouraging signs for the Scots who booked their place in the Euro 2020 playoff final in midweek.
A trip to Serbia next month gives Scotland the chance to qualify for a major tournament for the first time in 22 years.
But a good Nations League campaign could also provide the opportunity to reach the World Cup in 2022.
Clarke made four changes to the side that needed Scotland's first ever penalty shootout to see off Israel in midweek and was rewarded with a more commanding performance.
Australian-born Dykes took his tally to two goals in four appearances for his adopted country by sliding home Stephen O'Donnell's fine cross on 54 minutes.
Slovakia ended the Republic of Ireland's hopes of reaching next year's European Championships in the playoff semi-finals on Thursday, but a much-changed side picked by Pavel Hapal rarely threatened.
Oli McBurnie came close to his first Scotland goal when the Sheffield United striker's header came back off the crossbar late on.
But one goal was enough to keep the hosts one point clear of the Czech Republic, who visit Hampden on Wednesday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--France and Portugal play to scoreless draw in UEFA Nations League football

France 's Presnel Kimpembe , right , and Portugal 's Cristiano Ronaldo eye the ball during the UEFA Nations League football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis , France on October 11 , 2020 .
France drew 0-0 at home to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday in a cagey clash between the world and European champions which largely failed to live up to its billing .
The teams could only manage one shot on target in the first half , a hopeful attempt by Antoine Griezmann from the tightest of angles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patricio .
Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to scoring when he fired a left-footed strike at goal in added time but his deflected shot was well saved by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris .
Ronaldo also nearly scored in the first half but France defender Lucas Hernandez produced an excellent sliding block , while Ronaldo vented his frustration at teammate Joao Felix after the forward skewed wide as he met a cross which Ronaldo was waiting to turn into the net .
Portugal defender Pepe looked to have finally broken the deadlock late on when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net following a free kick but he was ruled offside .
This was the teams ' first meeting since Portugal 's extra-time win over France in the Euro 2016 final but the game could hardly have felt more different , with only nine players who started that showpiece game starting the match on Sunday .
Only 1,000 fans were let in to the 80,000-capacity Stade de France due to coronavirus restrictions and neither side played with much urgency , looking content enough to cancel each other out .

France drew 0-0 at home to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday in a cagey clash between the world and European champions which largely failed to live up to its billing.
France's Presnel Kimpembe, right, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo eye the ball during the UEFA Nations League football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France on October 11, 2020.
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The teams could only manage one shot on target in the first half, a hopeful attempt by Antoine Griezmann from the tightest of angles which stung the hands of keeper Rui Patricio.
Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to scoring when he fired a left-footed strike at goal in added time but his deflected shot was well saved by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Nothing to separate France & Portugal 😬
⚽ ___________ will break the deadlock 👈#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/6sqWmq1UHx — UEFA Nations League (@EURO2020) October 11, 2020
Ronaldo also nearly scored in the first half but France defender Lucas Hernandez produced an excellent sliding block, while Ronaldo vented his frustration at teammate Joao Felix after the forward skewed wide as he met a cross which Ronaldo was waiting to turn into the net.
Portugal defender Pepe looked to have finally broken the deadlock late on when he placed a diving header in the net following a free kick but he was ruled offside.
That's full-time. 0-0 beween France and Portugal. Focus now on Wednesday for the game against Croatia. #FRAPOR #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/eVM5WSyrdb — French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) October 11, 2020
This was the teams' first meeting since Portugal's extra-time win over France in the Euro 2016 final but the game could hardly have felt more different, with only nine players who started that showpiece game starting the match on Sunday.
Only 1,000 fans were let in to the 80,000-capacity Stade de France due to coronavirus restrictions and neither side played with much urgency, looking content enough to cancel each other out.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-10-11--Incumbent Akinci, Erdogan-backed rival Tatar to contest Turkish Cypriot runoff

A Turkish-Cypriot election staff member empties a ballot box to start counting votes for the election of a new leader for the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ( TRNC ) , on October 11 , 2020 .
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci , a pro-reunification moderate , and Ankara-backed challenger Ersin Tatar are to contest an October 18 runoff in breakaway northern Cyprus , following an election Sunday .
Right-wing nationalist Tatar won 32 percent of the vote , ahead of the incumbent , Akinci , who netted almost 30 percent in a field of 11 candidates , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning a clear majority , Tatar and Akinci are to hold a second round next Sunday .
The incumbent president is tipped to overcome his 60-year-old challenger with the backing of Tufan Erhurman , a fellow Social Democrat and supporter of reunification in a federation with the Greek Cypriot south , who won 21 percent in Sunday ’ s vote .
“ Akinci will probably win the second round with more than 55 percent , ” said Mine Yucel , the head of Prologue Consulting which specialises in polling .
More than 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s results with dancing and drum beating outside the offices of the 72-year-old former mayor of northern Nicosia who is seeking a second five-year term .
The presidential vote in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was held amid heightened tensions on the divided island and in the wider eastern Mediterranean , as well as precautions against the spread of Covid-19 .
The election council said 62 percent of the almost 199,000-electorate voted .
“ This election is crucial for our destiny , ” Akinci said after casting his ballot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
The vote came three days after Turkish troops angered the Republic of Cyprus , an EU member , and many Turkish Cypriots , by reopening public access to the fenced-off seaside ghost town of Varosha for the first time since Turkish forces invaded the north in 1974 .
That move sparked demonstrations in the majority Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus , which exercises its authority over the island ’ s southern two thirds , separated from the north by a UN-patrolled buffer zone .
The TRNC , now with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established after the north was occupied by Turkey in reaction to a coup that aimed to annex Cyprus to Greece .
Esat Tulek , a 73-year-old retired civil servant , said as he voted : “ We ’ re actually choosing the president who will be negotiating with the Greek Cypriots about the future of Cyprus.
” The election comes amid tensions in the eastern Mediterranean over the planned exploitation of hydrocarbons between Turkey on the one hand , and Greece as well as its close ally Cyprus on the other .
Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the partial reopening of Varosha , a beachside resort in the city of Famagusta that once drew Hollywood stars before it was abandoned by its Greek-Cypriot inhabitants during the Turkish invasion .
The move to allow visitors back into the abandoned and overgrown area was condemned by Akinci and other candidates , who saw it as Turkish interference in the election .
Last Thursday ’ s opening was also heavily criticised by the Republic of Cyprus , the European Union and the United Nations .
Kemal Baykalli , founder of the non-government group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The main issue of this election is how we will define our relationship with Turkey.
” Akinci favours loosening ties with Ankara , earning him the hostility of Erdogan .
“ There are two situations that are not normal , ” Akinci said after voting .
“ One is about our health , there is a pandemic .
“ And the second one is our political health , communal health , and I ’ m talking here about the intervention of Turkey.
” UN-brokered negotiations aimed at reunification stalled during Akinci ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question of the withdrawal of tens of thousands of Turkish soldiers stationed in the TRNC .
Turkey supports the nationalist Tatar , currently “ prime minister ” of the breakaway north and advocate of a two-state solution .
“ We deserve to live on the basis of equal sovereignty , ” Tatar said Sunday to applause from his supporters .
Yektan Turkyilmaz , a researcher at the Berlin-based Forum Transregionale Studien , said many Turkish Cypriots felt “ wounded in their honour and identity ” by what they considered to be interference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid an economic crisis , deepened by the pandemic , which has largely shuttered the tourism sector and led to the closure of Ercan airport in the north and the crossing points to the south of the island .
The virus has cost four lives and more than 800 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the TRNC .

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, a pro-reunification moderate, and Ankara-backed challenger Ersin Tatar are to contest an October 18 runoff in breakaway northern Cyprus, following an election Sunday.
A Turkish-Cypriot election staff member empties a ballot box to start counting votes for the election of a new leader for the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on October 11, 2020.
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Right-wing nationalist Tatar won 32 percent of the vote, ahead of the incumbent, Akinci, who netted almost 30 percent in a field of 11 candidates, the election council said.
With no candidate winning a clear majority, Tatar and Akinci are to hold a second round next Sunday.
The incumbent president is tipped to overcome his 60-year-old challenger with the backing of Tufan Erhurman, a fellow Social Democrat and supporter of reunification in a federation with the Greek Cypriot south, who won 21 percent in Sunday’s vote.
“Akinci will probably win the second round with more than 55 percent,” said Mine Yucel, the head of Prologue Consulting which specialises in polling.
More than 200 of Akinci’s supporters celebrated Sunday’s results with dancing and drum beating outside the offices of the 72-year-old former mayor of northern Nicosia who is seeking a second five-year term.
The presidential vote in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was held amid heightened tensions on the divided island and in the wider eastern Mediterranean, as well as precautions against the spread of Covid-19.
The election council said 62 percent of the almost 199,000-electorate voted.
North Cyprus Elections 89% Vote counted
1. Tatar 32.42
2. Akıncı 29.79
The run-off elections will be referendum on the nature of North Cyprus's relations with Turkey pic.twitter.com/u0V1IPdFyt — Prof. Michael Tanchum (@michaeltanchum) October 11, 2020
“This election is crucial for our destiny,” Akinci said after casting his ballot, complaining of meddling by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The vote came three days after Turkish troops angered the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member, and many Turkish Cypriots, by reopening public access to the fenced-off seaside ghost town of Varosha for the first time since Turkish forces invaded the north in 1974.
That move sparked demonstrations in the majority Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus, which exercises its authority over the island’s southern two thirds, separated from the north by a UN-patrolled buffer zone.
The TRNC, now with an estimated population of 300,000, was established after the north was occupied by Turkey in reaction to a coup that aimed to annex Cyprus to Greece.
Esat Tulek, a 73-year-old retired civil servant, said as he voted: “We’re actually choosing the president who will be negotiating with the Greek Cypriots about the future of Cyprus.”
‘Pressure from Turkey’
The election comes amid tensions in the eastern Mediterranean over the planned exploitation of hydrocarbons between Turkey on the one hand, and Greece as well as its close ally Cyprus on the other.
Erdogan announced last week, alongside Tatar, the partial reopening of Varosha, a beachside resort in the city of Famagusta that once drew Hollywood stars before it was abandoned by its Greek-Cypriot inhabitants during the Turkish invasion.
The move to allow visitors back into the abandoned and overgrown area was condemned by Akinci and other candidates, who saw it as Turkish interference in the election.
Last Thursday’s opening was also heavily criticised by the Republic of Cyprus, the European Union and the United Nations.
Kemal Baykalli, founder of the non-government group Unite Cyprus Now, told AFP: “The main issue of this election is how we will define our relationship with Turkey.”
Final results of the Turkish Cypriot leadership election in northern #Cyprus today 11 October. Tatar 32.35%. Akinci 29.84%. Direction of #Cyprob will depend on the second round on 18 October. pic.twitter.com/4PZf85mUmK — UniteCyprusNow (@UniteCyprusNow) October 11, 2020
Akinci favours loosening ties with Ankara, earning him the hostility of Erdogan.
“There are two situations that are not normal,” Akinci said after voting. “One is about our health, there is a pandemic.
“And the second one is our political health, communal health, and I’m talking here about the intervention of Turkey.”
UN-brokered negotiations aimed at reunification stalled during Akinci’s term of office, notably on the question of the withdrawal of tens of thousands of Turkish soldiers stationed in the TRNC.
‘Wounded honour’
Turkey supports the nationalist Tatar, currently “prime minister” of the breakaway north and advocate of a two-state solution.
“We deserve to live on the basis of equal sovereignty,” Tatar said Sunday to applause from his supporters.
Yektan Turkyilmaz, a researcher at the Berlin-based Forum Transregionale Studien, said many Turkish Cypriots felt “wounded in their honour and identity” by what they considered to be interference from Ankara.
The election was held amid an economic crisis, deepened by the pandemic, which has largely shuttered the tourism sector and led to the closure of Ercan airport in the north and the crossing points to the south of the island.
The virus has cost four lives and more than 800 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the TRNC.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-10-11--Extinction Rebellion unfurls banner on Eiffel Tower

The coronavirus pandemic has shown that governments `` ca n't pretend that they ca n't act '' , Extinction Rebellion said Eight activists from climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion scaled the outside of the Eiffel Tower on Sunday to hang a banner reading `` REBEL '' at the first level , kicking off a week of civil disobedience events around France .
Organisers said that in addition to the eight climbers , another dozen Extinction Rebellion activists were inside the monument to help with the unfurling of the giant pink banner emblazoned with black letters .
The climbers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a magistrate , the group told AFP .
`` The public health crisis reinforces our message , '' activist Lea Lecouple said outside the Paris landmark .
`` Covid is just a symptom .
It takes a virus to bring the economy to its knees .
We 've seen that CO2 emissions can stop , that airplanes can be grounded .
`` We want to say : 'Stop everything !
Let 's open our eyes , this is an emergency ' . ''
Extinction Rebellion is a network of climate activists which uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on global warming .
The movement launched its first major action in April 2019 with 11 days of street blockades in London .

Paris (AFP) –
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Eight activists from climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion scaled the outside of the Eiffel Tower on Sunday to hang a banner reading "REBEL" at the first level, kicking off a week of civil disobedience events around France.
Organisers said that in addition to the eight climbers, another dozen Extinction Rebellion activists were inside the monument to help with the unfurling of the giant pink banner emblazoned with black letters.
The climbers were arrested and are set to appear before a magistrate, the group told AFP.
"The public health crisis reinforces our message," activist Lea Lecouple said outside the Paris landmark. "Covid is just a symptom. It takes a virus to bring the economy to its knees. We've seen that CO2 emissions can stop, that airplanes can be grounded.
"We want to say: 'Stop everything! Let's open our eyes, this is an emergency'."
Extinction Rebellion is a network of climate activists which uses acts of civil disobedience to spotlight inaction on global warming.
The movement launched its first major action in April 2019 with 11 days of street blockades in London.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--'New Portuguese generation' of Guerreiro, Almedia headline Giro's ninth stage

Ruben Guerreiro hailed a `` new generation of Portuguese riders '' after he won the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday and compatriot Joao Almeida held the overall leader 's pink jersey .
Guerreiro , 26 , sealed his first stage win after a tight battle in rainy and cold conditions , crossing eight seconds ahead of Spain 's Jonathan Castroviejo in a summit finish at the Aremogna ski resort in the Abruzzo region .
Dane Mikkel Bjerg of UAE Team Emirates finished third at 58sec after the 208km run from from San Salvo to Roccaraso , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes adrift , enough to keep hold of the overall race lead .
`` For Portuguese cycling , it 's great , '' said Education First rider Guerreiro .
`` It had been over thirty years since there had been a Portuguese victory in the Giro .
`` And Joao is also pink jersey .
We know each other very well .
There are very talented riders in the new Portuguese generation . ''
Deceuninck-Quick Step 's Almeida faltered on the final 9.6km climb , but limited the damage to hold a 30-second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday 's rest day .
Spaniard Pello Bilbao is positioned third at 39sec going into Tuesday 's 10th stage , still in Abruzzo , over 177km from Lanciano to Tortoreto Lido .
`` I 'm happy for my compatriot Guerreiro , he deserves the win ! ''
said 22-year-old Almeida .
`` The team did an incredible job , they were perfect and it is thanks to my team-mates that now I still wear the Maglia Rosa . ''
The riders had set a speedy early pace hitting 50.6km an hour in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riders formed including Guerreiro and Castroviejo , with Bjerg joining them later .
Almeida 's team controlled the peloton before Vincenzo Nibali 's Trek-Segafredo team took over with 40km to go .
The peloton arrived at the foot of the final 9.6km climb with a 5.7 percent gradient with a four-minute gap on the leading group .
On the final climb to Aremogna , seconds separated the favourites with Dane Jakob Fuglsang and Kelderman gaining the upper hand on Nibali , the only grand tour winner left after the retirement of the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Simon Yates , after a positive coronavirus test .
Castroviejo followed by Guerreiro attacked with six kilometres to go without being able to shake off his rival who held on to earn the first Giro stage win for a Portuguese rider since Acacio da Silva 's triumph 31 years ago .
It was the second stage win for Education First in this year 's Giro after Ecuadorian Jonathan Caicedo won last Monday on the summit at Mount Etna .
Sicilian Nibali , Giro winner in 2013 and 2016 , lost 14 seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,658 metres altitude , but crossed in 16th place to sit sixth overall .
`` Finally , what a great satisfaction after so many second places , '' said Guerreiro after narrowly missing out on stage successes of the Tirreno-Adriatico and Vuelta a Espana in the past 13 months .
`` The team and I really deserved this victory .
It was very difficult to get into the breakaway this morning and it 's extraordinary to win today . ''
`` The conditions were very harsh , '' added the rider from Madeira @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now . ''
Other young riders who impressed were 24-year-old Australian Jay Hindley , who accompanied Team Sunweb leader Kelderman throughout the final ascent , and Bjerg , 21 , who placed third .

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Ruben Guerreiro hailed a "new generation of Portuguese riders" after he won the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday and compatriot Joao Almeida held the overall leader's pink jersey.
Guerreiro, 26, sealed his first stage win after a tight battle in rainy and cold conditions, crossing eight seconds ahead of Spain's Jonathan Castroviejo in a summit finish at the Aremogna ski resort in the Abruzzo region.
Dane Mikkel Bjerg of UAE Team Emirates finished third at 58sec after the 208km run from from San Salvo to Roccaraso, with Almeida's 19th position, nearly two minutes adrift, enough to keep hold of the overall race lead.
"For Portuguese cycling, it's great," said Education First rider Guerreiro.
"It had been over thirty years since there had been a Portuguese victory in the Giro.
"And Joao is also pink jersey. We know each other very well. There are very talented riders in the new Portuguese generation."
Deceuninck-Quick Step's Almeida faltered on the final 9.6km climb, but limited the damage to hold a 30-second lead on Dutch rider Wilco Kelderman before Monday's rest day.
Spaniard Pello Bilbao is positioned third at 39sec going into Tuesday's 10th stage, still in Abruzzo, over 177km from Lanciano to Tortoreto Lido.
"I'm happy for my compatriot Guerreiro, he deserves the win!" said 22-year-old Almeida.
"The team did an incredible job, they were perfect and it is thanks to my team-mates that now I still wear the Maglia Rosa."
The riders had set a speedy early pace hitting 50.6km an hour in the first hour before a breakaway of eight riders formed including Guerreiro and Castroviejo, with Bjerg joining them later.
Almeida's team controlled the peloton before Vincenzo Nibali's Trek-Segafredo team took over with 40km to go.
The peloton arrived at the foot of the final 9.6km climb with a 5.7 percent gradient with a four-minute gap on the leading group.
- 'Harsh conditions' -
On the final climb to Aremogna, seconds separated the favourites with Dane Jakob Fuglsang and Kelderman gaining the upper hand on Nibali, the only grand tour winner left after the retirement of the British riders Geraint Thomas, through injury, and Simon Yates, after a positive coronavirus test.
Castroviejo followed by Guerreiro attacked with six kilometres to go without being able to shake off his rival who held on to earn the first Giro stage win for a Portuguese rider since Acacio da Silva's triumph 31 years ago.
It was the second stage win for Education First in this year's Giro after Ecuadorian Jonathan Caicedo won last Monday on the summit at Mount Etna.
Sicilian Nibali, Giro winner in 2013 and 2016, lost 14 seconds to Fuglsang in the difficult conditions at 1,658 metres altitude, but crossed in 16th place to sit sixth overall.
"Finally, what a great satisfaction after so many second places," said Guerreiro after narrowly missing out on stage successes of the Tirreno-Adriatico and Vuelta a Espana in the past 13 months.
"The team and I really deserved this victory. It was very difficult to get into the breakaway this morning and it's extraordinary to win today."
"The conditions were very harsh," added the rider from Madeira.
"I still feel the cold now."
Other young riders who impressed were 24-year-old Australian Jay Hindley, who accompanied Team Sunweb leader Kelderman throughout the final ascent, and Bjerg, 21, who placed third.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--Hamilton hails Schumacher and thanks Mercedes after record-equalling win

'It 's the highest sign of respect said Lewis Hamilton said at the Nurburgring after receiving a second Michael Schumacher helmet Lewis Hamilton heaped praise on Michael Schumacher for leading the way in Formula One and thanked Mercedes for gambling on a `` young black boy '' following his record-equalling 91st Grand Prix win on Sunday .
Speaking at length in the virtual news conference after claiming the Eifel GP , his seventh win of the season , the runaway series leader talked of his admiration and respect for the seven-time champion German whose records he is chasing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when it 's so far away , it 's hard for people to perhaps fully understand how hard it was for him to get those 91 wins , '' six-time F1 champion Hamilton said .
`` To deliver , weekend in and weekend out , year on year , and to stay so in shape and be so precise ...
I understand that now , more than ever .
`` What he achieved in so many areas , pushing the limit in terms of the physical side , he really was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Hamilton became a Mercedes-supported driver when he was 13 and embarking on his international karting career .
`` I 'm just unbelievably grateful to Mercedes for giving a young black boy a chance when I was 13 years old and supporting me all the way , '' he said .
By the time he succeeded Schumacher in the Mercedes F1 team in 2013 Hamilton was already a world champion after winning his first title with McLaren in 2008 .
On Sunday , Schumacher 's 21-year-old son Mick presented Hamilton with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was briefly speechless , but later explained it was not the first in his personal collection .
`` I actually already have one of Michael 's helmets , '' he said .
`` One of the really , really special moments for me was in Abu Dhabi in 2012 when I went over to the Mercedes hospitality and met with Michael .
`` We exchanged helmets and that was , for me , a moment that I 'll never forget .
To stand with someone that I grew up watching on TV and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or helmets ...
It 's what us sportsmen do and it 's the highest sign of respect . ''
`` To have his family honour me today , I 'm just incredibly humbled .
His son is such a great , bright talent , a really genuine human being .
`` I 'm going to have two special helmets from Michael in my small living room . ''

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Lewis Hamilton heaped praise on Michael Schumacher for leading the way in Formula One and thanked Mercedes for gambling on a "young black boy" following his record-equalling 91st Grand Prix win on Sunday.
Speaking at length in the virtual news conference after claiming the Eifel GP, his seventh win of the season, the runaway series leader talked of his admiration and respect for the seven-time champion German whose records he is chasing.
"That number 91 is so big and, when it's so far away, it's hard for people to perhaps fully understand how hard it was for him to get those 91 wins," six-time F1 champion Hamilton said.
"To deliver, weekend in and weekend out, year on year, and to stay so in shape and be so precise ... I understand that now, more than ever.
"What he achieved in so many areas, pushing the limit in terms of the physical side, he really was a pioneer in being the fittest driver."
Hamilton became a Mercedes-supported driver when he was 13 and embarking on his international karting career.
"I'm just unbelievably grateful to Mercedes for giving a young black boy a chance when I was 13 years old and supporting me all the way," he said.
By the time he succeeded Schumacher in the Mercedes F1 team in 2013 Hamilton was already a world champion after winning his first title with McLaren in 2008.
On Sunday, Schumacher's 21-year-old son Mick presented Hamilton with one of hs father's racing helmets. Hamilton was briefly speechless, but later explained it was not the first in his personal collection.
"I actually already have one of Michael's helmets," he said. "One of the really, really special moments for me was in Abu Dhabi in 2012 when I went over to the Mercedes hospitality and met with Michael.
"We exchanged helmets and that was, for me, a moment that I'll never forget. To stand with someone that I grew up watching on TV and have the honour of exchanging jerseys, or helmets ... It's what us sportsmen do and it's the highest sign of respect."
"To have his family honour me today, I'm just incredibly humbled. His son is such a great, bright talent, a really genuine human being.
"I'm going to have two special helmets from Michael in my small living room."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-11--Lawmakers challenge new Kyrgyz PM as embattled president told to stay

Soldiers were on the streets of Kyrgyz capital Bishkek Saturday , but things looked closer to normal a day later The acting premier of crisis-stricken Kyrgyzstan picked a new police chief on Sunday , ignoring lawmakers contesting his legitimacy as the Central Asian country 's embattled president weighs resignation .
Sadyr Japarov signed an order on Sunday appointing a new interior minister , Ulan Niyazbekov , after the previous police chief resigned in the wake of unrest over last week 's contested election .
Elected in an extraordinary session of parliament on Saturday , Sadyr Japarov had been serving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Supporters freed the nationalist politician from prison after demonstrations over disputed October 4 parliamentary elections in the crisis-prone ex-Soviet country descended into violence .
The polls saw parties close to President Sooronbay Jeenbekov claim the most seats after reports of mass vote-buying , and electoral authorities annulled the vote on Tuesday .
One person was killed and more than 1,000 were injured in clashes with police and between rival factions as central government all but lost control .
Residents were trickling back into cafes and strolling down a leafy central thoroughfare in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFP correspondent saw .
No notice has appeared to confirm Japarov 's appointment on the official website of Jeenbekov -- who is himself embroiled in a protracted power struggle .
Immediately after his election as acting PM , Japarov said he expected the embattled president to resign `` in two to three days '' .
If he does , Japarov would become acting president , as parliament currently has no speaker who would usually step in .
Several lawmakers opposed Japarov 's election on Saturday , saying it was invalid because parliament did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the vote .
`` None of the decisions made by ( Japarov ) as the prime minister of the Kyrgyz Republic have legal force , '' parliament 's deputy speaker Aida Kasymaliyeva wrote on Facebook on Sunday .
She added that she had received threats from a lawmaker loyal to Japarov , Urmat Samayev .
Addressing Samayev , nicknamed `` Champion '' , Kasymaliyeva said : `` I 'm not afraid of you .
I still use public transport and walk alone .
If something happens to my daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . ''
Kasymaliyeva , who is loyal to Jeenbekov , also criticised the lawmakers present at the Saturday session for their endorsement of Japarov .
`` How disgusting it was to look at those men kissing up .
Vile sycophants on bended knee .
The whole country saw what you were doing at the session , when we are losing our statehood . ''
Kasymaliyeva is one of a number of high-ranking politicians believed to have asked Jeenbekov to stay in office .
The president has not commented on Japarov 's election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once order is restored and a new government is formed .
A state official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the country 's third president , Roza Otunbayeva , had held talks with Jeenbekov Sunday , in a bid to prevent him resigning .
`` She urged him to stay put , '' the official said .
Kyrgyzstan has had two presidents overthrown by street protests since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 .
Otunbayeva , a career diplomat , took charge of the country on an interim basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these uprisings , and has made few forays into politics since her retirement .
Japarov 's conviction was squashed by a court after his release .
But his emergence as prominent player in the post-vote chaos was seen as a driving factor behind a hundreds-strong rally against organised crime on Friday .
Japarov has said that media reports linking him to organised crime are part of a campaign to `` blacken my name '' .
When asked at his confirmation Saturday about threats made by his supporters to media that had covered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I myself read such news , you distorted some information .
Maybe that 's why there were threats , '' he told the journalists .
Unrest in Kyrgyzstan has added to the concerns of ally Russia , as Belarus is rocked by post-election protests and clashes have broken out over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan .

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) (AFP) –
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The acting premier of crisis-stricken Kyrgyzstan picked a new police chief on Sunday, ignoring lawmakers contesting his legitimacy as the Central Asian country's embattled president weighs resignation.
Sadyr Japarov signed an order on Sunday appointing a new interior minister, Ulan Niyazbekov, after the previous police chief resigned in the wake of unrest over last week's contested election.
Elected in an extraordinary session of parliament on Saturday, Sadyr Japarov had been serving a jail term for hostage-taking until early Tuesday.
Supporters freed the nationalist politician from prison after demonstrations over disputed October 4 parliamentary elections in the crisis-prone ex-Soviet country descended into violence.
The polls saw parties close to President Sooronbay Jeenbekov claim the most seats after reports of mass vote-buying, and electoral authorities annulled the vote on Tuesday.
One person was killed and more than 1,000 were injured in clashes with police and between rival factions as central government all but lost control.
Residents were trickling back into cafes and strolling down a leafy central thoroughfare in the capital Bishkek by Sunday, an AFP correspondent saw.
No notice has appeared to confirm Japarov's appointment on the official website of Jeenbekov -- who is himself embroiled in a protracted power struggle.
Immediately after his election as acting PM, Japarov said he expected the embattled president to resign "in two to three days".
If he does, Japarov would become acting president, as parliament currently has no speaker who would usually step in.
- 'Not afraid' -
Several lawmakers opposed Japarov's election on Saturday, saying it was invalid because parliament did not have the numbers for a quorum at the time of the vote.
"None of the decisions made by (Japarov) as the prime minister of the Kyrgyz Republic have legal force," parliament's deputy speaker Aida Kasymaliyeva wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
She added that she had received threats from a lawmaker loyal to Japarov, Urmat Samayev.
Addressing Samayev, nicknamed "Champion", Kasymaliyeva said: "I'm not afraid of you. I still use public transport and walk alone. If something happens to my daughter, family, then everything is written here."
Kasymaliyeva, who is loyal to Jeenbekov, also criticised the lawmakers present at the Saturday session for their endorsement of Japarov.
"How disgusting it was to look at those men kissing up. Vile sycophants on bended knee. The whole country saw what you were doing at the session, when we are losing our statehood."
Kasymaliyeva is one of a number of high-ranking politicians believed to have asked Jeenbekov to stay in office.
The president has not commented on Japarov's election but said Friday that he could resign once order is restored and a new government is formed.
A state official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the country's third president, Roza Otunbayeva, had held talks with Jeenbekov Sunday, in a bid to prevent him resigning.
"She urged him to stay put," the official said.
Kyrgyzstan has had two presidents overthrown by street protests since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Otunbayeva, a career diplomat, took charge of the country on an interim basis in 2010, after the second of these uprisings, and has made few forays into politics since her retirement.
- Organised crime -
Japarov's conviction was squashed by a court after his release.
But his emergence as prominent player in the post-vote chaos was seen as a driving factor behind a hundreds-strong rally against organised crime on Friday.
Japarov has said that media reports linking him to organised crime are part of a campaign to "blacken my name".
When asked at his confirmation Saturday about threats made by his supporters to media that had covered the alleged links, Japarov was unapologetic.
"I myself read such news, you distorted some information. Maybe that's why there were threats," he told the journalists.
Unrest in Kyrgyzstan has added to the concerns of ally Russia, as Belarus is rocked by post-election protests and clashes have broken out over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--Superstar mare Enable retired after stellar career

Record-breaking mare Enable has been retired from racing a week after coming up short in her bid to win a historic third Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe .
The six-year-old , ridden by Frankie Dettori and trained by John Gosden , won a record-breaking third King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July .
But after finishing second at the Arc in Paris last year she could only manage sixth place on October 4 , with wet conditions hampering her chances .
A potential swansong on British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday had been mooted but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juddmonte operation confirmed her career was over .
She retires from a 19-race career , spanning five seasons , with 15 wins , including 11 Group-One victories and record earnings for a European-trained horse of £10.7 million ( $ 14 million ) .
Juddmonte said Enable would begin a breeding career next year and her first partner would be leading stallion Kingman .
Racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said the horse had `` brought so much joy to everyone who has been involved with her '' .
`` In her , Frankie found a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the racecourse , '' he said .
`` Her CV withstands the closest of inspections .
Very few can match what she has given to racing . ''
Gosden said Enable had `` retired happy and sound after an extraordinary career '' .
`` Her daily presence has been a joy and her record in Group Ones ... is a marvel and unprecedented , '' he added .

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Record-breaking mare Enable has been retired from racing a week after coming up short in her bid to win a historic third Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The six-year-old, ridden by Frankie Dettori and trained by John Gosden, won a record-breaking third King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.
But after finishing second at the Arc in Paris last year she could only manage sixth place on October 4, with wet conditions hampering her chances.
A potential swansong on British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday had been mooted but a statement from Prince Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte operation confirmed her career was over.
She retires from a 19-race career, spanning five seasons, with 15 wins, including 11 Group-One victories and record earnings for a European-trained horse of £10.7 million ($14 million).
Juddmonte said Enable would begin a breeding career next year and her first partner would be leading stallion Kingman.
Racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said the horse had "brought so much joy to everyone who has been involved with her".
"In her, Frankie found a willing partner to execute her ability on the racecourse," he said. "Her CV withstands the closest of inspections. Very few can match what she has given to racing."
Gosden said Enable had "retired happy and sound after an extraordinary career".
"Her daily presence has been a joy and her record in Group Ones... is a marvel and unprecedented," he added.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--Coronavirus pandemic: South Korea eases restrictions as cases drop

South Korea will relax some rules on social distancing from Monday , allowing nightspots to re-open and spectators to attend @ @ @ @ @ # coronavirus cases edged lower in recent weeks , authorities said .
Daily infections have @ @ @ @ @ range in the past two weeks , down from 440 during outbreaks at a church @ @ @ @ @ August that prompted clampdowns on gatherings and some businesses .
FRANCE 24 's Rufina Park @ @ @ @

Coronavirus pandemic: South Korea eases restrictions as cases drop
01:55
South Korea will relax some rules on social distancing from Monday, allowing nightspots to re-open and spectators to attend sports events, after new #coronavirus cases edged lower in recent weeks, authorities said. Daily infections have fallen largely into the double-digit range in the past two weeks, down from 440 during outbreaks at a church and a political rally in August that prompted clampdowns on gatherings and some businesses. FRANCE 24's Rufina Park tells us more.


france24--2020-10-12--Pope meets acquitted Australian cardinal Pell

Pope Francis met Monday with Australian Cardinal George Pell , who returned to Rome last month for the first time since being jailed -- and then acquitted -- on child sex abuse charges .
The Argentine pontiff , a fierce defender of the presumption of innocence , held a private audience with Pell , the Vatican said , without providing any further details .
But while a reunion between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the man he once appointed as his trusted anti-corruption tsar had been expected , it was not clear that Pell is to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior officials said he had not been summoned back by Francis , but had returned on his own volition .
`` It is now a given that this meeting will be crucial and in some senses dramatic , '' Franca Giansoldati , Vaticanist for Italy 's Messaggero daily said when the news of the private audience broke .
The cardinal had been given extended leave in 2017 to return to Australia and clear his name of accusations he molested two choirboys in the 1990s .
Pell was convicted in December 2018 of sexually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archbishop of Melbourne .
He strenuously denied the charges and the High Court in Australia overturned his conviction in April this year after hearing his second appeal .
The former Vatican treasurer had in the meantime spent more than a year in prison .
- 'Look him in the eye ' - The ex-economy minister had told priest friends `` he could not wait to look the pope in the eye , '' Giansoldati wrote .
`` That obscure phrase hid the bitterness of a cardinal who had been unable to count -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word of comfort , of support , of friendship from the pope , '' she added .
Although he was supposed to observe a 14-day isolation period , the Australian `` prince of the church '' was photographed recently at a cafe terrace near the Vatican .
The cardinal is still facing a civil suit brought by the father of one choirboy who died in 2014 .
A report released in May after a top-level Australian inquiry said Pell was aware of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Australia as far back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the removal of accused priests .
His return to return came just a few days after a known Vatican rival was ousted .
Influential Italian cardinal Angelo Becciu was forced to resign by the pope following accusations of embezzlement and nepotism .
It was not immediately clear whether the timing of Pell 's return was significant , but the Australian had sent the pope a message congratulating him on ousting Becciu .
The Corriere della Sera , Italy 's best-selling daily , said recently an investigation at the Vatican had unearthed suspect money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind a plot to smear Pell .
It said that Becciu had transferred 700,000 euros to Australia to pay for witnesses against Pell -- a charge Becciu has vehemently denied .
An anonymous witness in Australia also told local media the allegation was false .

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Pope Francis met Monday with Australian Cardinal George Pell, who returned to Rome last month for the first time since being jailed -- and then acquitted -- on child sex abuse charges.
The Argentine pontiff, a fierce defender of the presumption of innocence, held a private audience with Pell, the Vatican said, without providing any further details.
But while a reunion between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the man he once appointed as his trusted anti-corruption tsar had been expected, it was not clear that Pell is to be entrusted with a new Vatican role.
Senior officials said he had not been summoned back by Francis, but had returned on his own volition.
"It is now a given that this meeting will be crucial and in some senses dramatic," Franca Giansoldati, Vaticanist for Italy's Messaggero daily said when the news of the private audience broke.
The cardinal had been given extended leave in 2017 to return to Australia and clear his name of accusations he molested two choirboys in the 1990s.
Pell was convicted in December 2018 of sexually abusing the choirboys when he was the archbishop of Melbourne.
He strenuously denied the charges and the High Court in Australia overturned his conviction in April this year after hearing his second appeal.
The former Vatican treasurer had in the meantime spent more than a year in prison.
- 'Look him in the eye' -
Pell, 79, returned to Rome on September 30.
The ex-economy minister had told priest friends "he could not wait to look the pope in the eye," Giansoldati wrote.
"That obscure phrase hid the bitterness of a cardinal who had been unable to count -- during that terrible time -- on a word of comfort, of support, of friendship from the pope," she added.
Although he was supposed to observe a 14-day isolation period, the Australian "prince of the church" was photographed recently at a cafe terrace near the Vatican.
The cardinal is still facing a civil suit brought by the father of one choirboy who died in 2014.
A report released in May after a top-level Australian inquiry said Pell was aware of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Australia as far back as the 1970s and failed to seek the removal of accused priests.
His return to return came just a few days after a known Vatican rival was ousted. Influential Italian cardinal Angelo Becciu was forced to resign by the pope following accusations of embezzlement and nepotism.
It was not immediately clear whether the timing of Pell's return was significant, but the Australian had sent the pope a message congratulating him on ousting Becciu.
The Corriere della Sera, Italy's best-selling daily, said recently an investigation at the Vatican had unearthed suspect money transfers which allegedly pointed to Becciu being behind a plot to smear Pell.
It said that Becciu had transferred 700,000 euros to Australia to pay for witnesses against Pell -- a charge Becciu has vehemently denied. An anonymous witness in Australia also told local media the allegation was false.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--Bottas vows never to give up, but admits he needs a miracle

Valtteri Bottas ( L ) admitted he needs a miracle to stop Lewis Hamilton ( R ) claiming a record-equalling seventh drivers ’ world title , but said he intends to battle on at every race and has no intention of conceding defeat Valtteri Bottas admitted he needs a miracle to stop Lewis Hamilton claiming a record-equalling seventh drivers ’ world title , but said he intends to battle on at every race and has no intention of conceding defeat .
The Mercedes driver , who was forced to retire on lap 19 of Sunday ’ s Eifel Grand Prix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now 69 points behind his team-mate after the six-time champion equalled Michael Schumacher ’ s record 91 wins .
It was Hamilton ’ s seventh win in 11 races this season and , remarkably , extended his record run of consecutive finishes in the points to 44 , a statistic that will probably cause more dismay for the Finn .
`` I understand the gap to Lewis is now pretty big in the points , '' he said , with characteristic understatement .
`` So , I would definitively need a miracle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no point in giving up .
`` I have to keep the bar high for me and keep trying… I think that ’ s the best mind-set -- there ’ s no point now to non-stop calculate the points for Lewis because it ’ s quite a big gap .
`` I just have to set the target for each weekend and then do everything I can for that .
So , for me , the mind-set is to never give up .
It ’ s still with me so -- no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obviously , in a couple of months , we ’ ll be a lot wiser about how the season pans out . ''
With six races remaining , starting in Portugal in two weeks ’ time , Hamilton has such a luxurious cushion that he is only likely to let a seventh title slip if he has at least three non-finishes – a prospect that his amazing consistency makes unlikely .
Having won in Russia , Bottas arrived at the Nurburgring in confident mood and claimed pole position .
He fought off an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and appeared to be in control until a rainstorm led to him locking up at Turn One on lap 13 .
That gifted Hamilton the lead and , ultimately , the victory that was marked by Michael Schumacher ’ s son Mick giving him one of his father ’ s race helmets to mark the special occasion .
`` It ’ s disappointing , but it ’ s one of these things you can not do anything about , '' said Bottas .
`` I knew there was still all to play for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drizzle , but then came the engine thing and I couldn ’ t believe it . ''
While Bottas retired to lick his wounds , Hamilton was given a glimpse of the future as Max Verstappen took second for Red Bull , keeping pressure on the leader and stealing fastest lap .
Daniel Ricciardo finished third for Renault to claim his first podium since 2018 and the team ’ s first since 2011 .

Nürburgring (Germany) (AFP) –
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Valtteri Bottas admitted he needs a miracle to stop Lewis Hamilton claiming a record-equalling seventh drivers’ world title, but said he intends to battle on at every race and has no intention of conceding defeat.
The Mercedes driver, who was forced to retire on lap 19 of Sunday’s Eifel Grand Prix after suffering a power failure, is now 69 points behind his team-mate after the six-time champion equalled Michael Schumacher’s record 91 wins.
It was Hamilton’s seventh win in 11 races this season and, remarkably, extended his record run of consecutive finishes in the points to 44, a statistic that will probably cause more dismay for the Finn.
"I understand the gap to Lewis is now pretty big in the points," he said, with characteristic understatement.
"So, I would definitively need a miracle, but, as always, there’s no point in giving up.
"I have to keep the bar high for me and keep trying… I think that’s the best mind-set -- there’s no point now to non-stop calculate the points for Lewis because it’s quite a big gap.
"I just have to set the target for each weekend and then do everything I can for that. So, for me, the mind-set is to never give up. It’s still with me so -- no chance to get out of it. Obviously, in a couple of months, we’ll be a lot wiser about how the season pans out."
With six races remaining, starting in Portugal in two weeks’ time, Hamilton has such a luxurious cushion that he is only likely to let a seventh title slip if he has at least three non-finishes – a prospect that his amazing consistency makes unlikely.
Having won in Russia, Bottas arrived at the Nurburgring in confident mood and claimed pole position. He fought off an attack from Hamilton at the race start and appeared to be in control until a rainstorm led to him locking up at Turn One on lap 13.
That gifted Hamilton the lead and, ultimately, the victory that was marked by Michael Schumacher’s son Mick giving him one of his father’s race helmets to mark the special occasion.
"It’s disappointing, but it’s one of these things you cannot do anything about," said Bottas.
"I knew there was still all to play for even after that lock up in the drizzle, but then came the engine thing and I couldn’t believe it."
While Bottas retired to lick his wounds, Hamilton was given a glimpse of the future as Max Verstappen took second for Red Bull, keeping pressure on the leader and stealing fastest lap.
Daniel Ricciardo finished third for Renault to claim his first podium since 2018 and the team’s first since 2011.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--Nigeria's police disbands controversial anti-robbery Squad after protests

The head of # Nigeria 's police dissolved its Special Anti-Robbery Squad with immediate effect on Sunday , a police @ @ @ @ @ days of # protests across the country against alleged brutality by the controversial unit .
@ @ @ @ @ a video circulated last week allegedly showing members of the unit - known as # @ @ @ @ @ man in Delta state .
It also prompted a globally-trending social media campaign to abolish @ @ @

Nigeria's police disbands controversial anti-robbery Squad after protests
01:41
Video by: Shirli SITBON
The head of #Nigeria's police dissolved its Special Anti-Robbery Squad with immediate effect on Sunday, a police statement said, prompted by days of #protests across the country against alleged brutality by the controversial unit. The protests broke out after a video circulated last week allegedly showing members of the unit - known as #SARS - shooting dead a man in Delta state. It also prompted a globally-trending social media campaign to abolish the squad.


france24--2020-10-12--Spy case of Australian writer reaches China court

A Chinese paramilitary policeman stands guard at the Australian embassy in Beijing on January 25 , 2019 .
Australia has protested over the detention of writer Yang Hengjun who has been accused of espionage The espionage case against detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun has reached a Beijing court , China 's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday , in a rare update on a man held incommunicado for months since his arrest last year .
The relationship between China and Australia has been perforated by spy scandals and trade rows , with both sides accusing the other of arresting citizens as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who also goes by the pen name Yang Hengjun -- was taken into custody in January last year during a rare visit to China , prompting Australian government protests .
Beijing has to date said little about his fate , while Australia 's foreign minister has accused Chinese authorities of refusing Yang access to his family or lawyers and interrogating him while shackled .
On October 7 , charges of `` espionage '' were filed against Yang and the case has been accepted by Beijing No .
2 Intermediate People 's Court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` The relevant Chinese departments are strictly handling the case according to law , and are fully protecting all of Yang Jun 's legal rights , '' he added .
The writer has denied the charges .
His lawyer Shang Baojun told AFP Yang 's case had entered the court of first instance -- but in China 's opaque legal system it does not mean his trial has started .
Yang is one of a string of foreign nationals to have been arrested in China on allegations of spying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's English-language state broadcaster , has been held since at least August 14 but Australian diplomats say Beijing has given no reason for her detention .
Two other Australian reporters Bill Birtles and Michael Smith fled China shortly after Cheng 's detention , also fearing arrest .
Australia has ramped up its rhetoric against China -- its biggest export market -- in recent months , outraging Beijing by leading global calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus .
Foreign Minister Marise Payne was in Tokyo last week for talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was seeking to cement the so-called `` Quad '' alliance with Asia-Pacific nations Japan , Australia and India as a diplomatic balance to China .
Payne spoke of the desire for a region `` governed by rules , not power '' .

Beijing (AFP) –
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The espionage case against detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun has reached a Beijing court, China's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday, in a rare update on a man held incommunicado for months since his arrest last year.
The relationship between China and Australia has been perforated by spy scandals and trade rows, with both sides accusing the other of arresting citizens as diplomatic leverage.
Chinese-born Yang Jun -- who also goes by the pen name Yang Hengjun -- was taken into custody in January last year during a rare visit to China, prompting Australian government protests.
Beijing has to date said little about his fate, while Australia's foreign minister has accused Chinese authorities of refusing Yang access to his family or lawyers and interrogating him while shackled.
On October 7, charges of "espionage" were filed against Yang and the case has been accepted by Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters on Monday.
"The relevant Chinese departments are strictly handling the case according to law, and are fully protecting all of Yang Jun's legal rights," he added.
The writer has denied the charges.
His lawyer Shang Baojun told AFP Yang's case had entered the court of first instance -- but in China's opaque legal system it does not mean his trial has started.
Yang is one of a string of foreign nationals to have been arrested in China on allegations of spying.
Australian Cheng Lei, an anchor for China's English-language state broadcaster, has been held since at least August 14 but Australian diplomats say Beijing has given no reason for her detention.
Two other Australian reporters Bill Birtles and Michael Smith fled China shortly after Cheng's detention, also fearing arrest.
Australia has ramped up its rhetoric against China -- its biggest export market -- in recent months, outraging Beijing by leading global calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne was in Tokyo last week for talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was seeking to cement the so-called "Quad" alliance with Asia-Pacific nations Japan, Australia and India as a diplomatic balance to China.
Payne spoke of the desire for a region "governed by rules, not power".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--Coronavirus pandemic: French PM Castex issues warning amid spike in cases

French Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned that # France could impose further restrictions as the # coronavirus is spreading @ @ @ @ @ hospitals is deteriorating in the country .
Speaking on French news broadcaster France Info on @ @ @ @ @ “ there can be no more slackening ” to face the Covid-19 epidemic .
Nine @ @ @ @ @ and Marseille , have been placed under maximum virus alert .
Castex called on French @ @ @ @ @ in their homes .
He said a “ general lockdown ” of the country “ @ @ @ @ @ means .
”

Coronavirus pandemic: French PM Castex issues warning amid spike in cases
00:57
French Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned that #France could impose further restrictions as the #coronavirus is spreading rapidly and the situation in hospitals is deteriorating in the country. Speaking on French news broadcaster France Info on Monday, Castex said that “there can be no more slackening” to face the Covid-19 epidemic. Nine big cities, including Paris and Marseille, have been placed under maximum virus alert. Castex called on French people to limit private gatherings in their homes. He said a “general lockdown” of the country “must be avoided by all means.”


france24--2020-10-12--Coronavirus pandemic: British PM Johnson to unveil new measures amid rising cases

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out new measures to try to contain a growing # coronavirus crisis on @ @ @ @ @ alert levels to better coordinate the government 's under-fire response .
FRANCE 24 's International @ @ @ @ @ .

Coronavirus pandemic: British PM Johnson to unveil new measures amid rising cases
04:12
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out new measures to try to contain a growing #coronavirus crisis on Monday, outlining three new alert levels to better coordinate the government's under-fire response. FRANCE 24's International Affairs editor Armen Georgian explains.


france24--2020-10-12--Hamilton warns he will keep racing until he turns grey

Lewis Hamilton holds the red helmet of former Formula one champion Michael Schumacher after the Briton equalled the German 's record of 91 career wins Lewis Hamilton issued a clear warning to his rivals after his record-equalling 91st career win at the Eifel Grand Prix when he said he wants to keep chasing records until he turns grey .
The runaway series leader and six-time world champion equalled Michael Schumacher ’ s total of wins and moved closer to levelling him on seven drivers ’ titles with his victory at the Nurburgring on Sunday .
It was his first win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team ’ s first triumph at the historic venue since Juan-Manuel Fangio ’ s victory in 1954 .
`` Of course , I can set goals and I will continue to charge on and see what is possible , '' said Hamilton .
`` I love the sport – the smell of it , the whole aura and atmosphere it creates – and it is going to be difficult to let it go .
`` While I am older now than these guys , I feel as young as them in spirit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grey hairs , but for now I am good . ''
Hamilton achieved his landmark win after 260 races while Schumacher , whose 21-year-old racer son Mick gave him one of his father ’ s helmets to mark his achievement , raced in 246 .
The German won his 91st race 14 years ago at the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix .
Hamilton , who grew up watching Schumacher win races during his and Ferrari ’ s domination , can move one clear of that total if he wins the inaugural Formula One race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 25 .
`` I could never fathom equalling his records and it is beyond my wildest dreams to be here now – I feel humbled by the moment , '' said Hamilton .
`` Michael is , and always will be , a legend of the sport . ''

Nürburgring (Germany) (AFP) –
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Lewis Hamilton issued a clear warning to his rivals after his record-equalling 91st career win at the Eifel Grand Prix when he said he wants to keep chasing records until he turns grey.
The runaway series leader and six-time world champion equalled Michael Schumacher’s total of wins and moved closer to levelling him on seven drivers’ titles with his victory at the Nurburgring on Sunday.
It was his first win at the circuit for Mercedes and the team’s first triumph at the historic venue since Juan-Manuel Fangio’s victory in 1954.
"Of course, I can set goals and I will continue to charge on and see what is possible," said Hamilton.
"I love the sport – the smell of it, the whole aura and atmosphere it creates – and it is going to be difficult to let it go.
"While I am older now than these guys, I feel as young as them in spirit. That will change when I start seeking grey hairs, but for now I am good."
Hamilton achieved his landmark win after 260 races while Schumacher, whose 21-year-old racer son Mick gave him one of his father’s helmets to mark his achievement, raced in 246.
The German won his 91st race 14 years ago at the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who grew up watching Schumacher win races during his and Ferrari’s domination, can move one clear of that total if he wins the inaugural Formula One race at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on October 25.
"I could never fathom equalling his records and it is beyond my wildest dreams to be here now – I feel humbled by the moment," said Hamilton.
"Michael is, and always will be, a legend of the sport."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--US Presidential race: Trump says he is recovered from Covid-19, prepares for return to campaign trai

US Presidential race : Trump says he is recovered from Covid-19 , prepares for return to campaign trail # US @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday he had fully recovered from # Covid-19 and was not an infection risk @ @ @ @ @ to return to holding big campaign rallies during the final weeks of the race for @ @ @ @ @ also said , without producing evidence , that he was now immune , a claim @ @ @ @ @ Twitter for violating the social media platform 's rules about misleading information related to Covid-19 @

US Presidential race: Trump says he is recovered from Covid-19, prepares for return to campaign trail
01:26
#US President Donald #Trump said on Sunday he had fully recovered from #Covid-19 and was not an infection risk for others, freeing him to return to holding big campaign rallies during the final weeks of the race for the White House. Trump also said, without producing evidence, that he was now immune, a claim that drew a flag from Twitter for violating the social media platform's rules about misleading information related to Covid-19.


france24--2020-10-12--Tokyo to host four-nation gymnastics contest ahead of Olympics

Tokyo is hosting an international gymnastics competition in November which organisers hope could serve as a practice run for the postponed Olympics Tokyo will host a one-off international gymnastics tournament next month , organisers said Monday , in what could serve as a practice run ahead of the postponed Olympics .
Thirty-two gymnasts from China , Russia , the United States and Japan will face off at the November 8 event -- the first major multinational sporting contest Japan has held since the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier this year .
The competition , which has been under discussion for months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
It is still unclear exactly how the Tokyo Olympics , which were forced back a year by the Covid-19 crisis to July and August 2021 , will go ahead .
With many countries experiencing fresh waves of contagion , big questions -- including whether spectators will be allowed -- remain unresolved .
But Morinari Watanabe , president of the International Gymnastics Federation ( FIG ) , said next month 's contest could provide a reference point for Olympic bosses .
`` This is being organised as our way to uplift the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus , '' Watanabe told an online press conference .
`` If it ends up supporting efforts toward the Olympics , as an eventual outcome , I will be happy , '' he added .
Before travelling to Japan , the gymnasts ' health will be monitored with repeated Covid tests , which will continue on a daily basis after they arrive .
They will only be allowed to move between their hotels and the competition and practice venues on special vehicles .
Japan 's 14-day quarantine requirement will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already living under varying degrees of isolation .
Around 2,000 to 3,000 spectators will be allowed at the contest , Watanabe said -- just a fraction of the capacity of the Yoyogi First Gymnasium , where the event will be held .
The venue will host handball and badminton matches during next year 's Games , while gymnastics events will take place at a newly built facility .

Tokyo (AFP) –
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Tokyo will host a one-off international gymnastics tournament next month, organisers said Monday, in what could serve as a practice run ahead of the postponed Olympics.
Thirty-two gymnasts from China, Russia, the United States and Japan will face off at the November 8 event -- the first major multinational sporting contest Japan has held since the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier this year.
The competition, which has been under discussion for months, will have strict anti-infection measures in place.
It is still unclear exactly how the Tokyo Olympics, which were forced back a year by the Covid-19 crisis to July and August 2021, will go ahead.
With many countries experiencing fresh waves of contagion, big questions -- including whether spectators will be allowed -- remain unresolved.
But Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), said next month's contest could provide a reference point for Olympic bosses.
"This is being organised as our way to uplift the world, which has been driven down by the coronavirus," Watanabe told an online press conference.
"If it ends up supporting efforts toward the Olympics, as an eventual outcome, I will be happy," he added.
Before travelling to Japan, the gymnasts' health will be monitored with repeated Covid tests, which will continue on a daily basis after they arrive.
They will only be allowed to move between their hotels and the competition and practice venues on special vehicles.
Japan's 14-day quarantine requirement will also be waived, but all the athletes involved are already living under varying degrees of isolation.
Around 2,000 to 3,000 spectators will be allowed at the contest, Watanabe said -- just a fraction of the capacity of the Yoyogi First Gymnasium, where the event will be held.
The venue will host handball and badminton matches during next year's Games, while gymnastics events will take place at a newly built facility.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-12--Heavy shelling and civilian casualties in Ganja dash hopes for Karabakh ceasefire

Heavy shelling and civilian casualties in Ganja dash hopes for Karabakh ceasefire A Russian-brokered ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan failed @ @ @ @ @ with both sides accusing the other of intensive shelling of civilian areas and escalating two @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan 's foreign ministry said that overnight shelling by Armenian forces of the country 's @ @ @ @ @ , had left at least seven people dead and 33 wounded including children , less @ @ @ @ @ halt to fighting was supposed to take effect .
FRANCE 24 's Catherine Norris Trent @ @ @ @

Heavy shelling and civilian casualties in Ganja dash hopes for Karabakh ceasefire
01:08
Video by: Catherine NORRIS TRENT
A Russian-brokered ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan failed to hold on Sunday, with both sides accusing the other of intensive shelling of civilian areas and escalating two weeks of fierce clashes. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry said that overnight shelling by Armenian forces of the country's second largest city, Ganja, had left at least seven people dead and 33 wounded including children, less than 24 hours after the halt to fighting was supposed to take effect. FRANCE 24's Catherine Norris Trent tells us more.


france24--2020-10-12--In Lesbos, migrants and locals wonder if a Moria camp 2.0 is springing up

Greek police moved hundreds of migrants stranded on the island of Lesbos into a new tent camp after a fire @ @ @ @ @ migrant camp .
FRANCE 24 's James André , Erika Olavarria and Mayssa Awad report @ @ @ @ @ met the unhappy residents of replacement facility .

In Lesbos, migrants and locals fear new tent camp will simply be Moria 2.0
02:38
Greek police moved thousands of migrants stranded on the island of Lesbos into a new tent camp after a fire last month razed the country's biggest migrant camp. FRANCE 24's James André, Erika Olavarria and Mayssa Awad met with the unhappy residents of a temporary replacement facility that was built after the fire.