france24--2020-11-27--Edgy All Blacks driven by 'horrible' defeats

All Blacks skipper Sam Cane Friday said his team has an extra `` edge '' about them heading into their crunch clash with Argentina , driven by the `` horrible '' feeling of two straight defeats .
New Zealand are in the rare situation of trying to avoid three losses in a row , a fate they have not suffered since 1998 .
Standing in their way at Newcastle , north of Sydney , on Saturday is an Argentinian side that not only beat them 25-15 in the Tri Nations this month , but followed it up with a battling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two defeats in a row -- they also lost to the Wallabies -- and a backlash from their notoriously demanding fans had left them rattled .
`` Everyone in the squad is hurting and there is an opportunity to try and right some wrongs and put some pride back in the All Blacks jersey , '' he said .
`` There 's a slightly different mood .
The easiest way to explain it is that there is a bit of an edge , almost a grumpiness throughout the week .
`` Sometimes ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a bit of fun , but we are so focused and have just wanted to get the most out of every training session this week to give ourselves the best chance of playing well . ''
Much of the flak from the back-to-back defeats has been directed at coach Ian Foster , although Cane has also come under scrutiny for his leadership skills .
He insisted his head had been `` in a good place '' this week with `` tremendous support '' from his teammates .
`` We are very focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to get a good performance and sort of blocking out any outside noise and just worrying about what is important , '' he said .
`` We 're embracing the pressure that we 're under as a team but using that in a really positive way to drive us .
`` The last two games , the feeling has just been horrible and there would be nothing worse than feeling that again leading into the ( southern hemisphere ) summer , so we 're just driven to try and put a performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Foster has reshuffled his forwards to better tackle the physicality of Argentina , bringing in prop Nepo Laulala for Tyrel Lomax , lock Scott Barrett ahead of Patrick Tuipulotu and loose forward Akira Ioane instead of Shannon Frizell .
Otherwise , the team is unchanged from the one that crashed to Argentina a fortnight ago .
In contrast , Pumas coach Mario Ledesma has replaced 10 of his run-on side after two bruising games in as many weeks as they prepare to play in honour of deceased football legend and compatriot Diego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring the same aggression and flair in the re-match , and urged his team to show similar attributes .
`` Definitely a wee bit more passion , '' he said .
`` We 're coming up against one of the most passionate sides in world rugby , but also just being physical , clinical and smart . ''

Sydney (AFP) –
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All Blacks skipper Sam Cane Friday said his team has an extra "edge" about them heading into their crunch clash with Argentina, driven by the "horrible" feeling of two straight defeats.
New Zealand are in the rare situation of trying to avoid three losses in a row, a fate they have not suffered since 1998.
Standing in their way at Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday is an Argentinian side that not only beat them 25-15 in the Tri Nations this month, but followed it up with a battling draw against Australia.
Cane said suffering two defeats in a row -- they also lost to the Wallabies -- and a backlash from their notoriously demanding fans had left them rattled.
"Everyone in the squad is hurting and there is an opportunity to try and right some wrongs and put some pride back in the All Blacks jersey," he said.
"There's a slightly different mood. The easiest way to explain it is that there is a bit of an edge, almost a grumpiness throughout the week.
"Sometimes (in training) it's good to have a bit of fun, but we are so focused and have just wanted to get the most out of every training session this week to give ourselves the best chance of playing well."
Much of the flak from the back-to-back defeats has been directed at coach Ian Foster, although Cane has also come under scrutiny for his leadership skills.
- 'Wee bit more passion' -
He insisted his head had been "in a good place" this week with "tremendous support" from his teammates.
"We are very focused on what we can control and in trying to get a good performance and sort of blocking out any outside noise and just worrying about what is important," he said.
"We're embracing the pressure that we're under as a team but using that in a really positive way to drive us.
"The last two games, the feeling has just been horrible and there would be nothing worse than feeling that again leading into the (southern hemisphere) summer, so we're just driven to try and put a performance together that we're proud of."
Foster has reshuffled his forwards to better tackle the physicality of Argentina, bringing in prop Nepo Laulala for Tyrel Lomax, lock Scott Barrett ahead of Patrick Tuipulotu and loose forward Akira Ioane instead of Shannon Frizell.
Otherwise, the team is unchanged from the one that crashed to Argentina a fortnight ago.
In contrast, Pumas coach Mario Ledesma has replaced 10 of his run-on side after two bruising games in as many weeks as they prepare to play in honour of deceased football legend and compatriot Diego Maradona.
Cane said he expected Argentina to bring the same aggression and flair in the re-match, and urged his team to show similar attributes.
"Definitely a wee bit more passion," he said. "We're coming up against one of the most passionate sides in world rugby, but also just being physical, clinical and smart."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--Erdogan pushes tough foreign policy despite economic pain

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ( L ) and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar lead a parade for the 37th anniversary of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ( TRNC ) in the Turkish-held northern part of the divided capital Nicosia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 's increasingly assertive foreign policy is rankling Western allies and scaring away investors -- but few analysts expect him to slow down .
Critics accuse Erdogan of whipping up patriotism in a bid to shore up support after bitter municipal election losses last year saw his rivals win in Ankara and Istanbul .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests in a volatile region against unfriendly nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt .
Erdogan softened some of his most strident rhetoric and made a rare overture to Western partners after the scale of Turkey 's financial problems forced him to shake up his economic team earlier this month .
Yet Turkish troops and military advisers are still fanned out from Syria to Libya , causing consternation in capitals across Europe and Washington .
Erdogan is also challenging rival Greece in the eastern Mediterranean and throwing down the gauntlet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war with Armenia over the separatist enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Analysts say this might help Erdogan attract voters in the short term -- but not foreign investors who can help the flagging economy revive and thrive in the years to come .
Erdogan 's foreign policy is `` creating huge uncertainty about Turkey , '' said Washington 's German Marshall Fund fellow Kadri Tastan .
It creates a `` combative relationship with Turkey 's main economic partners , the EU and the US , '' Sinan Ulgen of Istanbul 's Centre for Economics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey 's trade and investment relationships are essentially with these two economic hubs . ''
One of the main points of friction with the European Union involves Turkey 's search for natural gas in disputed waters near Cyprus and Greece .
The bloc warned last month that Turkey could face `` immediate '' sanctions if it continued .
The next EU leaders ' summit is on December 10-11 .
Erdogan appeared to extend an olive branch to Brussels last Saturday , insisting that `` we do n't see ourselves anywhere but in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see Turkey change its behaviour than hear Erdogan 's `` soothing declarations '' .
Turkey began talks to join the EU in 2005 but the process has been effectively frozen because of Europe 's ever-growing concerns about Erdogan 's rule .
Erdogan 's softer tone also included a promise of judicial reform that followed Joe Biden 's election as US president .
Biden represents a potential problem following Erdogan 's friendship with Donald Trump , who never made Turkey 's deteriorating rights record a top-line concern .
Greece and Egypt in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more active role to resolve the Mediterranean crisis .
Turkey also faces the threat of US sanctions after its controversial purchase of Russia 's advanced S-400 anti-missile systems , especially after Biden 's win .
`` There is therefore a high risk Turkish-US relations will reach a new low in 2021 , '' Verisk Maplecroft risk consultancy analyst Anthony Skinner said .
Erdogan 's foreign policy push intensified after he survived a 2016 attempted coup , when he felt `` left alone by traditional partners in the West '' , said Sinem Adar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Applied Turkey Studies in Berlin .
Erdogan believes `` Turkey can no longer trust Europe and the US to support its security , '' she added , pointing to a speech he gave in October 2016 defending his campaigns against Kurdish targets in Syria and northern Iraq .
`` We will henceforth protect the right of this nation with a tit-for-tat fight in the field and with a seat at the table , if need be , '' Erdogan said .
And again last month , Erdogan complained of `` a blatant attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involves `` crisis points from Syria to the Mediterranean to the Caucasus '' .
Turkey has poured hundreds of millions of dollars developing its own defences , which Adar said meant that it can now engage in multiple fronts .
`` That is an enabling factor of this increasing aggressiveness , '' she told AFP .
`` The boundaries between domestic politics and foreign policy have become increasingly blurred . ''
This approach has compounded the pain of a Turkish economy that analysts believe has been mismanaged for years .
The lira has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the dollar since the start of 2020 and annual inflation hovers at around 12 percent .
`` Rising geopolitical risk puts pressure on the domestic currency , '' Ulgen said , and also `` affects portfolio flows as well as foreign direct investments . ''
The majority of this investment comes from Europe , Tastan said .
One example came last year when Germany 's Volkswagen postponed a decision on whether to build a new factory in Turkey after the Turkish offensive in northern Syria .
It ultimately cancelled the plans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Ankara (AFP) –
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increasingly assertive foreign policy is rankling Western allies and scaring away investors -- but few analysts expect him to slow down.
Critics accuse Erdogan of whipping up patriotism in a bid to shore up support after bitter municipal election losses last year saw his rivals win in Ankara and Istanbul.
The government counters that Turkey is defending its interests in a volatile region against unfriendly nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
Erdogan softened some of his most strident rhetoric and made a rare overture to Western partners after the scale of Turkey's financial problems forced him to shake up his economic team earlier this month.
Yet Turkish troops and military advisers are still fanned out from Syria to Libya, causing consternation in capitals across Europe and Washington.
Erdogan is also challenging rival Greece in the eastern Mediterranean and throwing down the gauntlet to Russia by backing Azerbaijan in its victorious war with Armenia over the separatist enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Analysts say this might help Erdogan attract voters in the short term -- but not foreign investors who can help the flagging economy revive and thrive in the years to come.
Erdogan's foreign policy is "creating huge uncertainty about Turkey," said Washington's German Marshall Fund fellow Kadri Tastan.
It creates a "combative relationship with Turkey's main economic partners, the EU and the US," Sinan Ulgen of Istanbul's Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies agreed.
"Turkey's trade and investment relationships are essentially with these two economic hubs."
- Olive branch? -
One of the main points of friction with the European Union involves Turkey's search for natural gas in disputed waters near Cyprus and Greece.
The bloc warned last month that Turkey could face "immediate" sanctions if it continued. The next EU leaders' summit is on December 10-11.
Erdogan appeared to extend an olive branch to Brussels last Saturday, insisting that "we don't see ourselves anywhere but in Europe".
France responded that it preferred to see Turkey change its behaviour than hear Erdogan's "soothing declarations".
Turkey began talks to join the EU in 2005 but the process has been effectively frozen because of Europe's ever-growing concerns about Erdogan's rule.
Erdogan's softer tone also included a promise of judicial reform that followed Joe Biden's election as US president.
Biden represents a potential problem following Erdogan's friendship with Donald Trump, who never made Turkey's deteriorating rights record a top-line concern.
Greece and Egypt in particular are hoping Biden will take on a more active role to resolve the Mediterranean crisis.
Turkey also faces the threat of US sanctions after its controversial purchase of Russia's advanced S-400 anti-missile systems, especially after Biden's win.
"There is therefore a high risk Turkish-US relations will reach a new low in 2021," Verisk Maplecroft risk consultancy analyst Anthony Skinner said.
- 'Tit-for-tat' -
Erdogan's foreign policy push intensified after he survived a 2016 attempted coup, when he felt "left alone by traditional partners in the West", said Sinem Adar, an associate at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies in Berlin.
Erdogan believes "Turkey can no longer trust Europe and the US to support its security," she added, pointing to a speech he gave in October 2016 defending his campaigns against Kurdish targets in Syria and northern Iraq.
"We will henceforth protect the right of this nation with a tit-for-tat fight in the field and with a seat at the table, if need be," Erdogan said.
And again last month, Erdogan complained of "a blatant attempt to put Turkey under siege" that involves "crisis points from Syria to the Mediterranean to the Caucasus".
Turkey has poured hundreds of millions of dollars developing its own defences, which Adar said meant that it can now engage in multiple fronts.
"That is an enabling factor of this increasing aggressiveness," she told AFP.
"The boundaries between domestic politics and foreign policy have become increasingly blurred."
- Rising risk -
This approach has compounded the pain of a Turkish economy that analysts believe has been mismanaged for years.
The lira has lost about a quarter of its value against the dollar since the start of 2020 and annual inflation hovers at around 12 percent.
"Rising geopolitical risk puts pressure on the domestic currency," Ulgen said, and also "affects portfolio flows as well as foreign direct investments."
The majority of this investment comes from Europe, Tastan said.
One example came last year when Germany's Volkswagen postponed a decision on whether to build a new factory in Turkey after the Turkish offensive in northern Syria.
It ultimately cancelled the plans in July because of the coronavirus pandemic.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--Belgium tries Iranian diplomat over bomb plot

Thousands of Iranian opposition supporters from all over Europe , many of them bussed in , attended the annual meeting of the NCRI a couple of years ago An Iranian diplomat goes on trial in Belgium on Friday accused of plotting to bomb an opposition rally outside Paris , in a case that has stoked tensions with Tehran .
In June 2018 Belgian authorities thwarted what they said was an attempt to smuggle explosives to France to attack a meeting of one of Iran 's exiled opposition movements .
Later that year , the French government accused Iran 's intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charge the Islamic republic has furiously denied .
Assadollah Assadi , a 48-year-old Iranian diplomat formerly based in Vienna , faces life in prison if convicted .
The National Council of Resistance in Iran ( NCRI ) , which includes the People 's Mojahedin of Iran or ( MEK ) , organised a rally in Villepinte outside Paris on June 30 , 2018 .
Several well-known international figures -- including former US and British officials and Franco-Colombian former senator Ingrid Betancourt -- and NCRI leader Maryam Rajavi were to attend .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Belgian-Iranian couple driving from Antwerp and carrying half-a-kilo of TATP explosives and a detonator .
The arrested couple , 36-year-old Nassimeh Naami and 40-year-old Amir Saadouni , join Assadi in the dock , alongside another alleged accomplice , Mehrdad Arefani , 57 .
All four are charged with attempting to carry out a terrorist attack and taking part in the activity of a terrorist group .
All face life sentences .
Assadi was arrested while he was travelling through Germany where he had no immunity from prosecution , being outside of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an Iranian poet who had lived in Belgium for more than a decade , was arrested in France in 2018 after Belgium issued an European arrest warrant .
Counsel representing those targeted by the alleged attack say Arefani was close to Assadi , said to be the architect of the plot , and point to an Austrian SIM card found in his possession .
The two men deny any connection .
`` We are looking at a clear case of state terrorism , '' said lawyer Georges-Henri Beauthier , who is representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with French colleague William Bourdon .
Dimitri de Beco , defence counsel for Assadi , has accused the civil plaintiffs of trying to turn the case into a political trial on behalf of the opposition movement .
According to Iran expert Francois Nicoullaud -- a former French ambassador to Tehran -- Iran 's President Hassan Rouhani was surprised to learn about the failed attack .
`` Visiting Europe at the time , he was absolutely furious to learn about this intelligence service operation , on which he had n't been consulted , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of the alleged plot , Rouhani was trying to maintain the support of European capitals for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal , which US President Donald Trump had abandoned .
When Paris pointed the finger at Iranian intelligence , an Iranian spokesman voiced denial and alleged that opponents of the deal in `` certain quarters '' were attempting to frame Tehran .
That idea was dismissed by observers like Nicoullaud as a smoke screen .
`` It 's not serious , '' he said .
The trial is scheduled to take two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The court is then expected to adjourn to consider its verdict before ruling early next year .

Brussels (AFP) –
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An Iranian diplomat goes on trial in Belgium on Friday accused of plotting to bomb an opposition rally outside Paris, in a case that has stoked tensions with Tehran.
In June 2018 Belgian authorities thwarted what they said was an attempt to smuggle explosives to France to attack a meeting of one of Iran's exiled opposition movements.
Later that year, the French government accused Iran's intelligence service of being behind the operation, a charge the Islamic republic has furiously denied.
Assadollah Assadi, a 48-year-old Iranian diplomat formerly based in Vienna, faces life in prison if convicted.
The National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI), which includes the People's Mojahedin of Iran or (MEK), organised a rally in Villepinte outside Paris on June 30, 2018.
Several well-known international figures -- including former US and British officials and Franco-Colombian former senator Ingrid Betancourt -- and NCRI leader Maryam Rajavi were to attend.
On the same morning, Belgian police intercepted a Belgian-Iranian couple driving from Antwerp and carrying half-a-kilo of TATP explosives and a detonator.
The arrested couple, 36-year-old Nassimeh Naami and 40-year-old Amir Saadouni, join Assadi in the dock, alongside another alleged accomplice, Mehrdad Arefani, 57.
All four are charged with attempting to carry out a terrorist attack and taking part in the activity of a terrorist group. All face life sentences.
Assadi was arrested while he was travelling through Germany where he had no immunity from prosecution, being outside of the country of his diplomatic posting.
Arefani, an Iranian poet who had lived in Belgium for more than a decade, was arrested in France in 2018 after Belgium issued an European arrest warrant.
- 'Absolutely furious' -
Counsel representing those targeted by the alleged attack say Arefani was close to Assadi, said to be the architect of the plot, and point to an Austrian SIM card found in his possession.
The two men deny any connection.
"We are looking at a clear case of state terrorism," said lawyer Georges-Henri Beauthier, who is representing the interests of the NCRI, along with French colleague William Bourdon.
Dimitri de Beco, defence counsel for Assadi, has accused the civil plaintiffs of trying to turn the case into a political trial on behalf of the opposition movement.
According to Iran expert Francois Nicoullaud -- a former French ambassador to Tehran -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani was surprised to learn about the failed attack.
"Visiting Europe at the time, he was absolutely furious to learn about this intelligence service operation, on which he hadn't been consulted," the diplomat told AFP.
At the time of the alleged plot, Rouhani was trying to maintain the support of European capitals for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which US President Donald Trump had abandoned.
When Paris pointed the finger at Iranian intelligence, an Iranian spokesman voiced denial and alleged that opponents of the deal in "certain quarters" were attempting to frame Tehran.
That idea was dismissed by observers like Nicoullaud as a smoke screen. "It's not serious," he said.
The trial is scheduled to take two days, Friday and then Thursday next week. The court is then expected to adjourn to consider its verdict before ruling early next year.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--Fugging hell: Tired of mockery, Austrian village changes name

English-speaking souvenir-hunters have reportedly stolen the signs in the past Residents of an Austrian village will ring in the new year under a new name -- Fugging -- after ridicule of their signposts , especially on social media , became too much to bear .
They finally grew weary of Fucking , its current name which some experts say dates back to the 11th century .
Minutes from a municipal council meeting published Thursday showed that the village of some 100 souls 350 kilometres ( 215 miles ) east of Vienna will be named Fugging from January 1 , 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a point of stopping in to snap pictures of themselves by the signpost at the entrance to the village , sometimes striking lascivious poses for posting on social media .
Some have reportedly even stolen the signposts , leading the local authorities to use theft-resistant concrete when putting up replacements .
Finally , a majority of the villagers decided they had had enough .
`` I can confirm that the village is being renamed , '' said Andrea Holzner , the mayor of Tarsdorf , the municipality to which the village belongs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say anything more -- we 've had enough media frenzy about this in the past , '' she told regional daily Oberoesterreichische Nachrichten ( OOeN ) .
According to the Austrian daily Die Presse , the villagers , known as Fuckingers , `` have had enough of visitors and their bad jokes . ''
But not everybody seems happy about the impending change .
`` Do n't people have any sense of humour these days ? ''
asked one OOeN reader .
Another noted : `` They 're getting free publicity -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a funny name . ''
Locals had previously found their village in the news after it was the backdrop for a book by Austrian novelist Kurt Palm which later was turned into a film .
The village was first officially inhabited from around 1070 , but local lore suggests that a sixth century Bavarian nobleman called Focko actually founded the settlement .
A map dating from 1825 used the spelling Fuking .
Just across the border in Bavaria in Germany , there is another village called Petting .

Vienna (AFP) –
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Residents of an Austrian village will ring in the new year under a new name -- Fugging -- after ridicule of their signposts, especially on social media, became too much to bear.
They finally grew weary of Fucking, its current name which some experts say dates back to the 11th century.
Minutes from a municipal council meeting published Thursday showed that the village of some 100 souls 350 kilometres (215 miles) east of Vienna will be named Fugging from January 1, 2021.
Increasing numbers of English-speaking tourists have made a point of stopping in to snap pictures of themselves by the signpost at the entrance to the village, sometimes striking lascivious poses for posting on social media.
Some have reportedly even stolen the signposts, leading the local authorities to use theft-resistant concrete when putting up replacements.
Finally, a majority of the villagers decided they had had enough.
"I can confirm that the village is being renamed," said Andrea Holzner, the mayor of Tarsdorf, the municipality to which the village belongs.
"I really don't want to say anything more -- we've had enough media frenzy about this in the past," she told regional daily Oberoesterreichische Nachrichten (OOeN).
According to the Austrian daily Die Presse, the villagers, known as Fuckingers, "have had enough of visitors and their bad jokes."
But not everybody seems happy about the impending change.
"Don't people have any sense of humour these days?" asked one OOeN reader.
Another noted: "They're getting free publicity -- they ought to have been happy to have a funny name."
Locals had previously found their village in the news after it was the backdrop for a book by Austrian novelist Kurt Palm which later was turned into a film.
The village was first officially inhabited from around 1070, but local lore suggests that a sixth century Bavarian nobleman called Focko actually founded the settlement. A map dating from 1825 used the spelling Fuking.
Just across the border in Bavaria in Germany, there is another village called Petting.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--Trump says he will leave office if Biden victory confirmed

US President Donald Trump has fought against the election results that will end his time in office President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would leave the White House if Joe Biden is officially confirmed the winner of the US election , making a further concession of defeat even as he railed against the `` rigged '' vote .
Trump has made an unprecedented attempt to defy the results of the election by refusing to concede , spreading wild theories about stolen ballots and launching baseless legal challenges that have been thrown out by courts across the country .
Answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 3 vote , the president moved closer to accepting that he would serve only one term in office before Biden is inaugurated on January 20 .
When asked if he would leave the White House if the Electoral College confirmed Biden 's victory , Trump said , `` Certainly I will .
And you know that . ''
But `` if they do , they made a mistake , '' he said , adding , `` It 's going to be a very hard thing to concede . ''
The Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will meet on December 14 to certify Biden 's victory , with Biden receiving 306 votes to Trump 's 232 .
`` This was a massive fraud , '' Trump said about the result , again without providing any evidence during his remarks to reporters on Thursday , the Thanksgiving holiday .
He described the US voting infrastructure as `` like a third-world country . ''
Earlier in the day he tweeted that `` this was a 100 % RIGGED ELECTION , '' while on Wednesday he called on his Republican supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' President-elect Biden has said that Americans `` wo n't stand '' for attempts to derail the outcome , and called for Americans to unite to fight the worsening Covid-19 pandemic .
Trump , who tore up countless norms during his four years in power , has carved out new territory with his refusal to concede to Biden .
Supporters suggest he is already eyeing an announcement of running for president again in 2024 .
Trump , 74 , is alleging -- among other conspiracy theories -- that voting machines deliberately deleted millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election security agency declared it `` the most secure '' election in US history .
After coming under pressure from a slowly building trickle of senior Republicans , Trump this week ended his blockade of government assistance to ease Biden 's preparation for assuming the presidency .
Biden this week also introduced a slate of veteran diplomats and policy-makers who will make up his national security and foreign policy team , saying : `` America is back , ready to lead the world . ''
`` These public servants will restore America 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , 78 , said as the six men and women stood behind him wearing face-masks .
Biden said that in his first 100 days in office he will tackle the Covid crisis , scrap Trump policies `` damaging '' the environment and push legislation offering millions of undocumented residents a route to citizenship .

Washington (AFP) –
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President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would leave the White House if Joe Biden is officially confirmed the winner of the US election, making a further concession of defeat even as he railed against the "rigged" vote.
Trump has made an unprecedented attempt to defy the results of the election by refusing to concede, spreading wild theories about stolen ballots and launching baseless legal challenges that have been thrown out by courts across the country.
Answering his first questions from reporters since the November 3 vote, the president moved closer to accepting that he would serve only one term in office before Biden is inaugurated on January 20.
When asked if he would leave the White House if the Electoral College confirmed Biden's victory, Trump said, "Certainly I will. And you know that."
But "if they do, they made a mistake," he said, adding, "It's going to be a very hard thing to concede."
The Electoral College, which determines the White House winner, will meet on December 14 to certify Biden's victory, with Biden receiving 306 votes to Trump's 232.
"This was a massive fraud," Trump said about the result, again without providing any evidence during his remarks to reporters on Thursday, the Thanksgiving holiday.
He described the US voting infrastructure as "like a third-world country."
Earlier in the day he tweeted that "this was a 100% RIGGED ELECTION," while on Wednesday he called on his Republican supporters "to turn the election over."
- No proof of fraud -
President-elect Biden has said that Americans "won't stand" for attempts to derail the outcome, and called for Americans to unite to fight the worsening Covid-19 pandemic.
Trump, who tore up countless norms during his four years in power, has carved out new territory with his refusal to concede to Biden.
Supporters suggest he is already eyeing an announcement of running for president again in 2024.
Trump, 74, is alleging -- among other conspiracy theories -- that voting machines deliberately deleted millions of his votes, though the government election security agency declared it "the most secure" election in US history.
After coming under pressure from a slowly building trickle of senior Republicans, Trump this week ended his blockade of government assistance to ease Biden's preparation for assuming the presidency.
Biden this week also introduced a slate of veteran diplomats and policy-makers who will make up his national security and foreign policy team, saying: "America is back, ready to lead the world."
"These public servants will restore America's global leadership and moral leadership," Biden, 78, said as the six men and women stood behind him wearing face-masks.
Biden said that in his first 100 days in office he will tackle the Covid crisis, scrap Trump policies "damaging" the environment and push legislation offering millions of undocumented residents a route to citizenship.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-26--Trump says he will leave White House if US Electoral College votes for Biden

U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a Thanksgiving video teleconference with members of the military forces at the White House in Washington , U.S. , November 26 , 2020 .
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden , the closest he has come to conceding the Nov. 3 election , even as he reiterated his unfounded claims of massive voter fraud .
Speaking to reporters on the Thanksgiving holiday , Republican Trump said if Democrat Biden - who is due to be sworn in on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner by the Electoral College , he will depart the White House .
But Trump said it would be hard for him to concede under the current circumstances and declined to say whether he would attend Biden 's inauguration .
The electors are scheduled to meet on Dec. 14 .
`` This election was a fraud , '' Trump insisted , while offering no concrete evidence of such voting irregularities .
Biden and Trump both stayed close to home to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seaside town of Rehoboth , Delaware , where he and his wife Jill have a vacation home .
The Bidens are hosting daughter Ashley Biden and her husband Dr. Howard Krein for the holiday meal .
The former vice president , appearing with his wife in a video message posted to his Twitter account on Thanksgiving , said his family typically holds a large gathering on the island of Nantucket off Massachusetts , but would remain in Delaware this year `` with just a small group around our dinner table '' because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a nation that has lost more than 260,000 lives to the coronavirus , the Democratic president-elect said Americans were making a `` shared sacrifice for the whole country '' and a `` statement of common purpose '' by staying at home with their immediate families .
`` I know this is n't the way many of us hoped we 'd spend our holiday .
We know that a small act of staying home is a gift to our fellow Americans , '' said Biden .
`` I know better days are coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate holidays at his Mar-a-Largo resort in Florida .
But on Thursday he remained in the Washington area , spending part of the morning at his Trump National Golf Club in Virginia where he played a round of golf .
It was a far cry from last year when he made a surprise visit https : //www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-afghanistan/trump-makes-surprise-afghanistan-trip-voices-hope-for-ceasefire-idUSKBN1Y225Y to Afghanistan , where he served turkey to U.S. troops before sitting down to eat Thanksgiving dinner with them .
This time , Trump spoke by video link from the White House to members of @ @ @

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden, the closest he has come to conceding the Nov. 3 election, even as he reiterated his unfounded claims of massive voter fraud.
US President Donald Trump participates in a Thanksgiving video teleconference with members of the military forces at the White House in Washington, DC, November 26, 2020.
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Speaking to reporters on the Thanksgiving holiday, Republican Trump said if Democrat Biden – who is due to be sworn in on Jan. 20 – is certified the election winner by the Electoral College, he will depart the White House.
But Trump said it would be hard for him to concede under the current circumstances and declined to say whether he would attend Biden's inauguration. The electors are scheduled to meet on Dec. 14.
"This election was a fraud," Trump insisted, while offering no concrete evidence of such voting irregularities.
Biden and Trump both stayed close to home to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country.
Biden spent the holiday in the small seaside town of Rehoboth, Delaware, where he and his wife Jill have a vacation home. The Bidens are hosting daughter Ashley Biden and her husband Dr. Howard Krein for the holiday meal.
The former vice president, appearing with his wife in a video message posted to his Twitter account on Thanksgiving, said his family typically holds a large gathering on the island of Nantucket off Massachusetts, but would remain in Delaware this year "with just a small group around our dinner table" because of the pandemic.
In the presidential-style address to a nation that has lost more than 260,000 lives to the coronavirus, the Democratic president-elect said Americans were making a "shared sacrifice for the whole country" and a "statement of common purpose" by staying at home with their immediate families.
"I know this isn't the way many of us hoped we'd spend our holiday. We know that a small act of staying home is a gift to our fellow Americans," said Biden. "I know better days are coming."
Republican President Trump often likes to celebrate holidays at his Mar-a-Largo resort in Florida. But on Thursday he remained in the Washington area, spending part of the morning at his Trump National Golf Club in Virginia where he played a round of golf.
It was a far cry from last year when he made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, where he served turkey to U.S. troops before sitting down to eat Thanksgiving dinner with them.
This time, Trump spoke by video link from the White House to members of the military.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-11-27--Thai protesters practise 'coup prevention' in latest rally

Bright yellow rubber ducks have become a symbol of the movement Thousands of democracy activists blocked a major junction in Bangkok Friday to rehearse `` coup prevention '' strategies in the latest round of Thailand 's anti-government protests .
The country has for months been rocked by youth-led protests demanding a new constitution , reform of the untouchable monarchy , and for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign .
Prayut , who came to power in a 2014 coup , this week played down the prospects of being overthrown or introducing martial law .
Inflatable Santa Claus figures joined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a symbol of the movement as some 5,000 demonstrators massed in the shadow of a motorway flyover in the north of the capital .
Natalie , a 32-year-old Bangkok office worker , said the last coup was disastrous for Thailand and warned the country should n't go down that path again .
`` Now is a crisis time in Bangkok and Thailand .
I want new elections and to change the prime minister and for a new government to actually listen to the people , '' she told AFP .
As part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drills , protesters passed an armada of the pool toy ducks over their heads , to represent the military passing over the people to take the front row of Thai politics .
Another group paraded portraits of generals who had led past coups before ritually burning them .
Army Chief Narongphan Jittkaewtae has rejected coup rumours saying the chance of another putsch was `` less than zero '' .
Political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich from Ubon Ratchathani University believes another coup is unlikely at present .
`` I do n't think he will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from conservatives ... and big businesses , '' he told AFP .
But in a country that has seen a dozen coups since it became a democracy in 1932 , the current round of protests , which began in July , has fuelled rumours another could be looming .
The movement has broken new ground for Thai political activism by demanding changes to the monarchy , a once-revered institution which some in the kingdom are beginning to question .
Next week a constitutional court in Bangkok will rule on whether Prayut has broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite the fact the former general is no longer in the military 's top brass .
Losing the case could see Prayut forced out of office .

Bangkok (AFP) –
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Thousands of democracy activists blocked a major junction in Bangkok Friday to rehearse "coup prevention" strategies in the latest round of Thailand's anti-government protests.
The country has for months been rocked by youth-led protests demanding a new constitution, reform of the untouchable monarchy, and for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign.
Prayut, who came to power in a 2014 coup, this week played down the prospects of being overthrown or introducing martial law.
Inflatable Santa Claus figures joined the bright yellow rubber ducks that have become a symbol of the movement as some 5,000 demonstrators massed in the shadow of a motorway flyover in the north of the capital.
Natalie, a 32-year-old Bangkok office worker, said the last coup was disastrous for Thailand and warned the country shouldn't go down that path again.
"Now is a crisis time in Bangkok and Thailand. I want new elections and to change the prime minister and for a new government to actually listen to the people," she told AFP.
As part of what they called "coup prevention" drills, protesters passed an armada of the pool toy ducks over their heads, to represent the military passing over the people to take the front row of Thai politics.
Another group paraded portraits of generals who had led past coups before ritually burning them.
Army Chief Narongphan Jittkaewtae has rejected coup rumours saying the chance of another putsch was "less than zero".
Political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich from Ubon Ratchathani University believes another coup is unlikely at present.
"I don't think he will be ousted because he still has strong support from conservatives... and big businesses," he told AFP.
But in a country that has seen a dozen coups since it became a democracy in 1932, the current round of protests, which began in July, has fuelled rumours another could be looming.
The movement has broken new ground for Thai political activism by demanding changes to the monarchy, a once-revered institution which some in the kingdom are beginning to question.
Next week a constitutional court in Bangkok will rule on whether Prayut has broken rules by living in an army house, despite the fact the former general is no longer in the military's top brass.
Losing the case could see Prayut forced out of office.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--Blondie on her life in rock 'n' roll, a former CIA director on Trump and the question of French hygi

Blondie on her life in rock 'n' roll, a former CIA director on Trump and the question of French hygiene

FRANCE 24 spoke to former CIA director Leon Panetta , who says Trump is risking US national security ; anger erupts in France over new allegations of police brutality ; Blondie 's Debbie Harry on a life of rock ' n ' roll madness ; the question of French hygiene ; and fans the world over mourn football great Maradona , who died of a heart attack Wednesday at the age of 60 .
Pain and glory : The extraordinary life of Diego Maradona One of sport ’ s most cinematic ( anti ) heroes , Diego Maradona died of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 .
His rise and demise was the subject of a documentary by Asif Kapadia , the third and last instalment in a trilogy about child prodigies consumed by stardom .
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered the suspension on Thursday of four police officers involved in the brutal beating of a music producer in a Paris studio over the weekend .
Footage of the incident showing police officers repeatedly punching the Black man and using truncheons was posted by a news site , sparking widespread condemnation .
France paid tribute this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Liberation '' , the most distinguished order of resistance heroes decorated by General Charles de Gaulle .
Daniel Cordier , who served as secretary to iconic French resistance leader Jean Moulin during World War II , died last week at the age of 100 .
In appointing John Kerry to top role , Biden shows he is serious about climate By appointing former senator and secretary of state John Kerry as the first ever US climate leader , President-elect Joe Biden is sending a clear message .
He 's not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America ’ s commitments to fighting climate change – he plans to push these commitments further .
Two rounds of Covid-19 lockdowns have taken their toll on French merchants , who are looking for innovative ways to boost fourth-quarter sales .
Some of these changes are likely to last long after the pandemic is over .
The reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reached a turning point this week with the removal of the final portions of scaffolding that melted into a twisted web during last year 's blaze .
Crucial restructuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From Argentina to Naples , Diego Maradona 's death has been mourned by football fans around the world – including in Cuba , where he is remembered as a great friend to former leader Fidel Castro , a man Maradona once said was like a `` second father '' .
Nagorno-Karabakh : After three decades , former residents return to find homes in ruins Once the scene of fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan , the district of Fuzuli on the outskirts of Nagorno-Karabakh won by Azerbaijani forces lies deserted following a recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of French police violently removing people from a migrant camp in the centre of Paris have sparked shock and condemnation from politicians and NGOs .
But aid workers say it is just the latest example of the `` infernal cycle '' facing migrants in the French capital .
Former CIA director Leon Panetta : 'Donald Trump is damaging US national security' In an interview with FRANCE 24 , Leon Panetta , a former US secretary of defence and former CIA director , discussed President Donald Trump 's refusal to concede the presidential race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` operated by chaos for the last four years '' , is making sure that the last few weeks of his administration are also chaotic .
Ethiopian cabinet minister : Army 's assault on Tigray region is 'to protect Tigrayan people' In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24 , Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide defended the government 's ongoing military offensive against the northern Tigray region and its capital Mekele .
Shide said government forces had `` liberated '' significant areas of the region and that military operations `` will be completed soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfume : Why is the negative stereotype so hard to wash off ?
The old cliché goes that the French have a questionable relationship with hygiene .
And yet they 're also famous for their vibrant perfume culture .
So where does the negative stereotype come from ?
Amid warming ties with Israel , Jewish community emerges from shadows in UAE This Thursday saw the first ever scheduled flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv , with the UAE and Israel expected to boast 28 weekly connections within a few weeks .
By opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over the world , Emirati authorities hope to revive sectors of the economy hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Protect the living , honour the dead : Ending violence against women in France For the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 , we released a special documentary on the scourge of domestic violence .
Every year in France , more than 220,000 women are victims of violence inflicted by a partner or ex-partner .
Tragically , last year saw more than 150 femicides .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lawyer , a gynaecologist and an activist – who are trying to change the status quo .
'Face It ' : Debbie Harry 's memoir on sex , drugs , David Bowie and the mask of Blondie Blondie star Debbie Harry discusses her mad life in rock ' n ' roll and her autobiography , recently translated into French , which features stories of hanging out with Andy Warhol , taking drugs , being flashed by David Bowie and having her house taken by the tax collector – all while becoming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adoption aged three months and goes all the way up to her 2017 album `` Pollinator '' .
The band has just announced a UK against-the-odds tour for November 2021 with the group Garbage .
Jesse Eisenberg plays legendary mime star Marcel Marceau , who helped thousands of Jews escape the Nazis , in `` Resistance '' .
Also , restored films from 20th-century Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu and the online Black Australia Festival , which is devoted to lifting up indigenous voices .
Feeding France : The restaurant chefs helping the poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to remain closed until at least mid-January , we meet the top French chefs cooking up food for those in need during lockdown .
We also delve into the mysterious world of missing and stolen art in a new online exhibition devoted to missing masterpieces .
Plus , our reporters head to the El Gouna film festival to meet the Arab world 's directors making political movies that challenge traditionalist societies .
YOU ARE HERE The charm of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon , a French archipelago off the coast of Canada It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coast of Canada : For two centuries , the archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon , with its fish-rich waters , attracted people from Brittany , Normandy but above all from France 's Basque country .
Their descendants still keep Basque heritage alive , such as the sport of pelota and traditional songs .

WEEK IN REVIEW
FRANCE 24 spoke to former CIA director Leon Panetta, who says Trump is risking US national security; anger erupts in France over new allegations of police brutality; Blondie's Debbie Harry on a life of rock 'n' roll madness; the question of French hygiene; and fans the world over mourn football great Maradona, who died of a heart attack Wednesday at the age of 60.
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ARTICLES
Pain and glory: The extraordinary life of Diego Maradona
One of sport’s most cinematic (anti)heroes, Diego Maradona died of a heart attack on Wednesday, aged 60. His rise and demise was the subject of a documentary by Asif Kapadia, the third and last instalment in a trilogy about child prodigies consumed by stardom.
Paris police officers suspended over brutal beating of Black man
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered the suspension on Thursday of four police officers involved in the brutal beating of a music producer in a Paris studio over the weekend. Footage of the incident showing police officers repeatedly punching the Black man and using truncheons was posted by a news site, sparking widespread condemnation.
France pays homage to WWII Resistance hero Daniel Cordier
France paid tribute this week to one of the last "Companions of the Liberation", the most distinguished order of resistance heroes decorated by General Charles de Gaulle. Daniel Cordier, who served as secretary to iconic French resistance leader Jean Moulin during World War II, died last week at the age of 100.
In appointing John Kerry to top role, Biden shows he is serious about climate
By appointing former senator and secretary of state John Kerry as the first ever US climate leader, President-elect Joe Biden is sending a clear message. He's not only reversing President Donald Trump’s roll-back of America’s commitments to fighting climate change – he plans to push these commitments further.
French businesses look to drive sales amid pandemic
Two rounds of Covid-19 lockdowns have taken their toll on French merchants, who are looking for innovative ways to boost fourth-quarter sales. Some of these changes are likely to last long after the pandemic is over.
In pictures: Notre-Dame Cathedral rebuild hits milestone as melted scaffolding cleared
The reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reached a turning point this week with the removal of the final portions of scaffolding that melted into a twisted web during last year's blaze. Crucial restructuring and protective work can now proceed.
VIDEOS
‘Cubans loved him’: Maradona, friend of Castro, mourned in Cuba
From Argentina to Naples, Diego Maradona's death has been mourned by football fans around the world – including in Cuba, where he is remembered as a great friend to former leader Fidel Castro, a man Maradona once said was like a "second father".
Cubans loved him © France 24 screengrab
Nagorno-Karabakh: After three decades, former residents return to find homes in ruins
Once the scene of fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the district of Fuzuli on the outskirts of Nagorno-Karabakh won by Azerbaijani forces lies deserted following a recent ceasefire deal brokered by Moscow.
A former resident of Fuzuli in the Nagorno Karabakh region. © France 24 screengrab
'Infernal cycle': Violent dismantling of latest Paris migrant camp sparks outrage
Images of French police violently removing people from a migrant camp in the centre of Paris have sparked shock and condemnation from politicians and NGOs. But aid workers say it is just the latest example of the "infernal cycle" facing migrants in the French capital.
infernal cycle © France 24 screengrab
TV SHOWS ONLINE
THE INTERVIEW
Former CIA director Leon Panetta: 'Donald Trump is damaging US national security'
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Leon Panetta, a former US secretary of defence and former CIA director, discussed President Donald Trump's refusal to concede the presidential race. He said Trump, who has "operated by chaos for the last four years", is making sure that the last few weeks of his administration are also chaotic.
THE INTERVIEW © FRANCE 24
Ethiopian cabinet minister: Army's assault on Tigray region is 'to protect Tigrayan people'
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide defended the government's ongoing military offensive against the northern Tigray region and its capital Mekele. Shide said government forces had "liberated" significant areas of the region and that military operations "will be completed soon".
Tigray © France 24 screengrab
FRENCH CONNECTIONS
The French, hygiene and perfume: Why is the negative stereotype so hard to wash off?
The old cliché goes that the French have a questionable relationship with hygiene. And yet they're also famous for their vibrant perfume culture. So where does the negative stereotype come from?
French Connections © France 24
FOCUS
Amid warming ties with Israel, Jewish community emerges from shadows in UAE
This Thursday saw the first ever scheduled flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv, with the UAE and Israel expected to boast 28 weekly connections within a few weeks. By opening borders to Israeli tourists and Jews from all over the world, Emirati authorities hope to revive sectors of the economy hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
REPORTERS
Protect the living, honour the dead: Ending violence against women in France
For the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, we released a special documentary on the scourge of domestic violence. Every year in France, more than 220,000 women are victims of violence inflicted by a partner or ex-partner. Tragically, last year saw more than 150 femicides. We interviewed four women – a policewoman, a lawyer, a gynaecologist and an activist – who are trying to change the status quo.
Reporters © France 24 screengrab
ENCORE!
'Face It': Debbie Harry's memoir on sex, drugs, David Bowie and the mask of Blondie
Blondie star Debbie Harry discusses her mad life in rock 'n' roll and her autobiography, recently translated into French, which features stories of hanging out with Andy Warhol, taking drugs, being flashed by David Bowie and having her house taken by the tax collector – all while becoming a trailblazing rock star. It covers her adoption aged three months and goes all the way up to her 2017 album "Pollinator". The band has just announced a UK against-the-odds tour for November 2021 with the group Garbage.
Blondie © France 24 screen grab
Film show: Mime star Marcel Marceau's wartime heroics
Jesse Eisenberg plays legendary mime star Marcel Marceau, who helped thousands of Jews escape the Nazis, in "Resistance". Also, restored films from 20th-century Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu and the online Black Australia Festival, which is devoted to lifting up indigenous voices.
Film show © France 24
Feeding France: The restaurant chefs helping the poor during the Covid-19 pandemic
As restaurants are forced to remain closed until at least mid-January, we meet the top French chefs cooking up food for those in need during lockdown. We also delve into the mysterious world of missing and stolen art in a new online exhibition devoted to missing masterpieces. Plus, our reporters head to the El Gouna film festival to meet the Arab world's directors making political movies that challenge traditionalist societies.
YOU ARE HERE
The charm of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago off the coast of Canada
It is a bit of French soil off the coast of Canada: For two centuries, the archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, with its fish-rich waters, attracted people from Brittany, Normandy but above all from France's Basque country. Their descendants still keep Basque heritage alive, such as the sport of pelota and traditional songs.
you are here © France 24 screengrab
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france24--2020-11-27--French government under pressure over police beating of music producer

Music producer Michel Zecler was beaten by police for several minutes , a video shows Pressure on the French government and police leadership intensified Friday after the police beating of a black music producer in Paris sparked outrage across the spectrum , from top politicians to football stars .
Images published by the Loopsider website show how music producer Michel Zecler was repeatedly beaten by police for several minutes and subjected to racial abuse as he tried to enter his music studio Saturday evening .
The incident was condemned by football World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Emmanuel Macron , too , was `` very shocked '' by the images .
The incident raised questions over the future of Paris police chief Didier Lallement , already in the spotlight after the forced removal of a migrant camp in Paris earlier in the week which has been widely condemned .
It also put the government on the backfoot as it tries to push through controversial new security legislation that would restrict the right of the media to publish the faces of police agents .
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told French television that the officers `` had soiled the uniform of the republic '' and that he would press for their dismissal .
Police sources said four officers had been suspended .
The four , all men , have been summoned for questioning at France 's National Police Inspectorate General ( IGPN ) which has launched an investigation into use of violence and making a false statement , a source close to the investigation said .
Zecler was initially himself detained for causing violence , but prosecutors threw out that probe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Macron on Thursday held talks with Darmanin to call for tough punishments for those involved in the beating , a government source added .
`` Nausea , '' said the front page headline in the leftist Liberation daily over a close-up picture of Zecler 's swollen and bloodied face .
`` The new video of a rare ferocity ... adds to a problem fed over the last months by a succession of blunders and a tendency to revert to authoritarian tendencies , '' it said .
The death in US police custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter movement have reverberated in France where allegations of brutality against police officers are commonplace , particularly in poor and ethnically diverse urban areas .
`` Unbearable video , unacceptable violence , '' Mbappe wrote on Twitter next to a picture of the injured producer .
`` Say no to racism . ''
The outcry comes after the lower house of parliament on Tuesday evening approved a security bill which would restrict the publication of photos or videos of police officers ' faces .
Media unions say it could give police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing their work and potentially documenting abuses , as well as stopping social media users from posting incriminating footage .
A protest against the draft law , which has yet to pass a Senate vote , has been called for Saturday in Paris .
In a sign that the government was possibly preparing to backtrack , Prime Minister Jean Castex announced late Thursday that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 of the law that would restrict the publication of images of the police .
But this in turn sparked accusations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bypass the legislature .
`` It is not for the government to substitute the work of an external committee in the place of parliamentary prerogatives , '' the speaker of the lower house Richard Ferrand told Castex in a phone call , his office said .
Macron swept to power in 2017 as a centrist who rallied support from across the political spectrum .
But with the new security law , critics and even some supporters accuse him of tilting to the right as he seeks re-election in 2022 .
`` Already accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill ... the executive faces an accumulation of cases of violence and police abuse , the images of which have disturbed even the ruling party , '' said Le Monde daily .

Paris (AFP) –
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Pressure on the French government and police leadership intensified Friday after the police beating of a black music producer in Paris sparked outrage across the spectrum, from top politicians to football stars.
Images published by the Loopsider website show how music producer Michel Zecler was repeatedly beaten by police for several minutes and subjected to racial abuse as he tried to enter his music studio Saturday evening.
The incident was condemned by football World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
A presidential official said on Friday that President Emmanuel Macron, too, was "very shocked" by the images.
The incident raised questions over the future of Paris police chief Didier Lallement, already in the spotlight after the forced removal of a migrant camp in Paris earlier in the week which has been widely condemned.
It also put the government on the backfoot as it tries to push through controversial new security legislation that would restrict the right of the media to publish the faces of police agents.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who is in charge of the police forces, told French television that the officers "had soiled the uniform of the republic" and that he would press for their dismissal.
Police sources said four officers had been suspended.
The four, all men, have been summoned for questioning at France's National Police Inspectorate General (IGPN) which has launched an investigation into use of violence and making a false statement, a source close to the investigation said.
Zecler was initially himself detained for causing violence, but prosecutors threw out that probe and instead began investigating the police themselves.
Macron on Thursday held talks with Darmanin to call for tough punishments for those involved in the beating, a government source added.
"Nausea," said the front page headline in the leftist Liberation daily over a close-up picture of Zecler's swollen and bloodied face.
"The new video of a rare ferocity... adds to a problem fed over the last months by a succession of blunders and a tendency to revert to authoritarian tendencies," it said.
- 'Accumulation of cases' -
The death in US police custody of George Floyd in May and the Black Lives Matter movement have reverberated in France where allegations of brutality against police officers are commonplace, particularly in poor and ethnically diverse urban areas.
"Unbearable video, unacceptable violence," Mbappe wrote on Twitter next to a picture of the injured producer. "Say no to racism."
The outcry comes after the lower house of parliament on Tuesday evening approved a security bill which would restrict the publication of photos or videos of police officers' faces.
Media unions say it could give police a green light to prevent journalists from doing their work and potentially documenting abuses, as well as stopping social media users from posting incriminating footage.
A protest against the draft law, which has yet to pass a Senate vote, has been called for Saturday in Paris.
In a sign that the government was possibly preparing to backtrack, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced late Thursday that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 of the law that would restrict the publication of images of the police.
But this in turn sparked accusations that the prime minister was trying to bypass the legislature.
"It is not for the government to substitute the work of an external committee in the place of parliamentary prerogatives," the speaker of the lower house Richard Ferrand told Castex in a phone call, his office said.
Macron swept to power in 2017 as a centrist who rallied support from across the political spectrum. But with the new security law, critics and even some supporters accuse him of tilting to the right as he seeks re-election in 2022.
"Already accused of attacking public freedoms through the security bill... the executive faces an accumulation of cases of violence and police abuse, the images of which have disturbed even the ruling party," said Le Monde daily.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--England-Netherlands ODI series postponed over virus

England 's one-day series against the Netherlands scheduled for 2021 has been postponed for a year due to continuing uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic , it was announced on Friday .
Eoin Morgan 's 50-over world champions were set to play the three-match series as part of the International Cricket Council 's ( ICC 's ) World Cup Super League .
The Royal Dutch Cricket Association said it was not viable to play the games with few or no fans .
Ashley Giles , managing director of England men 's cricket , said : `` It is disappointing that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May in what would be England 's first visit to Holland .
`` Hopefully , with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon , we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds . ''
Dutch high performance manager Roland Lefebvre said : `` The prospect of playing the world champions in a full house is exciting , and we look forward to welcoming the team back in 2022 . ''
The Super League will determine qualification for the 2023 Word Cup in India .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking part along with the 12 full members of the ICC .

London (AFP) –
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England's one-day series against the Netherlands scheduled for 2021 has been postponed for a year due to continuing uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Friday.
Eoin Morgan's 50-over world champions were set to play the three-match series as part of the International Cricket Council's (ICC's) World Cup Super League.
The Royal Dutch Cricket Association said it was not viable to play the games with few or no fans.
Ashley Giles, managing director of England men's cricket, said: "It is disappointing that we are unable to play the Netherlands in May in what would be England's first visit to Holland.
"Hopefully, with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon, we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds."
Dutch high performance manager Roland Lefebvre said: "The prospect of playing the world champions in a full house is exciting, and we look forward to welcoming the team back in 2022."
The Super League will determine qualification for the 2023 Word Cup in India. The Netherlands, an associate member, are taking part along with the 12 full members of the ICC.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--'Diego was unlucky in Barcelona,' says man who signed Maradona and Messi

For Argentine fans , Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi , who both left for Barcelona , hold a special place The difference between Diego Maradona 's difficult spell at Barcelona and Lionel Messi 's triumphant reign at the club is largely down to luck , said the man who helped bring both Argentines to the Camp Nou .
`` They are two very similar players .
They are two number 10s .
That is a position highly valued historically in Argentina , '' said Jose Maria Minguella .
`` The number 10 is the creator of the game , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates danger . ''
Minguella has been involved with Barcelona since the start of the 1970s and helped arrange the deals to secure not only the two Argentine stars but also a host of other players including such international stars as Romario and Hristo Stoichkov .
After a long courtship , he brought Maradona , aged 21 , to Barcelona for a then world record fee of 7.6 million dollars in 1982 .
He was also involved in the deal that brought Messi to the club at the age of 13 .
Remembering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 , Minguella told AFP : `` Diego was unlucky . ''
Maradona played for Barcelona from 1982-84 , but his first season was cut short by hepatitis and in his second Athletic Bilbao defender Andoni Goikoetxea broke Maradona 's left ankle .
When the two clubs met in the cup final at the end of the season , Maradona started a brawl that earned him a three-month Spanish ban .
He then moved to Napoli , where he was adored .
`` He was alone for two years , a serious injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosiveness , `` said Minguella .
`` The explosion came in Naples . ''
Messi 's experience has been much happier .
`` Leo has been of a benchmark of Barcelona football , '' said Minguella .
`` He has shaped an era , won titles , broken records of all kinds . ''
`` We could say that Leo has been the more successful in terms of trophies , but as far as players are concerned I do n't notice any great differences between one and the other , '' Minguella said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar height and the only contrast is they played in different eras .
`` In the time of Maradona , the referees were much more permissive , all the teams had their warriors in the midfield and defence who in one way or another , would deprive opponents of the chance to show their skills , '' Minguella recalls .
- 'The power of the greatest players ' - '' And then there was also the condition of the ball , the quality of the boots , the playing fields , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to cope with water and mud .
`` All this makes it a comparison very difficult , but I would say that they are players obsessed with their game , with playing football , obsessive about tactics , obsessed with getting to the opponent 's area as fast as possible and obsessive about scoring goals .
`` They are two players who are not very expressive , but rather closed off .
When you went on a trip with the team , the players would go out for walks on the morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the room , '' he recalls .
`` In this sense , he has a certain rapport with Leo in that they are withdrawn people , '' added Minguella .
He said both players needed time at a club : Messi at Barcelona and Maradona at Napoli .
`` Leo has been much more effective because he has been here for many more years .
The effect has been direct , very powerful .
Diego did n't have this opportunity in Barcelona , because he left .
`` Yet Naples went from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level in Europe .
This is the power of the greatest players . ''

Barcelona (AFP) –
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The difference between Diego Maradona's difficult spell at Barcelona and Lionel Messi's triumphant reign at the club is largely down to luck, said the man who helped bring both Argentines to the Camp Nou.
"They are two very similar players. They are two number 10s. That is a position highly valued historically in Argentina," said Jose Maria Minguella. "The number 10 is the creator of the game, the one who collects the ball and somehow creates danger."
Minguella has been involved with Barcelona since the start of the 1970s and helped arrange the deals to secure not only the two Argentine stars but also a host of other players including such international stars as Romario and Hristo Stoichkov.
After a long courtship, he brought Maradona, aged 21, to Barcelona for a then world record fee of 7.6 million dollars in 1982. He was also involved in the deal that brought Messi to the club at the age of 13.
Remembering Maradona, who died on Wednesday aged 60, Minguella told AFP: "Diego was unlucky."
Maradona played for Barcelona from 1982-84, but his first season was cut short by hepatitis and in his second Athletic Bilbao defender Andoni Goikoetxea broke Maradona's left ankle.
When the two clubs met in the cup final at the end of the season, Maradona started a brawl that earned him a three-month Spanish ban. He then moved to Napoli, where he was adored.
"He was alone for two years, a serious injury and an illness deprived him of his explosiveness, " said Minguella. "The explosion came in Naples."
Messi's experience has been much happier.
"Leo has been of a benchmark of Barcelona football," said Minguella. "He has shaped an era, won titles, broken records of all kinds."
"We could say that Leo has been the more successful in terms of trophies, but as far as players are concerned I don't notice any great differences between one and the other," Minguella said. "They are left-sided, a similar height and the only contrast is they played in different eras.
"In the time of Maradona, the referees were much more permissive, all the teams had their warriors in the midfield and defence who in one way or another, would deprive opponents of the chance to show their skills," Minguella recalls.
- 'The power of the greatest players' -
"And then there was also the condition of the ball, the quality of the boots, the playing fields, which are now real billiard tables. Before players had to cope with water and mud.
"All this makes it a comparison very difficult, but I would say that they are players obsessed with their game, with playing football, obsessive about tactics, obsessed with getting to the opponent's area as fast as possible and obsessive about scoring goals.
"They are two players who are not very expressive, but rather closed off. When you went on a trip with the team, the players would go out for walks on the morning of the game. Diego would stay in the room," he recalls.
"In this sense, he has a certain rapport with Leo in that they are withdrawn people," added Minguella.
He said both players needed time at a club: Messi at Barcelona and Maradona at Napoli.
"Leo has been much more effective because he has been here for many more years. The effect has been direct, very powerful. Diego didn't have this opportunity in Barcelona, because he left.
"Yet Naples went from being unknown to being at the top level in Europe. This is the power of the greatest players."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--Luitz leads qualifiers in Lech parallel slalom

German Stefan Luitz set the fastest time in the first two runs of the World Cup parallel slalom in Lech @ @ @ @ @ Stefan Luitz set the fastest time in the first two runs of the World Cup @ @ @ @ @ Austria on Friday .
Most of the favourites made it through to the last 16 @ @ @ @ @ four head-to-head knock-out rounds starting at 1745 GMT .
Luitz was second to Alexis Pinturault @ @ @ @ @ won the second to record an aggregate time of 45.77 , 0.03sec better than the @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Schmidt , was third .
Norwegians Aleksander Aamodt Kilde ( 6th ) and Henrik @ @ @ @ @ two other big favourites for the overall World Cup title , also finished among the @ @ @

Lech (Austria) (AFP) –
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German Stefan Luitz set the fastest time in the first two runs of the World Cup parallel slalom in Lech in Austria on Friday.
Most of the favourites made it through to the last 16 which will be raced in four head-to-head knock-out rounds starting at 1745 GMT.
Luitz was second to Alexis Pinturault in the first run but won the second to record an aggregate time of 45.77, 0.03sec better than the Frenchman.
Another German, Alexander Schmidt, was third.
Norwegians Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (6th) and Henrik Kristoffersen (8th), two other big favourites for the overall World Cup title, also finished among the 16 fastest.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--'We could have helped Maradona', says Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes the football world could have done more to help Diego Maradona Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Diego Maradona 's life encapsulated the highs and lows of being a world-famous footballer as he lamented that more was not done to help the late Argentine superstar .
Maradona died on Wednesday at the age of 60 after a long struggle with addiction to alcohol and drugs , sparking a huge outpouring of emotion for one of the greatest-ever players .
Klopp described his one meeting with Maradona as like `` meeting the Pope '' , but believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have helped prevent some of his excesses .
`` His life shows how nice life can be when you are a world-class footballer and how difficult it can be as well , '' the Liverpool boss said on Friday .
`` He was a very impressive figure .
I met him once which , for a player of my level , it was like meeting the Pope to be honest , it was really special .
`` Football will miss him , I will miss him and you can see in the reactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown our love for him without wanting to have a selfie , just showing him the respect he deserves while he was still alive , I think we could have helped him . ''
Closer to home , Klopp will be able to lead Liverpool in front of their own supporters next weekend for the first time since the club ended a 30-year wait to win a league title .
Fans have been shut out of top-level matches in England since March , but a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions will allow supporters back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Liverpool and London have been placed into the Tier-2 category based on infection rates , meaning up to 2,000 fans will be able to attend matches .
But Premier League clubs based in Tier-3 areas , such as Manchester and Birmingham , are not allowed to open their gates .
If the situation improves and areas are put in Tier 1 , clubs will be allowed to have up to 4,000 fans .
Klopp welcomed the return of supporters and does not believe it will give an unfair advantage to certain clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for little steps in the right direction , not only in football , in all parts of life , '' he said .
`` These things with tier one , two and three is the best idea we have in the moment in this country .
`` I understand why there are some discussions ( saying ) it will be an advantage for some clubs .
I said before I knew what tier Liverpool will be in , it 's not an advantage or disadvantage , it 's just making small steps in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clash with Wolves on December 6 will be the first match at Anfield with spectators since a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid in March .

Liverpool (AFP) –
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Diego Maradona's life encapsulated the highs and lows of being a world-famous footballer as he lamented that more was not done to help the late Argentine superstar.
Maradona died on Wednesday at the age of 60 after a long struggle with addiction to alcohol and drugs, sparking a huge outpouring of emotion for one of the greatest-ever players.
Klopp described his one meeting with Maradona as like "meeting the Pope", but believes the love shown after his death could have helped prevent some of his excesses.
"His life shows how nice life can be when you are a world-class footballer and how difficult it can be as well," the Liverpool boss said on Friday.
"He was a very impressive figure. I met him once which, for a player of my level, it was like meeting the Pope to be honest, it was really special.
"Football will miss him, I will miss him and you can see in the reactions all over the world if we had shown our love for him without wanting to have a selfie, just showing him the respect he deserves while he was still alive, I think we could have helped him."
- Anfield fan return -
Closer to home, Klopp will be able to lead Liverpool in front of their own supporters next weekend for the first time since the club ended a 30-year wait to win a league title.
Fans have been shut out of top-level matches in England since March, but a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions will allow supporters back into stadiums in some parts of England.
Liverpool and London have been placed into the Tier-2 category based on infection rates, meaning up to 2,000 fans will be able to attend matches.
But Premier League clubs based in Tier-3 areas, such as Manchester and Birmingham, are not allowed to open their gates.
If the situation improves and areas are put in Tier 1, clubs will be allowed to have up to 4,000 fans.
Klopp welcomed the return of supporters and does not believe it will give an unfair advantage to certain clubs.
"We are all really waiting for little steps in the right direction, not only in football, in all parts of life," he said. "These things with tier one, two and three is the best idea we have in the moment in this country.
"I understand why there are some discussions (saying) it will be an advantage for some clubs. I said before I knew what tier Liverpool will be in, it's not an advantage or disadvantage, it's just making small steps in the right direction."
Liverpool's clash with Wolves on December 6 will be the first match at Anfield with spectators since a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid in March.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--First African-American cardinal readies for 'princehood'

Wilton Gregory , seen celebrating Easter mass in Washington , says his elevation to cardinal is `` a sign of the importance of and respect for the African-American community '' Wilton Gregory is about to make history : the first African-American to be picked as cardinal is handing out interviews like a Hollywood star and the Catholic world ca n't get enough .
The 72-year old Washington archbishop , who is currently under quarantine ahead of the big day in the Vatican on Saturday , shows no sign of pre-ceremony nerves as he chats via Zoom about Pope Francis 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm only one person , but at this point I 'm a symbolic individual , '' the Chicago native told AFP with a broad smile .
His elevation is `` a sign of the importance of and respect for the African-American community '' -- and comes as the first recognised African-American priest , Augustus Tolton , is being considered for sainthood , he said .
Tolton , born to slaves in 19th-century Missouri , was ordained in Rome because no US seminary wanted him .
Times have changed : Gregory not only commands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he speaks for many .
The first black archbishop of the US capital , appointed 18 months ago , did not hesitate to slam President Donald Trump 's stunt with a bible last June after an anti-racism protest .
He has also not shied away from one of the Catholic Church 's darkest ills : paedophile priests .
The US has been hit hard by the scandal and Gregory has echoed Francis in vowing zero tolerance .
A recent Vatican report found several popes had failed to tackle allegations that one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCarrick , a former Washington archbishop himself , was a sexual predator .
`` It 's a sad report , but it 's an important one , '' particularly in terms of bettering the vetting process for potential new bishops and cardinals , said Gregory , who was head of the American Bishops ' Conference in the early 2000s .
On Saturday , as is customary , Gregory and 12 other new so-called `` Princes of the Church , '' dressed in red cassocks , will kneel before the pope to receive their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The colour red signifies the cardinals ' willingness to shed their own blood for the church .
In almost eight years of pontificate , Pope Francis has selected the majority of cardinals who will chose his successor -- prelates who are very often in tune with his ideas .
`` The Holy Father has made a point of trying to bring different races , languages , cultures together within the college of cardinals , '' Gregory said .
`` He named cardinals from countries that never had cardinals before .
He 's made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cardinals to reflect the great diversity of the Church , '' he added .
The ceremony , known as a consistory , will be held in the sumptuous setting of Saint Peter 's Basilica -- but this edition will be low key , due to coronavirus restrictions .
The Vatican is taking no risks with the health of the 83-year old pope and his cardinal-elects .
Two of those being raised to princehood will not make the trip from Asia , while many elderly cardinals have opted out of coming to greet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Rome , with just an assistant for company , leaving family and friends behind .
`` I 'm just happy to be able to participate with pope Francis in what will be an unusual consistory , '' he said .
Gregory has a reputation as a moderate , a man who prizes dialogue , in a US Church split between progressives and ultra-conservatives who are often hostile to Pope Francis and delight in taking political stands .
`` This must change .
The divisions that appear so harshly in the public arena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called to be the Church , '' Gregory said .
Peace may be some way off , however .
Francis -- whose ideals have run contrary to Trump on migrants , the death penalty , social justice and the power of financial markets -- had warm words this month for his successor , Democrat Joe Biden .
Biden will become the second Catholic US president after John F. Kennedy .
But the current head of the American Bishops ' Conference , Archbishop Jose Gomez , was less enthusiastic , launching a probe into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a threat to the common good '' .

Vatican City (AFP) –
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Wilton Gregory is about to make history: the first African-American to be picked as cardinal is handing out interviews like a Hollywood star and the Catholic world can't get enough.
The 72-year old Washington archbishop, who is currently under quarantine ahead of the big day in the Vatican on Saturday, shows no sign of pre-ceremony nerves as he chats via Zoom about Pope Francis's "important choice".
"I'm only one person, but at this point I'm a symbolic individual," the Chicago native told AFP with a broad smile.
His elevation is "a sign of the importance of and respect for the African-American community" -- and comes as the first recognised African-American priest, Augustus Tolton, is being considered for sainthood, he said.
Tolton, born to slaves in 19th-century Missouri, was ordained in Rome because no US seminary wanted him.
Times have changed: Gregory not only commands affection and respect in the United States, he speaks for many.
The first black archbishop of the US capital, appointed 18 months ago, did not hesitate to slam President Donald Trump's stunt with a bible last June after an anti-racism protest.
He has also not shied away from one of the Catholic Church's darkest ills: paedophile priests.
The US has been hit hard by the scandal and Gregory has echoed Francis in vowing zero tolerance.
A recent Vatican report found several popes had failed to tackle allegations that one of America's most influential cardinals, Theodore McCarrick, a former Washington archbishop himself, was a sexual predator.
"It's a sad report, but it's an important one," particularly in terms of bettering the vetting process for potential new bishops and cardinals, said Gregory, who was head of the American Bishops' Conference in the early 2000s.
- 'Diversity' -
On Saturday, as is customary, Gregory and 12 other new so-called "Princes of the Church," dressed in red cassocks, will kneel before the pope to receive their quadrangular scarlet cap, or biretta.
The colour red signifies the cardinals' willingness to shed their own blood for the church.
In almost eight years of pontificate, Pope Francis has selected the majority of cardinals who will chose his successor -- prelates who are very often in tune with his ideas.
"The Holy Father has made a point of trying to bring different races, languages, cultures together within the college of cardinals," Gregory said.
"He named cardinals from countries that never had cardinals before. He's made it clear that he wants the college of cardinals to reflect the great diversity of the Church," he added.
The ceremony, known as a consistory, will be held in the sumptuous setting of Saint Peter's Basilica -- but this edition will be low key, due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Vatican is taking no risks with the health of the 83-year old pope and his cardinal-elects.
Two of those being raised to princehood will not make the trip from Asia, while many elderly cardinals have opted out of coming to greet the newcomers.
- 'It must change' -
Gregory has travelled alone to Rome, with just an assistant for company, leaving family and friends behind.
"I'm just happy to be able to participate with pope Francis in what will be an unusual consistory," he said.
Gregory has a reputation as a moderate, a man who prizes dialogue, in a US Church split between progressives and ultra-conservatives who are often hostile to Pope Francis and delight in taking political stands.
"This must change. The divisions that appear so harshly in the public arena are not the way that we are called to be the Church," Gregory said.
Peace may be some way off, however.
Francis -- whose ideals have run contrary to Trump on migrants, the death penalty, social justice and the power of financial markets -- had warm words this month for his successor, Democrat Joe Biden.
Biden will become the second Catholic US president after John F. Kennedy.
But the current head of the American Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Jose Gomez, was less enthusiastic, launching a probe into Biden's pro-abortion programme, described as "a threat to the common good".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-27--PM Abiy meets AU envoys for talks on Ethiopia conflict

Ethiopian troops on a road near the Tigrayan city of Humera Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday met with African Union envoys to discuss the conflict in Tigray , where the army is poised for what he has called the final offensive against regional forces .
Abiy , the winner of last year 's Nobel Peace Prize , on Thursday announced a `` third and final phase '' in his campaign against the Tigray People 's Liberation Front ( TPLF ) , whose forces have been battling federal troops in the defiant northern region for three weeks .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands more , but there are grave fears for half a million civilians in Mekele , the regional capital , which the army says it has encircled ahead of a threatened attack .
The international community has warned such a strike could violate rules of war and has called for urgent mediation .
Addis Ababa has refused to negotiate with the TPLF and Abiy has rebuffed calls for dialogue as `` interference '' in Ethiopia 's internal affairs .
But the prime minister received at his office in Addis Ababa on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mozambique , Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa -- dispatched this week by the AU as mediators .
In a statement issued after their meeting , Abiy said he appreciated `` this gesture and ... the steadfast commitment this demonstrates to the principle of African solutions to African problems . ''
Even so , the government has a `` constitutionally mandated responsibility to enforce rule of law in the region and across the country , '' he said .
Many attempts , he added , had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military action was ordered on November 4 .
The conflict has erupted in a year when the 55-member AU -- which is headquartered in Addis Ababa -- resolved to play a more prominent role in resolving conflicts across the continent under the slogan `` Silencing the Guns '' .
The AU called for an immediate halt to hostilities on November 10 but the conflict only spiralled further , with warplanes bombing the mountainous region and both sides claiming the upper hand .
Tigray has been under a communications blackout since fighting began , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about casualties , and who holds what territory .
It was unclear Friday whether the attack on Mekele had begun , or how close federal forces were to the city .
The state-affiliated Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said late Thursday the army -- which in recent days said it was advancing on Mekele with tanks -- had identified key TPLF hideouts across the city , including an auditorium and a museum .
Abiy , who ordered the strike on TPLF forces in Mekele after the lapsing of a deadline for their surrender , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect innocents and spare the city from severe damage .
The prospect of a full-scale attack accelerated diplomatic efforts this week to resolve the conflict , with the UN Security Council holding its first meeting on Tigray and US and European officials urging restraint .
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian , who met his Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnen in Paris on Thursday , called for urgent measures to protect civilians as the humanitarian fallout from the crisis worsens across the region .
The UNHCR said Friday that nearly 100,000 Eritrean refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as early as Monday if supplies can not reach them .
In eastern Sudan , meanwhile , where more than 40,000 refugees have escaped the fighting in Tigray , local authorities are struggling to meet the sudden surge in demand for food , shelter and other life-saving essentials .
The UNHCR said Friday that a plane carrying 32 tonnes of emergency aid had arrived in Sudan , and another airlift with 100 tonnes was expected Monday .
Refugees crossing the border said those still trying to reach Sudan were cutting across fields to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said were blocking the main exit route from Tigray .
Abiy ordered the military into Tigray after alleged attacks by TPLF forces on federal army camps in the region .
The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics and controlled its security for the better part of three decades until Abiy rose to power in 2018 , beginning a power struggle between the former rulers and the new leader .

Addis Ababa (AFP) –
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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday met with African Union envoys to discuss the conflict in Tigray, where the army is poised for what he has called the final offensive against regional forces.
Abiy, the winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, on Thursday announced a "third and final phase" in his campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), whose forces have been battling federal troops in the defiant northern region for three weeks.
The violence has killed many hundreds and displaced tens of thousands more, but there are grave fears for half a million civilians in Mekele, the regional capital, which the army says it has encircled ahead of a threatened attack.
The international community has warned such a strike could violate rules of war and has called for urgent mediation.
Addis Ababa has refused to negotiate with the TPLF and Abiy has rebuffed calls for dialogue as "interference" in Ethiopia's internal affairs.
But the prime minister received at his office in Addis Ababa on Friday three African ex-leaders -- Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa -- dispatched this week by the AU as mediators.
In a statement issued after their meeting, Abiy said he appreciated "this gesture and... the steadfast commitment this demonstrates to the principle of African solutions to African problems."
Even so, the government has a "constitutionally mandated responsibility to enforce rule of law in the region and across the country," he said.
Many attempts, he added, had been made to negotiate with the TPLF before military action was ordered on November 4.
The conflict has erupted in a year when the 55-member AU -- which is headquartered in Addis Ababa -- resolved to play a more prominent role in resolving conflicts across the continent under the slogan "Silencing the Guns".
The AU called for an immediate halt to hostilities on November 10 but the conflict only spiralled further, with warplanes bombing the mountainous region and both sides claiming the upper hand.
- Humanitarian crisis -
Tigray has been under a communications blackout since fighting began, making it difficult to weigh competing claims about casualties, and who holds what territory.
It was unclear Friday whether the attack on Mekele had begun, or how close federal forces were to the city.
The state-affiliated Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said late Thursday the army -- which in recent days said it was advancing on Mekele with tanks -- had identified key TPLF hideouts across the city, including an auditorium and a museum.
Abiy, who ordered the strike on TPLF forces in Mekele after the lapsing of a deadline for their surrender, said "great care" would be taken to protect innocents and spare the city from severe damage.
The prospect of a full-scale attack accelerated diplomatic efforts this week to resolve the conflict, with the UN Security Council holding its first meeting on Tigray and US and European officials urging restraint.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who met his Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnen in Paris on Thursday, called for urgent measures to protect civilians as the humanitarian fallout from the crisis worsens across the region.
The UNHCR said Friday that nearly 100,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray could run out of food as early as Monday if supplies cannot reach them.
In eastern Sudan, meanwhile, where more than 40,000 refugees have escaped the fighting in Tigray, local authorities are struggling to meet the sudden surge in demand for food, shelter and other life-saving essentials.
The UNHCR said Friday that a plane carrying 32 tonnes of emergency aid had arrived in Sudan, and another airlift with 100 tonnes was expected Monday.
Refugees crossing the border said those still trying to reach Sudan were cutting across fields to avoid detection by Ethiopian troops, who they said were blocking the main exit route from Tigray.
Abiy ordered the military into Tigray after alleged attacks by TPLF forces on federal army camps in the region.
The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics and controlled its security for the better part of three decades until Abiy rose to power in 2018, beginning a power struggle between the former rulers and the new leader.
© 2020 AFP