france24--2020-12-30--Suarez ensures Atletico top La Liga at end of 2020

Luis Suarez 's winning goal against Getafe was his eighth of the season Luis Suarez made sure that Atletico Madrid will end 2020 top of La Liga after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday .
Suarez struck in the 20th minute with a superb header from Yannick Carrasco 's cross to take Diego Simeone 's side three points ahead of Real Madrid , who are in action at lowly Elche later on Wednesday .
Real Sociedad , Sevilla and Villarreal are all a further six points back , with Barcelona 10 points behind Atletico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eibar on Tuesday .
Even if Madrid win in the late kick-off they will stay behind Atletico thanks to their significantly inferior goal difference , which currently separates teams locked on the same points .
Atletico will have also played two fewer matches than their local rivals come the end of the day 's fixtures after a win emblematic of Simeone 's reign on his 500th match as coach of the club .
Thomas Lemar almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he crashed a shot off the near post from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosts the lead with a beautifully placed header that was all the more impressive for the way Carrasco 's cross was flashed into a crowded area from midfield .
The Uruguayan 's eighth goal of the season was a good as it got for Atletico , who despite a fielding a full-strength line-up did not impress in a match of little incident at the Wanda Metropolitano .
They failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck against a Getafe team that have scored just 12 times in 15 matches and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relegation zone .
However Atletico 's third win in a row ensures they remain top of the pile after a fraught last few days in which Diego Costa was allowed to leave and Kieran Trippier was banned until the end of February for betting breaches .
Earlier Granada moved to within two points of the Champions League places after beating Valencia 2-1 in a fiesty match where three players were sent off in six second-half minutes .
Jorge Molina 's powerful header two minutes from time keeps Granada in seventh place on 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Granada , who levelled through Kenedy on the stroke of half-time after Kevin Gameiro had opened for Valencia in the 36th minute , are also one point away from Barcelona .
Valencia 's seventh league defeat of the season leaves them level on 15 points with Real Valladolid , who are third-from-bottom in the relegation zone and earned a point at Cadiz on Tuesday .
Javi Gracia 's side have n't won a La Liga match in their last seven attempts and had their task made harder when Jason and Goncalo Guedes were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other midway through the second half .
Granada 's Domingos Duarte was then shown a straight red card three minutes later after he cynically hacked down Manu Vallejo as he attempted to burst through on goal with the scores still level .
Molina punished the beleaguered away side by thumping home Alberto Soro 's cross .

Madrid (AFP) –
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Luis Suarez made sure that Atletico Madrid will end 2020 top of La Liga after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday.
Suarez struck in the 20th minute with a superb header from Yannick Carrasco's cross to take Diego Simeone's side three points ahead of Real Madrid, who are in action at lowly Elche later on Wednesday.
Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Villarreal are all a further six points back, with Barcelona 10 points behind Atletico in sixth after their 1-1 draw with Eibar on Tuesday.
Even if Madrid win in the late kick-off they will stay behind Atletico thanks to their significantly inferior goal difference, which currently separates teams locked on the same points.
Atletico will have also played two fewer matches than their local rivals come the end of the day's fixtures after a win emblematic of Simeone's reign on his 500th match as coach of the club.
Thomas Lemar almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he crashed a shot off the near post from a tight angle.
Suarez gave the hosts the lead with a beautifully placed header that was all the more impressive for the way Carrasco's cross was flashed into a crowded area from midfield.
The Uruguayan's eighth goal of the season was a good as it got for Atletico, who despite a fielding a full-strength line-up did not impress in a match of little incident at the Wanda Metropolitano.
They failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck against a Getafe team that have scored just 12 times in 15 matches and are 14th, two points above the relegation zone.
However Atletico's third win in a row ensures they remain top of the pile after a fraught last few days in which Diego Costa was allowed to leave and Kieran Trippier was banned until the end of February for betting breaches.
- Granada in Euro hunt -
Earlier Granada moved to within two points of the Champions League places after beating Valencia 2-1 in a fiesty match where three players were sent off in six second-half minutes.
Jorge Molina's powerful header two minutes from time keeps Granada in seventh place on 24 points, two behind fourth-placed Sevilla.
Granada, who levelled through Kenedy on the stroke of half-time after Kevin Gameiro had opened for Valencia in the 36th minute, are also one point away from Barcelona.
Valencia's seventh league defeat of the season leaves them level on 15 points with Real Valladolid, who are third-from-bottom in the relegation zone and earned a point at Cadiz on Tuesday.
Javi Gracia's side haven't won a La Liga match in their last seven attempts and had their task made harder when Jason and Goncalo Guedes were sent off within three minutes of each other midway through the second half.
Granada's Domingos Duarte was then shown a straight red card three minutes later after he cynically hacked down Manu Vallejo as he attempted to burst through on goal with the scores still level.
Molina punished the beleaguered away side by thumping home Alberto Soro's cross.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-30--ATP hands Querrey probation, suspended fine for Russian Covid-19 flight

American Sam Querrey was issued a $ 20,000 suspended fine and six months of probation on Wednsday by the ATP Tour for violating Covid-19 safety protocols at the St. Petersburg Open in Russia last October American Sam Querrey was given six months probation and a suspended $ 20,000 fine Wednesday by the ATP Tour for violating Covid-19 safety protocols at the 2020 St. Petersburg Open .
The tour said it had completed an investigation into world number 53 Querrey 's actions last October , when he departed Russia on a private plane rather than remaining in quarantine after testing positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Querrey 's conduct to be contrary to the integrity of the game under the Player Major Offense provision in the ATP Code of Conduct . ''
That prompted the tour to issue the fine to Querrey but he can avoid paying the punishment by avoiding more violations during his probation period .
`` Taking into consideration Mr. Querrey 's many years of otherwise good standing with the ATP and other mitigating factors , the fine is suspended and will be lifted subject to Mr. Querrey committing no further breaches of health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probationary six-month period , '' the tour said .
Querrey , 33 , has five days to appeal the ruling .
He departed St. Petersburg with his wife Abby and nine-month-old son Ford after being removed from the event after an October 11 positive test four days after he had tested negative .
Querrey had been told to isolate in his hotel room while plans were being made to move him into a private apartment , but tounament officials said he would not open the door to his hotel room , then fled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , hotel security cameras capturing his escape .
Querrey told ATP representatives he had flown out of Russia on a private jet and they in turn informed the tournament .
Having won the most recent of his 10 ATP titles at the 2017 Los Cabos Open , Querrey made first-round exits at this year 's US and French Opens in his major appearances after the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak .

Miami (AFP) –
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American Sam Querrey was given six months probation and a suspended $20,000 fine Wednesday by the ATP Tour for violating Covid-19 safety protocols at the 2020 St. Petersburg Open.
The tour said it had completed an investigation into world number 53 Querrey's actions last October, when he departed Russia on a private plane rather than remaining in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.
The ATP "concluded Mr. Querrey's conduct to be contrary to the integrity of the game under the Player Major Offense provision in the ATP Code of Conduct."
That prompted the tour to issue the fine to Querrey but he can avoid paying the punishment by avoiding more violations during his probation period.
"Taking into consideration Mr. Querrey's many years of otherwise good standing with the ATP and other mitigating factors, the fine is suspended and will be lifted subject to Mr. Querrey committing no further breaches of health and safety protocols related to COVID-19 within a probationary six-month period," the tour said.
Querrey, 33, has five days to appeal the ruling.
He departed St. Petersburg with his wife Abby and nine-month-old son Ford after being removed from the event after an October 11 positive test four days after he had tested negative.
Querrey had been told to isolate in his hotel room while plans were being made to move him into a private apartment, but tounament officials said he would not open the door to his hotel room, then fled in the early morning hours of October 13, hotel security cameras capturing his escape.
Querrey told ATP representatives he had flown out of Russia on a private jet and they in turn informed the tournament.
Having won the most recent of his 10 ATP titles at the 2017 Los Cabos Open, Querrey made first-round exits at this year's US and French Opens in his major appearances after the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-30--UN chief seeks monitors for Libya's fragile ceasefire

Libyan troops take part in a parade in Tripoli to mark the anniversary of independence on December 24 , 2020 amid a fragile ceasefire in the country UN chief Antonio Guterres has proposed international monitors to support Libya 's fragile ceasefire amid hopes that foreign fighters will soon leave and the country can turn the page on a decade of war .
In a letter to Security Council members seen by AFP , the secretary-general asked to set up a monitoring group that would include civilians and retired soldiers from regional groups such as the African Union , European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which reached a ceasefire on October 23 in Geneva , both want to avoid armed and uniformed foreign troops , Guterres said .
`` I call on all national , regional and international stakeholders to respect the provisions of the ceasefire agreement and ensure its implementation without delay , '' Guterres said in the letter dated Tuesday .
`` I encourage member states and regional organizations to support the operationalization of the ceasefire mechanism , including by providing individual monitors under the auspices of the United Nations . ''
He called in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN arms embargo on Libya , which has been flagrantly violated .
Under the ceasefire , all foreign forces are to leave within three months .
Khalifa Haftar , a warlord in eastern Libya , has enjoyed backing from Russia , Egypt , the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia .
Haftar reached the truce after being driven back in an offensive by the UN-recognized Government of National Accord , which enjoys strong support from Turkey .
Under Guterres ' proposal , which is likely to be debated in the new year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ section of Libya around Sirte -- the birthplace of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi , whose Western-supported overthrow in 2011 set off a decade of turmoil .
The monitors would join Libyan forces in reporting in the area on the ceasefire , withdrawal of foreign forces and removal of mines and other explosives .
The observers would expand to other parts of the country as conditions allow until they can be replaced by a unified Libyan national force .
While October 's ceasefire has largely held , Haftar recently vowed to `` drive out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons , '' leading Turkey to warn of retaliation to any attack by the `` war criminal . ''
In early December , UN envoy Stephanie Williams estimated that 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries remained in the country in a `` shocking violation of Libyan sovereignty . ''

United Nations (United States) (AFP) –
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UN chief Antonio Guterres has proposed international monitors to support Libya's fragile ceasefire amid hopes that foreign fighters will soon leave and the country can turn the page on a decade of war.
In a letter to Security Council members seen by AFP, the secretary-general asked to set up a monitoring group that would include civilians and retired soldiers from regional groups such as the African Union, European Union and Arab League.
The warring sides, which reached a ceasefire on October 23 in Geneva, both want to avoid armed and uniformed foreign troops, Guterres said.
"I call on all national, regional and international stakeholders to respect the provisions of the ceasefire agreement and ensure its implementation without delay," Guterres said in the letter dated Tuesday.
"I encourage member states and regional organizations to support the operationalization of the ceasefire mechanism, including by providing individual monitors under the auspices of the United Nations."
He called in particular for all nations to respect the UN arms embargo on Libya, which has been flagrantly violated.
Under the ceasefire, all foreign forces are to leave within three months. Khalifa Haftar, a warlord in eastern Libya, has enjoyed backing from Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Haftar reached the truce after being driven back in an offensive by the UN-recognized Government of National Accord, which enjoys strong support from Turkey.
Under Guterres' proposal, which is likely to be debated in the new year, monitors would initially operate in a triangular section of Libya around Sirte -- the birthplace of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi, whose Western-supported overthrow in 2011 set off a decade of turmoil.
The monitors would join Libyan forces in reporting in the area on the ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign forces and removal of mines and other explosives.
The observers would expand to other parts of the country as conditions allow until they can be replaced by a unified Libyan national force.
While October's ceasefire has largely held, Haftar recently vowed to "drive out the occupier by faith, will and weapons," leading Turkey to warn of retaliation to any attack by the "war criminal."
In early December, UN envoy Stephanie Williams estimated that 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries remained in the country in a "shocking violation of Libyan sovereignty."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-30--Pumas forward Bruni pens French second division deal

No way through : Argentina 's Rodrigo Bruni tackles Australia 's Jordan Petaia in a Rugby Championship game in Sydney @ @ @ @ @ Rodrigo Bruni , who played in the Pumas ' stunning triumph over the All Blacks @ @ @ @ @ signed a deal to play for French second-tier outfit Vannes .
The 27-year-old featured in @ @ @ @ @ Zealand in the Rugby Championship -- Argentina 's first over the former world champions -- @ @ @ @ @ against the Wallabies .
He had been playing for Argentina 's Jaguares in Super Rugby @ @ @ @ @ due to the Covid-19 pandemic , Bruni has instead signed a one-year deal with the @ @ @ @ @ The problematic situation at the moment with the Jaguares made this move possible , '' @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's an incredible opportunity to welcome such a player to the club @ @ @ @ @ in the Brittany region of north-west France , are currently second in Pro D2 behind @ @

Paris (AFP) –
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Argentine back-rower Rodrigo Bruni, who played in the Pumas' stunning triumph over the All Blacks last month, on Wednesday signed a deal to play for French second-tier outfit Vannes.
The 27-year-old featured in the 25-15 win over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship -- Argentina's first over the former world champions -- as well as credible draws against the Wallabies.
He had been playing for Argentina's Jaguares in Super Rugby but with that tournament shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bruni has instead signed a one-year deal with the Pro D2 side.
"The problematic situation at the moment with the Jaguares made this move possible," said Vannes manager Jean-Noel Spitzer.
"It's an incredible opportunity to welcome such a player to the club."
Vannes, based in the Brittany region of north-west France, are currently second in Pro D2 behind Perpignan.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-30--Argentina approves AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid vaccine

A health worker gets a shot of the Sputnik V vaccine in Formosa , Argentina Argentina has followed Britain to become only the second country to authorize the coronavirus vaccine developed by drug firm AstraZeneca and Oxford University , the government said on Wednesday .
Argentina has signed a production agreement for the vaccine , which has been added to an emergency register for one year , the national medicines administration said .
`` The product presents an acceptable benefit-risk balance , '' said the administration in a statement .
The vaccine can be stored , transported and handled at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheaper and easier to administer than other jabs developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna that require freezing .
Argentina and Mexico have an agreement to produce the vaccine and distribute it in Latin America .
It 's the third Covid vaccine to receive approval in Argentina after the Pfizer/BioNTech and Russian Sputnik V immunizations .
The South American country began administering Sputnik V , which has come under fire for being rolled out despite a lack of clinical trials , on Tuesday .
Argentina has acquired 300,000 doses of Sputnik V with another 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February .
However , the government has yet to come to an agreement with US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer over the acquisition of its vaccine .
Argentina has recorded more than 43,000 deaths and over 1.6 million cases of the coronavirus amongst its 44 million population .
President Alberto Fernandez 's government has said it intends to purchase 51 million vaccine doses in total .

Buenos Aires (AFP) –
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Argentina has followed Britain to become only the second country to authorize the coronavirus vaccine developed by drug firm AstraZeneca and Oxford University, the government said on Wednesday.
Argentina has signed a production agreement for the vaccine, which has been added to an emergency register for one year, the national medicines administration said.
"The product presents an acceptable benefit-risk balance," said the administration in a statement.
The vaccine can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerated conditions, and is therefore cheaper and easier to administer than other jabs developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna that require freezing.
Argentina and Mexico have an agreement to produce the vaccine and distribute it in Latin America.
It's the third Covid vaccine to receive approval in Argentina after the Pfizer/BioNTech and Russian Sputnik V immunizations.
The South American country began administering Sputnik V, which has come under fire for being rolled out despite a lack of clinical trials, on Tuesday.
Argentina has acquired 300,000 doses of Sputnik V with another 19 million due to arrive in January and February.
However, the government has yet to come to an agreement with US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer over the acquisition of its vaccine.
Argentina has recorded more than 43,000 deaths and over 1.6 million cases of the coronavirus amongst its 44 million population.
President Alberto Fernandez's government has said it intends to purchase 51 million vaccine doses in total.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Arteta says 'priority' in transfer window is to trim bloated Arsenal squad

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal 's priority in the January transfer window is to trim their bloated squad as he seeks to build on a mini-revival at the Premier League club .
The Gunners were able to offload Emiliano Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer window while Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira departed on loan .
But forgotten man Mesut Ozil remained at the Emirates along with Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac , who have barely featured in the Premier League this season .
Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco next month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will attempt to raise funds by moving on those who are surplus to requirements .
`` There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave and that is the priority at the moment , '' Arteta said ahead of Saturday 's trip to West Brom .
`` We can not sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions and we are looking to do that , and then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eased after wins against Chelsea and Brighton lifted Arsenal to 13th in the Premier League table following a miserable run .
Bukayo Saka , who starred in the 1-0 win at Brighton on Tuesday , is expected to be fit for the match against Sam Allardyce 's West Brom .
The teenager was forced off during the latter stages of the victory after a strong challenge , but should recover while David Luiz and Willian , who both tested negative for Covid-19 earlier this week , may return this weekend after a bout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a `` circuit-breaker '' in the Premier League as coronavirus cases spike in Britain but league bosses said the competition would continue as planned .
`` I think we have shown the system is working , '' said Arteta .
`` In the last week or so something has happened and we will have more restrictions and more tests to try to be as efficient as we were before and we will see , but I think it can work and we can carry on . ''

London (AFP) –
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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's priority in the January transfer window is to trim their bloated squad as he seeks to build on a mini-revival at the Premier League club.
The Gunners were able to offload Emiliano Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer window while Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira departed on loan.
But forgotten man Mesut Ozil remained at the Emirates along with Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac, who have barely featured in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco next month, but first of all technical director Edu will attempt to raise funds by moving on those who are surplus to requirements.
"There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave and that is the priority at the moment," Arteta said ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom.
"We cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions and we are looking to do that, and then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help."
The pressure on Arteta has eased after wins against Chelsea and Brighton lifted Arsenal to 13th in the Premier League table following a miserable run.
Bukayo Saka, who starred in the 1-0 win at Brighton on Tuesday, is expected to be fit for the match against Sam Allardyce's West Brom.
The teenager was forced off during the latter stages of the victory after a strong challenge, but should recover while David Luiz and Willian, who both tested negative for Covid-19 earlier this week, may return this weekend after a bout of illness.
Allardyce this week called for a "circuit-breaker" in the Premier League as coronavirus cases spike in Britain but league bosses said the competition would continue as planned.
"I think we have shown the system is working," said Arteta. "In the last week or so something has happened and we will have more restrictions and more tests to try to be as efficient as we were before and we will see, but I think it can work and we can carry on."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Rome slams Egypt decision to clear police in Italian's murder

The brutal murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Egypt in 2016 sparked outrage in Italy and strained diplomatic relations between the two countries The Italian government has described as `` unacceptable '' a decision by Egypt 's public prosecutor to clear five police officers over the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni .
The decision announced on Wednesday came nearly three weeks after Italian prosecutors said they planned to charge four Egyptian security officers over the torture and death of Regeni .
The Cambridge University graduate was in Egypt researching trade unions , when he was kidnapped in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the outskirts of Cairo .
`` The declarations of the Egyptian public prosecutor 's office are unacceptable , '' the Italian foreign ministry said in a statement .
It said it would `` continue to work at all levels , including through the European Union , for the truth about Giulio Regeni 's brutal murder to finally emerge '' .
`` We hope the Egyptian public prosecutor shares this insistence on the truth and will extend all necessary collaboration to the Rome prosecutor 's office , '' it added .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had no intention of `` pursuing a criminal case in the murder , abduction and torture of Giulio Regeni because the perpetrator is unknown '' .
Investigators would continue to seek the identity of the murderer but the prosecution has `` ruled out '' any charges `` against the four officers and a fifth policeman '' in connection with the case , he said .
Regeni 's death sparked outrage in Italy and strained diplomatic relations between the two countries , with Italy 's government accusing Egyptian authorities of non-cooperation .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prestipino told a parliamentary commission in Rome there were `` elements of significant proof '' implicating Egyptian policemen .
`` We are going to ask to begin a criminal action concerning certain members of the Egyptian security services , '' he said .
`` We owe it to the memory of Giulio Regeni . ''
Regeni had been researching the sensitive topic of labour organisations in Egypt when he disappeared .
He had also written articles critical of the government under a pen name .

Rome (AFP) –
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The Italian government has described as "unacceptable" a decision by Egypt's public prosecutor to clear five police officers over the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni.
The decision announced on Wednesday came nearly three weeks after Italian prosecutors said they planned to charge four Egyptian security officers over the torture and death of Regeni.
The Cambridge University graduate was in Egypt researching trade unions, when he was kidnapped in January 2016 and his mutilated body later found on the outskirts of Cairo.
"The declarations of the Egyptian public prosecutor's office are unacceptable," the Italian foreign ministry said in a statement.
It said it would "continue to work at all levels, including through the European Union, for the truth about Giulio Regeni's brutal murder to finally emerge".
"We hope the Egyptian public prosecutor shares this insistence on the truth and will extend all necessary collaboration to the Rome prosecutor's office," it added.
In his statement, public prosecutor Hamada al-Sawy said he had no intention of "pursuing a criminal case in the murder, abduction and torture of Giulio Regeni because the perpetrator is unknown".
Investigators would continue to seek the identity of the murderer but the prosecution has "ruled out" any charges "against the four officers and a fifth policeman" in connection with the case, he said.
Regeni's death sparked outrage in Italy and strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, with Italy's government accusing Egyptian authorities of non-cooperation.
On December 10, Italian public prosecutor Michele Prestipino told a parliamentary commission in Rome there were "elements of significant proof" implicating Egyptian policemen.
"We are going to ask to begin a criminal action concerning certain members of the Egyptian security services," he said.
"We owe it to the memory of Giulio Regeni."
Regeni had been researching the sensitive topic of labour organisations in Egypt when he disappeared. He had also written articles critical of the government under a pen name.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Nigerian worshippers at a loss as 'crossover' prayers cancelled

'Crossover ' is an eagerly-awaited moment for many Nigerian Christians .
Congregations pray throughout the night on New Year 's Eve that the coming year will be good Across Nigeria , New Year 's Eve is usually marked by millions of Christians gathering in churches to usher in the New Year , praying for a better year ahead .
But this year , the all-night celebrations have been widely canceled because of Covid -- and many worshippers , desperate to turn the page on 2020 , say they feel a void .
Every December 31 , chants of `` Amen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air of many Nigerian towns .
Hugs and handshakes are exchanged , and at midnight the glow of fireworks lights up the skyline .
It is not uncommon to hear optimistic declarations such as `` This year is my year '' -- or to see thousands , sometimes tens of thousands , of worshippers break into a dance of celebration at mass events .
But in several states across southern Nigeria , government-imposed Covid-19 restrictions mean that `` crossover , '' a key day in the calendar for Nigeria ’ s estimated 86 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
As of Wednesday , Nigeria had registered over 85,500 cases from Covid-19 and 1,260 deaths .
The country has seen a surge in cases in the last few weeks , although but lack of testing means the number may be higher .
In Lagos , a metropolis of some 20 million souls , religious gatherings have been capped at 50 % of the usual capacity for the venue .
In Nigeria , that can still be a lot of people -- some churches are as big as stadiums , able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football final .
But services must not exceed two hours , and there is a midnight to 4:00 a.m. curfew .
Many churches in Nigeria are accustomed to praying until the sun rises on the New Year .
The Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ) originally rejected suggestions that churches not hold New Year 's Eve services .
But it eventually backed down and asked churches to end their services before midnight instead .
The Precious Cornerstone Ministries , a Lagos church with a congregation of around one thousand people , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 7pm to 9pm to ensure the faithful can get home before the curfew .
Pastor Joachim Oloye is trying to see the bright side .
`` If you 're having your service in the afternoon [ in Nigeria ] and you say 'Happy New Year , ' you ’ re not even out of place , because to someone who is in Sydney , Australia , it is already the new year , '' Oloye told AFP .
`` God will heal our land of coronavirus and things will not be as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is this year , by the Grace of God , '' he predicted .
`` There will be a crossover service next year ... God will want us to congregate and have a great time . ''
“ It feels somehow ... like something is missing , ” says Dare Olaobaju who has attended in person crossover service at the Daystar Christian Center every year for the past nine years .
On Tuesday , the Church ’ s lead pastor Reverend Sam Adeyemi tweeted , “ Don ’ t stress over time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of his congregation like Olaobaju say they understand and are not `` stressing , '' New Year 's Eve certainly does feel different this time .
“ I miss the physical connection , the ambiance , the noise , the hugs ( ... ) and the fireworks , ” Olaobaju says .
The past year has been particularly grim for Nigeria .
The jihadist group Boko Haram carried out a string of ruthless attacks , culminating in the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolboys in the northwest of the country .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in four years as it wrestled Covid-19 , and many Nigerians lost their lives in protests against police brutality .
Now more than ever perhaps Nigerians do need fireworks -- a sign streaking across the sky that carries with it the hope for a better year .

Lagos (AFP) –
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Across Nigeria, New Year's Eve is usually marked by millions of Christians gathering in churches to usher in the New Year, praying for a better year ahead.
But this year, the all-night celebrations have been widely canceled because of Covid -- and many worshippers, desperate to turn the page on 2020, say they feel a void.
Every December 31, chants of "Amen" and "Hallelujah" rend the air of many Nigerian towns. Hugs and handshakes are exchanged, and at midnight the glow of fireworks lights up the skyline.
It is not uncommon to hear optimistic declarations such as "This year is my year" -- or to see thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of worshippers break into a dance of celebration at mass events.
But in several states across southern Nigeria, government-imposed Covid-19 restrictions mean that "crossover," a key day in the calendar for Nigeria’s estimated 86 million Christians, will not happen this time.
As of Wednesday, Nigeria had registered over 85,500 cases from Covid-19 and 1,260 deaths. The country has seen a surge in cases in the last few weeks, although but lack of testing means the number may be higher.
In Lagos, a metropolis of some 20 million souls, religious gatherings have been capped at 50% of the usual capacity for the venue.
In Nigeria, that can still be a lot of people -- some churches are as big as stadiums, able to seat as many worshippers as a major football final.
But services must not exceed two hours, and there is a midnight to 4:00 a.m. curfew. Many churches in Nigeria are accustomed to praying until the sun rises on the New Year.
- 'God will heal' -
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) originally rejected suggestions that churches not hold New Year's Eve services.
But it eventually backed down and asked churches to end their services before midnight instead.
The Precious Cornerstone Ministries, a Lagos church with a congregation of around one thousand people, said it would hold a socially distanced service from 7pm to 9pm to ensure the faithful can get home before the curfew.
Pastor Joachim Oloye is trying to see the bright side.
"If you're having your service in the afternoon [in Nigeria] and you say 'Happy New Year,' you’re not even out of place, because to someone who is in Sydney, Australia, it is already the new year," Oloye told AFP.
"God will heal our land of coronavirus and things will not be as worse [in 2021] as it is this year, by the Grace of God," he predicted.
"There will be a crossover service next year... God will want us to congregate and have a great time."
- Noise and hugs -
“It feels somehow... like something is missing,” says Dare Olaobaju who has attended in person crossover service at the Daystar Christian Center every year for the past nine years.
On Tuesday, the Church’s lead pastor Reverend Sam Adeyemi tweeted, “Don’t stress over time to crossover. Just crossover.”
And while members of his congregation like Olaobaju say they understand and are not "stressing," New Year's Eve certainly does feel different this time.
“I miss the physical connection, the ambiance, the noise, the hugs (...) and the fireworks,” Olaobaju says.
The past year has been particularly grim for Nigeria.
The jihadist group Boko Haram carried out a string of ruthless attacks, culminating in the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolboys in the northwest of the country.
The country slipped into economic recession for the second time in four years as it wrestled Covid-19, and many Nigerians lost their lives in protests against police brutality.
Now more than ever perhaps Nigerians do need fireworks -- a sign streaking across the sky that carries with it the hope for a better year.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--World begins ushering in locked-down New Year

Goodbye to all that : although celebrations will be muted because of coronavirus restrictions , many around the world will be hoping 2021 will be an improvement on 2020 The world began ushering in the New Year Thursday , with pandemic controls muting celebrations for billions of people eager to bid farewell to a virus-ridden 2020 .
After a grinding year that has seen at least 1.7 million people die from Covid-19 , fresh waves of infection have sparked renewed lockdowns and forced would-be revellers to extend their 2020 tradition of watching events from the sofa .
From Sydney to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and live performances will be watched online or on television -- if they have not been cancelled altogether .
The eagerly awaited first lights of 2021 fell on the Pacific nations of Kiribati and Samoa from 1000 GMT , with the uninhabited Howland and Baker Islands the last to tip over into the New Year , 26 hours later .
New Zealand , which has won plaudits for its handling of the coronavirus , followed an hour later with large crowds gathered in Auckland to watch a fireworks display .
Although still isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero recorded cases in the community has let life in New Zealand return to relative normality .
In Australia 's largest city , Sydney , pyrotechnics will still light up the glittering harbour with a dazzling display at 1300 GMT , but few spectators will be there to watch in person .
Plans to allow crowds were scrapped amid a cluster of around 150 new infections that have seen travel to and from Sydney severely restricted .
`` I think everybody is looking towards 2021 as a fresh beginning and a fresh start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky few who were allowed past checkpoints around the area , told AFP at a bar nestled under the Sydney Opera House .
Similarly , Romans will live-stream the burning of an enormous pyre in Circus Maximus , the ancient city 's stadium , alongside a two-hour event featuring artist performances and illuminated views of iconic sites .
Italy -- where shocking images of makeshift morgues and exhausted medics awoke the world to the severity of the crisis -- is on a nationwide lockdown until January 7 and a 10 pm curfew is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Brazil , police and -- in some cases -- military personnel are being deployed to make sure night-time curfews or bans on large gatherings are enforced .
In hard-hit London , 74-year-old American singer-songwriter Patti Smith will ring in the New Year with a tribute to National Health Service workers who have died from Covid-19 , projected on the screen at Piccadilly Circus and streamed on YouTube .
Thousands are expected to attend a fireworks and a laser show in Dubai at at the Burj Khalifa , the world 's tallest tower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All those attending the event -- whether at a public place , hotel or restaurant -- will be required to wear masks and register with QR codes .
In Beirut , a city still reeling from the August 4 port explosion , authorities are also cutting loose .
A night curfew has been pushed back to 3 am .
Bars , restaurants and night clubs have all reopened and are advertising large parties to mark the turn of the year .
Social media networks are already inundated with images and videos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to warn that a new lockdown may come into force after the holidays .
The fears of such a New Year hangover are widespread , and there are ominous signs that new strains of the virus may make the coming months even tougher .
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday used her New Year greeting to warn Germans the `` historic '' coronavirus crisis will extend into 2021 even if vaccines bring some hope .
In Brazil -- which has already recorded more than 193,000 Covid-19 deaths , the second-largest number in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In recent days , social media has been filled with videos showing mask-less revellers enjoying a night out and television channels have even shown live images of police closing bars full of customers .
`` The pandemic peak was between May and July , which was when there was n't a lot of movement and we looked after ourselves more .
Now there are many cases and people are acting as if there was n't a pandemic , '' said Luiz Gustavo de Almeida , a microbiologist at the University of Sao @ @

Sydney (AFP) –
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The world began ushering in the New Year Thursday, with pandemic controls muting celebrations for billions of people eager to bid farewell to a virus-ridden 2020.
After a grinding year that has seen at least 1.7 million people die from Covid-19, fresh waves of infection have sparked renewed lockdowns and forced would-be revellers to extend their 2020 tradition of watching events from the sofa.
From Sydney to Rome, firework displays, pyre burnings and live performances will be watched online or on television -- if they have not been cancelled altogether.
The eagerly awaited first lights of 2021 fell on the Pacific nations of Kiribati and Samoa from 1000 GMT, with the uninhabited Howland and Baker Islands the last to tip over into the New Year, 26 hours later.
New Zealand, which has won plaudits for its handling of the coronavirus, followed an hour later with large crowds gathered in Auckland to watch a fireworks display.
Although still isolated by international border closures, months of zero recorded cases in the community has let life in New Zealand return to relative normality.
In Australia's largest city, Sydney, pyrotechnics will still light up the glittering harbour with a dazzling display at 1300 GMT, but few spectators will be there to watch in person.
Plans to allow crowds were scrapped amid a cluster of around 150 new infections that have seen travel to and from Sydney severely restricted.
"I think everybody is looking towards 2021 as a fresh beginning and a fresh start," Karen Roberts, among the lucky few who were allowed past checkpoints around the area, told AFP at a bar nestled under the Sydney Opera House.
Similarly, Romans will live-stream the burning of an enormous pyre in Circus Maximus, the ancient city's stadium, alongside a two-hour event featuring artist performances and illuminated views of iconic sites.
Italy -- where shocking images of makeshift morgues and exhausted medics awoke the world to the severity of the crisis -- is on a nationwide lockdown until January 7 and a 10 pm curfew is in place.
From France to Latvia to Brazil, police and -- in some cases -- military personnel are being deployed to make sure night-time curfews or bans on large gatherings are enforced.
In hard-hit London, 74-year-old American singer-songwriter Patti Smith will ring in the New Year with a tribute to National Health Service workers who have died from Covid-19, projected on the screen at Piccadilly Circus and streamed on YouTube.
- Social gathering -
Thousands are expected to attend a fireworks and a laser show in Dubai at at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, despite a slew of new cases.
All those attending the event -- whether at a public place, hotel or restaurant -- will be required to wear masks and register with QR codes.
In Beirut, a city still reeling from the August 4 port explosion, authorities are also cutting loose.
A night curfew has been pushed back to 3 am. Bars, restaurants and night clubs have all reopened and are advertising large parties to mark the turn of the year.
Social media networks are already inundated with images and videos of packed clubs and restaurants, leading authorities to warn that a new lockdown may come into force after the holidays.
The fears of such a New Year hangover are widespread, and there are ominous signs that new strains of the virus may make the coming months even tougher.
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday used her New Year greeting to warn Germans the "historic" coronavirus crisis will extend into 2021 even if vaccines bring some hope.
In Brazil -- which has already recorded more than 193,000 Covid-19 deaths, the second-largest number in the world -- fearful medics await a new wave.
In recent days, social media has been filled with videos showing mask-less revellers enjoying a night out and television channels have even shown live images of police closing bars full of customers.
"The pandemic peak was between May and July, which was when there wasn't a lot of movement and we looked after ourselves more. Now there are many cases and people are acting as if there wasn't a pandemic," said Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Syria war killed 6,800 in 2020, lowest annual toll

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france24--2020-12-31--Darfur war: where celebrities campaigned for peace

Angelina Jolie arrives in Sudan 's Darfur in October 2004 as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees From George Clooney to J. K. Rowling and Angelina Jolie , the brutal civil war in Sudan 's vast Darfur region prompted A-list celebrities to speak out for its long-suffering civilians .
Here 's a snapshot , as the UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur comes to an end : Hollywood megastar George Clooney has campaigned tirelessly to draw attention to the Darfur conflict , which he branded a `` genocide '' in 2012 , accusing Khartoum of crimes against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named a United Nations Messenger of Peace by then secretary general Ban Ki-moon in recognition of his work .
He set up `` Not on Our Watch '' , a humanitarian group that focuses global attention on Darfur and has raised over $ 9 million for the region , with his `` Ocean 's Thirteen '' movie castmates Brad Pitt , Matt Damon and Don Cheadle .
- Do they know it 's Christmas ?
- British pop stars in 2004 re-recorded `` Do they Know its Christmas , '' the hit song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ethiopia 20 years earlier , this time to raise money for the hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Darfur .
Midge Ure , the Ultravox front man who wrote the original Band Aid single with Sir Bob Geldoff , took part , along with Bono , Dido and Robbie Williams and Sir Paul McCartney .
In 2008 , children 's writers including Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling signed an open letter calling on world leaders to take urgent action over Darfur to protect the stricken region 's children .
`` Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone run , have seen their homes burnt and razed to the ground , their mothers raped and their fathers killed , '' read the letter by the 15 authors , also including Judy Blume and Cornelia Funke .
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie visited Darfur in 2004 as goodwill ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) , later expressing shock at the `` unbelievably horrible '' conditions .
In 2017 , she met a teenage boy from Darfur at a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad who said he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I hope that those responsible for the atrocities in Darfur will be held to account , not only for that young man 's sake , but for the world 's , '' she said .

Khartoum (AFP) –
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From George Clooney to J. K. Rowling and Angelina Jolie, the brutal civil war in Sudan's vast Darfur region prompted A-list celebrities to speak out for its long-suffering civilians.
Here's a snapshot, as the UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur comes to an end:
- George Clooney -
Hollywood megastar George Clooney has campaigned tirelessly to draw attention to the Darfur conflict, which he branded a "genocide" in 2012, accusing Khartoum of crimes against humanity.
In 2010, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace by then secretary general Ban Ki-moon in recognition of his work.
He set up "Not on Our Watch", a humanitarian group that focuses global attention on Darfur and has raised over $9 million for the region, with his "Ocean's Thirteen" movie castmates Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle.
- Do they know it's Christmas? -
British pop stars in 2004 re-recorded "Do they Know its Christmas," the hit song that raised money for famine-hit people in Ethiopia 20 years earlier, this time to raise money for the hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Darfur.
Midge Ure, the Ultravox front man who wrote the original Band Aid single with Sir Bob Geldoff, took part, along with Bono, Dido and Robbie Williams and Sir Paul McCartney.
- J. K. Rowling -
In 2008, children's writers including Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling signed an open letter calling on world leaders to take urgent action over Darfur to protect the stricken region's children.
"Children barely old enough to walk, let alone run, have seen their homes burnt and razed to the ground, their mothers raped and their fathers killed," read the letter by the 15 authors, also including Judy Blume and Cornelia Funke.
- Angelina Jolie -
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie visited Darfur in 2004 as goodwill ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), later expressing shock at the "unbelievably horrible" conditions.
In 2017, she met a teenage boy from Darfur at a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad who said he wanted those responsible to be put on trial.
"I hope that those responsible for the atrocities in Darfur will be held to account, not only for that young man's sake, but for the world's," she said.
burs/jmy/dwo/hc
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Peacekeeping mission in Sudan's Darfur ends, stoking fears

Displaced Darfuris stage a sit in to protest against the withdrawal of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission Sudan 's hybrid United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur is set to end its 13-year peacekeeping in the conflict-marred region Thursday , even as recent violent clashes leave residents fearful .
Conflict erupted in Darfur in 2003 , when African minority rebels rose up against the Arab-dominated government , which in turn unleashed the Janjaweed militias , resulting in a death toll the UN puts at 300,000 and the displacement of 2.5 million .
`` The joint United Nations-African Union mission in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) will officially end operations on Thursday , when the Government of Sudan will take over responsibility for the protection of civilians in the area , '' the mission said in a statement on Wednesday .
The bitter conflict has largely subsided in recent years and longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir -- wanted by the International Criminal Court for genocide and other alleged crimes in the western region -- was deposed last year .
But the country 's transitional government is fragile and tribal clashes still periodically flare in Darfur , including clashes last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead and dozens wounded .
Darfuris , many of whom remain in teeming camps years after they fled their homes , have held protests in recent weeks against the mission 's imminent departure .
`` The lives of Darfuri people are at stake , and the United Nations should reconsider its decision , '' Mohamed Abdelrahman told AFP on Wednesday at Kalma camp in Nyala , the capital of South Darfur .
He is among hundreds who staged a sit-in outside the mission 's headquarters at the camp .
Protesters held up banners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for IDPs ( internally displaced people ) , '' and `` we reject UNAMID 's exit . ''
The UN said that the phased withdrawal of the mission 's approximately 8,000 armed and civilian personnel will begin in January and be completed inside six months .
Longtime Kalma resident Othman Abulkassem fears the troops ' departure signals `` big trouble '' for Darfuris , leaving them at risk of further violence .
`` We understand the concerns of the Darfuri population especially IDPs and other vulnerable groups , but the situation has improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , '' Eissa told AFP .
`` The responsibility now lies with the transitional government and the Sudanese people themselves to enhance peace and security in Darfur . ''
A UN political mission -- the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan ( UNITAMS ) -- will be installed in Darfur after UNAMID 's departure .
It will be tasked with assisting Sudan 's transition , peace-building , and aid mobilisation .
Following last week 's clashes , Sudanese authorities said government troops will be deployed to the region to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If the protection of internally displaced people is assigned to the government forces , it will be like handing Darfuris to the forces that committed massacres and rape against them , '' said 25-year-old Darfuri Intisar Abdelhay .
The Janjaweed , armed militia of mostly Arab nomads unleashed by Khartoum in the early years of the war , were accused by rights groups of `` ethnic cleansing '' campaigns and widespread rape .
Thousands of the militiamen were later incorporated into Sudan 's powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces , whose head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sudan 's transitional government .
Bashir was deposed by the army in April last year amid unprecedented months-long protests against his iron-fisted rule .
In August 2019 , the military rulers who ousted him agreed a precarious power sharing transition with civilians .
The post-Bashir transition has pushed to build peace with armed rebels , and in October , signed a deal with several outfits , including from Darfur .
Two holdout rebel groups refused to join the deal , including the Darfur-based Sudan Liberation Movement ( SLM ) led by Abdelwahid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain considerable local support .
Clashes in Darfur over land and access to water still occur , mainly pitting nomadic Arab pastoralists against crop-growing farmers from long marginalised ethnic groups .
`` There is not yet full and comprehensive peace in Sudan , '' said Kalma resident Mohamed Hassan .
`` And until there is , we are against the end of the UNAMID mission . ''

Nyala (Sudan) (AFP) –
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Sudan's hybrid United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur is set to end its 13-year peacekeeping in the conflict-marred region Thursday, even as recent violent clashes leave residents fearful.
Conflict erupted in Darfur in 2003, when African minority rebels rose up against the Arab-dominated government, which in turn unleashed the Janjaweed militias, resulting in a death toll the UN puts at 300,000 and the displacement of 2.5 million.
"The joint United Nations-African Union mission in the Darfur region of Sudan (UNAMID) will officially end operations on Thursday, when the Government of Sudan will take over responsibility for the protection of civilians in the area," the mission said in a statement on Wednesday.
The bitter conflict has largely subsided in recent years and longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir -- wanted by the International Criminal Court for genocide and other alleged crimes in the western region -- was deposed last year.
But the country's transitional government is fragile and tribal clashes still periodically flare in Darfur, including clashes last week that left at least 15 people dead and dozens wounded.
Darfuris, many of whom remain in teeming camps years after they fled their homes, have held protests in recent weeks against the mission's imminent departure.
"The lives of Darfuri people are at stake, and the United Nations should reconsider its decision," Mohamed Abdelrahman told AFP on Wednesday at Kalma camp in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur.
He is among hundreds who staged a sit-in outside the mission's headquarters at the camp.
- 'Big trouble' ahead -
Protesters held up banners reading: "we trust UN protection for IDPs (internally displaced people)," and "we reject UNAMID's exit."
The UN said that the phased withdrawal of the mission's approximately 8,000 armed and civilian personnel will begin in January and be completed inside six months.
Longtime Kalma resident Othman Abulkassem fears the troops' departure signals "big trouble" for Darfuris, leaving them at risk of further violence.
UNAMID spokesman Ashraf Eissa sought to temper those fears.
"We understand the concerns of the Darfuri population especially IDPs and other vulnerable groups, but the situation has improved a great deal over the past few years," Eissa told AFP.
"The responsibility now lies with the transitional government and the Sudanese people themselves to enhance peace and security in Darfur."
A UN political mission -- the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) -- will be installed in Darfur after UNAMID's departure.
It will be tasked with assisting Sudan's transition, peace-building, and aid mobilisation.
Following last week's clashes, Sudanese authorities said government troops will be deployed to the region to contain any violence.
But many are sceptical.
"If the protection of internally displaced people is assigned to the government forces, it will be like handing Darfuris to the forces that committed massacres and rape against them," said 25-year-old Darfuri Intisar Abdelhay.
The Janjaweed, armed militia of mostly Arab nomads unleashed by Khartoum in the early years of the war, were accused by rights groups of "ethnic cleansing" campaigns and widespread rape.
Thousands of the militiamen were later incorporated into Sudan's powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, whose head Mohamed Hamdan Daglo is a key figure in Sudan's transitional government.
- 'No peace yet' -
Bashir was deposed by the army in April last year amid unprecedented months-long protests against his iron-fisted rule.
In August 2019, the military rulers who ousted him agreed a precarious power sharing transition with civilians.
The post-Bashir transition has pushed to build peace with armed rebels, and in October, signed a deal with several outfits, including from Darfur.
Two holdout rebel groups refused to join the deal, including the Darfur-based Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdelwahid Nour, a faction which is believed to maintain considerable local support.
Clashes in Darfur over land and access to water still occur, mainly pitting nomadic Arab pastoralists against crop-growing farmers from long marginalised ethnic groups.
"There is not yet full and comprehensive peace in Sudan," said Kalma resident Mohamed Hassan.
"And until there is, we are against the end of the UNAMID mission."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Britain should be 'proud' of knighted Hamilton, says Mercedes boss

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Britain should feel proud to have a `` ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton '' after the Formula One world champion was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list .
Hamilton has been recognised following a record-breaking year in which he eclipsed Michael Schumacher 's all-time victory tally and emulated the German by winning a seventh world title .
Austrian Wolff , 48 , has overseen Hamilton 's success at Mercedes following the Briton 's move from McLaren in 2013 .
Hamilton has won six of his seven titles with the sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35-year-old British driver for his sporting success and his efforts to battle discrimination .
`` The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport , '' said Wolff .
`` The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton . ''
Monaco-based Hamilton has faced scrutiny in the past over his tax arrangements but has said he pays a substantial amount of tax in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the backdrop of his personal fight against injustices .
Hamilton took a knee before all his races to protest against racial injustice and Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination .
Britain 's Damon Hill , world champion in 1996 , told Sky News : `` Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone .
`` In our sport it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship . ''

London (AFP) –
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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Britain should feel proud to have a "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the Formula One world champion was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.
Hamilton has been recognised following a record-breaking year in which he eclipsed Michael Schumacher's all-time victory tally and emulated the German by winning a seventh world title.
Austrian Wolff, 48, has overseen Hamilton's success at Mercedes following the Briton's move from McLaren in 2013. Hamilton has won six of his seven titles with the sport's all-conquering team.
Wolff hailed the 35-year-old British driver for his sporting success and his efforts to battle discrimination.
"The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport," said Wolff.
"The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton."
Monaco-based Hamilton has faced scrutiny in the past over his tax arrangements but has said he pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain.
He clinched his record-equalling title against the backdrop of his personal fight against injustices.
Hamilton took a knee before all his races to protest against racial injustice and Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination.
Britain's Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, told Sky News: "Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone.
"In our sport it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One. But Lewis has said this affects every black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--New Year’s Eve in France: What’s allowed and what's not?

The French government will mobilise 100,000 police to keep order and enforce Covid-19 restrictions on New Year 's Eve .
The French are still living under tight restrictions , as cases of Covid-19 continue to rise .
Yet after the year we ’ ve all had , seeing an end to 2020 calls for celebration .
But be careful : the government is putting 100,000 police on the streets tonight to make sure that the rules are enforced .
So what , exactly , is allowed ?
FRANCE 24 takes a look .
Can you invite friends to your house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends over , but authorities recommend you limit gatherings to no more than six adults .
That ’ s just a recommendation , though , not a law .
There won ’ t be any fines , though , for exceeding that limit , unless your shindig is being held in an establishment that has been ordered closed , such as a bar or a restaurant .
Similarly , if you ’ re attending a party in someone ’ s home , it must truly be a private party , i.e .
no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructed to look for private parties , and to identify the organisers .
Participants will also be fined , so beware .
Can you go back home at night ?
Sure , as long as you ’ re back by the 8pm curfew or wait until it lifts at 6am to go home .
In other words , if you ’ re going out , you either need to make it an early night or an all-nighter .
Anyone caught outside risks a fine of €135 – unless you have an attestation saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason , such as work or health .
Make sure you know how you ’ re going to get around , as half of the Métro lines in Paris will be closed .
Transport may be shut down in other cities as well .
Are the police allowed to come to my house ?
Just like any other night of the year , the police can cite you for disturbances at home and fine you €68 .
They are allowed to come to your door and ask to come in , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your permission .

The French are still living under tight restrictions, as cases of Covid-19 continue to rise. Yet after the year we’ve all had, seeing an end to 2020 calls for celebration. But be careful: the government is putting 100,000 police on the streets tonight to make sure that the rules are enforced. So what, exactly, is allowed? FRANCE 24 takes a look.
The French government will mobilise 100,000 police to keep order and enforce Covid-19 restrictions on New Year's Eve.
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Can you invite friends to your house?
You’re allowed to have friends over, but authorities recommend you limit gatherings to no more than six adults. That’s just a recommendation, though, not a law.
There won’t be any fines, though, for exceeding that limit, unless your shindig is being held in an establishment that has been ordered closed, such as a bar or a restaurant. Similarly, if you’re attending a party in someone’s home, it must truly be a private party, i.e. no entry fees. Police have been specifically instructed to look for private parties, and to identify the organisers. Participants will also be fined, so beware.
Can you go back home at night?
Sure, as long as you’re back by the 8pm curfew or wait until it lifts at 6am to go home. In other words, if you’re going out, you either need to make it an early night or an all-nighter. Anyone caught outside risks a fine of €135 – unless you have an attestation saying you’re out for a permitted reason, such as work or health.
Make sure you know how you’re going to get around, as half of the Métro lines in Paris will be closed. Transport may be shut down in other cities as well.
Are the police allowed to come to my house?
Just like any other night of the year, the police can cite you for disturbances at home and fine you €68. They are allowed to come to your door and ask to come in, but they’re not allowed to enter without your permission.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-12-31--US investors complete takeover of Premier League side Burnley

US investment group ALK Capital has completed its takeover of Burnley , acquiring a controlling 84 percent stake in the Premier League club , it was announced on Thursday .
Delaware-based ALK , which specialises in investments in the sport and media sectors , said its managing partner Alan Pace would take over from Mike Garlick as chairman .
Pace , the former president of Major League Soccer 's Real Salt Lake , said the move marked `` the start of an exciting journey for the entire Clarets family '' .
`` With a rich heritage , a brilliant academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this club has solid foundations to build upon , '' he said in a statement on the club 's website .
Garlick , who had held just under 50 percent of the club 's shares , will remain on ALK Capital 's new board of directors at Burnley .
He said the deal represented a `` natural progression '' for the club , who are in their fifth consecutive season in the English top-flight .
`` In Alan Pace and his team , we are welcoming committed investors to Turf Moor who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and investing in the club , both on and off the football pitch , for many years to come , '' he said .
One of ALK 's first priorities is likely to be a meeting with Dyche , who can expect fresh financial support in the January transfer window .
The manager said after Tuesday 's victory over Sheffield United that he had no knowledge of the deal , but it is understood moves were already under way by the new ownership to bring him up to speed on their plans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be an expansion of the club 's international scouting and transfer network .
Commenting on Tuesday on the likelihood of adding to his injury-reduced squad in the coming weeks , Dyche offered a cautious take .
`` If there are things in the market we think we can align , we will .
If there 's not , we 'll keep operating with the group we 've got , '' said the manager , who has been in charge at Turf Moor since 2012 .
Burnley are 16th in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and host 18th-placed Fulham on Sunday .

London (AFP) –
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US investment group ALK Capital has completed its takeover of Burnley, acquiring a controlling 84 percent stake in the Premier League club, it was announced on Thursday.
Delaware-based ALK, which specialises in investments in the sport and media sectors, said its managing partner Alan Pace would take over from Mike Garlick as chairman.
Pace, the former president of Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake, said the move marked "the start of an exciting journey for the entire Clarets family".
"With a rich heritage, a brilliant academy, and a passionate fan base, this club has solid foundations to build upon," he said in a statement on the club's website.
Garlick, who had held just under 50 percent of the club's shares, will remain on ALK Capital's new board of directors at Burnley.
He said the deal represented a "natural progression" for the club, who are in their fifth consecutive season in the English top-flight.
"In Alan Pace and his team, we are welcoming committed investors to Turf Moor who will be living here in the local community and investing in the club, both on and off the football pitch, for many years to come," he said.
One of ALK's first priorities is likely to be a meeting with Dyche, who can expect fresh financial support in the January transfer window.
The manager said after Tuesday's victory over Sheffield United that he had no knowledge of the deal, but it is understood moves were already under way by the new ownership to bring him up to speed on their plans.
One result of the change in ownership could be an expansion of the club's international scouting and transfer network.
Commenting on Tuesday on the likelihood of adding to his injury-reduced squad in the coming weeks, Dyche offered a cautious take.
"If there are things in the market we think we can align, we will. If there's not, we'll keep operating with the group we've got," said the manager, who has been in charge at Turf Moor since 2012.
Burnley are 16th in the Premier League, five points above the relegation zone, and host 18th-placed Fulham on Sunday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Yemen govt vows to bring stability after deadly attack

Smoke billows at Aden Airport in southern Yemen on December 30 , 2020 , following explosions shortly after the arrival of a plane carrying cabinet ministers Yemen 's new power-sharing government vowed on Thursday to bring stability to the war-torn country , a day after deadly blasts rocked Aden airport in an attack targeting cabinet members .
At least 26 people , including three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross and a journalist , were killed and scores wounded in the explosions as ministers disembarked from an aircraft in the southern city .
All cabinet members were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers charged was an attack by the north Yemen-based Iran-backed Huthi rebels .
AFP video footage shows what appears to be a missile strike followed by a ball of intense flames , in part of the airport which moments before had been packed with crowds .
But it is still not fully clear what caused the explosions .
Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak told AFP on Thursday that the new unity government was up to tackling the challenges facing a country that has long been the Arab Peninsula 's most impoverished nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its duty and work to restore stability in Yemen , '' he said .
`` This terrorist attack will not deter it from that . ''
Tens of thousands of people , mostly civilians , have been killed and millions displaced in Yemen 's grinding five-year war , which has triggered what the United Nations calls the world 's worst humanitarian disaster .
The cabinet ministers had arrived in Aden days after being sworn in by Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in Saudi Arabia , which leads a military coalition against the Huthi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yemen 's capital Sanaa fell to the Huthis in 2014 .
The new government includes ministers loyal to Hadi and supporters of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council , as well as other parties .
While all oppose the Huthi rebels , they are deeply divided , and secessionists and forces loyal to the central government have sporadically clashed in and around Aden .
Saudi Arabia has been encouraging the unity government to quell the `` war within a civil war '' and to bolster the coalition against the Huthi insurgents , which control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some ministers , including Mubarak , blamed the Huthi insurgents for the attack -- but other government officials remained more circumspect .
`` Information and preliminary investigations show that the Huthi militia was behind this ugly terrorist attack , '' Mubarak told AFP , adding that missiles were launched from rebel-held areas .
Maged Al-Madhaji of the Sanaa Centre for Strategic Studies said Wednesday 's incident was the most significant in the Yemen war .
`` The explosions could have destroyed everything .
They could have wiped out the entire legitimate government completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been hoping the new government would immediately start work to improve the situation for millions on the brink of famine , but the attack was a harsh reminder that the country is far from escaping the grip of war .
`` It was a painful and scary day , '' Noor , a 28-year-old Aden resident , told AFP .
`` We were optimistic about the return of a government not because they are patriotic men , but because it meant the possible return of basic services and an end to crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of security was the reason for crowds gathering ( in front of the plane ) , along with announcing their time of arrival , this all led to this disaster . ''
For Bassem al-Qadi , who lost his cousin in the explosions , the government is the `` last thread of hope '' for `` exhausted '' Yemenis .
`` People want to live , and they have become tired of death , destruction and terror , '' he said .
International reactions condemning the incident continued to pour in on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of delegation in Yemen , said the Red Cross was mourning the loss of the three colleagues .
`` The deaths and injuries caused by the blast are a heavy blow for many families , '' she said in a statement .
`` Yemen has endured many difficult days ; we hope for a brighter one tomorrow . ''

Aden (AFP) –
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Yemen's new power-sharing government vowed on Thursday to bring stability to the war-torn country, a day after deadly blasts rocked Aden airport in an attack targeting cabinet members.
At least 26 people, including three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross and a journalist, were killed and scores wounded in the explosions as ministers disembarked from an aircraft in the southern city.
All cabinet members were reported to be unharmed in what some ministers charged was an attack by the north Yemen-based Iran-backed Huthi rebels.
AFP video footage shows what appears to be a missile strike followed by a ball of intense flames, in part of the airport which moments before had been packed with crowds.
But it is still not fully clear what caused the explosions.
Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak told AFP on Thursday that the new unity government was up to tackling the challenges facing a country that has long been the Arab Peninsula's most impoverished nation.
"The government is determined to fulfil its duty and work to restore stability in Yemen," he said.
"This terrorist attack will not deter it from that."
Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in Yemen's grinding five-year war, which has triggered what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian disaster.
The cabinet ministers had arrived in Aden days after being sworn in by Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in Saudi Arabia, which leads a military coalition against the Huthi insurgents.
Hadi fled to Riyadh after Yemen's capital Sanaa fell to the Huthis in 2014.
The new government includes ministers loyal to Hadi and supporters of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council, as well as other parties.
While all oppose the Huthi rebels, they are deeply divided, and secessionists and forces loyal to the central government have sporadically clashed in and around Aden.
- Ministers blame Huthis -
Saudi Arabia has been encouraging the unity government to quell the "war within a civil war" and to bolster the coalition against the Huthi insurgents, which control Sanaa and much of the north.
Some ministers, including Mubarak, blamed the Huthi insurgents for the attack -- but other government officials remained more circumspect.
"Information and preliminary investigations show that the Huthi militia was behind this ugly terrorist attack," Mubarak told AFP, adding that missiles were launched from rebel-held areas.
Maged Al-Madhaji of the Sanaa Centre for Strategic Studies said Wednesday's incident was the most significant in the Yemen war.
"The explosions could have destroyed everything. They could have wiped out the entire legitimate government completely," he told AFP.
- 'Painful and scary day' -
Yemenis had been hoping the new government would immediately start work to improve the situation for millions on the brink of famine, but the attack was a harsh reminder that the country is far from escaping the grip of war.
"It was a painful and scary day," Noor, a 28-year-old Aden resident, told AFP.
"We were optimistic about the return of a government not because they are patriotic men, but because it meant the possible return of basic services and an end to crises."
"Their ineptitude in matters of security was the reason for crowds gathering (in front of the plane), along with announcing their time of arrival, this all led to this disaster."
For Bassem al-Qadi, who lost his cousin in the explosions, the government is the "last thread of hope" for "exhausted" Yemenis.
"People want to live, and they have become tired of death, destruction and terror," he said.
International reactions condemning the incident continued to pour in on Thursday.
Katharina Ritz, ICRC's head of delegation in Yemen, said the Red Cross was mourning the loss of the three colleagues.
"The deaths and injuries caused by the blast are a heavy blow for many families," she said in a statement. "Yemen has endured many difficult days; we hope for a brighter one tomorrow."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Hope, scepticism as Moscow launches vaccination drive

For many elderly Russians the vaccination comes as a relief , a chance to leave their homes or see their grandchildren without fear Vera Stepanova waits nervously at a Moscow clinic for her turn to be vaccinated with Russia 's Sputnik V jab .
The 73-year-old spent a sleepless night in anticipation and says she has no doubts about taking the vaccine .
`` I 'm so afraid of this disease .
We have to protect ourselves , '' the retired school principal says , her face covered by a surgical mask .
`` I waited for my turn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything will be all right . ''
Stepanova was among a group of older Russians receiving the vaccine this week as Moscow launched a campaign to inoculate residents aged over 60 .
For many the vaccination comes as a relief , a chance to leave their homes or see their grandchildren without fear .
`` I 'm tired of staying at home .
I would like to get antibodies faster so that I can go for a walk , '' says Stepanova 's 82-year-old husband Georgy .
But not everyone is lining up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sceptical of being vaccinated -- a huge hurdle for the country in a week that also saw officials confirm that its death toll from the virus is more than three times higher than previously reported .
An Ipsos poll this week showed that only 43 percent of Russians want to be vaccinated , against 69 percent in the United States and 65 percent in Germany .
Other polls in Russia put that figure at only 38 percent .
`` It is worrying , '' infectious disease specialist Irina Shestakova conceded in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The countries that win will be those that vaccinate the majority of the population as quickly as possible , '' she said .
Lev Gudkov , the director of Russia 's Levada polling centre , said some of the concern was fuelled by a propaganda drive around Sputnik V , which President Vladimir Putin announced as the world 's first officially registered vaccine in August .
The announcement prompted worries that Moscow was rushing to win the race to produce a vaccine , an idea reinforced by its being named after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1957 at the height of the Cold War .
`` This massive campaign is arousing great apprehension and mistrust , '' Gudkov said .
`` People understand that for Vladimir Putin , the vaccine is part of Russia 's confrontation with the West . ''
Scepticism has also been fed by concerns over official coronavirus figures in Russia , where despite huge numbers of cases the official death rate has remained relatively low .
The government has defended its methodology of counting only Covid deaths that are confirmed by autopsies , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 27 percent of Russians had faith in the official math .
A count of excess deaths so far in 2020 released this week by state statistics agency Rosstat showed more than 186,000 people had died as a result of the virus .
That is three times the fatality count of 57,019 on the official daily tally and places Russia third on the world ranking of deaths from Covid .
As a second wave of infections -- one that shows no sign of slowing -- pummels Russia , the authorities have not reimposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last winter or in effect in parts of Europe .
Instead , they are redoubling efforts to get sceptical citizens to clinics , with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin saying this week that vaccinations are the only way forward .
`` You have to get vaccinated .
There is no alternative , '' he said .
The numbers show the end is not yet in sight .
In a city of more than 12 million , just 50,000 people in Moscow have so far received Sputnik V and only 70,000 are registered to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Stepanovs , fellow retiree Alla Kolosova says she for one believes in her government 's vaccine .
`` I 'm a bit in the old Soviet fashion , so I 'm used to trusting our medicine , '' the 74-year-old says .
`` I had no doubts about whether or not to get vaccinated . ''

Moscow (AFP) –
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Vera Stepanova waits nervously at a Moscow clinic for her turn to be vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V jab.
The 73-year-old spent a sleepless night in anticipation and says she has no doubts about taking the vaccine.
"I'm so afraid of this disease. We have to protect ourselves," the retired school principal says, her face covered by a surgical mask. "I waited for my turn and I came with pleasure, hoping that everything will be all right."
Stepanova was among a group of older Russians receiving the vaccine this week as Moscow launched a campaign to inoculate residents aged over 60.
For many the vaccination comes as a relief, a chance to leave their homes or see their grandchildren without fear.
"I'm tired of staying at home. I would like to get antibodies faster so that I can go for a walk," says Stepanova's 82-year-old husband Georgy.
But not everyone is lining up for Sputnik V.
Many Russians are deeply sceptical of being vaccinated -- a huge hurdle for the country in a week that also saw officials confirm that its death toll from the virus is more than three times higher than previously reported.
- 'Apprehension, mistrust' -
An Ipsos poll this week showed that only 43 percent of Russians want to be vaccinated, against 69 percent in the United States and 65 percent in Germany.
Other polls in Russia put that figure at only 38 percent.
"It is worrying," infectious disease specialist Irina Shestakova conceded in an interview with the RIA Novosti news agency.
"The countries that win will be those that vaccinate the majority of the population as quickly as possible," she said.
Lev Gudkov, the director of Russia's Levada polling centre, said some of the concern was fuelled by a propaganda drive around Sputnik V, which President Vladimir Putin announced as the world's first officially registered vaccine in August.
The announcement prompted worries that Moscow was rushing to win the race to produce a vaccine, an idea reinforced by its being named after the first satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957 at the height of the Cold War.
"This massive campaign is arousing great apprehension and mistrust," Gudkov said.
"People understand that for Vladimir Putin, the vaccine is part of Russia's confrontation with the West."
Scepticism has also been fed by concerns over official coronavirus figures in Russia, where despite huge numbers of cases the official death rate has remained relatively low.
The government has defended its methodology of counting only Covid deaths that are confirmed by autopsies, but a Levada survey in November showed that just 27 percent of Russians had faith in the official math.
- 'No alternative' to vaccine -
A count of excess deaths so far in 2020 released this week by state statistics agency Rosstat showed more than 186,000 people had died as a result of the virus.
That is three times the fatality count of 57,019 on the official daily tally and places Russia third on the world ranking of deaths from Covid.
As a second wave of infections -- one that shows no sign of slowing -- pummels Russia, the authorities have not reimposed the kind of strict lockdown seen here last winter or in effect in parts of Europe.
Instead, they are redoubling efforts to get sceptical citizens to clinics, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin saying this week that vaccinations are the only way forward.
"You have to get vaccinated. There is no alternative," he said.
The numbers show the end is not yet in sight. In a city of more than 12 million, just 50,000 people in Moscow have so far received Sputnik V and only 70,000 are registered to be vaccinated.
At the Moscow clinic with the Stepanovs, fellow retiree Alla Kolosova says she for one believes in her government's vaccine.
"I'm a bit in the old Soviet fashion, so I'm used to trusting our medicine," the 74-year-old says. "I had no doubts about whether or not to get vaccinated."
video-or-pop/jbr/mm/gd
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Ten still missing after Norway mudslide buries homes

Rescue efforts went on through the night Rescue workers were still searching on Thursday for survivors from a landslide that destroyed homes in a Norwegian village close to Oslo leaving 10 people unaccounted for , including two children , and 10 injured .
Work continued overnight after a whole hillside collapsed in Ask , 25 kilometres ( 15 miles ) northeast of the capital .
Homes were buried under mud and some houses were left teetering on the edge of a crater caused by the slide , with several falling over the edge as the day went on .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we are looking for survivors , '' chief of operations Roger Pettersen told reporters .
`` Now there 's daylight and that will help us in our work with better visibility , '' he said .
Police said one of the 10 people hurt had been seriously injured and was transferred to Oslo for treatment .
One-fifth of Ask 's 5,000 population have been evacuated .
Prime Minister Erna Solberg visited the village on Wednesday and described the landslide as `` one of the largest '' the country had seen .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set off fireworks for New Year 's Eve which could hinder the use of helicopters and drones equipped with thermal cameras .
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate said the disaster was a `` quick clay slide '' of approximately 300 by 700 metres ( yards ) .
Quick clay is a sort of clay found in Norway and Sweden that can collapse and turn to fluid when overstressed .

Oslo (AFP) –
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Rescue workers were still searching on Thursday for survivors from a landslide that destroyed homes in a Norwegian village close to Oslo leaving 10 people unaccounted for, including two children, and 10 injured.
Work continued overnight after a whole hillside collapsed in Ask, 25 kilometres (15 miles) northeast of the capital.
Homes were buried under mud and some houses were left teetering on the edge of a crater caused by the slide, with several falling over the edge as the day went on.
"It is important for me to stress that we are looking for survivors," chief of operations Roger Pettersen told reporters.
"Now there's daylight and that will help us in our work with better visibility," he said.
Police said one of the 10 people hurt had been seriously injured and was transferred to Oslo for treatment.
One-fifth of Ask's 5,000 population have been evacuated.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg visited the village on Wednesday and described the landslide as "one of the largest" the country had seen.
The authorities issued an appeal to people not to set off fireworks for New Year's Eve which could hinder the use of helicopters and drones equipped with thermal cameras.
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate said the disaster was a "quick clay slide" of approximately 300 by 700 metres (yards).
Quick clay is a sort of clay found in Norway and Sweden that can collapse and turn to fluid when overstressed.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-31--Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai ordered back to jail

Jimmy Lai ( centre ) outside the Court of Final Appeal , ahead of its decision to send him back to jail Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was ordered back to jail Thursday as the city 's highest court granted prosecutors an appeal against his bail .
Lai , a vocal Beijing critic , is one of the highest-profile figures charged under a sweeping security law that China imposed on the financial hub in late June in a bid to stamp out dissent .
The 73-year-old served 20 days in custody before being granted bail last Wednesday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million ( US $ 1.3 million ) bond and a surrender of all travel documents .
He was placed under house arrest and banned from speaking publicly , including on Twitter .
But the Court of Final Appeal on Thursday granted the prosecution leave to appeal the bail decision , after they said a lower court judge may `` have erred in his construction or application '' of Article 42 of the new legislation .
That article states that bail should not be granted unless the judge sees sufficient grounds to believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
`` We have held that it is reasonably arguable that the Judge 's decision was erroneous and that his order admitting the respondent to bail was invalid , '' a determination handed down by the Court of Final Appeal read .
It also granted the prosecution 's application for Lai to be held in custody pending the appeal , to be heard on February 1 .
Lai is accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 1,000 of his tweets and a number of media interviews he gave have been examined by the prosecution .
Lai was the first defendant charged under the security law to be granted bail , but prosecutors rushed to the top court to apply for an appeal .
China 's top party mouthpiece People 's Daily had criticised the bail decision for `` damaging Hong Kong 's rule of law '' .
Lai also faces separate charges of fraud and joining unlawful assemblies during the massive , often violent , pro-democracy protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mogul resigned as chairman and executive director of Next Digital Ltd , which owns the Apple Daily newspaper he founded three decades ago .
Lai tendered his resignation `` in order to spend more time dealing with his personal affairs '' , Bloomberg News reported citing a statement from the media group .
China 's authoritarian leaders guaranteed Hong Kong would maintain key freedoms and autonomy after its 1997 handover by Britain , under a model dubbed `` One Country , Two Systems '' .
But a historic retreat from that promise is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ' unrest .
Since the national security law 's imposition , Beijing increasingly calls the shots .
Voicing certain opinions can now carry up to a lifetime prison sentence .

Hong Kong (AFP) –
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Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was ordered back to jail Thursday as the city's highest court granted prosecutors an appeal against his bail.
Lai, a vocal Beijing critic, is one of the highest-profile figures charged under a sweeping security law that China imposed on the financial hub in late June in a bid to stamp out dissent.
The 73-year-old served 20 days in custody before being granted bail last Wednesday on stringent conditions including a HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) bond and a surrender of all travel documents.
He was placed under house arrest and banned from speaking publicly, including on Twitter.
But the Court of Final Appeal on Thursday granted the prosecution leave to appeal the bail decision, after they said a lower court judge may "have erred in his construction or application" of Article 42 of the new legislation.
That article states that bail should not be granted unless the judge sees sufficient grounds to believe the defendant will not commit the alleged offence again.
"We have held that it is reasonably arguable that the Judge's decision was erroneous and that his order admitting the respondent to bail was invalid," a determination handed down by the Court of Final Appeal read.
It also granted the prosecution's application for Lai to be held in custody pending the appeal, to be heard on February 1.
Lai is accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city.
More than 1,000 of his tweets and a number of media interviews he gave have been examined by the prosecution.
Lai was the first defendant charged under the security law to be granted bail, but prosecutors rushed to the top court to apply for an appeal.
China's top party mouthpiece People's Daily had criticised the bail decision for "damaging Hong Kong's rule of law".
Lai also faces separate charges of fraud and joining unlawful assemblies during the massive, often violent, pro-democracy protests of 2019.
On Tuesday, the mogul resigned as chairman and executive director of Next Digital Ltd, which owns the Apple Daily newspaper he founded three decades ago.
Lai tendered his resignation "in order to spend more time dealing with his personal affairs", Bloomberg News reported citing a statement from the media group.
China's authoritarian leaders guaranteed Hong Kong would maintain key freedoms and autonomy after its 1997 handover by Britain, under a model dubbed "One Country, Two Systems".
But a historic retreat from that promise is under way, in response to recent years' unrest.
Since the national security law's imposition, Beijing increasingly calls the shots. Voicing certain opinions can now carry up to a lifetime prison sentence.
© 2020 AFP