france24--2020-10-23--US teen charged over child porn researched killing Biden: court

A 19-year-old man charged with possession of child pornography and arrested over a van-load of weapons had conducted internet searches related to killing Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , according to court documents .
Alexander Hillel Treisman was arrested in May after a search of his abandoned white Ford van in Kannapolis , North Carolina revealed several weapons including an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle , a canister of explosive material .
The search also found books on bomb making and $ 509,000 in US currency , drawings of swastikas and planes crashing into buildings , according to the October 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Middle District , North Carolina .
The currency was believed to be Treisman 's inheritance , officials said in the filing .
Following his arrest , the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched his phone , computers and other devices and found 1,248 videos and 6,721 images of child pornography content , according to federal prosecutors .
Joint Terrorism Task Forces investigators also found that on April 15 Treisman had posted an iFunny meme captioned `` should I kill joe biden ? ''
and that between March and May he had conducted internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address , state gun laws and night vision goggles .
He also purchased an AR-15 in New Hampshire and traveled to a Wendy 's fast food restaurant within four miles of Biden 's home and wrote a checklist note ending with `` execute , '' according to testimony by officers in the court filing , first reported by the Daily Beast on Thursday .
After his arrest the `` defendant disclosed that he has an interest in terrorist incidents and mass shootings , '' and had traveled across the country to buy a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Treisman was arrested on May 28 and on September 28 was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of child pornography , it said .
Treisman did not have any prior criminal history .
ABC News said it was not clear why Treisman has so far just been charged with possession of child pornography .

Washington (AFP) –
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A 19-year-old man charged with possession of child pornography and arrested over a van-load of weapons had conducted internet searches related to killing Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, according to court documents.
Alexander Hillel Treisman was arrested in May after a search of his abandoned white Ford van in Kannapolis, North Carolina revealed several weapons including an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle, a canister of explosive material.
The search also found books on bomb making and $509,000 in US currency, drawings of swastikas and planes crashing into buildings, according to the October 6 filing in the US District Court for the Middle District, North Carolina.
The currency was believed to be Treisman's inheritance, officials said in the filing.
Following his arrest, the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched his phone, computers and other devices and found 1,248 videos and 6,721 images of child pornography content, according to federal prosecutors.
Joint Terrorism Task Forces investigators also found that on April 15 Treisman had posted an iFunny meme captioned "should I kill joe biden?" and that between March and May he had conducted internet searches seeking information about Biden's home address, state gun laws and night vision goggles.
He also purchased an AR-15 in New Hampshire and traveled to a Wendy's fast food restaurant within four miles of Biden's home and wrote a checklist note ending with "execute," according to testimony by officers in the court filing, first reported by the Daily Beast on Thursday.
After his arrest the "defendant disclosed that he has an interest in terrorist incidents and mass shootings," and had traveled across the country to buy a variety of firearms, the document said.
Treisman was arrested on May 28 and on September 28 was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of child pornography, it said.
Treisman did not have any prior criminal history.
ABC News said it was not clear why Treisman has so far just been charged with possession of child pornography.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Giro interrupted as rain causes rider revolt

Heavy rain has interrupted Friday 's 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia following protests by the riders in the face @ @ @ @ @ Friday 's stage was planned to be a flat 258km ride between Morbegno and Asti @ @ @ @ @ after riders revolted when faced with pelting rain in the northern region of Lombardy .
@ @ @ @ @ however the action was then stopped due to the deteriorating weather , with organisers yet @ @ @ @ @ would restart .
The stage had been lengthened by 5km on Thursday following the collapse @ @ @ @

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Heavy rain has interrupted Friday's 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia following protests by the riders in the face of difficult weather conditions.
Friday's stage was planned to be a flat 258km ride between Morbegno and Asti but was cut back 100km after riders revolted when faced with pelting rain in the northern region of Lombardy.
Just 8km into the stage however the action was then stopped due to the deteriorating weather, with organisers yet to say when the race would restart.
The stage had been lengthened by 5km on Thursday following the collapse of a bridge.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Libya’s warring rivals sign nationwide “permanent ceasefire” at UN ceremony

A general view of the talks between the rival factions in the Libyan conflict at the United Nations offices in Geneva , Switzerland on October 20 , 2020 .
Libya 's warring sides signed an agreement for `` a permanent ceasefire in all areas of Libya '' , the United Nations Support Mission in Libya ( UNSMIL ) said in a Facebook post on Friday .
After mediation led by UN envoy Stephanie Turco Williams this week , the 5+5 Joint Military Commission reached what the United Nations called an “ important turning point towards peace and stability in Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available , but live video of the signing ceremony in Geneva was streamed on Facebook .
Libya is split between a UN-supported government in the capital , Tripoli , and rival authorities based in the east .
The two sides are backed by an array of local militias as well as regional and foreign powers .
The country was plunged into chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi .
“ The road to a permanent ceasefire deal was often long and difficult , ” Williams said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a “ great deal of work ” to do in the coming weeks to implement the commitments .
She expressed hope the agreement will succeed “ in ending the suffering of Libyans and allowing those displaced by the conflict to return to their homes ” .
On Wednesday , Williams had said the two warring factions agreed on issues that “ directly impact the lives and welfare of the Libyan people ” , citing agreements to open air and land routes in the country , to work to ease inflammatory rhetoric in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya ’ s vital oil industry .
Last month , the two sides reached preliminary agreements to exchange prisoners and open transit across the country ’ s divided territory .
This breakthrough also accompanied the resumption of oil production after a months-long blockade by powerful tribes allied with Khalifa Haftar , commander of the east-based Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
Haftar ’ s forces launched an offensive in April 2019 to capture Tripoli , the seat of the UN-supported Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
Fighting has since died down amid international pressure on both sides to avert an attack on the strategic city of Sirte , the gateway to Libya ’ s major oil export terminals .

Libya's warring sides signed an agreement for "a permanent ceasefire in all areas of Libya", the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a Facebook post on Friday.
A general view of the talks between the rival factions in the Libyan conflict at the United Nations offices in Geneva, Switzerland on October 20, 2020.
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After mediation led by UN envoy Stephanie Turco Williams this week, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission reached what the United Nations called an “important turning point towards peace and stability in Libya”.
Further details were not immediately available, but live video of the signing ceremony in Geneva was streamed on Facebook.
Libya is split between a UN-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the east. The two sides are backed by an array of local militias as well as regional and foreign powers. The country was plunged into chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
“The road to a permanent ceasefire deal was often long and difficult,” Williams said on Friday, noting that there’s a “great deal of work” to do in the coming weeks to implement the commitments. She expressed hope the agreement will succeed “in ending the suffering of Libyans and allowing those displaced by the conflict to return to their homes”.
On Wednesday, Williams had said the two warring factions agreed on issues that “directly impact the lives and welfare of the Libyan people”, citing agreements to open air and land routes in the country, to work to ease inflammatory rhetoric in Libyan media and to help kick start Libya’s vital oil industry.
Last month, the two sides reached preliminary agreements to exchange prisoners and open transit across the country’s divided territory. This breakthrough also accompanied the resumption of oil production after a months-long blockade by powerful tribes allied with Khalifa Haftar, commander of the east-based Libyan National Army (LNA).
Haftar’s forces launched an offensive in April 2019 to capture Tripoli, the seat of the UN-supported Government of National Accord (GNA) in the country’s west. But his campaign collapsed in June.
Fighting has since died down amid international pressure on both sides to avert an attack on the strategic city of Sirte, the gateway to Libya’s major oil export terminals.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, REUTERS)
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france24--2020-10-23--Analysis: Trump homes in on Biden's record in final debate

Analysis : Trump homes in on Biden 's record in final debate At Thursday ’ s second and final presidential @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden set out their policies on topics including the pandemic , racism , and @ @ @ @ @ international affairs editor Armen Georgian says there was no ‘ gothca ’ moment , the @ @ @ @ @ focus more closely on Biden ’ s track record .

Analysis: Trump homes in on Biden's record in final debate
03:59
At Thursday’s second and final presidential debate, Donald Trump and Joe Biden set out their policies on topics including the pandemic, racism, and climate change. FRANCE 24 international affairs editor Armen Georgian says there was no ‘gothca’ moment, the revised format allowed Trump to focus more closely on Biden’s track record.


france24--2020-10-23--Solskjaer defends under-fire Man Utd striker Greenwood

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Friday defended the professionalism of Mason Greenwood , saying the `` whole English press '' have targeted the Manchester United forward after he was sent home from England duty last month .
The 19-year-old has made a big impact at Old Trafford since making his first-team debut in March 2019 , scoring 17 goals last season and recently making his international debut .
Greenwood was sent home from his first England camp for breaching coronavirus protocols in Iceland and he has reportedly been warned about his behaviour , including his time-keeping , by the club .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference on Friday , brushed that issue aside as the teenager prepares to make his return against Chelsea this weekend .
`` You do ( make a target for yourself ) when you play well and I 'm not concerned at all with Mason making a target of himself , '' said the United boss .
`` He 's come in , he 's played fantastic , he played his first league game against ( Arsenal ) last season , was brilliant and just kicked on .
`` Yeah , he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suddenly the whole English press go after him and that 's something we 've got to look after . ''
Solskjaer described Greenwood as a `` fantastic boy to work with '' .
`` I have to disappoint you , he 's never , ever late for training , he 's never a problem when he 's in the training ground , '' he said .
`` He 's always on time .
I 've seen the stories , actually some ex-United players talking about him and they do n't really know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well , we 've got photographers outside the training ground every day so they can check the time every day . ''
The Norwegian boss added : `` He 's a good trainer , he trains really well , and I can not believe all these stories about him not being professional . ''
Greenwood missed United 's impressive Champions League win at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday with an unspecified issue , while captain Harry Maguire and new signing Edinson Cavani were other high-profile absentees .
Solskjaer said he expected all three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit of Chelsea on Saturday .

London (AFP) –
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Friday defended the professionalism of Mason Greenwood, saying the "whole English press" have targeted the Manchester United forward after he was sent home from England duty last month.
The 19-year-old has made a big impact at Old Trafford since making his first-team debut in March 2019, scoring 17 goals last season and recently making his international debut.
Greenwood was sent home from his first England camp for breaching coronavirus protocols in Iceland and he has reportedly been warned about his behaviour, including his time-keeping, by the club.
But Solskjaer, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, brushed that issue aside as the teenager prepares to make his return against Chelsea this weekend.
"You do (make a target for yourself) when you play well and I'm not concerned at all with Mason making a target of himself," said the United boss.
"He's come in, he's played fantastic, he played his first league game against (Arsenal) last season, was brilliant and just kicked on.
"Yeah, he's made a mistake this summer with England and suddenly the whole English press go after him and that's something we've got to look after."
Solskjaer described Greenwood as a "fantastic boy to work with".
"I have to disappoint you, he's never, ever late for training, he's never a problem when he's in the training ground," he said.
"He's always on time. I've seen the stories, actually some ex-United players talking about him and they don't really know anything what they're talking about because, well, we've got photographers outside the training ground every day so they can check the time every day."
The Norwegian boss added: "He's a good trainer, he trains really well, and I cannot believe all these stories about him not being professional."
Greenwood missed United's impressive Champions League win at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday with an unspecified issue, while captain Harry Maguire and new signing Edinson Cavani were other high-profile absentees.
Solskjaer said he expected all three of them to be available for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Polish court places near total ban on abortion

Poland has furthered tightened restrictions against abortion , its constitutional court ruling termination on the ground of foetal defects to @ @ @ @ @ judgment comes into effect , abortion will only be allowed on the ground of rape @ @ @ @ @ to the mother ’ s health .

Polish court places near total ban on abortion
01:43
Poland has furthered tightened restrictions against abortion, its constitutional court ruling termination on the ground of foetal defects to be unconstitutional. Once the judgment comes into effect, abortion will only be allowed on the ground of rape, incest, or threat to the mother’s health.


france24--2020-10-24--Thomas seizes PGA Zozo lead as Tiger follows 76 with 66

American Justin Thomas , seeking his third US PGA title of the year , fired a seven-under par 65 to grab a one-stroke lead after Friday 's second round of the Zozo Championship .
The 2017 PGA Championship winner birdied seven of the first 12 holes in a bogey-free round to stand on 14-under 130 after 36 holes at Sherwood Country Club .
`` Got off to a hot start today and kind of coasted coming in , '' Thomas said .
`` If you are getting the ball in play off the tee there are so many scoring clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are really playing well . ''
South Africa 's Dylan Frittelli and American Lanto Griffin each closed with a bogey to settle for 65 and sharing second on 131 with Americans Patrick Cantlay and Scottie Scheffler sharing fourth on 132 after 65s .
A pack on 133 included Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed , who each shot 63 , and fellow American Richy Werenski , who set a course record with a 61 .
He made six birdies on both the front and back nine against a lone bogey at the par-4 sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set by Tiger Woods .
Defending Zozo champion Woods , who won last year in Japan before the event was moved to suburban Los Angeles due to the Covid-19 pandemic , opened with a 76 but bounced back with a 66 , matching his best since last year 's Zozo .
`` I hit the ball so much better , '' Woods said .
`` Today was a lot more sharp and a lot more crisp and clean . ''
Woods birdied four of the first six holes and two of the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field of 77 .
He had four birdies and a par on the par-5 holes after going 3-over on them Thursday .
`` Yesterday was not very good , '' Woods said .
`` I really did n't swing the club that poorly .
I was just a fraction off and I got out of position a couple times .
It just snowballed into a high number .
Was never really able to get any kind of momentum going .
`` Today was different .
Got off to a much better start and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will defend his 15th major title at next month 's Masters , says he feels much better than he did at last month 's US Open , when he missed the cut and battled a sore back .
`` I am moving a lot better , '' Woods said .
`` Having four weeks off was good .
Training sessions have been good so everything has kind of turned around . ''
Thomas , who began on the back nine , tapped in for birdie at the par-5 11th to start of run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putt from just inside 17 feet at the par-3 12th and just outside 17 feet at the par-4 14th .
He added birdies at the par-5 16th , par-4 first and par-3 third but closed with six pars , including a 15-foot rescue effort at the par-3 eighth .
`` That was great , '' Thomas said .
`` I hit a nice bunker shot .
That was big .
When you are bogey-free that late in a round , that 's always nice . ''
Thomas has won four US PGA titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 130 for 36 holes .
`` Just continue to attack , '' Thomas said .
`` You can go low .
You need to have the gas pedal down if you want to be around that lead . ''
- Thank you All Blacks - Frittelli owes a debt to his homeland 's rugby rivals , the New Zealand All Blacks .
`` I made a little mental switch , '' Frittelli said .
`` It 's a little thing I read in a book .
It 's called Legacy .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) the All Blacks , obviously one of the best teams in the world , a little thing in there that I found . ''
Griffin birdied six of the first eight holes on the back nine but was unhappy at only two front-nine birdies .
`` It 's gettable and you need to keep the pedal down , '' he said .
`` You ca n't get complacent around here .
You need to keep going . ''

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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American Justin Thomas, seeking his third US PGA title of the year, fired a seven-under par 65 to grab a one-stroke lead after Friday's second round of the Zozo Championship.
The 2017 PGA Championship winner birdied seven of the first 12 holes in a bogey-free round to stand on 14-under 130 after 36 holes at Sherwood Country Club.
"Got off to a hot start today and kind of coasted coming in," Thomas said. "If you are getting the ball in play off the tee there are so many scoring clubs. You can attack it if you are really playing well."
South Africa's Dylan Frittelli and American Lanto Griffin each closed with a bogey to settle for 65 and sharing second on 131 with Americans Patrick Cantlay and Scottie Scheffler sharing fourth on 132 after 65s.
A pack on 133 included Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed, who each shot 63, and fellow American Richy Werenski, who set a course record with a 61.
He made six birdies on both the front and back nine against a lone bogey at the par-4 sixth to break the old mark of 62 set by Tiger Woods.
Defending Zozo champion Woods, who won last year in Japan before the event was moved to suburban Los Angeles due to the Covid-19 pandemic, opened with a 76 but bounced back with a 66, matching his best since last year's Zozo.
"I hit the ball so much better," Woods said. "Today was a lot more sharp and a lot more crisp and clean."
Woods birdied four of the first six holes and two of the last three but still shared 66th in a field of 77. He had four birdies and a par on the par-5 holes after going 3-over on them Thursday.
"Yesterday was not very good," Woods said. "I really didn't swing the club that poorly. I was just a fraction off and I got out of position a couple times. It just snowballed into a high number. Was never really able to get any kind of momentum going.
"Today was different. Got off to a much better start and kept rolling."
Woods, who will defend his 15th major title at next month's Masters, says he feels much better than he did at last month's US Open, when he missed the cut and battled a sore back.
"I am moving a lot better," Woods said. "Having four weeks off was good. Training sessions have been good so everything has kind of turned around."
Thomas, who began on the back nine, tapped in for birdie at the par-5 11th to start of run of four consecutive birdies that included a putt from just inside 17 feet at the par-3 12th and just outside 17 feet at the par-4 14th.
He added birdies at the par-5 16th, par-4 first and par-3 third but closed with six pars, including a 15-foot rescue effort at the par-3 eighth.
"That was great," Thomas said. "I hit a nice bunker shot. That was big. When you are bogey-free that late in a round, that's always nice."
Thomas has won four US PGA titles from the seven prior times he shot 130 for 36 holes.
"Just continue to attack," Thomas said. "You can go low. You need to have the gas pedal down if you want to be around that lead."
- Thank you All Blacks -
Frittelli owes a debt to his homeland's rugby rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks.
"I made a little mental switch," Frittelli said. "It's a little thing I read in a book. It's called Legacy. It has got to do with mindset (of) the All Blacks, obviously one of the best teams in the world, a little thing in there that I found."
Griffin birdied six of the first eight holes on the back nine but was unhappy at only two front-nine birdies.
"It's gettable and you need to keep the pedal down," he said. "You can't get complacent around here. You need to keep going."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--First ever nest of Asian giant hornets found in US

After months of meticulous tracking , authorities in the western US state of Washington on Friday said they had uncovered the first ever nest of the deadly Asian giant hornet in the country .
The nest was found on Thursday by Washington State Department of Agriculture ( WSDA ) entomologists on a property in Blaine , near the border with Canada , the agency said in a statement .
It added that an attempt to eradicate the nest of wasps -- the world 's largest hornet species also known as the `` murder hornet '' -- would take place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nest comes after a WSDA trapper collected two live Asian giant hornets on October 21 ( Wednesday ) , caught in a new type of trap the agency had placed in the area , '' the statement said .
`` Two more hornets , also living , were found in another trap the morning of October 22 when WSDA staff arrived in the area to tag the previously trapped hornets with radio trackers and follow one back to its nest , '' it added .
Scientists in the state have been actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first such insect was detected in December 2019 and after one of the wasps was trapped in July in Whatcom County , where Blaine is located .
Several more of the invasive pest not native to the US were subsequently caught , all in the same region .
The WSDA believes there was a good chance that there are more nests and `` stopping this cold is very crucial , '' said Sven Spichiger , an entomologist with WSDA , during a press conference Friday afternoon .
`` If it becomes established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the environment , economy , and public health of Washington State , '' the WSDA said .
It is unclear how the wasps -- which have orange and black markings and are nearly two inches ( five centimeters ) in length -- arrived in the US .
Scientists warn that unless the insect is eliminated in the next couple years , it could spread in North America and become permanently established .
The hornets , which are native to East Asia and Japan , usually do n't attack people but they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hornets slaughter honeybees by literally biting their heads off .
The hornets then occupy honeybee nests for up to a week or more , feeding on the pupae and larvae .
In Japan , where the insects are hunted and eaten , some 30 to 50 people die each year from their venomous and excruciating sting .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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After months of meticulous tracking, authorities in the western US state of Washington on Friday said they had uncovered the first ever nest of the deadly Asian giant hornet in the country.
The nest was found on Thursday by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) entomologists on a property in Blaine, near the border with Canada, the agency said in a statement.
It added that an attempt to eradicate the nest of wasps -- the world's largest hornet species also known as the "murder hornet" -- would take place on Saturday.
"The successful detection of a nest comes after a WSDA trapper collected two live Asian giant hornets on October 21 (Wednesday), caught in a new type of trap the agency had placed in the area," the statement said.
"Two more hornets, also living, were found in another trap the morning of October 22 when WSDA staff arrived in the area to tag the previously trapped hornets with radio trackers and follow one back to its nest," it added.
Scientists in the state have been actively searching for the Asian giant hornet since the first such insect was detected in December 2019 and after one of the wasps was trapped in July in Whatcom County, where Blaine is located.
Several more of the invasive pest not native to the US were subsequently caught, all in the same region.
The WSDA believes there was a good chance that there are more nests and "stopping this cold is very crucial," said Sven Spichiger, an entomologist with WSDA, during a press conference Friday afternoon.
"If it becomes established, this hornet will have negative impacts on the environment, economy, and public health of Washington State," the WSDA said.
It is unclear how the wasps -- which have orange and black markings and are nearly two inches (five centimeters) in length -- arrived in the US.
Scientists warn that unless the insect is eliminated in the next couple years, it could spread in North America and become permanently established.
The hornets, which are native to East Asia and Japan, usually don't attack people but they are known for decimating honeybee colonies.
The hornets slaughter honeybees by literally biting their heads off.
The hornets then occupy honeybee nests for up to a week or more, feeding on the pupae and larvae.
In Japan, where the insects are hunted and eaten, some 30 to 50 people die each year from their venomous and excruciating sting.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--NASA works to head off losing too much Osiris-Rex asteroid dust

This NASA frame grab from a gif series captured by Osiris-Rex 's camera on October 22 , 2020 shows the sampler head on the spacecraft full of rocks and dust collected from the surface of the asteroid Bennu NASA said Friday that its robotic spacecraft Osiris-Rex had succeeded in collecting a large sample of particles from the Bennu asteroid this week -- but so much that it was leaking .
The team in charge of the probe is now working to quickly stow the remaining samples that would eventually be delivered back to Earth to provide key scientific insights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected mass is seen escaping , '' mission chief Dante Lauretta said in a phone briefing with journalists .
Osiris-Rex is set to come home in September 2023 , hopefully with the largest sample returned from space since the Apollo era , which will help unravel the origins of our solar system .
The probe is thought to have collected some 400 grams of fragments , far more than the minimum of 60 grams needed , Lauretta said .
But the lid for the collector at the end of the probe 's arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been slightly wedged open by larger rocks , creating a leak , the scientists suspect .
Five to 10 grams have already been observed around the collection arm in a cloud remaining more or less in the surrounding area due to the microgravity environment which makes fragments behave like fluids .
`` My big concern now is that the particles are escaping because we were almost a victim of our own success here , '' Lauretta said .
As a result , a plan to carry out a mass measurement on Saturday has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further samples .
The task is now to reduce as much as possible the spacecraft 's activities and prepare to stow the material in a capsule on the probe as quickly as possible .
Is Osiris-Rex , launched more than four years ago , at risk of losing its treasure ?
The volume of the leak is not yet precisely known , but the experts seemed relatively confident that would not be the case .
`` Bennu continues to surprise us with great science and also throwing a few curveballs , '' Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
`` And although we may have to move more quickly to stow the sample , it 's not a bad problem to have .
We are so excited to see what appears to be an abundant sample that will inspire science for decades beyond this historic moment . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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NASA said Friday that its robotic spacecraft Osiris-Rex had succeeded in collecting a large sample of particles from the Bennu asteroid this week -- but so much that it was leaking.
The team in charge of the probe is now working to quickly stow the remaining samples that would eventually be delivered back to Earth to provide key scientific insights.
"A substantial fraction of the required collected mass is seen escaping," mission chief Dante Lauretta said in a phone briefing with journalists.
Osiris-Rex is set to come home in September 2023, hopefully with the largest sample returned from space since the Apollo era, which will help unravel the origins of our solar system.
The probe is thought to have collected some 400 grams of fragments, far more than the minimum of 60 grams needed, Lauretta said.
But the lid for the collector at the end of the probe's arm where the fragments are being stored has been slightly wedged open by larger rocks, creating a leak, the scientists suspect.
Five to 10 grams have already been observed around the collection arm in a cloud remaining more or less in the surrounding area due to the microgravity environment which makes fragments behave like fluids.
"My big concern now is that the particles are escaping because we were almost a victim of our own success here," Lauretta said.
As a result, a plan to carry out a mass measurement on Saturday has been cancelled since it could risk scattering further samples.
The task is now to reduce as much as possible the spacecraft's activities and prepare to stow the material in a capsule on the probe as quickly as possible.
Is Osiris-Rex, launched more than four years ago, at risk of losing its treasure? The volume of the leak is not yet precisely known, but the experts seemed relatively confident that would not be the case.
"Bennu continues to surprise us with great science and also throwing a few curveballs," Thomas Zurbuchen, a NASA associate administrator, said in a statement.
"And although we may have to move more quickly to stow the sample, it's not a bad problem to have. We are so excited to see what appears to be an abundant sample that will inspire science for decades beyond this historic moment."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Israel 'will not oppose' advanced US arms sales to UAE

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his country would not oppose US sales of advanced weapon systems to the UAE , apparently referring to F-35 fighter planes .
`` The prime minister and the defence minister both agree that since the US is upgrading Israel 's military capability and maintaining Israel 's qualitative military edge , Israel will not oppose the sale of these systems to the UAE , '' the premier said in a joint statement with Defence Minister Benny Gantz .
Gantz held talks in the Pentagon Thursday where he got assurances from US Defense Secretary Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge '' would not suffer .
Israel has made its concerns clear following President Donald Trump 's confirmation last month that the United States could sell F-35s to the UAE .
It has long opposed the sale of the fighter planes to any US allies in the region including Egypt and Jordan , both of which have peace treaties with Israel .
Israel has already received a first consignment of F-35s , which are coveted by Gulf powers including the UAE .
The Netanyahu-Gantz statement came minutes after the announcement in Washington of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudan .
It is the third Arab country to officially recognise the Jewish state this year , following the Emirates and Bahrain .

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his country would not oppose US sales of advanced weapon systems to the UAE, apparently referring to F-35 fighter planes.
"The prime minister and the defence minister both agree that since the US is upgrading Israel's military capability and maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge, Israel will not oppose the sale of these systems to the UAE," the premier said in a joint statement with Defence Minister Benny Gantz.
Gantz held talks in the Pentagon Thursday where he got assurances from US Defense Secretary Mark Esper that Israel's "qualitative military edge" would not suffer.
Israel has made its concerns clear following President Donald Trump's confirmation last month that the United States could sell F-35s to the UAE.
It has long opposed the sale of the fighter planes to any US allies in the region including Egypt and Jordan, both of which have peace treaties with Israel.
Israel has already received a first consignment of F-35s, which are coveted by Gulf powers including the UAE.
The Netanyahu-Gantz statement came minutes after the announcement in Washington of the normalisation of relations between Israel and Sudan.
It is the third Arab country to officially recognise the Jewish state this year, following the Emirates and Bahrain.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Pandemic makes this my toughest season, says Liverpool boss Klopp

Jurgen Klopp fears this season will be the toughest of his career as Liverpool navigate the unique challenges of defending the Premier League title in the coronavirus age .
Klopp 's side have already seen Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara briefly sidelined by Covid-19 this season , while a host of injuries have also taken their toll .
The delayed start to this season , a result of the previous campaign 's three-month hiatus because of the pandemic , means teams are being stretched to breaking point by the gruelling schedule .
Liverpool boss Klopp has lost Virgil van Dijk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him for most of the season , with Joel Matip , Naby Keita and Thiago missing the midweek Champions League win over Ajax because of knocks .
Jordan Henderson was limited to just 45 minutes in that game on medical advice , while Klopp substituted Mohamed Salah , Roberto Firmino and Mane in the second half against Ajax in order to protect their fitness .
`` It will become more challenging .
It is already , '' Klopp said when asked if this was the most testing season he had faced .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever experienced before and with football it is no different .
`` We need help from everybody just to bring the boys through it .
We 've had a lot of discussions with that ( medical ) department . ''
Concerned that his stars will be burned out by the intense fixture list , Klopp called for commonsense from the schedule makers .
`` I have no problem that we have to play again and I will not moan about anything but , with this schedule thing , we have to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't play 12.30 on Saturday , '' he said .
`` If you play Tuesday in the Champions League , for example , then 12.30 Saturday is fine .
If you play Wednesday then Saturday 12.30 is 'Oh my God ! '
`` We need to have the time to rest .
I know people do n't want to hear it and they go back to all the other things they say about professional football players .
`` But it 's like Formula One .
Everyone can drive a car but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty close area and then you hope that your brakes work . ''

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Jurgen Klopp fears this season will be the toughest of his career as Liverpool navigate the unique challenges of defending the Premier League title in the coronavirus age.
Klopp's side have already seen Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara briefly sidelined by Covid-19 this season, while a host of injuries have also taken their toll.
The delayed start to this season, a result of the previous campaign's three-month hiatus because of the pandemic, means teams are being stretched to breaking point by the gruelling schedule.
Liverpool boss Klopp has lost Virgil van Dijk to a knee injury that will sideline him for most of the season, with Joel Matip, Naby Keita and Thiago missing the midweek Champions League win over Ajax because of knocks.
Jordan Henderson was limited to just 45 minutes in that game on medical advice, while Klopp substituted Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Mane in the second half against Ajax in order to protect their fitness.
"It will become more challenging. It is already," Klopp said when asked if this was the most testing season he had faced.
"Life is more challenging than what I ever experienced before and with football it is no different.
"We need help from everybody just to bring the boys through it. We've had a lot of discussions with that (medical) department."
Concerned that his stars will be burned out by the intense fixture list, Klopp called for commonsense from the schedule makers.
"I have no problem that we have to play again and I will not moan about anything but, with this schedule thing, we have to make sure that the teams who play midweek don't play 12.30 on Saturday," he said.
"If you play Tuesday in the Champions League, for example, then 12.30 Saturday is fine. If you play Wednesday then Saturday 12.30 is 'Oh my God!'
"We need to have the time to rest. I know people don't want to hear it and they go back to all the other things they say about professional football players.
"But it's like Formula One. Everyone can drive a car but it is difficult to drive at 300mph in a pretty close area and then you hope that your brakes work."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Guardiola continues to back Aguero over female linesman incident

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again come to the defence of Sergio Aguero , saying he `` knew his intention '' after Gary Neville urged the striker to apologise for putting his arm on the shoulder of female assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis .
City 's 1-0 win at home to Arsenal last Saturday was overshadowed by an incident early in the second half when Aguero disputed a throw-in decision that went against him After arguing his case with Massey-Ellis , Aguero briefly put his arm around her shoulder as she began to walk away .
The Argentine star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester United great turned pundit Neville told CNN : `` I think ( he ) would be best served by apologising . ''
Under rules introduced in 2016 players can be cautioned or sent off for touching match officials depending on the nature of the incident but England 's governing Football Association has decided no action was necessary After reviewing the incident , the Football Association was satisfied that match officials did not believe any formal action was necessary .
Guardiola defended Aguero shortly after the game as `` the nicest person I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked on Friday if the forward ought , on reflection to apologise , the City boss insisted : `` I know the intention from Sergio .
`` He put his hands in a normal way , what he does many times to me , on and off the pitch , or when I hug him when there has been a substitution , or when sometimes he touches the referees as well . ''
Guardiola added : `` I think it was normal , because I know perfectly Sergio , who has been an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is one of the most humble and nicest people I ever met .
`` The important ( thing ) is the intention , and the intention was to talk to her in a normal way .
And I 'm pretty sure -- I did n't speak to Sergio about this -- if she felt bad , he would apologise without a problem . ''

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again come to the defence of Sergio Aguero, saying he "knew his intention" after Gary Neville urged the striker to apologise for putting his arm on the shoulder of female assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis.
City's 1-0 win at home to Arsenal last Saturday was overshadowed by an incident early in the second half when Aguero disputed a throw-in decision that went against him
After arguing his case with Massey-Ellis, Aguero briefly put his arm around her shoulder as she began to walk away.
The Argentine star was widely criticised on social media and Manchester United great turned pundit Neville told CNN: "I think (he) would be best served by apologising."
Under rules introduced in 2016 players can be cautioned or sent off for touching match officials depending on the nature of the incident but England's governing Football Association has decided no action was necessary
After reviewing the incident, the Football Association was satisfied that match officials did not believe any formal action was necessary.
Guardiola defended Aguero shortly after the game as "the nicest person I ever met in my life".
Asked on Friday if the forward ought, on reflection to apologise, the City boss insisted: "I know the intention from Sergio.
"He put his hands in a normal way, what he does many times to me, on and off the pitch, or when I hug him when there has been a substitution, or when sometimes he touches the referees as well."
Guardiola added: "I think it was normal, because I know perfectly Sergio, who has been an incredible, huge star of world football and is one of the most humble and nicest people I ever met.
"The important (thing) is the intention, and the intention was to talk to her in a normal way. And I'm pretty sure -- I didn't speak to Sergio about this -- if she felt bad, he would apologise without a problem."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Arteta backs Aubamayeng to silence critics

Mikel Arteta has backed Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to prove his recent goal drought was just a blip .
Gabon star Aubameyang had gone four matches without scoring until hitting the winner in Thursday 's 2-1 Europa League victory at Rapid Vienna .
The 31-year-old has been Arsenal 's most dangerous forward since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 , but he was still singled out for criticism following his barren spell this term .
His anonymous displays during defeats at Liverpool and Manchester City were especially frustrating for Arsenal fans .
But Aubameyang has scored 19 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's appointment in December and the Gunners boss has no doubts his player can cope with the great expectations .
`` Expectations for him are that he has to score a goal every game , '' Arteta said ahead of Sunday 's Premier League clash against Leicester .
`` So this comes with the nature of the big player that he is , what he has done in the past .
People expect that from him in the future .
`` We are here to help him with that , and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
`` He needs to get in more goalscoring opportunities , he needs to get the ball more round the box , in order to do what he is able to do . ''
Arteta also claimed the calibre of recent opposition inevitably led to Aubameyang having a tougher time .
`` If you look at our fixtures we have already played five games out of seven against top , top opposition , '' he said .
`` It is the same for him or ( Manchester City striker ) Sergio Aguero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on target as well on the weekend .
It is not an isolation of just our player . ''
Aubameyang has been largely deployed on the left flank in recent months by Arteta , a move which saw him flourish in FA Cup wins over Manchester City and Chelsea last season .
Arteta did move him into a central position against Sheffield United this season and he knows there will always be questions about his use of the talisman .
`` That is always going to happen .
The moment he does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number nine , '' Arteta said .
`` If you play him as a nine , why do n't you keep him on the left because he has been so successful on the left .
Its going to happen , I know . ''

London (AFP) –
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Mikel Arteta has backed Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to prove his recent goal drought was just a blip.
Gabon star Aubameyang had gone four matches without scoring until hitting the winner in Thursday's 2-1 Europa League victory at Rapid Vienna.
The 31-year-old has been Arsenal's most dangerous forward since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, but he was still singled out for criticism following his barren spell this term.
His anonymous displays during defeats at Liverpool and Manchester City were especially frustrating for Arsenal fans.
But Aubameyang has scored 19 goals in 29 appearances for Arsenal since Arteta's appointment in December and the Gunners boss has no doubts his player can cope with the great expectations.
"Expectations for him are that he has to score a goal every game," Arteta said ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Leicester.
"So this comes with the nature of the big player that he is, what he has done in the past. People expect that from him in the future.
"We are here to help him with that, and we will support him when difficult times come around him.
"He needs to get in more goalscoring opportunities, he needs to get the ball more round the box, in order to do what he is able to do."
Arteta also claimed the calibre of recent opposition inevitably led to Aubameyang having a tougher time.
"If you look at our fixtures we have already played five games out of seven against top, top opposition," he said.
"It is the same for him or (Manchester City striker) Sergio Aguero, who didn't have a shot on target as well on the weekend. It is not an isolation of just our player."
Aubameyang has been largely deployed on the left flank in recent months by Arteta, a move which saw him flourish in FA Cup wins over Manchester City and Chelsea last season.
Arteta did move him into a central position against Sheffield United this season and he knows there will always be questions about his use of the talisman.
"That is always going to happen. The moment he does not score, he needs to play as a number nine," Arteta said.
"If you play him as a nine, why don't you keep him on the left because he has been so successful on the left. Its going to happen, I know."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Mohsen goal helps Ahly secure comfortable passage to final

Marwan Mohsen ( R ) scored the first goal for Al Ahly in a 3-1 CAF Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Wydad Casablanca .
An early Marwan Mohsen goal set Al Ahly of Egypt on their ay to a 3-1 home victory over Wydad Casablanca of Morocco on Friday and a place in the CAF Champions League final .
Mohsen struck after five minutes .
Hussein el Shahat added a second midway through the first half as Ahly doubled their aggregate advantage having won the first leg of the semi-final 2-0 last weekend .
Yasser Ibrahim scored a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahly before substitute Zouhair el Moutaraji pulled one back eight minutes from time .
Ahly qualified 5-1 overall and must wait until November 1 before knowing whether they will face fellow Egyptians Zamalek or Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the single-match final five days later .
Zamalek were due to defend a 1-0 first leg lead over Raja on Saturday in Cairo , but the match was postponed when eight of the Moroccan squad tested positive for coronavirus .
On Friday , Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane from South Africa made one enforced change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahmed Fathy replacing injured Tunisian Ali Maaloul .
Argentine-born Wydad coach Miguel Gamondi recalled fit-again Ivorian centre-back Cheick Comara , who was missed last weekend with replacement Yahya Jabrane blamed for both Ahly goals .
Mosimane had warned his team that they could face a `` difficult '' return match against Wydad , reasoning that Wydad were capable of achieving in Cairo what Ahly did in Casablanca .
Ahly needed the intervention of VAR ( Video Assistant Referee ) to go ahead as Mohsen was flagged offside after a chipped pass released the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom corner .
The South African referee opted for a review and the goal was allowed amid furious protests from Wydad , who now needed to score at least three times to survive .
There was no controversy about the second Ahly goal as El Shahat latched on to a diagonal pass from Malian Aliou Dieng and beat Yahia Attiyat Allah twice before scoring from inside the box .
After goals from forward Mohsen and midfielder El Shahat it was the turn of defender Yasser Ibrahim to net for Ahly .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti just before the hour mark to put Ahly five goals in front on aggregate .
Wydad were shattered as they experienced a rare hiding in Africa , but they did have the final say as El Moutaraji cut in from the wing and fired past rarely-tested Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed el Shenawy .
This was the 10th match between two of the strongest sides in Africa with Ahly winning four , Wydad two and four drawn .
Should Zamalek qualify next weekend , it will be the first CAF Champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .

Johannesburg (AFP) –
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An early Marwan Mohsen goal set Al Ahly of Egypt on their ay to a 3-1 home victory over Wydad Casablanca of Morocco on Friday and a place in the CAF Champions League final.
Mohsen struck after five minutes. Hussein el Shahat added a second midway through the first half as Ahly doubled their aggregate advantage having won the first leg of the semi-final 2-0 last weekend.
Yasser Ibrahim scored a third goal for record eight-time African champions Ahly before substitute Zouhair el Moutaraji pulled one back eight minutes from time.
Ahly qualified 5-1 overall and must wait until November 1 before knowing whether they will face fellow Egyptians Zamalek or Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the single-match final five days later.
Zamalek were due to defend a 1-0 first leg lead over Raja on Saturday in Cairo, but the match was postponed when eight of the Moroccan squad tested positive for coronavirus.
On Friday, Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane from South Africa made one enforced change from the first-leg line-up with veteran full-back Ahmed Fathy replacing injured Tunisian Ali Maaloul.
Argentine-born Wydad coach Miguel Gamondi recalled fit-again Ivorian centre-back Cheick Comara, who was missed last weekend with replacement Yahya Jabrane blamed for both Ahly goals.
Mosimane had warned his team that they could face a "difficult" return match against Wydad, reasoning that Wydad were capable of achieving in Cairo what Ahly did in Casablanca.
- Furious protests -
Ahly needed the intervention of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to go ahead as Mohsen was flagged offside after a chipped pass released the forward to score with a shot into the bottom corner.
The South African referee opted for a review and the goal was allowed amid furious protests from Wydad, who now needed to score at least three times to survive.
There was no controversy about the second Ahly goal as El Shahat latched on to a diagonal pass from Malian Aliou Dieng and beat Yahia Attiyat Allah twice before scoring from inside the box.
After goals from forward Mohsen and midfielder El Shahat it was the turn of defender Yasser Ibrahim to net for Ahly.
He headed a corner into the net past goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti just before the hour mark to put Ahly five goals in front on aggregate.
Wydad were shattered as they experienced a rare hiding in Africa, but they did have the final say as El Moutaraji cut in from the wing and fired past rarely-tested Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed el Shenawy.
This was the 10th match between two of the strongest sides in Africa with Ahly winning four, Wydad two and four drawn.
Should Zamalek qualify next weekend, it will be the first CAF Champions League final between clubs from the same country.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Mapuche people divided over benefits of Chile referendum

A Mapuche indigenous man plays a tambourine as he marches past an advertisement set on fire by demonstrators who clashed with riot police during a protest in Santiago As millions of Chileans have rallied over the last year against the government and for greater equality , the flag of the Mapuche indigenous people has often fluttered overhead .
The group makes up seven percent of the 18 million population but is far poorer on the whole , and its people are demanding greater autonomy , a recognition of their culture and the restitution of ancestral lands they consider to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote Sunday on whether to reform the dictatorship-era constitution , there are stark divisions among the Mapuche over how to achieve their aims .
Before the Spanish arrived in 1541 , the Mapuche -- or `` people of the earth '' in the Mapudungun language -- controlled a territory that stretched 500 kilometers south of central Chile 's Biobio River .
Following centuries of conflict with the Spanish conquerors and then the Chilean government , that land has been reduced to just five percent of its former expanse .
The Mapuche struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some of the most radical indigenous elements resorting to arson attacks against logging companies , churches and homes .
The government says Mapuche-related violence has led to hundreds of firebomb attacks among several thousand acts of violence in the last decade .
Should voters choose to change the constitution , the Mapuche , Aymara and Rapa Nui peoples , as well as several other tribes , are hoping for formal recognition , and perhaps even a role in writing a new Magna Carta .
While some Mapuche are behind the push for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others believe that no legislative process is ever going to lead to land restoration .
- 'Not the right path ' – The only way to achieve the dream of a `` Mapuche Nation , '' say these dissenting voices , is to press on with a campaign of sabotage and violence that has already helped them recover some of the territories they claim as their birth right .
`` I value ( the vote ) as a democratic act that has n't happened before with respect to what type of society we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubts , '' Mapuche leader Juan Pichun told AFP about the referendum .
`` Of course they 're going to recognize our language and culture but the territory will never enter ( into the discussion ) and the big problem is the territory . ''
Pichun is a Lonko , or indigenous leader , in the Temulemu community in Traigen , southern Chile .
His community and two others signed an agreement in 2011 to recover more than 6,000 acres ( 2,500 hectares ) from the Mininco forestry company , ending a 15-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1998 .
The agreement came after the case went to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights , which condemned the Chilean state .
Pichun says a referendum `` is not the right path '' for the Mapuche to regain control of their ancestral lands -- an important step in rescuing ancient traditions and spirituality .
He has joined forces with the Arauco Malleco Coordinato ( CAM ) group that calls for sabotage against forestry companies operating on their ancestral lands .
The government and local farmers consider CAM to be radicals or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arson attacks on schools , trucks and agricultural machinery in the southern regions of Araucania and Biobio .
It has sown fear in the areas where it operates and stoked racial tension .
`` We 're not a group of criminals , we 're not vandals -- we 're a group of fighters , '' insists Pichun .
But other Mapuche believe the referendum will start a conversation on improving relations between different cultures to promote mutual respect -- a goal known as `` interculturality '' -- in Chile .
`` The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process of debating interculturality , '' Mapuche historian Fernando Pairican , of the University of Santiago , told AFP .
He said he understands the suspicions of some indigenous communities but believes the constitution discussion genuinely offers an opportunity for more equality .
He acknowledged however a `` stage of uncertainty that could work against the Mapuche movement . ''
Lawyer Salvador Millaleo , who specializes in indigenous affairs , is among those Chileans who see a `` pretty clear alignment '' between the hopes of the Mapuche people and the wish for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the constitutional process is a rather limited position .
Most indigenous organizations have folded '' and joined the process , said Millaleo , also a professor at the University of Chile .
What indigenous people hope for `` is not to build a different state , but to have another form of coexistence where there is no domination by one part of Chile but equal treatment , '' he added .
However , even if Chileans vote on Sunday to change the constitution , there 's no certainty that indigenous people will find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-writing table .

Santiago (AFP) –
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As millions of Chileans have rallied over the last year against the government and for greater equality, the flag of the Mapuche indigenous people has often fluttered overhead.
The group makes up seven percent of the 18 million population but is far poorer on the whole, and its people are demanding greater autonomy, a recognition of their culture and the restitution of ancestral lands they consider to have been stolen.
But with Chileans due to vote Sunday on whether to reform the dictatorship-era constitution, there are stark divisions among the Mapuche over how to achieve their aims.
Before the Spanish arrived in 1541, the Mapuche -- or "people of the earth" in the Mapudungun language -- controlled a territory that stretched 500 kilometers south of central Chile's Biobio River.
Following centuries of conflict with the Spanish conquerors and then the Chilean government, that land has been reduced to just five percent of its former expanse.
The Mapuche struggle has at times descended into violence, with some of the most radical indigenous elements resorting to arson attacks against logging companies, churches and homes.
The government says Mapuche-related violence has led to hundreds of firebomb attacks among several thousand acts of violence in the last decade.
Should voters choose to change the constitution, the Mapuche, Aymara and Rapa Nui peoples, as well as several other tribes, are hoping for formal recognition, and perhaps even a role in writing a new Magna Carta.
While some Mapuche are behind the push for more rights through a revised charter, others believe that no legislative process is ever going to lead to land restoration.
- 'Not the right path' –
The only way to achieve the dream of a "Mapuche Nation," say these dissenting voices, is to press on with a campaign of sabotage and violence that has already helped them recover some of the territories they claim as their birth right.
"I value (the vote) as a democratic act that hasn't happened before with respect to what type of society we want to build, but I have doubts," Mapuche leader Juan Pichun told AFP about the referendum.
"Of course they're going to recognize our language and culture but the territory will never enter (into the discussion) and the big problem is the territory."
Pichun is a Lonko, or indigenous leader, in the Temulemu community in Traigen, southern Chile.
His community and two others signed an agreement in 2011 to recover more than 6,000 acres (2,500 hectares) from the Mininco forestry company, ending a 15-year struggle marked by a violent eviction in 1998.
The agreement came after the case went to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which condemned the Chilean state.
Pichun says a referendum "is not the right path" for the Mapuche to regain control of their ancestral lands -- an important step in rescuing ancient traditions and spirituality.
He has joined forces with the Arauco Malleco Coordinato (CAM) group that calls for sabotage against forestry companies operating on their ancestral lands.
The government and local farmers consider CAM to be radicals or even "terrorists" responsible for hundreds of arson attacks on schools, trucks and agricultural machinery in the southern regions of Araucania and Biobio.
- 'Another form of coexistence' -
It has sown fear in the areas where it operates and stoked racial tension.
"We're not a group of criminals, we're not vandals -- we're a group of fighters," insists Pichun.
But other Mapuche believe the referendum will start a conversation on improving relations between different cultures to promote mutual respect -- a goal known as "interculturality" -- in Chile.
"The new constitution is just the beginning of the process of debating interculturality," Mapuche historian Fernando Pairican, of the University of Santiago, told AFP.
He said he understands the suspicions of some indigenous communities but believes the constitution discussion genuinely offers an opportunity for more equality.
He acknowledged however a "stage of uncertainty that could work against the Mapuche movement."
Lawyer Salvador Millaleo, who specializes in indigenous affairs, is among those Chileans who see a "pretty clear alignment" between the hopes of the Mapuche people and the wish for a new constitution.
"Being outside the constitutional process is a rather limited position. Most indigenous organizations have folded" and joined the process, said Millaleo, also a professor at the University of Chile.
What indigenous people hope for "is not to build a different state, but to have another form of coexistence where there is no domination by one part of Chile but equal treatment," he added.
However, even if Chileans vote on Sunday to change the constitution, there's no certainty that indigenous people will find a seat reserved for them at the re-writing table.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Sabalenka wins 12 straight games in crazy Ostrava comeback

Aryna Sabalenka staged a spectacular comeback against Spanish qualifier Sara Sorribes Tormo to reach the semi-finals of the Ostrava Open WTA tournament on Friday .
The powerful Belarusian lost the first ten games to a fast , focused Sorribes Tormo and came within a point of losing another .
But she miraculously recovered as she suddenly started to find the court with her groundstrokes and went on to take the next 12 games for a 0-6 , 6-4 , 6-0 win .
The day before , the world number 12 had already come back from 5-2 down in the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just wanted to win at least one game , '' said a laughing Sabalenka .
`` Everything went like I was n't on the court .
I was out of the game and I did n't know why . ''
`` Then I cooled down a bit , took one step back and tried to put a little bit more balls back and go through her backhand . ''
`` After I won three games in a row I knew this was a good sign and if I keep going the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
And that 's what happened . ''
In the semi-final , Sabalenka will take on Jennifer Brady , who beat Veronika Kudermetova 6-7 ( 5/7 ) , 6-3 , 6-1 .
The former world number one won 6-4 , 6-1 just over a month after trashing Mertens 6-1 , 6-0 at the US Open where she reached the final .
The 21st-ranked Belgian broke Azarenka 's first serve and went 4-2 up , but the 31-year-old world number 14 quickly quashed her hopes of a revenge .
Azarenka managed two breaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweeping Mertens 6-1 in the second , the result looking more clear-cut than the actual picture of the match .
`` She started really , really well and I needed to adjust a bit , '' said two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka .
`` She played some really great points , I did n't feel like I was doing much wrong , she was just hitting a lot of winners . ''
`` In there I tried to apply more pressure , to be aggressive , to take the opportunities when I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she added .
In the Ostrava semi-finals , Azarenka will face Maria Sakkari of Greece who beat Ons Jabeur from Tunisia 3-6 , 6-3 , 6-1 .

Prague (AFP) –
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Aryna Sabalenka staged a spectacular comeback against Spanish qualifier Sara Sorribes Tormo to reach the semi-finals of the Ostrava Open WTA tournament on Friday.
The powerful Belarusian lost the first ten games to a fast, focused Sorribes Tormo and came within a point of losing another.
But she miraculously recovered as she suddenly started to find the court with her groundstrokes and went on to take the next 12 games for a 0-6, 6-4, 6-0 win.
The day before, the world number 12 had already come back from 5-2 down in the third set against American teenager Coco Gauff.
"I just wanted to win at least one game," said a laughing Sabalenka.
"Everything went like I wasn't on the court. I was out of the game and I didn't know why."
"Then I cooled down a bit, took one step back and tried to put a little bit more balls back and go through her backhand."
"After I won three games in a row I knew this was a good sign and if I keep going the same way, I'll find my game. And that's what happened."
In the semi-final, Sabalenka will take on Jennifer Brady, who beat Veronika Kudermetova 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-1.
Sabalenka's compatriot Viktoria Azarenka swept Elise Mertens in straight sets.
The former world number one won 6-4, 6-1 just over a month after trashing Mertens 6-1, 6-0 at the US Open where she reached the final.
The 21st-ranked Belgian broke Azarenka's first serve and went 4-2 up, but the 31-year-old world number 14 quickly quashed her hopes of a revenge.
Azarenka managed two breaks to win the first set 6-4 before sweeping Mertens 6-1 in the second, the result looking more clear-cut than the actual picture of the match.
"She started really, really well and I needed to adjust a bit," said two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka.
"She played some really great points, I didn't feel like I was doing much wrong, she was just hitting a lot of winners."
"In there I tried to apply more pressure, to be aggressive, to take the opportunities when I can. And I served really well today," she added.
In the Ostrava semi-finals, Azarenka will face Maria Sakkari of Greece who beat Ons Jabeur from Tunisia 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--AstraZeneca, J&J vaccine trials back on track in US

Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca have announced the resumption of separate major clinical trials for experimental Covid-19 vaccines in the United States Two major clinical trials for experimental Covid-19 vaccines got back on track in the United States Friday -- providing a glimmer of hope as the number of cases skyrocket across the country .
Covid-19 has now killed more than 223,000 Americans , and the health crisis is a top issue in the presidential election pitting incumbent Donald Trump against Joe Biden .
AstraZeneca announced that the trial of its vaccine candidate , developed with Britain 's University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the only country where it remained suspended following a participant 's illness six weeks ago .
`` The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) today authorized the restart in the US , following the resumption of trials in other countries in recent weeks , '' the drugmaker said .
The trial was suspended worldwide on September 6 , but resumed shortly thereafter in Britain , and in the following weeks in South Africa , Brazil and Japan , with authorities determining the illness was not apparently linked to the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from trials globally and concluded it was safe to resume the trial , '' AstraZeneca said .
The company added it was hoping to have results later this year , `` depending on the rate of infection within the communities where the clinical trials are being conducted . ''
The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine project is one of the most promising and advanced in the world to combat the global pandemic , which has now claimed the lives of 1.1 million people .
It is one of 10 vaccine candidates being tested on tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials .
In the United States , the two top candidates vying to get a green light from the FDA are those made by Pfizer and Moderna .
Both expect to request approval next month .
Many countries are counting on using the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to inoculate their populations .
The drugmaker pre-sold hundreds of millions of doses on several continents , and signed partnership deals with other producers to ensure the doses could be made locally .
Shortly after AstraZeneca 's announcement , Johnson & Johnson said it was preparing to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was suspended last week after a volunteer fell ill. '' After a thorough evaluation of a serious medical event experienced by one study participant , no clear cause has been identified , '' the group said in a statement .
`` The company has found no evidence that the vaccine candidate caused the event . ''
Just before Friday 's announcements , a top US official involved with Operation Warp Speed , the government 's vaccine initiative , said he expected the J & J trial to resume quickly .
Paul Mango , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human Services , also said he expected the country to have enough doses on hand to vaccinate the `` most vulnerable '' Americans before year 's end .
`` By the end of January , we believe we 'll be able to vaccinate all seniors , '' Mango said , adding that by March or April , `` we believe we 'll be able to vaccinate any American who desires a vaccination . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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Two major clinical trials for experimental Covid-19 vaccines got back on track in the United States Friday -- providing a glimmer of hope as the number of cases skyrocket across the country.
Covid-19 has now killed more than 223,000 Americans, and the health crisis is a top issue in the presidential election pitting incumbent Donald Trump against Joe Biden.
AstraZeneca announced that the trial of its vaccine candidate, developed with Britain's University of Oxford, has resumed in the US, the only country where it remained suspended following a participant's illness six weeks ago.
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today authorized the restart in the US, following the resumption of trials in other countries in recent weeks," the drugmaker said.
The trial was suspended worldwide on September 6, but resumed shortly thereafter in Britain, and in the following weeks in South Africa, Brazil and Japan, with authorities determining the illness was not apparently linked to the vaccine.
"The FDA reviewed all safety data from trials globally and concluded it was safe to resume the trial," AstraZeneca said.
The company added it was hoping to have results later this year, "depending on the rate of infection within the communities where the clinical trials are being conducted."
The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine project is one of the most promising and advanced in the world to combat the global pandemic, which has now claimed the lives of 1.1 million people.
It is one of 10 vaccine candidates being tested on tens of thousands of people in so-called phase 3 trials.
In the United States, the two top candidates vying to get a green light from the FDA are those made by Pfizer and Moderna. Both expect to request approval next month.
Many countries are counting on using the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to inoculate their populations.
The drugmaker pre-sold hundreds of millions of doses on several continents, and signed partnership deals with other producers to ensure the doses could be made locally.
- 'No evidence' vaccine to blame -
Shortly after AstraZeneca's announcement, Johnson & Johnson said it was preparing to resume recruitment for its parallel trial, which was suspended last week after a volunteer fell ill.
"After a thorough evaluation of a serious medical event experienced by one study participant, no clear cause has been identified," the group said in a statement.
"The company has found no evidence that the vaccine candidate caused the event."
Just before Friday's announcements, a top US official involved with Operation Warp Speed, the government's vaccine initiative, said he expected the J&J trial to resume quickly.
Paul Mango, from the US Department of Health and Human Services, also said he expected the country to have enough doses on hand to vaccinate the "most vulnerable" Americans before year's end.
"By the end of January, we believe we'll be able to vaccinate all seniors," Mango said, adding that by March or April, "we believe we'll be able to vaccinate any American who desires a vaccination."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Rennes lose to Angers as fans try to beat curfew record

Rennes sent 5,000 fans racing home to beat a curfew on Friday ruing another wasted lead after their team lost 2-1 at home to Angers in Ligue 1 .
A spike in Covid-19 cases in the region brought the introduction of a curfew from midnight on Friday .
That gave fans barely an hour to get home after the match or risk a 135-euro ( $ 160 ) fine .
Rennes could have moved to the top of Ligue 1 with a victory , instead , they suffered their first defeat of the season as , for the fourth time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead .
This time they did not even gain a draw .
The home team started well .
After 18 minutes , Paul Bernadoni , Angers record signing , failed to hold a tame volley from Flavien Tait .
Adrien Hunou pounced on the loose ball to slide it in from close range .
Angers quickly hit back .
In the 27th minute , former Southampton player Sofiane Boufal 's shot from the edge of the box took a small deflection off Steven Nzonzi and a bigger one off Damien Da Silva before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 57th minute , Angelo Fulgini chasing a long punt forward wriggled past Da Siva and stretched out a toe to lob the ball over Gomis to give Angers the lead after 57 minutes .
Almost at once , Gomis atoned with a spectacular save from a point-blank Boufal header .
The victory lifted Angers into the top six .
Rennes manager Julien Stephan made five changes to the starting lineup from the club 's Champions League debut against Krasnodar on Tuesday when they squandered a lead and drew 1-1 at home .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many without masks , had grouped behind the goal and celebrated together when their team took the lead .
On Friday , UEFA announced it had opened a disciplinary investigation against Rennes for violating its health protocol and failing to `` maintain social distancing '' .
For the game against Angers , the club again allowed 5,000 spectators to attend , insisting it would enforce stricter distancing rules and enforce a four-seat gap between them .
`` We asked them to distribute these 5,000 spectators in the four stands '' , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As they watched their team lose to Angers , the fans were carefully spaced around the stadium , which might have also made it easier for them to rush for the exits at the final whistle as the match ended just over an hour before the curfew started .
`` The curfew order only comes into force at midnight tonight , '' said Kirry .
`` It 's very complicated to cancel things on the day they are scheduled . ''

Rennes (France) (AFP) –
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Rennes sent 5,000 fans racing home to beat a curfew on Friday ruing another wasted lead after their team lost 2-1 at home to Angers in Ligue 1.
A spike in Covid-19 cases in the region brought the introduction of a curfew from midnight on Friday.
That gave fans barely an hour to get home after the match or risk a 135-euro ($160) fine.
Rennes could have moved to the top of Ligue 1 with a victory, instead, they suffered their first defeat of the season as, for the fourth time in four games, they blew a lead. This time they did not even gain a draw.
The home team started well. After 18 minutes, Paul Bernadoni, Angers record signing, failed to hold a tame volley from Flavien Tait.
Adrien Hunou pounced on the loose ball to slide it in from close range.
Angers quickly hit back. In the 27th minute, former Southampton player Sofiane Boufal's shot from the edge of the box took a small deflection off Steven Nzonzi and a bigger one off Damien Da Silva before flying past Alfred Gomis.
In the 57th minute, Angelo Fulgini chasing a long punt forward wriggled past Da Siva and stretched out a toe to lob the ball over Gomis to give Angers the lead after 57 minutes.
Almost at once, Gomis atoned with a spectacular save from a point-blank Boufal header.
The victory lifted Angers into the top six.
Rennes manager Julien Stephan made five changes to the starting lineup from the club's Champions League debut against Krasnodar on Tuesday when they squandered a lead and drew 1-1 at home.
In that European match, the Rennes ultras, many without masks, had grouped behind the goal and celebrated together when their team took the lead.
On Friday, UEFA announced it had opened a disciplinary investigation against Rennes for violating its health protocol and failing to "maintain social distancing".
For the game against Angers, the club again allowed 5,000 spectators to attend, insisting it would enforce stricter distancing rules and enforce a four-seat gap between them.
"We asked them to distribute these 5,000 spectators in the four stands", said the prefect of Brittany, Michele Kirry.
As they watched their team lose to Angers, the fans were carefully spaced around the stadium, which might have also made it easier for them to rush for the exits at the final whistle as the match ended just over an hour before the curfew started.
"The curfew order only comes into force at midnight tonight," said Kirry.
"It's very complicated to cancel things on the day they are scheduled."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Bamford treble fires Leeds into third as Villa suffer first defeat

Patrick Bamford 's hat-trick lifted Leeds to third in the Premier League as the striker inspired a 3-0 win over Aston Villa that shattered the home team 's perfect start to the season .
Marcelo Bielsa 's side moved within three points of leaders Everton thanks to Bamford 's 19-minute treble in the second half at Villa Park on Friday .
Bamford had one goal in 27 Premier League appearances prior to this season , but he already has six in six games this term .
It is a sweet moment for the 27-year-old , who endured a long and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of his finishing .
Bamford had seven loan spells during his time as a Chelsea youth academy graduate before moving to Middlesbrough , then finally finding his feet under Bielsa 's tutelage at Leeds .
Leeds ' third league win since their promotion from the Championship was the perfect response after losing against Wolves on Monday .
For Villa , their four-game winning run came to a halt as they missed the chance to start a season with five successive victories for the first time in their history .
Villa only escaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , so the first defeat could serve as a reality check for Dean Smith 's team after their unexpectedly strong start .
Smith had told his players they would get `` a bloody nose very quickly '' if they rested on their laurels , but they did not heed the warning as Bamford delivered the knockout punches .
Leeds could have been ahead inside the first four minutes when Bamford headed just wide from Ezgjan Alioski 's deep cross Pascal Struijk was deputising for the injured Kalvin Phillips in Leeds ' midfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for chopping down Jack Grealish and escaping a red card moments later for another foul , he found himself hauled off by Bielsa after just 21 minutes .
Villa nearly took the lead against the run of play when Grealish saw his shot superbly cleared off the line by Luke Ayling 's last-ditch intervention .
Grealish carried Villa 's main threat and the winger 's penalty appeal was rejected by VAR after he went down under minimal contact from Helder Costa .
Showcasing the skill that has prompted many to question England manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him more often , Grealish twisted past the Leeds defence with some nimble footwork before Illan Meslier smothered his shot .
But Bamford broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a close-range finish after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez pushed Rodrigo 's effort into his path .
Trailing for the first time in nine league matches , Villa were finished off by Bamford in the 67th minute .
Smashing a blistering strike into the top corner from the edge of the area , Bamford gave Martinez no chance .
Bamford completed his hat-trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Costa 's pass and worked a yard of space inside the area before curling his shot past Martinez .

Birmingham (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
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Patrick Bamford's hat-trick lifted Leeds to third in the Premier League as the striker inspired a 3-0 win over Aston Villa that shattered the home team's perfect start to the season.
Marcelo Bielsa's side moved within three points of leaders Everton thanks to Bamford's 19-minute treble in the second half at Villa Park on Friday.
Bamford had one goal in 27 Premier League appearances prior to this season, but he already has six in six games this term.
It is a sweet moment for the 27-year-old, who endured a long and winding road to the top featuring long-running criticism of his finishing.
Bamford had seven loan spells during his time as a Chelsea youth academy graduate before moving to Middlesbrough, then finally finding his feet under Bielsa's tutelage at Leeds.
Leeds' third league win since their promotion from the Championship was the perfect response after losing against Wolves on Monday.
For Villa, their four-game winning run came to a halt as they missed the chance to start a season with five successive victories for the first time in their history.
Villa only escaped relegation on the final day of last season, so the first defeat could serve as a reality check for Dean Smith's team after their unexpectedly strong start.
Smith had told his players they would get "a bloody nose very quickly" if they rested on their laurels, but they did not heed the warning as Bamford delivered the knockout punches.
Leeds could have been ahead inside the first four minutes when Bamford headed just wide from Ezgjan Alioski's deep cross
Pascal Struijk was deputising for the injured Kalvin Phillips in Leeds' midfield, but after earning an early booking for chopping down Jack Grealish and escaping a red card moments later for another foul, he found himself hauled off by Bielsa after just 21 minutes.
Villa nearly took the lead against the run of play when Grealish saw his shot superbly cleared off the line by Luke Ayling's last-ditch intervention.
Grealish carried Villa's main threat and the winger's penalty appeal was rejected by VAR after he went down under minimal contact from Helder Costa.
Showcasing the skill that has prompted many to question England manager Gareth Southgate's decision not to use him more often, Grealish twisted past the Leeds defence with some nimble footwork before Illan Meslier smothered his shot.
But Bamford broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a close-range finish after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez pushed Rodrigo's effort into his path.
Trailing for the first time in nine league matches, Villa were finished off by Bamford in the 67th minute.
Smashing a blistering strike into the top corner from the edge of the area, Bamford gave Martinez no chance.
Bamford completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute when he took Costa's pass and worked a yard of space inside the area before curling his shot past Martinez.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--Poles take to streets against near-total abortion ban

Protestors scuffle with riot police guarding the house of Jaroslaw Kaczynski , leader of Poland 's ruling Law and Justice party ( PIS ) Thousands of Poles took to the streets on Friday to protest against a near-total ban on abortion in a country that already has some of the EU 's most stringent restrictions .
Demonstrators rallied in several cities , furious with Thursday 's ruling by Poland 's constitutional court that existing legislation which allows for the abortion of malformed foetuses was `` incompatible '' with the protection of life .
The verdict drew an outcry from rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
`` It 's war '' or `` We 're coming to get you , you sadists '' read some of the banners decked with a red lightning image that has become a symbol of the protesters ' anger .
`` Yesterday 's decision represents a total ban on abortion in Poland as 98 percent of legal terminations in Poland are related to foetal malformations , '' Krystyna Kacpura , head of the Federation for Women and Family Planning , told AFP .
`` It 's a disgrace from the Polish state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll never forget it . ''
Kacpura said the situation for women with modest means was particularly concerning .
`` They will just be left with various dangerous methods like abortions performed by non-qualified people with methods I do n't even want to discuss , '' she said .
`` We 've simply been imposed Ceausescu 's era , '' she added , referring to Romania 's late dictator who severely restricted abortions to try and boost fertility rates .
Thousands of mainly young protesters gathered near the Warsaw home of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerbroker as leader of the right-wing Law and Justice ( PiS ) party .
Ranks of police in riot gear barred their way from the house .
Elsewhere in Poland protesters gathered in main squares , outside PiS premises or near churches .
More protests are planned for Saturday .
The demonstrations are going ahead despite the fact that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Friday that the whole of the country will be designated a coronavirus `` red zone '' from Saturday .
The means measures including the closure of most schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeaway only in the face of a record spike in coronavirus infections .
The Polish court 's abortion verdict drew immediate condemnation from the Council of Europe , the continent 's leading human rights organisation , whose Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic called it `` a sad day for # WomensRights '' .
Donald Tusk , a Pole who currently leads the European People 's Party after presiding the European Council , called the timing of the abortion issue `` political wickedness '' .
`` Throwing the topic of abortion and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a raging pandemic is more than cynical , '' he tweeted .
The verdict is in line with what the governing right-wing Law and Justice ( PiS ) party wanted .
From now on , abortions will only be allowed in instances of rape or incest , or if there is a threat to the mother 's life .
The Polish presidency and Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki , the head of the Polish Episcopal Conference , welcomed the verdict .
The constitutional court has been reformed by the PiS government , and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loyal to the party in its ranks .
The country of 38 million people sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions a year , but women 's groups estimate that up to 200,000 procedures are performed illegally or abroad .

Warsaw (AFP) –
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Thousands of Poles took to the streets on Friday to protest against a near-total ban on abortion in a country that already has some of the EU's most stringent restrictions.
Demonstrators rallied in several cities, furious with Thursday's ruling by Poland's constitutional court that existing legislation which allows for the abortion of malformed foetuses was "incompatible" with the protection of life.
The verdict drew an outcry from rights groups in and outside the deeply Catholic country.
"It's war" or "We're coming to get you, you sadists" read some of the banners decked with a red lightning image that has become a symbol of the protesters' anger.
"Yesterday's decision represents a total ban on abortion in Poland as 98 percent of legal terminations in Poland are related to foetal malformations," Krystyna Kacpura, head of the Federation for Women and Family Planning, told AFP.
"It's a disgrace from the Polish state towards half of the population, women. We'll never forget it."
Kacpura said the situation for women with modest means was particularly concerning.
"They will just be left with various dangerous methods like abortions performed by non-qualified people with methods I don't even want to discuss," she said.
"We've simply been imposed Ceausescu's era," she added, referring to Romania's late dictator who severely restricted abortions to try and boost fertility rates.
Thousands of mainly young protesters gathered near the Warsaw home of Jaroslaw Kaczynski -- considered Poland's ultimate powerbroker as leader of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Ranks of police in riot gear barred their way from the house.
Elsewhere in Poland protesters gathered in main squares, outside PiS premises or near churches.
More protests are planned for Saturday.
The demonstrations are going ahead despite the fact that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Friday that the whole of the country will be designated a coronavirus "red zone" from Saturday.
The means measures including the closure of most schools and fitness clubs while restaurants will be takeaway only in the face of a record spike in coronavirus infections.
- ' Political wickedness' -
The Polish court's abortion verdict drew immediate condemnation from the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organisation, whose Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic called it "a sad day for #WomensRights".
Donald Tusk, a Pole who currently leads the European People's Party after presiding the European Council, called the timing of the abortion issue "political wickedness".
"Throwing the topic of abortion and a ruling by a pseudo-court into the middle of a raging pandemic is more than cynical," he tweeted.
The verdict is in line with what the governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party wanted.
From now on, abortions will only be allowed in instances of rape or incest, or if there is a threat to the mother's life.
The Polish presidency and Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki, the head of the Polish Episcopal Conference, welcomed the verdict.
The constitutional court has been reformed by the PiS government, and has since been accused of counting many judges loyal to the party in its ranks.
The country of 38 million people sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions a year, but women's groups estimate that up to 200,000 procedures are performed illegally or abroad.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-23--NBA eyes December start, 72-game season, Olympics: reports

The NBA is looking at starting a 72-game 2020-21 season in December and finishing in time for players to compete at the Tokyo Olympics according to multiple reports Friday .
The Athletic and ESPN , citing unnamed sources , said the league told team owners in a Friday conference call about the plans , which would require approval by the players union by the end of October .
After the playoffs ended on October 11 due to a Covid-19 shutdown last March and a July restart , the league would have only a 72-day break before a December 22 restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual plethora of Christmas Day game offerings , The Athletic reported .
The move would allow greater income and more games compared to a January restart and allow the league to crown a champion and leave a window for NBA talent to play for homelands in the Tokyo Olympics , where the US team would seek a fourth consecutive gold medal .
A play-in tournament for the final playoff spot in each conference , an idea developed due to the pandemic-hit season , would continue , according to the reports .
The National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal regarding when to start , with ESPN reporting there had been talk about a mid-January start on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and staging more games later when chances might be better for spectators to attend .
The NBA had no players test positive for Covid-19 during its stay in a quarantine environment at Orlando in its restart .
USA Basketball has started asking about player availability for the July 23 start of the Tokyo Olympics to allow time to select players and prepare for the tournament .
The NBA would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a bubble and is looking at playing a team multiple times on a trip to reduce travel .
Areas that allow spectators in arenas might have testing for fans in courtside seating and updated air purifying systems .
In the 2011-12 season , which was shortened by a labor dispute , the NBA began a 66-game per club campaign on December 25 and finished on June 21 , a timetable that would allow for a US team of NBA players to compete in Tokyo and set up a 2021-22 season starting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual overall timetable .
Talks continue between the NBA and players union over such issues as financial breakdowns and a salary cap for next season .
ESPN reported October 30 would be a deadline for talks and mark eight weeks before Christmas , NBA commissioner Adam Silver having said there would be at least eight weeks between a union deal and the start of next season .
The NBA has set the NBA Draft for November 18 with free agency expected to begin soon after for the 2020-21 campaign .

New York (AFP) –
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The NBA is looking at starting a 72-game 2020-21 season in December and finishing in time for players to compete at the Tokyo Olympics according to multiple reports Friday.
The Athletic and ESPN, citing unnamed sources, said the league told team owners in a Friday conference call about the plans, which would require approval by the players union by the end of October.
After the playoffs ended on October 11 due to a Covid-19 shutdown last March and a July restart, the league would have only a 72-day break before a December 22 restart, three days before the NBA's usual plethora of Christmas Day game offerings, The Athletic reported.
The move would allow greater income and more games compared to a January restart and allow the league to crown a champion and leave a window for NBA talent to play for homelands in the Tokyo Olympics, where the US team would seek a fourth consecutive gold medal.
A play-in tournament for the final playoff spot in each conference, an idea developed due to the pandemic-hit season, would continue, according to the reports.
The National Basketball Players Association must agree upon any deal regarding when to start, with ESPN reporting there had been talk about a mid-January start on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and staging more games later when chances might be better for spectators to attend.
The NBA had no players test positive for Covid-19 during its stay in a quarantine environment at Orlando in its restart.
USA Basketball has started asking about player availability for the July 23 start of the Tokyo Olympics to allow time to select players and prepare for the tournament.
The NBA would prefer to play in home arenas rather than a bubble and is looking at playing a team multiple times on a trip to reduce travel.
Areas that allow spectators in arenas might have testing for fans in courtside seating and updated air purifying systems.
In the 2011-12 season, which was shortened by a labor dispute, the NBA began a 66-game per club campaign on December 25 and finished on June 21, a timetable that would allow for a US team of NBA players to compete in Tokyo and set up a 2021-22 season starting in October, returning the league to its usual overall timetable.
Talks continue between the NBA and players union over such issues as financial breakdowns and a salary cap for next season.
ESPN reported October 30 would be a deadline for talks and mark eight weeks before Christmas, NBA commissioner Adam Silver having said there would be at least eight weeks between a union deal and the start of next season.
The NBA has set the NBA Draft for November 18 with free agency expected to begin soon after for the 2020-21 campaign.
© 2020 AFP