france24--2020-10-09--Full-strength Germany beef up to face Covid-hit Ukraine

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to captain Germany in Kiev on Saturday Germany are set to field a full-strength team as they hunt a Nations League win in Kiev against a Ukraine squad which has lost 14 players either injured or suffering from the coronavirus .
The Ukrainian FA ( UAF ) said Thursday that Shakhtar Donetsk pair Mykola Matvienko and Brazilian-born Junior Moraes will not face Germany after becoming the latest to test positive for Covid-19 .
That comes after six Ukrainian players missed the 7-1 thrashing by France in Paris on Wednesday after contracting the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players who due to injury or the coronavirus were unable to partially or fully participate ... is 14 , '' said the UAF on their website .
As cover , Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko has called up Donetsk trio Viktor Kovalenko , Romero Marlos and Valeriy Bondar to face the Germans at Kiev 's Olympic Stadium ( 1845 GMT ) .
Germany have drawn their last three internationals after conceding late equalisers and will include a host of stars to get back to winning ways .
`` It will give us more experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Germany head coach Joachim Loew on arrival in Kiev .
Germany captain Manuel Neuer will be between the posts , Real Madrid 's Toni Kroos is back in midfield after a leg injury while Chelsea striker Timo Werner will be up front .
Germany are under pressure to get a first win in a Nations League group also containing Spain and Switzerland .
An inexperienced Germany side surrendered the lead three times in Wednesday 's 3-3 friendly draw against Turkey and Loew has demanded his side finish their chances and control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1-1 in their first two group games against Spain and Switzerland , Germany badly need a win in Kiev before hosting the Swiss in Cologne on Tuesday .
Up to 21,000 fans - 30 percent of the stadium capacity - will be allowed into the stadium in Kiev according to UEFA regulations The Germans plan to spend barely 36 hours in Kiev and are under strict instructions to observe the hygiene protocol with face masks compulsory in the team hotel .
`` We will be moving around within a bubble and strictly adhering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Berlin (AFP) –
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Germany are set to field a full-strength team as they hunt a Nations League win in Kiev against a Ukraine squad which has lost 14 players either injured or suffering from the coronavirus.
The Ukrainian FA (UAF) said Thursday that Shakhtar Donetsk pair Mykola Matvienko and Brazilian-born Junior Moraes will not face Germany after becoming the latest to test positive for Covid-19.
That comes after six Ukrainian players missed the 7-1 thrashing by France in Paris on Wednesday after contracting the virus.
"Thus, the number of players who due to injury or the coronavirus were unable to partially or fully participate... is 14," said the UAF on their website.
As cover, Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko has called up Donetsk trio Viktor Kovalenko, Romero Marlos and Valeriy Bondar to face the Germans at Kiev's Olympic Stadium (1845 GMT).
Germany have drawn their last three internationals after conceding late equalisers and will include a host of stars to get back to winning ways.
"It will give us more experience. We will benefit from this," said Germany head coach Joachim Loew on arrival in Kiev.
Germany captain Manuel Neuer will be between the posts, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos is back in midfield after a leg injury while Chelsea striker Timo Werner will be up front.
Germany are under pressure to get a first win in a Nations League group also containing Spain and Switzerland.
An inexperienced Germany side surrendered the lead three times in Wednesday's 3-3 friendly draw against Turkey and Loew has demanded his side finish their chances and control the game in Kiev.
After drawing 1-1 in their first two group games against Spain and Switzerland, Germany badly need a win in Kiev before hosting the Swiss in Cologne on Tuesday.
Up to 21,000 fans - 30 percent of the stadium capacity - will be allowed into the stadium in Kiev according to UEFA regulations
The Germans plan to spend barely 36 hours in Kiev and are under strict instructions to observe the hygiene protocol with face masks compulsory in the team hotel.
"We will be moving around within a bubble and strictly adhering to the regulations," Loew added.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Ghost town reopening upends Turkish Cypriot election

The Turkish army has sealed off the ghost resort of Varosha since 1974 , but its beach area is set to reopen on Thursday in a move that has sparked anger and controversy Turkish Cypriots vote Sunday in a presidential election upended by a controversial move by Ankara restoring access to a beach resort sealed off since its Greek Cypriot inhabitants fled in 1974 .
The reopening of the ghost town of Varosha gave an 11th-hour boost to nationalist challenger Ersin Tatar in his bid to unseat dovish incumbent Mustafa Akinci .
But the return of the one-time holiday destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a part of every plan to end the island 's decades-long division and the reopening of its ruins drew condemnation from the island 's internationally government and from the European Union .
Sunday 's vote is the only Turkish Cypriot election that has any standing with the international community , which deals with the president as leader of the island 's minority community .
The breakaway state which Turkish Cypriot leaders declared in the north of the island in 1983 remains unrecognised , except by Ankara , whose role in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlight by Thursday 's reopening of Varosha .
The Turkish Cypriot economy was already beset with problems when the coronavirus pandemic hit , forcing the postponement of the election from April .
The virus has dealt a heavy blow to two of the private sector 's mainstays , tourism and higher education .
Budget support from Ankara provides a vital lifeline for the large state sector but many Turkish Cypriots resent what they see as the erosion of their identity by creeping annexation .
`` Since the president will be the leader in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and future , they must have strong , sincere relations with Ankara , '' said graphic designer Cagin Nevruz Ozsoy .
`` But it must be on a political level , in line with the interests of the Cypriot people and not in their own interests , '' the 24-year-old said .
Akinci won election in 2015 on a promise to relaunch UN-backed talks on ending the island 's long division .
Despite the collapse of those talks in Switzerland in July 2017 , he is standing for re-election on a similarly dovish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the island 's reunification as a bizonal federation earned him international plaudits , his commitment to preserving a separate Turkish Cypriot identity has led to sometimes frosty relations with Ankara .
When earlier this year he described the prospect of Turkish annexation as `` horrible '' , Ankara called him `` dishonest '' .
In contrast , his main challenger Tatar , who currently serves as the breakaway state 's prime minister , higlighted his influence in Ankara with the reopening of Varosha , which he announced on Tuesday after talks with Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientist Bilge Azgin said the strategy could backfire because it `` mobilised people who were n't even going to vote '' .
`` They turned it into a referendum on respecting the people 's will , '' Azgin told AFP .
It is `` a mistake which can not be rectified , '' he told AFP .
Before troops reopened Varosha , the campaign had been dominated by Turkey 's hunt for natural gas , which has pushed it into waters claimed by Cyprus and Greece .
Last weekend , Turkey pulled a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened with economic sanctions by EU leaders , who welcomed the move .
But Turkey 's move to reopen Varosha is likely to revive the sanctions threat .
Both Cyprus and Greece said they would make a new push for the bloc to impose sanctions next week .
No candidate is expected to win Sunday 's election outright .
The field of 11 , all of them men , will be whittled down to two for a second-round runoff the following Sunday .
Competing with Akinci for the votes of Turkish Cypriots eager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tufan Erhurman , of the centre-left Turkish Republican Party .
Also in the fray is the breakaway state 's former foreign minister Kudret Ozersay , who resigned on Tuesday in protest at Varosha 's reopening .
`` There are at least three to four serious candidates , '' said Ahmet Sozen , political science chair at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta , predicting that the runoff would be won by a candidate from the pro-reunification camp .

Nicosia (AFP) –
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Turkish Cypriots vote Sunday in a presidential election upended by a controversial move by Ankara restoring access to a beach resort sealed off since its Greek Cypriot inhabitants fled in 1974.
The reopening of the ghost town of Varosha gave an 11th-hour boost to nationalist challenger Ersin Tatar in his bid to unseat dovish incumbent Mustafa Akinci.
But the return of the one-time holiday destination of Hollywood stars to its former inhabitants has been a part of every plan to end the island's decades-long division and the reopening of its ruins drew condemnation from the island's internationally government and from the European Union.
Sunday's vote is the only Turkish Cypriot election that has any standing with the international community, which deals with the president as leader of the island's minority community.
The breakaway state which Turkish Cypriot leaders declared in the north of the island in 1983 remains unrecognised, except by Ankara, whose role in its affairs has again been thrown into the spotlight by Thursday's reopening of Varosha.
The Turkish Cypriot economy was already beset with problems when the coronavirus pandemic hit, forcing the postponement of the election from April.
The virus has dealt a heavy blow to two of the private sector's mainstays, tourism and higher education.
- How close to Turkey? -
Budget support from Ankara provides a vital lifeline for the large state sector but many Turkish Cypriots resent what they see as the erosion of their identity by creeping annexation.
"Since the president will be the leader in charge of protecting our rights, interests and future, they must have strong, sincere relations with Ankara," said graphic designer Cagin Nevruz Ozsoy.
"But it must be on a political level, in line with the interests of the Cypriot people and not in their own interests," the 24-year-old said.
Akinci won election in 2015 on a promise to relaunch UN-backed talks on ending the island's long division.
Despite the collapse of those talks in Switzerland in July 2017, he is standing for re-election on a similarly dovish platform.
While his role in promoting the island's reunification as a bizonal federation earned him international plaudits, his commitment to preserving a separate Turkish Cypriot identity has led to sometimes frosty relations with Ankara.
When earlier this year he described the prospect of Turkish annexation as "horrible", Ankara called him "dishonest".
In contrast, his main challenger Tatar, who currently serves as the breakaway state's prime minister, higlighted his influence in Ankara with the reopening of Varosha, which he announced on Tuesday after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
But political scientist Bilge Azgin said the strategy could backfire because it "mobilised people who weren't even going to vote".
"They turned it into a referendum on respecting the people's will," Azgin told AFP.
Student Berke Cevik, 21, agreed, calling the decision "selfish and provocative".
It is "a mistake which cannot be rectified," he told AFP.
- Disputed waters -
Before troops reopened Varosha, the campaign had been dominated by Turkey's hunt for natural gas, which has pushed it into waters claimed by Cyprus and Greece.
Last weekend, Turkey pulled a drill ship away from Cyprus after being threatened with economic sanctions by EU leaders, who welcomed the move.
But Turkey's move to reopen Varosha is likely to revive the sanctions threat.
Both Cyprus and Greece said they would make a new push for the bloc to impose sanctions next week.
No candidate is expected to win Sunday's election outright. The field of 11, all of them men, will be whittled down to two for a second-round runoff the following Sunday.
Competing with Akinci for the votes of Turkish Cypriots eager to see reunification is former prime ministrer Tufan Erhurman, of the centre-left Turkish Republican Party.
Also in the fray is the breakaway state's former foreign minister Kudret Ozersay, who resigned on Tuesday in protest at Varosha's reopening.
"There are at least three to four serious candidates," said Ahmet Sozen, political science chair at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta, predicting that the runoff would be won by a candidate from the pro-reunification camp.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Saudi setback over EU push to downgrade G20 presence

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan ( top L ) addressing a September 3 virtual meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers to discuss enhancing international cooperation to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic A push to downgrade the EU 's attendance at next month 's G20 summit in Riyadh over human rights concerns marks another setback for Saudi plans to host a coming-out party on the world stage .
The European Parliament passed a wide-ranging resolution on Thursday calling for the European Union ( EU ) and its member states to downgrade their representation at the virtual summit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for human rights violations and ongoing illegal and arbitrary detentions in Saudi Arabia '' .
The resolution , which coincides with the two-year anniversary of the brutal murder in Istanbul of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents , sends what a source at the parliament called a `` strong political message '' to the kingdom .
The resolution implies European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the European Council , Charles Michel , will not attend the summit if they heed the call of lawmakers , the source said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the European Parliament are carrying out an internal signature campaign calling for `` downgrading the level of the EU participation to a senior official level '' , according to a document seen by AFP .
`` The Saudi government has a long record of silencing the very voices that are necessary for a meaningful global conversation regarding the challenges we collectively face , which challenges the appropriateness of their hosting the 2020 G20 summit , '' said the document addressed to Michel and von der Leyen .
`` We should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violations as host of one of the most important summit meetings in the world . ''
Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to AFP 's request for comment .
As a full member of the G20 , the EU is a major economic power at the table along with three of its member states –- Germany , France and Italy .
A decision to downgrade their representation would be an embarrassment for Riyadh `` at the most important event for Saudi international diplomacy '' , said Yasmine Farouk from the Carnegie Endowment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move by the mayors of major world cities , including New York , to boycott a G20-related virtual conference hosted by Riyadh last month also over human rights concerns .
Saudi Arabia , the first Arab nation to host the G20 , had planned for a grand summit that would showcase the ambitious modernisation drive of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , whose international reputation was tarnished by Khashoggi 's murder .
The summit , set for November 21 and 22 , would be `` the crown prince 's true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Saudi academic wrote in the Arab News daily last year .
The prince `` will not only have the opportunity to showcase the kingdom 's ambitious reform projects , but also to grow Saudi influence in the international community '' , he said at the time .
But the coronavirus pandemic , which has made a physical summit impossible , has largely dampened those hopes .
`` The symbolic impact is diminished when the Saudis ca n't play magnanimous hosts and open the country to world leaders , '' Kristin Diwan of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told AFP .
`` A boycott or downgrade bringing the human rights agenda to the forefront would be a further blow . ''
The human rights issues listed in Thursday 's parliament resolution included the `` horrific plight '' of Ethiopian migrants detained in Saudi prisons and the ongoing incarceration of dissident blogger Raif Badawi and women 's rights campaigners including Loujain al-Hathloul .
It also highlighted the `` arbitrary '' detention of multiple Saudi royal family members , including Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and Princess Basmah bint Saud .
In a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmaker Marc Tarabella appealed for the release of Prince Salman , who has been detained along with his ageing father since January 2018 .
`` lt is clear ... that their current deprivation of liberty is arbitrary , and amounts to a violation of Saudi domestic and international obligations , '' Tarabella wrote in the letter seen by AFP , which was dated September 29 .
`` As such , I urge you to immediately and unconditionally release Salman bin Abdulaziz Saud and ( his father ) Abdulaziz bin Salman . ''
Tarabella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation for relations with the Arabian peninsula , has sent similar appeals to Saudi authorities in the past but received no response , the parliament source told said .

Riyadh (AFP) –
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A push to downgrade the EU's attendance at next month's G20 summit in Riyadh over human rights concerns marks another setback for Saudi plans to host a coming-out party on the world stage.
The European Parliament passed a wide-ranging resolution on Thursday calling for the European Union (EU) and its member states to downgrade their representation at the virtual summit in order to "avoid legitimising impunity for human rights violations and ongoing illegal and arbitrary detentions in Saudi Arabia".
The resolution, which coincides with the two-year anniversary of the brutal murder in Istanbul of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, sends what a source at the parliament called a "strong political message" to the kingdom.
The resolution implies European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, will not attend the summit if they heed the call of lawmakers, the source said.
Further piling pressure on them, members of the European Parliament are carrying out an internal signature campaign calling for "downgrading the level of the EU participation to a senior official level", according to a document seen by AFP.
"The Saudi government has a long record of silencing the very voices that are necessary for a meaningful global conversation regarding the challenges we collectively face, which challenges the appropriateness of their hosting the 2020 G20 summit," said the document addressed to Michel and von der Leyen.
"We should not legitimise a government committing egregious human rights violations as host of one of the most important summit meetings in the world."
Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.
- 'Introduction to the world' -
As a full member of the G20, the EU is a major economic power at the table along with three of its member states –- Germany, France and Italy.
A decision to downgrade their representation would be an embarrassment for Riyadh "at the most important event for Saudi international diplomacy", said Yasmine Farouk from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
The development follows a move by the mayors of major world cities, including New York, to boycott a G20-related virtual conference hosted by Riyadh last month also over human rights concerns.
Saudi Arabia, the first Arab nation to host the G20, had planned for a grand summit that would showcase the ambitious modernisation drive of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose international reputation was tarnished by Khashoggi's murder.
The summit, set for November 21 and 22, would be "the crown prince's true introduction to the world stage", a Saudi academic wrote in the Arab News daily last year.
The prince "will not only have the opportunity to showcase the kingdom's ambitious reform projects, but also to grow Saudi influence in the international community", he said at the time.
But the coronavirus pandemic, which has made a physical summit impossible, has largely dampened those hopes.
"The symbolic impact is diminished when the Saudis can't play magnanimous hosts and open the country to world leaders," Kristin Diwan of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington told AFP.
"A boycott or downgrade bringing the human rights agenda to the forefront would be a further blow."
- 'Horrific plight' -
The human rights issues listed in Thursday's parliament resolution included the "horrific plight" of Ethiopian migrants detained in Saudi prisons and the ongoing incarceration of dissident blogger Raif Badawi and women's rights campaigners including Loujain al-Hathloul.
It also highlighted the "arbitrary" detention of multiple Saudi royal family members, including Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and Princess Basmah bint Saud.
In a new letter addressed to Prince Mohammed, Belgian lawmaker Marc Tarabella appealed for the release of Prince Salman, who has been detained along with his ageing father since January 2018.
"lt is clear... that their current deprivation of liberty is arbitrary, and amounts to a violation of Saudi domestic and international obligations," Tarabella wrote in the letter seen by AFP, which was dated September 29.
"As such, I urge you to immediately and unconditionally release Salman bin Abdulaziz Saud and (his father) Abdulaziz bin Salman."
Tarabella, vice chairman of the parliament's delegation for relations with the Arabian peninsula, has sent similar appeals to Saudi authorities in the past but received no response, the parliament source told said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Problem-solver Kenin looks to add French Open 'piece' to puzzle

Sofia Kenin is just the third American woman to reach her first two Grand Slam finals during the same season Sofia Kenin 's prospects entering the French Open appeared as bleak as the weather at a damp and chilly Roland Garros , following a 6-0 , 6-0 loss in her only tune-up event on clay .
Instead , her crushing loss to Victoria Azarenka in Rome , a `` disaster '' Kenin termed it , gave the American a problem to solve -- a challenge the 21-year-old embraces more than most .
`` Definitely , I 'm a problem solver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situations .
It 's a tennis match .
You know your opponent wants to win .
They want to find your weakness .
Of course , you 've got to be smart , '' Kenin said after her 6-4 , 7-5 semi-final win over Petra Kvitova .
`` I obviously like it not to get too crazy with the scoreline and everything .
I prefer to be going easy , but obviously can not expect that .
I 'm in a semi-final .
I 'm not going to have a 6-0 , 6-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Kenin 's bizarre , no-look service action is a puzzle to many , she found it difficult to impose herself on clay until a third-round win over Serena Williams last year in Paris gave her reason to believe .
`` I did not like clay at all .
Honestly , like in juniors , clay was not my strongest surface .
I felt underpowered .
I could n't control the points .
I did n't have great movement .
It was a bit of a struggle for me , '' said Kenin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it gave me a boost in confidence . ''
Teenage phenomenon Coco Gauff grabbed the spotlight at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2019 , but Kenin was voted the WTA 's most improved player after winning three titles and climbing into the top 20 .
Before the Australian Open in January , Kenin had only reached the second week at a major once .
However , she emerged from the shadows in Melbourne -- beating the much-touted Gauff , world number one Ashleigh Barty and double Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the fifth- or sixth-best American junior of her generation , '' said 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Chris Evert , commentating for the Tennis Channel .
`` She was kind of a pusher with no weapons .
And now she is a Slam champion with a chance to win another .
That tells you a lot about her . ''
Kenin 's feistiness has enabled her to battle through four three-setters in five matches at Roland Garros before taking down Kvitova , her first seeded opponent .
The Czech had n't dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much like Iga Swiatek , who awaits Kenin in Saturday 's final .
The Polish teenager has conceded only 23 games in six rounds and drawn comparisons to world number one Novak Djokovic , who is trying to become the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice .
Swiatek , 19 , is aiming to become her country 's first Grand Slam singles champion and has been tipped to become a star of the future .
`` I think she is there to be a Grand Slam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that Iga can be the one , '' Mats Wilander , a winner of three French Opens , told Eurosport .
`` Her basic game reminds me of Novak Djokovic , '' he added .
`` She does n't have any weaknesses at all , not one .
I think she is going to be one to look out for in the next few years – maybe the one . ''
Swiatek is bidding to become the first woman to hoist the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen without losing a set since Justine Henin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way is Kenin , a player who thrives on tackling the biggest obstacles .
`` Losing I really hate and I love winning .
I try to do everything I can to win , '' said Kenin , as she attempts to add another chapter to a tale of success .
`` I guess a piece is I won a Grand Slam , and now I 'm in the final of Roland Garros , which is really special .
Hopefully there might be another piece to write that I won Roland Garros .
@

Paris (AFP) –
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Sofia Kenin's prospects entering the French Open appeared as bleak as the weather at a damp and chilly Roland Garros, following a 6-0, 6-0 loss in her only tune-up event on clay.
Instead, her crushing loss to Victoria Azarenka in Rome, a "disaster" Kenin termed it, gave the American a problem to solve -- a challenge the 21-year-old embraces more than most.
"Definitely, I'm a problem solver. You obviously have to expect tough situations. It's a tennis match. You know your opponent wants to win. They want to find your weakness. Of course, you've got to be smart," Kenin said after her 6-4, 7-5 semi-final win over Petra Kvitova.
"I obviously like it not to get too crazy with the scoreline and everything. I prefer to be going easy, but obviously cannot expect that. I'm in a semi-final. I'm not going to have a 6-0, 6-0 win, especially against Petra."
While Kenin's bizarre, no-look service action is a puzzle to many, she found it difficult to impose herself on clay until a third-round win over Serena Williams last year in Paris gave her reason to believe.
"I did not like clay at all. Honestly, like in juniors, clay was not my strongest surface. I felt underpowered. I couldn't control the points. I didn't have great movement. It was a bit of a struggle for me," said Kenin.
"After playing against Serena, it gave me a boost in confidence."
Teenage phenomenon Coco Gauff grabbed the spotlight at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2019, but Kenin was voted the WTA's most improved player after winning three titles and climbing into the top 20.
Before the Australian Open in January, Kenin had only reached the second week at a major once. However, she emerged from the shadows in Melbourne -- beating the much-touted Gauff, world number one Ashleigh Barty and double Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza to capture the title.
"Kenin was like the fifth- or sixth-best American junior of her generation," said 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Chris Evert, commentating for the Tennis Channel.
"She was kind of a pusher with no weapons. And now she is a Slam champion with a chance to win another. That tells you a lot about her."
- 'I hate losing' -
Kenin's feistiness has enabled her to battle through four three-setters in five matches at Roland Garros before taking down Kvitova, her first seeded opponent.
The Czech hadn't dropped a set in reaching the last four, much like Iga Swiatek, who awaits Kenin in Saturday's final.
The Polish teenager has conceded only 23 games in six rounds and drawn comparisons to world number one Novak Djokovic, who is trying to become the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice.
Swiatek, 19, is aiming to become her country's first Grand Slam singles champion and has been tipped to become a star of the future.
"I think she is there to be a Grand Slam champion, multiple times. I genuinely believe that Iga can be the one," Mats Wilander, a winner of three French Opens, told Eurosport.
"Her basic game reminds me of Novak Djokovic," he added. "She doesn't have any weaknesses at all, not one. I think she is going to be one to look out for in the next few years – maybe the one."
Swiatek is bidding to become the first woman to hoist the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen without losing a set since Justine Henin in 2007, but standing in her way is Kenin, a player who thrives on tackling the biggest obstacles.
"Losing I really hate and I love winning. I try to do everything I can to win," said Kenin, as she attempts to add another chapter to a tale of success.
"I guess a piece is I won a Grand Slam, and now I'm in the final of Roland Garros, which is really special. Hopefully there might be another piece to write that I won Roland Garros."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Armenian, Azerbaijani officials to hold truce talks in Moscow

Armenian and Azerbaijani officials were headed to Russia on Friday for talks aimed at ending the worst violence in the @ @ @ @ @ FRANCE 24 correspondent Nick Holdsworth says there is growing international hope of a truce .

Armenian, Azerbaijani officials to hold truce talks in Moscow
02:43
Armenian and Azerbaijani officials were headed to Russia on Friday for talks aimed at ending the worst violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1994. FRANCE 24 correspondent Nick Holdsworth says there is growing international hope of a truce.


france24--2020-10-09--Live: Macron welcomes ex-hostage Sophie Pétronin, held in Mali for nearly four years, home to France

Live : Macron welcomes ex-hostage Sophie Pétronin , held in Mali for nearly four years , home to France Sophie @ @ @ @ @ worker who was the last French hostage in the world , was greeted by French @ @ @ @ @ arrived home in France on Friday .
She was released on Thursday after being held @ @ @ @ @ for nearly four years .
Follow our live blog for all the latest developments .
@ @ @ @ @ Thursday after nearly four years in captivity .
• She was freed alongside Malian politician @ @ @ @ @ nationals .
• French President Emmanuel Macron voiced “ immense relief ” at Pétronin 's @ @ @ @ @ that he would welcome her back to France .
Follow our live blog for all @ @ @ @ @ international news everywhere with you !
Download the France 24 app

As it happened: Macron welcomes ex-hostage Sophie Pétronin home to France
Sophie Pétronin, a 75-year-old aid worker who was the last French hostage in the world until her release on Thursday, was greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron on an airport tarmac outside Paris on Friday. She had been held captive by jihadists in Mali since her abduction on Christmas Eve in 2016. FRANCE 24 provided this live coverage of the poignant moment when Pétronin first set foot in France after her lengthy ordeal.
01:22 French President Emmanuel Macron stands next to French aid worker Sophie Pétronin upon her arrival at the Villacoublay military airport near Paris, France October 9, 2020. © Reuters
Advertising Read more Pétronin was released on Thursday after nearly four years in captivity.
She was freed alongside Malian politician Soumaïla Cissé and two Italian nationals.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced “immense relief” at Pétronin's release, and tweeted Friday that "the French are thrilled along with me to see you again" as he welcomed the aid worker as her plane touched down outside Paris. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app


france24--2020-10-09--Twitter shuts Iran-based network fanning flames of US race protests

The network of more than 100 accounts 'artificially amplified ' conversations on topics including George Floyd 's death , Black Lives Matter and social justice issues in the US , Twitter said Twitter said it has closed an Iran-based network of accounts fanning the flames around racial justice protests in the US sparked by the death of George Floyd .
Floyd 's death on May 25 became a symbol of what many say is systemic racism and abuse of African Americans by police , and has sparked months of often violent protests across the US .
The network of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations on topics including Floyd 's death , Black Lives Matter and social justice issues , the platform said in a statement Thursday .
Twitter also said it had closed more than 900 accounts linked to the Thai army for attacking prominent opposition figures and diffusing pro-government and military propaganda .
The kingdom is seeing a groundswell of pro-democracy protests demanding the government step down and the monarchy reform .
Many of the banned Thai accounts tried to deflect blame from the military for the Korat shooting -- a gun rampage earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and injured 57 people at a shopping mall .
`` Some of them are still in a Cold War mindset , but they do n't know that in the digital world you leave technology footprints that can be traced , '' Thai opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn told AFP .
Army spokesman Lieutenant General Santipong Thampiya denied the suspended Twitter accounts were linked to the military , dismissing the investigation as unfair and lacking in-depth analysis .
In a statement Thursday Facebook also said it had closed accounts in multiple countries , from government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinformation .
In Myanmar -- which heads to the polls next month -- Facebook said it had removed 17 pages , 50 accounts and six Instagram accounts .
Many of these were critical of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party , as well as a `` small number '' targeting the long-persecuted Rohingya Muslim community .
`` Our investigation found links to members of the Myanmar military , '' said Facebook , which is scrambling to improve its image in a nation where online hate speech is thought to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had also removed more than 850 dubious accounts spanning Nigeria , Azerbaijan , the US , Kenya and Botswana in the first week of October alone .
Last month it closed 511 accounts , mainly based in Russia , China and the Philippines .

Bangkok (AFP) –
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Twitter said it has closed an Iran-based network of accounts fanning the flames around racial justice protests in the US sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Floyd's death on May 25 became a symbol of what many say is systemic racism and abuse of African Americans by police, and has sparked months of often violent protests across the US.
The network of more than 100 accounts "artificially amplified" conversations on topics including Floyd's death, Black Lives Matter and social justice issues, the platform said in a statement Thursday.
Twitter also said it had closed more than 900 accounts linked to the Thai army for attacking prominent opposition figures and diffusing pro-government and military propaganda.
The kingdom is seeing a groundswell of pro-democracy protests demanding the government step down and the monarchy reform.
Many of the banned Thai accounts tried to deflect blame from the military for the Korat shooting -- a gun rampage earlier this year in which a soldier killed 30 and injured 57 people at a shopping mall.
"Some of them are still in a Cold War mindset, but they don't know that in the digital world you leave technology footprints that can be traced," Thai opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn told AFP.
Army spokesman Lieutenant General Santipong Thampiya denied the suspended Twitter accounts were linked to the military, dismissing the investigation as unfair and lacking in-depth analysis.
In a statement Thursday Facebook also said it had closed accounts in multiple countries, from government or military-linked networks it said were spreading disinformation.
In Myanmar -- which heads to the polls next month -- Facebook said it had removed 17 pages, 50 accounts and six Instagram accounts.
Many of these were critical of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, as well as a "small number" targeting the long-persecuted Rohingya Muslim community.
"Our investigation found links to members of the Myanmar military," said Facebook, which is scrambling to improve its image in a nation where online hate speech is thought to have spilled into offline violence.
The platform said it had also removed more than 850 dubious accounts spanning Nigeria, Azerbaijan, the US, Kenya and Botswana in the first week of October alone.
Last month it closed 511 accounts, mainly based in Russia, China and the Philippines.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Madrid emergency looms over lockdown chaos

The bombshell court decision in effect cancelled restrictions covering some 4.5 million people in and around Madrid Spain 's cabinet was to open urgent talks on Friday to consider imposing a state of emergency in Madrid after judges overturned a partial lockdown that was opposed by the regional authorities .
Thursday 's bombshell court decision in effect cancelled restrictions covering some 4.5 million people in and around the capital , where the rate of infections is twice the national average .
Caught in a bitter standoff with Madrid 's rightwing administration which opposes the restrictions , Spain 's socialist Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : either the region passes the measures itself , or the government declares a state of emergency to push them through .
Imposed on October 2 , the restrictions barred residents of the capital and nine nearby towns from leaving the city limits except for work , school or on medical grounds , and also imposed an 11:00 pm curfew on bars and restaurants .
Ahead of the cabinet meeting , Madrid government leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso , a member of the conservative Popular Party , was locked in talks with her administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a phone conversation late on Thursday , Sanchez told her the region could issue an order validating the restrictions or ask the central government to impose a state of emergency to ratify the measures .
The third option was for the central government to impose such a measure , he told her , saying that in all three cases , the restrictions would remain the same .
With Sanchez away at a ceremony in Barcelona with King Felipe VI , the cabinet meeting was to be chaired by Carmen Calvo , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continually reaching out to the region to deal with the situation to ensure that these measures are kept in place in order to contain the pandemic in Madrid , '' Calvo said ahead of the meeting .
`` We have only one objective : to protect Madrid..
If the community can not do it , we will . ''
Despite opposing the partial lockdown of the capital , mainly on economic grounds , Diaz Ayuso urged residents to stay within city limits , especially over the forthcoming three-day weekend for Spain 's National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in a situation where incidence of the virus remains very , very high , '' national emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon warned on Thursday , urging people to act responsibly .
`` If people go to their second residence in the mountains , or go on holiday even within the region , it implies risk . ''
Meanwhile , a group of scientific and medical organisations representing 170,000 professionals published a letter online pleading for an end to the political infighting .
`` You must accept , once and for all , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions must be based on the best-available scientific evidence and completely disconnected from the ongoing political confrontation , '' it said .
By late morning the petition , which was published on change.org , had been signed by nearly 100,000 people .
The court refused to ratify the restrictions on grounds they were imposed by the central government and not by the regional authorities .
The infection rate in the region of Madrid currently stands at 564 cases per 100,000 people , compared with just 257 in the rest of Spain , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Madrid (AFP) –
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Spain's cabinet was to open urgent talks on Friday to consider imposing a state of emergency in Madrid after judges overturned a partial lockdown that was opposed by the regional authorities.
Thursday's bombshell court decision in effect cancelled restrictions covering some 4.5 million people in and around the capital, where the rate of infections is twice the national average.
Caught in a bitter standoff with Madrid's rightwing administration which opposes the restrictions, Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has issued an ultimatum: either the region passes the measures itself, or the government declares a state of emergency to push them through.
Imposed on October 2, the restrictions barred residents of the capital and nine nearby towns from leaving the city limits except for work, school or on medical grounds, and also imposed an 11:00 pm curfew on bars and restaurants.
Ahead of the cabinet meeting, Madrid government leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso, a member of the conservative Popular Party, was locked in talks with her administration to decide what to do.
In a phone conversation late on Thursday, Sanchez told her the region could issue an order validating the restrictions or ask the central government to impose a state of emergency to ratify the measures.
The third option was for the central government to impose such a measure, he told her, saying that in all three cases, the restrictions would remain the same.
With Sanchez away at a ceremony in Barcelona with King Felipe VI, the cabinet meeting was to be chaired by Carmen Calvo, one of his deputies.
"We have been continually reaching out to the region to deal with the situation to ensure that these measures are kept in place in order to contain the pandemic in Madrid," Calvo said ahead of the meeting.
"We have only one objective: to protect Madrid.. If the community cannot do it, we will."
- Call for responsibility -
Despite opposing the partial lockdown of the capital, mainly on economic grounds, Diaz Ayuso urged residents to stay within city limits, especially over the forthcoming three-day weekend for Spain's National Day on October 12.
"We remain in a situation where incidence of the virus remains very, very high," national emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon warned on Thursday, urging people to act responsibly.
"If people go to their second residence in the mountains, or go on holiday even within the region, it implies risk."
Meanwhile, a group of scientific and medical organisations representing 170,000 professionals published a letter online pleading for an end to the political infighting.
"You must accept, once and for all, that to deal with the pandemic, key decisions must be based on the best-available scientific evidence and completely disconnected from the ongoing political confrontation," it said.
By late morning the petition, which was published on change.org, had been signed by nearly 100,000 people.
The court refused to ratify the restrictions on grounds they were imposed by the central government and not by the regional authorities.
The infection rate in the region of Madrid currently stands at 564 cases per 100,000 people, compared with just 257 in the rest of Spain, which is the highest in the European Union.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Scotland to close pubs and restaurants

Scotland to close pubs and restaurants

Scotland is bringing in new restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus .
Pubs and restaurants in areas including Edinburgh @ @ @ @ @ , with people urged to avoid public transport .

Scotland to close pubs and restaurants
01:33
Scotland is bringing in new restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus. Pubs and restaurants in areas including Edinburgh and Glasgow will be closed, with people urged to avoid public transport.


france24--2020-10-09--Relief as French aid worker released after four years

Relief as French aid worker released after four years The release of Sophie Pétronin after four years in captivity was @ @ @ @ @ family , who had feared not enough had been done to ensure her health and @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian was abducted in the Malian city of Gao in 2016 .

Relief as French aid worker released after four years
01:28
The release of Sophie Pétronin after four years in captivity was greeted with relief by her family, who had feared not enough had been done to ensure her health and wellbeing. The doctor and humanitarian was abducted in the Malian city of Gao in 2016.


france24--2020-10-09--Police clear Berlin squat, symbol of city's radicalism

Police removed residents one by one from the four-storey building , an emblem of Berlin 's fading 'poor but sexy ' image Police cleared one of Berlin 's few remaining squats on Friday , as a symbol of the German capital 's free-spirited ideals faces the reality of soaring rents and gentrification .
Berlin mobilised hundreds of law enforcement officials to evict residents of the `` Liebig34 '' site in Friedrichshain , a hip part of former East Berlin where property prices have risen sharply .
But far from the street battles feared by Berlin authorities , the evictions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Berlin Wall , blocks of abandoned houses in the east of the capital were taken over by students , young people , artists and activists .
Some of the squats were subsequently legalised as housing projects .
The self-described `` anarchist-queer-feminist '' building on the corner of Liebigstrasse , with a facade covered with graffiti and banners , has been offering shelter to about 40 women , trans and intersex people since 1999 .
A bar and a self-managed cultural centre helped the collective to raise part of the money needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Padovicz , who owns the building , decided in 2018 not to renew the lease for Liebig34 .
Faced with the residents ' refusal to leave their homes , he filed a lawsuit , which he won , culminating in Friday 's eviction .
Police removed residents one by one from the four-storey building , an emblem of Berlin 's fading `` poor but sexy '' image , the marketing slogan of the city 's former mayor Klaus Wowereit .
Protesting against the police action , Anna Mai , whistle in hand on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Liebig34 was `` a symbol of the diversity of this city which should n't only belong to the rich .
Berlin is dying '' .
`` It goes against human rights to throw people out on to the street in the middle of a pandemic , when they can not pay their rent , '' Moritz Heusinger , lawyer for the Liebig34 collective , told AFP .
`` They are becoming homeless . ''

Berlin (AFP) –
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Police cleared one of Berlin's few remaining squats on Friday, as a symbol of the German capital's free-spirited ideals faces the reality of soaring rents and gentrification.
Berlin mobilised hundreds of law enforcement officials to evict residents of the "Liebig34" site in Friedrichshain, a hip part of former East Berlin where property prices have risen sharply.
But far from the street battles feared by Berlin authorities, the evictions were relatively peaceful.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, blocks of abandoned houses in the east of the capital were taken over by students, young people, artists and activists. Some of the squats were subsequently legalised as housing projects.
The self-described "anarchist-queer-feminist" building on the corner of Liebigstrasse, with a facade covered with graffiti and banners, has been offering shelter to about 40 women, trans and intersex people since 1999.
A bar and a self-managed cultural centre helped the collective to raise part of the money needed to pay the rent.
But investor Gijora Padovicz, who owns the building, decided in 2018 not to renew the lease for Liebig34.
Faced with the residents' refusal to leave their homes, he filed a lawsuit, which he won, culminating in Friday's eviction.
Police removed residents one by one from the four-storey building, an emblem of Berlin's fading "poor but sexy" image, the marketing slogan of the city's former mayor Klaus Wowereit.
Protesting against the police action, Anna Mai, whistle in hand on the edge of the police cordon, said Liebig34 was "a symbol of the diversity of this city which shouldn't only belong to the rich. Berlin is dying".
"It goes against human rights to throw people out on to the street in the middle of a pandemic, when they cannot pay their rent," Moritz Heusinger, lawyer for the Liebig34 collective, told AFP.
"They are becoming homeless."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Stuck in your 'smart' chastity device? Use a screwdriver, manufacturer says

Researchers have warned the device is vulnerable to hackers The maker of a 'smart ' male chastity device has recommended using a screwdriver to break them open after warnings they can be locked remotely by hackers .
Chinese firm Qiui , whose Bluetooth-controlled Cellmate device can only be unlocked via an app , issued a video called `` When nothing else works '' , showing the screwdriver fix .
It follows a warning from researchers that the Cellmate , which clamps a metal ring around the genitals , is vulnerable to hackers who could lock them en masse , potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and CEO Jake Guo said it was `` simply not true '' that users could get stuck in the Cellmate , which is marketed both for anti-cheating and submission sex play .
`` In case you can not contact our customer support , the second option is to break open the Cellmate cap with a screwdriver or similar , as demonstrated in the video on our website , '' he said in a statement sent to AFP .
`` This will allow you to remove the pin lock and device . ''
Guo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a traditional chastity cage –- often made of steel -– with a classic padlock is much riskier .
`` If you lose the key , you actually would need a grinder or bolt-cutter to remove the cage . ''
Alex Lomas of Pen Test Partners , which released the research report , questioned the screwdriver manoeuvre , wondering whether the required angle was possible while wearing a Cellmate .
`` Also , it 's a bit close for comfort ! ''
he wrote on Twitter .
`` Have you tried this for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC : `` The forceful use of a screwdriver in close proximity to a very sensitive area of the anatomy seems very unwise . ''
PTP also found other security flaws in the Cellmate -- listed for $ 189 on Qiui 's website -- that could expose user information such as names , phone numbers , birthdays and location data .
Smart sex toys and devices are among the wave of new `` internet of things '' products and appliances introduced in recent years that are online and capable of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made them vulnerable to security breaches and privacy violations .
To guard against hacks , Guo advised Cellmate users to remove the Qiui app on their phones and replace it with an updated version .
`` Every modern device can potentially be hacked nowadays , '' he said .
`` When a possible security leak with a game console , PC , smart phone or social media app is discovered and reported , people do n't seem to have the tendency to stop using them . ''

Hong Kong (AFP) –
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The maker of a 'smart' male chastity device has recommended using a screwdriver to break them open after warnings they can be locked remotely by hackers.
Chinese firm Qiui, whose Bluetooth-controlled Cellmate device can only be unlocked via an app, issued a video called "When nothing else works", showing the screwdriver fix.
It follows a warning from researchers that the Cellmate, which clamps a metal ring around the genitals, is vulnerable to hackers who could lock them en masse, potentially trapping thousands of users.
Company founder and CEO Jake Guo said it was "simply not true" that users could get stuck in the Cellmate, which is marketed both for anti-cheating and submission sex play.
"In case you cannot contact our customer support, the second option is to break open the Cellmate cap with a screwdriver or similar, as demonstrated in the video on our website," he said in a statement sent to AFP.
"This will allow you to remove the pin lock and device."
Guo added: "Compared to Cellmate, wearing a traditional chastity cage –- often made of steel -– with a classic padlock is much riskier.
"If you lose the key, you actually would need a grinder or bolt-cutter to remove the cage."
Alex Lomas of Pen Test Partners, which released the research report, questioned the screwdriver manoeuvre, wondering whether the required angle was possible while wearing a Cellmate.
"Also, it's a bit close for comfort!" he wrote on Twitter. "Have you tried this for real?"
His colleague Ken Munro told the BBC: "The forceful use of a screwdriver in close proximity to a very sensitive area of the anatomy seems very unwise."
- Internet of things -
PTP also found other security flaws in the Cellmate -- listed for $189 on Qiui's website -- that could expose user information such as names, phone numbers, birthdays and location data.
Smart sex toys and devices are among the wave of new "internet of things" products and appliances introduced in recent years that are online and capable of being operated remotely.
Their connectivity has also made them vulnerable to security breaches and privacy violations.
To guard against hacks, Guo advised Cellmate users to remove the Qiui app on their phones and replace it with an updated version.
"Every modern device can potentially be hacked nowadays," he said.
"When a possible security leak with a game console, PC, smart phone or social media app is discovered and reported, people don't seem to have the tendency to stop using them."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Indonesia defence minister invited to US after ban lifted

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto , an ex-general and former son-in-law of dictator Suharto , has been invited to the US from October 15-19 , his aides said The United States has lifted a long-time ban on Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto over alleged human rights violations and invited him to Washington next week , his aides said Friday .
A former son-in-law of Indonesia 's long-time dictator Suharto , Subianto was denied a US visa in 2000 , reportedly because of his rights record .
Subianto , a former commander of the notorious Kopassus special forces , allegedly ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final days of Suharto 's rule in 1998 and has been accused of committing atrocities in East Timor during its brutal 24-year Indonesian occupation .
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper made the invitation and the trip would take place October 15-19 , the defence minister 's spokesman Dahnil Anzar said .
Another aide Irawan Ronodipuro said the former general had been taken off the US blacklist , but did not provide any details .
`` The ban has been lifted and he will visit the US to discuss military relations and cooperation between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The US embassy in Jakarta refused to comment , citing confidentiality over visa rules .
Amnesty International described the US decision to lift the ban on Subianto as `` catastrophic for Indonesia 's human rights '' .
`` His status as defence Minister should not be a waiver for him to get a visa , '' Amnesty International Indonesia 's executive director Usman Hamid said .
`` If the visa is granted without concrete and meaningful preconditions , it would be a disaster for Indonesian human rights , a catastrophic decision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence minister last year , after several runs for president , Subianto has travelled the world intensively to negotiate arms procurements deals in a bid to strengthen the country 's defence .
Washington has been pushing Southeast Asian countries to counter China 's influence in the region , but Indonesia has been very careful not to get entangled in the power struggle .

Jakarta (AFP) –
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The United States has lifted a long-time ban on Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto over alleged human rights violations and invited him to Washington next week, his aides said Friday.
A former son-in-law of Indonesia's long-time dictator Suharto, Subianto was denied a US visa in 2000, reportedly because of his rights record.
Subianto, a former commander of the notorious Kopassus special forces, allegedly ordered the abduction of democracy activists in the final days of Suharto's rule in 1998 and has been accused of committing atrocities in East Timor during its brutal 24-year Indonesian occupation.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper made the invitation and the trip would take place October 15-19, the defence minister's spokesman Dahnil Anzar said.
Another aide Irawan Ronodipuro said the former general had been taken off the US blacklist, but did not provide any details.
"The ban has been lifted and he will visit the US to discuss military relations and cooperation between the two countries," he said.
The US embassy in Jakarta refused to comment, citing confidentiality over visa rules.
Amnesty International described the US decision to lift the ban on Subianto as "catastrophic for Indonesia's human rights".
"His status as defence Minister should not be a waiver for him to get a visa," Amnesty International Indonesia's executive director Usman Hamid said.
"If the visa is granted without concrete and meaningful preconditions, it would be a disaster for Indonesian human rights, a catastrophic decision," he said.
Since he became defence minister last year, after several runs for president, Subianto has travelled the world intensively to negotiate arms procurements deals in a bid to strengthen the country's defence.
Washington has been pushing Southeast Asian countries to counter China's influence in the region, but Indonesia has been very careful not to get entangled in the power struggle.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Twitter tightens rules to thwart election threats

Twitter and other social media giants have been under scrutiny over their role in spreading election misinformation in 2016 Twitter said Friday it will take down calls for violence starting after polls close on US election day and slap warnings on premature victory claims to fight efforts to undermine the election .
When it comes to a winner in any race , Twitter will require an announcement by an election official or a public projection from at least two authoritative , national news outlets making independent election calls .
The California tech giant will also invite people to add their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing , according to legal lead Vijaya Gadde and product lead Kayvon Beykpour .
The platform , a favorite method of communicating for President Donald Trump , will also broaden its application of warning labels for misleading tweets by candidates leading up to election day on November 3 .
`` Twitter plays a critical role around the globe by empowering democratic conversation , driving civic participation , facilitating meaningful political debate , and enabling people to hold those in power accountable , '' Gadde and Beykpour said in a blog post .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be achieved unless the integrity of this critical dialogue on Twitter is protected from attempts -- both foreign and domestic -- to undermine it . ''
Social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter have been in the spotlight since massive disinformation campaigns directed by Russian intelligence and other malign actors overshadowed the 2016 election .
Applying existing protocol , Twitter will label tweets that falsely claim a win and will remove `` tweets that encourage violence or call for people to interfere with election results or the smooth operation of polling places .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interfere with elections , and the platform already adds labels to tweets that violate rules against doctored media or misleading information concerning voting or Covid-19 .
Beginning next week , people who try to retweet posts deserving warning labels because of misleading information will be shown a prompt directing them to credible facts about the topic first , according to the blog post .
`` These new prompts will give individuals more context on labeled tweets so they can make more informed decisions on whether or not they want to amplify them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Twitter will also start adding warnings and restrictions on tweets labeled as containing misleading information when they are from US political figures including candidates and campaign accounts .
The same will be done with misleading tweets from US-based accounts with more than 100,000 followers , or that spark significant engagement .
`` We have already increased the size and capacity of our teams focused on the US election and will have the necessary staffing to respond rapidly to issues that may arise on Twitter on Election night and in the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

San Francisco (AFP) –
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Twitter said Friday it will take down calls for violence starting after polls close on US election day and slap warnings on premature victory claims to fight efforts to undermine the election.
When it comes to a winner in any race, Twitter will require an announcement by an election official or a public projection from at least two authoritative, national news outlets making independent election calls.
The California tech giant will also invite people to add their thoughts to retweets instead of just mindlessly sharing, according to legal lead Vijaya Gadde and product lead Kayvon Beykpour.
The platform, a favorite method of communicating for President Donald Trump, will also broaden its application of warning labels for misleading tweets by candidates leading up to election day on November 3.
"Twitter plays a critical role around the globe by empowering democratic conversation, driving civic participation, facilitating meaningful political debate, and enabling people to hold those in power accountable," Gadde and Beykpour said in a blog post.
"But we know that this cannot be achieved unless the integrity of this critical dialogue on Twitter is protected from attempts -- both foreign and domestic -- to undermine it."
Social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter have been in the spotlight since massive disinformation campaigns directed by Russian intelligence and other malign actors overshadowed the 2016 election.
Applying existing protocol, Twitter will label tweets that falsely claim a win and will remove "tweets that encourage violence or call for people to interfere with election results or the smooth operation of polling places."
Twitter forbids posts that manipulate or interfere with elections, and the platform already adds labels to tweets that violate rules against doctored media or misleading information concerning voting or Covid-19.
Beginning next week, people who try to retweet posts deserving warning labels because of misleading information will be shown a prompt directing them to credible facts about the topic first, according to the blog post.
"These new prompts will give individuals more context on labeled tweets so they can make more informed decisions on whether or not they want to amplify them to their followers," Gadde and Beykpour said.
Twitter will also start adding warnings and restrictions on tweets labeled as containing misleading information when they are from US political figures including candidates and campaign accounts.
The same will be done with misleading tweets from US-based accounts with more than 100,000 followers, or that spark significant engagement.
"We have already increased the size and capacity of our teams focused on the US election and will have the necessary staffing to respond rapidly to issues that may arise on Twitter on Election night and in the days that follow," Gadde and Beykpour said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--NFL Jets cancel workout but will play after Covid scare

The NFL game between the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals remains scheduled for Sunday after the Jets canceled a practice over a presumptive Covid-19 player positive only for all players , coaches and personnel to test negative later Friday The NFL 's New York Jets will play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday as planned after all players , coaches and staff personnel tested negative Friday following a coronavirus scare .
The Jets ( 0-4 ) will entertain Arizona ( 2-2 ) after losing a practice session Friday when a presumptive positive Covid-19 test was returned by a player , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be sent home from the team facility .
A retest of the player turned out negative after the team conducted work remotely to prepare for the Cardinals game .
The move comes after the NFL rescheduled two other games planned for Sunday to later in the week due to Covid-19 outbreaks .
The Tennessee Titans , with 12 players having tested positive , have had their facility closed for 11 days but it might reopen this weekend ahead of the team 's rescheduled contest Tuesday against fellow unbeaten Buffalo .
The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver rescheduled for Monday night after three players tested positive , including star quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore .

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The NFL's New York Jets will play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday as planned after all players, coaches and staff personnel tested negative Friday following a coronavirus scare.
The Jets (0-4) will entertain Arizona (2-2) after losing a practice session Friday when a presumptive positive Covid-19 test was returned by a player, prompting players, coaches and all personnel to be sent home from the team facility.
A retest of the player turned out negative after the team conducted work remotely to prepare for the Cardinals game.
The move comes after the NFL rescheduled two other games planned for Sunday to later in the week due to Covid-19 outbreaks.
The Tennessee Titans, with 12 players having tested positive, have had their facility closed for 11 days but it might reopen this weekend ahead of the team's rescheduled contest Tuesday against fellow unbeaten Buffalo.
The New England Patriots had their home game against Denver rescheduled for Monday night after three players tested positive, including star quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--South Korean Kim grabs Women's PGA lead on birdie binge

South Korea 's Kim Sei-young , seeking her first major title , birdied five of her last six holes to seize a one-stroke lead after Friday 's second round of the Women 's PGA Championship .
The 27-year-old from Seoul fired a five-under par 65 , including an event record-tying 29 for the front nine , to stand on four-under 136 after 36 holes at Aronimink in Newtown Square , Pennsylvania .
`` Just strategizing to attack the greens .
I 'd try to land it a little short so I can have some release , but it really helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I tried to focus on my game .
Honestly I did n't look at the leaderboard .
I was in a good momentum so I just wanted to ride on that . ''
Seventh-ranked Kim has had six top-five major finishes without a victory , her closest calls being a runner-up finish at the 2015 Women 's PGA and a share of second at the 2018 Evian Championship .
Asked if she felt ready for a major win , Kim said , `` It 's always my goal . ''
Lurking one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlota Ciganda , Sweden 's Anna Nordqvist and Americans Danielle Kang and Jennifer Kupcho .
Kim began on the back nine and made bogeys at 11 and 12 to stumble back , but she answered with a birdie at the par-5 16th , then opened and closed the front nine with birdies around a run of four consecutive birdies starting with a 30-foot putt at the par-4 fourth .
`` That really helped me with momentum and finishing strong , '' Kim said .
`` The wind fluctuated on the back nine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but when we entered the front nine , the wind slowed down and it was easier to attack with my irons .
`` I made a few three-putts , which I regret , but overall I had a good round . ''
Kupcho , who also fired a 65 , was second to England 's Mel Reid last week in Atlantic City .
She returned to the irons that made her a college star but admits she did n't feel ready to push for her first LPGA title .
`` Going into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I felt completely unprepared , and honestly , I felt the same way coming into this week , '' Kupcho said .
`` Not being prepared brings another challenge for me , and I think that 's what helps me play well , just not feeling comfortable with the course . ''
Third-ranked Kang answered a bogey at the fourth with a birdie at the par-3 fifth , then followed a bogey at the par-3 eighth with a birdie at the par-4 12th and birdied the par-5 16th to match the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities that I gave myself but I did n't capitalize on them , '' Kang said .
`` But I made some good up-and-downs and some good birdies .
It 's always good to shoot in the 60s . ''
Ciganda , another back-nine starter , birdied the par-4 12th from 20 feet and tapped in to birdie the par-5 16th but stumbled back to the pack with a bogey at the par-4 fourth .
`` The game felt good .
I played very solid , '' she said .
`` I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end that I did n't make , but I think I am where I want to be for the weekend and very happy with the result . ''
Nordqvist followed birdies at the second and ninth holes with bogeys at the fifth and 10th , then surged late with birdies at the par-3 14th and 16 to join the lead group .
World number two Nelly Korda of the United States withdrew after an opening 71 due to a back injury .
South Korean Lee Mi-rim withdrew with an injury after nine @ @ @

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South Korea's Kim Sei-young, seeking her first major title, birdied five of her last six holes to seize a one-stroke lead after Friday's second round of the Women's PGA Championship.
The 27-year-old from Seoul fired a five-under par 65, including an event record-tying 29 for the front nine, to stand on four-under 136 after 36 holes at Aronimink in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
"Just strategizing to attack the greens. I'd try to land it a little short so I can have some release, but it really helped me out," Kim said.
"I tried to focus on my game. Honestly I didn't look at the leaderboard. I was in a good momentum so I just wanted to ride on that."
Seventh-ranked Kim has had six top-five major finishes without a victory, her closest calls being a runner-up finish at the 2015 Women's PGA and a share of second at the 2018 Evian Championship.
Asked if she felt ready for a major win, Kim said, "It's always my goal."
Lurking one stroke off the pace were Spain's Carlota Ciganda, Sweden's Anna Nordqvist and Americans Danielle Kang and Jennifer Kupcho.
Kim began on the back nine and made bogeys at 11 and 12 to stumble back, but she answered with a birdie at the par-5 16th, then opened and closed the front nine with birdies around a run of four consecutive birdies starting with a 30-foot putt at the par-4 fourth.
- finishing strong -
"That really helped me with momentum and finishing strong," Kim said.
"The wind fluctuated on the back nine, so I struggled with my iron game, but when we entered the front nine, the wind slowed down and it was easier to attack with my irons.
"I made a few three-putts, which I regret, but overall I had a good round."
Kupcho, who also fired a 65, was second to England's Mel Reid last week in Atlantic City. She returned to the irons that made her a college star but admits she didn't feel ready to push for her first LPGA title.
"Going into last week, I was not prepared. I felt completely unprepared, and honestly, I felt the same way coming into this week," Kupcho said.
"Not being prepared brings another challenge for me, and I think that's what helps me play well, just not feeling comfortable with the course."
Third-ranked Kang answered a bogey at the fourth with a birdie at the par-3 fifth, then followed a bogey at the par-3 eighth with a birdie at the par-4 12th and birdied the par-5 16th to match the leaders.
"There are a lot of opportunities that I gave myself but I didn't capitalize on them," Kang said. "But I made some good up-and-downs and some good birdies. It's always good to shoot in the 60s."
Ciganda, another back-nine starter, birdied the par-4 12th from 20 feet and tapped in to birdie the par-5 16th but stumbled back to the pack with a bogey at the par-4 fourth.
"The game felt good. I played very solid," she said. "I had a good three, four chances at the end that I didn't make, but I think I am where I want to be for the weekend and very happy with the result."
Nordqvist followed birdies at the second and ninth holes with bogeys at the fifth and 10th, then surged late with birdies at the par-3 14th and 16 to join the lead group.
World number two Nelly Korda of the United States withdrew after an opening 71 due to a back injury. South Korean Lee Mi-rim withdrew with an injury after nine holes Friday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--NBA Mavericks' Porzingis has right knee surgery

Kristaps Porzingis has had surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee , the NBA 's Dallas @ @ @ @ @ 25-year-old Latvian suffered the injury in game one of the Mavs ' first-round playoff series @ @ @ @ @ in August , and played through it for two games before missing the last three @ @ @ @ @ The Mavericks said Porzingis will `` begin rehab immediately '' but said there was no @ @ @ @ @ The procedure is Porzingis 's second knee surgery in five seasons in the NBA .
@ @ @ @ @ ligament in his left knee in February 2018 when he played for the Knicks and @ @ @ @ @ campaign -- during which he was traded to Dallas .
He returned to action early @ @ @ @ @ 20.4 points , 9.5 rebounds and two blocks in 57 games in the pandemic-disrupted campaign @

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Kristaps Porzingis has had surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, the NBA's Dallas Mavericks said Friday.
The 25-year-old Latvian suffered the injury in game one of the Mavs' first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers in August, and played through it for two games before missing the last three games of the series.
The Mavericks said Porzingis will "begin rehab immediately" but said there was no timetable for his return.
The procedure is Porzingis's second knee surgery in five seasons in the NBA.
He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in February 2018 when he played for the Knicks and missed all of the 2018-19 campaign -- during which he was traded to Dallas.
He returned to action early in this season and averaged 20.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and two blocks in 57 games in the pandemic-disrupted campaign.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Rapids have fourth MLS match delayed after virus outbreak

A fourth Major League Soccer match involving the Colorado Rapids was postponed on Friday due to a Covid-19 outbreak that @ @ @ @ @ training facility for more than two weeks .
The Rapids had their scheduled Saturday home @ @ @ @ @ Galaxy postponed after one new coronavirus case in the Rapids player pool .
The league @ @ @ @ @ health officials and infectious disease experts , postponed the match to an undetermined date .
@ @ @ @ @ planned Wednesday match against Los Angeles FC , a match last Sunday at Portland and @ @ @ @ @ against Kansas City that was postponed to October 21 .
The Rapids , who are @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , closed their training facility on September 24 and multiple players and staffers @ @ @ @ @ , sending much of the organization into self-isolation .
The Rapids rank eighth in the @ @ @ @ @ 19 points after a league-low 13 matches .
The Galaxy are the West doormats at @ @ @ @ @ 15 points .

New York (AFP) –
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A fourth Major League Soccer match involving the Colorado Rapids was postponed on Friday due to a Covid-19 outbreak that has closed the club's training facility for more than two weeks.
The Rapids had their scheduled Saturday home game against the Los Angeles Galaxy postponed after one new coronavirus case in the Rapids player pool.
The league, in consultation with state health officials and infectious disease experts, postponed the match to an undetermined date.
Also postponed have been a planned Wednesday match against Los Angeles FC, a match last Sunday at Portland and a September 23 home match against Kansas City that was postponed to October 21.
The Rapids, who are next set to visit Seattle on Wednesday, closed their training facility on September 24 and multiple players and staffers have tested positive since then, sending much of the organization into self-isolation.
The Rapids rank eighth in the Western Conference at 5-4-4 for 19 points after a league-low 13 matches. The Galaxy are the West doormats at 4-8 with three drawn for 15 points.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Four dead in Beirut fuel tank fire and blast

An explosion and a fuel tank fire in the Lebanese capital Friday killed four people , rescuers said as panic spread in a city already ravaged by a monster blast in August .
A Beirut television station said more than 30 people were hurt in the conflagration , with a medical source adding that three children were hospitalised with burns .
Firefighters using mobile ladders evacuated people from buildings in the bustling district of Tariq al-Jdide .
`` The number of victims increased to four , '' the Lebanese Red Cross said on its Twitter account , updating the toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Georges Kettane added that the `` were injured transported to hospital '' , the national news agency ANI reported .
Lebanese television Al-Jadeed reported that more than 30 people were injured as it broadcast images of flames in a street and sounds of people screaming in panic .
The state-run news agency said a fuel tank exploded , sparking a fire and causing casualties .
Fire Brigade Lieutenant Ali Najm said there was a fire and explosion in a warehouse containing a fuel oil tank , adding the cause of the explosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the fire took hold in an underground premises where there was also petrol .
The source said authorities arrested the owner who manages one of the many private generator services that supply residents with electricity when frequent power outages occur , the source said .
In the last few weeks , Beirut municipality has been looking for warehouses that could be in breach of the law or pose a danger to residential areas , governor Marwan Aboud told Al-Jadeed .
`` We feared that such an accident could happen , '' Aboud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been identified as suspect .
`` We have ordered some of them to close and required others to put in place procedures to protect the public , '' he added .
Private generator services proliferate across the country , sometimes accused of being veritable mafia profiting from electricity shortages , which have forced citizens for decades to resort to subscriptions to cope with frequent power outages .
Friday 's explosion was the latest in a series of terrible events in a country hit with an unprecedented economic crisis and lacking the most basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at Beirut 's port since a cataclysmic August 4 explosion killed 203 people , injured at least 6,500 others and ravaged swathes of the capital .
That blast came as Lebanon struggles with its worst financial crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and political strife , compounded by the coronavirus pandemic .
A large section of public opinion blames the August 4 explosion on what they see as a corrupt and incompetent class of leaders and politicians who have virtually remained the same for decades .

Beirut (AFP) –
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An explosion and a fuel tank fire in the Lebanese capital Friday killed four people, rescuers said as panic spread in a city already ravaged by a monster blast in August.
A Beirut television station said more than 30 people were hurt in the conflagration, with a medical source adding that three children were hospitalised with burns.
Firefighters using mobile ladders evacuated people from buildings in the bustling district of Tariq al-Jdide.
"The number of victims increased to four," the Lebanese Red Cross said on its Twitter account, updating the toll from two dead.
Red Cross Secretary General Georges Kettane added that the "were injured transported to hospital", the national news agency ANI reported.
Lebanese television Al-Jadeed reported that more than 30 people were injured as it broadcast images of flames in a street and sounds of people screaming in panic.
- 'Feared such an accident' -
The state-run news agency said a fuel tank exploded, sparking a fire and causing casualties.
Fire Brigade Lieutenant Ali Najm said there was a fire and explosion in a warehouse containing a fuel oil tank, adding the cause of the explosion was still unknown.
A security source said the fire took hold in an underground premises where there was also petrol.
The source said authorities arrested the owner who manages one of the many private generator services that supply residents with electricity when frequent power outages occur, the source said.
In the last few weeks, Beirut municipality has been looking for warehouses that could be in breach of the law or pose a danger to residential areas, governor Marwan Aboud told Al-Jadeed.
"We feared that such an accident could happen," Aboud said, adding around 100 sites had been identified as suspect.
"We have ordered some of them to close and required others to put in place procedures to protect the public," he added.
Private generator services proliferate across the country, sometimes accused of being veritable mafia profiting from electricity shortages, which have forced citizens for decades to resort to subscriptions to cope with frequent power outages.
Friday's explosion was the latest in a series of terrible events in a country hit with an unprecedented economic crisis and lacking the most basic public services.
Several fires have broken out at Beirut's port since a cataclysmic August 4 explosion killed 203 people, injured at least 6,500 others and ravaged swathes of the capital.
That blast came as Lebanon struggles with its worst financial crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and political strife, compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
A large section of public opinion blames the August 4 explosion on what they see as a corrupt and incompetent class of leaders and politicians who have virtually remained the same for decades.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Footballer Rashford tops list of UK honours for key virus workers

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been honoured for his campaign to tackle child food poverty Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II on Friday in recognition of his campaign to feed vulnerable children , alongside hundreds of key workers who helped in the fight against the coronavirus .
The England international is one of the highest-profile figures in the monarch 's birthday honours list , which was postponed from June in order to include frontline health workers and others in the Covid-19 effort .
The 22-year-old forced a government U-turn over its free school meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive meal vouchers throughout the summer months , and has formed a child food poverty task force .
Rashford , who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire ( MBE ) , said he was `` honoured and humbled '' to receive the award .
`` Let 's stand together in saying that no children in the UK should be going to bed hungry , '' he said .
`` As I have said many times before , no matter your feeling or opinion , not having access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fault . ''
Fitness expert Joe Wicks , whose daily online exercise sessions drew millions of viewers across the globe , is also being made an MBE .
Rapper Lady Leshurr is being awarded the British Empire Medal after releasing a coronavirus-related song this year reminding people to wash their hands .
`` I ca n't believe that the queen of England has noticed and commended the queen of grime , '' she said .
Of those who have been honoured , nearly three-quarters have worked for their local communities , reflecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
`` This year 's honours recipients are a testament to the sort of country we are -- caring , compassionate and resolute in the face of a global pandemic , '' said Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
`` The hard work and dedication of these local , often unsung heroes has helped carry us through .
I congratulate them all . ''
More than 42,000 people have died in the outbreak in Britain -- the worst toll in Europe -- and concern is currently mounting about rising infection numbers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Choudhury , was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire ( OBE ) after he raised £420,000 ( $ 545,000 ) for Covid-19 relief while fasting during Ramadan .
Several experts working in the science , health and pharmaceutical fields have also been recognised for their efforts , including Emma Walmsley , chief executive of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline , who becomes a dame .
`` I 'm humbled to receive this honour , '' said Walmsley .
`` It is a real testament to the many outstanding people we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for patients and people here in the UK and around the world . ''
Ex-Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire ( CBE ) for services to the sport in Wales while former British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas has been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health .

London (AFP) –
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Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II on Friday in recognition of his campaign to feed vulnerable children, alongside hundreds of key workers who helped in the fight against the coronavirus.
The England international is one of the highest-profile figures in the monarch's birthday honours list, which was postponed from June in order to include frontline health workers and others in the Covid-19 effort.
The 22-year-old forced a government U-turn over its free school meals policy, ensuring children in need would receive meal vouchers throughout the summer months, and has formed a child food poverty task force.
Rashford, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), said he was "honoured and humbled" to receive the award.
"Let's stand together in saying that no children in the UK should be going to bed hungry," he said. "As I have said many times before, no matter your feeling or opinion, not having access to food is never the child's fault."
Fitness expert Joe Wicks, whose daily online exercise sessions drew millions of viewers across the globe, is also being made an MBE.
Rapper Lady Leshurr is being awarded the British Empire Medal after releasing a coronavirus-related song this year reminding people to wash their hands.
"I can't believe that the queen of England has noticed and commended the queen of grime," she said.
Of those who have been honoured, nearly three-quarters have worked for their local communities, reflecting the huge voluntary effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"This year's honours recipients are a testament to the sort of country we are -- caring, compassionate and resolute in the face of a global pandemic," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
"The hard work and dedication of these local, often unsung heroes has helped carry us through. I congratulate them all."
More than 42,000 people have died in the outbreak in Britain -- the worst toll in Europe -- and concern is currently mounting about rising infection numbers.
The honours list includes 100-year-old Dabirul Islam Choudhury, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) after he raised £420,000 ($545,000) for Covid-19 relief while fasting during Ramadan.
Several experts working in the science, health and pharmaceutical fields have also been recognised for their efforts, including Emma Walmsley, chief executive of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, who becomes a dame.
"I'm humbled to receive this honour," said Walmsley. "It is a real testament to the many outstanding people we have at GSK and the work we do for patients and people here in the UK and around the world."
Ex-Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the sport in Wales while former British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas has been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Tsitsipas vows to return a 'stronger person' after French Open heartbreak

Stefanos Tsitsipas pledged to learn from his five-set loss to world number one Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals on Friday and use it as inspiration to become a `` stronger person '' .
The Greek fifth seed saved a match point in the third set and forced the 17-time Grand Slam champion into a decider before going down 6-3 , 6-2 , 5-7 , 4-6 , 6-1 after almost four hours .
`` I guess a loss is a very good lesson where life puts a stop at what you 're doing .
You can reflect on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get better , '' said Tsitsipas .
`` You can take that loss and turn it around , use it as a life lesson to move forward , to become a stronger person . ''
The 22-year-old was playing in just his second Grand Slam semi-final , having also reached the last four of the 2019 Australian Open .
`` I feel , I can say , happy and at the same time sad .
Could have been a better result for me today , '' said Tsitsipas , last year 's ATP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again what an incredible athlete and his ability on the courts .
Was difficult , for sure , playing him .
I think one of the most difficult opponents I 've faced in my entire life . ''
Tsitsipas had rallied from two sets down in the opening round to defeat Jaume Munar but came up short after falling into a similar hole against Djokovic .
`` I had an amazing comeback .
I wish I could have figured certain things earlier , '' he said , adding it was a `` huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had been working on in practice into his game .
`` Unfortunately towards the end of the match an injury that I had during my match in Rome came back .
It was difficult to close the match in a fighting way . ''

Paris (AFP) –
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Stefanos Tsitsipas pledged to learn from his five-set loss to world number one Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals on Friday and use it as inspiration to become a "stronger person".
The Greek fifth seed saved a match point in the third set and forced the 17-time Grand Slam champion into a decider before going down 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 after almost four hours.
"I guess a loss is a very good lesson where life puts a stop at what you're doing. You can reflect on that. You can grow. You can get better," said Tsitsipas.
"You can take that loss and turn it around, use it as a life lesson to move forward, to become a stronger person."
The 22-year-old was playing in just his second Grand Slam semi-final, having also reached the last four of the 2019 Australian Open.
"I feel, I can say, happy and at the same time sad. Could have been a better result for me today," said Tsitsipas, last year's ATP Finals champion.
"Novak showed once again what an incredible athlete and his ability on the courts. Was difficult, for sure, playing him. I think one of the most difficult opponents I've faced in my entire life."
Tsitsipas had rallied from two sets down in the opening round to defeat Jaume Munar but came up short after falling into a similar hole against Djokovic.
"I had an amazing comeback. I wish I could have figured certain things earlier," he said, adding it was a "huge mistake" trying to implement new elements he had been working on in practice into his game.
"Unfortunately towards the end of the match an injury that I had during my match in Rome came back. It was difficult to close the match in a fighting way."
© 2020 AFP