france24--2020-11-02--Ivory Coast opposition says forming 'transitional govt' after election boycott

Ivorian opposition candidate Pascal Affi N'Guessan ( right ) calls for 'civilian transition ' during a press conference in Abidjan on November 1 , 2020 .
Ivory Coast 's opposition leaders said Monday they were creating a 'transitional government ' after boycotting a weekend election in protest over President Alassane Ouattara 's bid for a contested third term .
The move deepens a crisis that erupted in August when Ouattara said he would run again , to the fury of the opposition who called it a constitutional breach and an `` electoral coup '' in the West African country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creation of a council of national transition , '' Pascal Affi N'Guessan told reporters .
`` This council 's mission will be to ... create a transitional government within the next few hours . ''
There was no immediate response from the government over the opposition 's latest announcement , raising the stakes in the standoff over the election .
Abidjan , the country 's economic capital , was calm on Monday with no sign of protests and it was not immediately clear what next steps the opposition planned to take .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot as a failure and called for a `` civilian transition '' from Ouattara 's government , provoking a tough warning from his ruling party against trying to stir up unrest .
Pre-election clashes killed at least 30 and the opposition protests stoked fears of a repeat of the 2010-2011 crisis when 3,000 people died after then president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat by Ouattara .
Ouattara , a former IMF economist , appeared set for a reelection on Monday with preliminary results showing him ahead , which had been expected given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Electoral officials were still tallying results and it was not clear when the final count could be announced .
N'Guessan said the transitional council would be lead by opposition veteran Henri Konan Bedie , a former president and long-term adversary of Ouattara whose rivalry has marked Ivorian politics for decades .
> > Who are the four candidates standing in Ivory Coast 's presidential election ?
The anger sparked by Ouattara 's third term has revived memories of past Ivorian feuds with roots even before a 2002 civil war split the country in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tension in francophone West Africa 's top economy is the latest challenge for a region where Guinea is mired in a post-election dispute , Nigeria emerging from widespread unrest and Mali from a coup .
Pockets of unrest , some vandalised voting material and closed polling stations were reported mostly in opposition strongholds during Saturday 's election .
But rival factions gave conflicting accounts of the extent of the boycott .
The government called them isolated .
Tensions were still high in Daoukro , an opposition stronghold 235 kilometres ( 146 miles ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up barricades on election day to blockade roads .
`` We 're here on alert , waiting for the results , '' said General Aime , a local opposition activist .
Residents said four more people had been killed on Sunday in central Toumodi when houses were set ablaze in clashes between neighbouring ethnic communities who back rival political factions .
At least five people died in clashes on Saturday .
An African Union observer mission said on Monday the election was `` generally satisfactory '' despite lack of consensus .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center said `` The overall context and process did not allow for a genuinely competitive election . ''
`` The process excluded a number of Ivorian political forces and was hampered by an active boycott , '' it said in a statement issued with the South Africa-based Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa ( EISA ) .
Ouattara , 78 , had said after his second term he planned to make way for a new generation , but the sudden death of his chosen successor prompted him to seek a third term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court ruling approved his third term , allowing him to reset the country 's two-term presidential limit thanks to a 2016 reform .
Bedie , 86 , and other opposition leaders have also accused the electoral commission and the constitutional court of favouring the government , making a fair vote impossible .
When Ivory Coast emerged from the civil war after 2002 , the country was split in two , the north held by rebels and the south by forces of then president Gbagbo .
Ouattara won a long-postponed election in 2010 although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces eventually intervened to help Ouattara loyalists oust the former president .

Ivory Coast's opposition leaders said Monday they were creating a 'transitional government' after boycotting a weekend election in protest over President Alassane Ouattara's bid for a contested third term.
Ivorian opposition candidate Pascal Affi N'Guessan (right) calls for 'civilian transition' during a press conference in Abidjan on November 1, 2020.
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The move deepens a crisis that erupted in August when Ouattara said he would run again, to the fury of the opposition who called it a constitutional breach and an "electoral coup" in the West African country.
"The opposition parties and groups announce the creation of a council of national transition," Pascal Affi N'Guessan told reporters. "This council's mission will be to... create a transitional government within the next few hours."
There was no immediate response from the government over the opposition's latest announcement, raising the stakes in the standoff over the election.
Abidjan, the country's economic capital, was calm on Monday with no sign of protests and it was not immediately clear what next steps the opposition planned to take.
Opposition figures had already rejected Saturday's ballot as a failure and called for a "civilian transition" from Ouattara's government, provoking a tough warning from his ruling party against trying to stir up unrest.
Pre-election clashes killed at least 30 and the opposition protests stoked fears of a repeat of the 2010-2011 crisis when 3,000 people died after then president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat by Ouattara.
Ouattara, a former IMF economist, appeared set for a reelection on Monday with preliminary results showing him ahead, which had been expected given the opposition boycott of the ballot.
Electoral officials were still tallying results and it was not clear when the final count could be announced.
N'Guessan said the transitional council would be lead by opposition veteran Henri Konan Bedie, a former president and long-term adversary of Ouattara whose rivalry has marked Ivorian politics for decades.
>> Who are the four candidates standing in Ivory Coast's presidential election?
The anger sparked by Ouattara's third term has revived memories of past Ivorian feuds with roots even before a 2002 civil war split the country in two, north and south.
The tension in francophone West Africa's top economy is the latest challenge for a region where Guinea is mired in a post-election dispute, Nigeria emerging from widespread unrest and Mali from a coup.
Election unrest
Pockets of unrest, some vandalised voting material and closed polling stations were reported mostly in opposition strongholds during Saturday's election.
But rival factions gave conflicting accounts of the extent of the boycott. The government called them isolated.
Tensions were still high in Daoukro, an opposition stronghold 235 kilometres (146 miles) north of Abidjan, where protesters had set up barricades on election day to blockade roads.
"We're here on alert, waiting for the results," said General Aime, a local opposition activist.
Residents said four more people had been killed on Sunday in central Toumodi when houses were set ablaze in clashes between neighbouring ethnic communities who back rival political factions.
At least five people died in clashes on Saturday.
An African Union observer mission said on Monday the election was "generally satisfactory" despite lack of consensus.
In contrast, the US watchdog the Carter Center said "The overall context and process did not allow for a genuinely competitive election."
"The process excluded a number of Ivorian political forces and was hampered by an active boycott," it said in a statement issued with the South Africa-based Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA).
Ouattara, 78, had said after his second term he planned to make way for a new generation, but the sudden death of his chosen successor prompted him to seek a third term.
The Ivorian leader says a constitutional court ruling approved his third term, allowing him to reset the country's two-term presidential limit thanks to a 2016 reform.
Bedie, 86, and other opposition leaders have also accused the electoral commission and the constitutional court of favouring the government, making a fair vote impossible.
When Ivory Coast emerged from the civil war after 2002, the country was split in two, the north held by rebels and the south by forces of then president Gbagbo.
Ouattara won a long-postponed election in 2010 although Gbagbo refused to accept defeat. French forces eventually intervened to help Ouattara loyalists oust the former president.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-11-03--Vatican’s state finances dry up as Covid-19 lockdowns empty streets of tourists

Vatican ’ s state finances dry up as Covid-19 lockdowns empty streets of tourists While Europe is facing growing Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ measures , the coronavirus pandemic has also caused a drop in tourist numbers in many @ @ @ @ @ ’ s smallest state : the Vatican .
The usual masses of tourists are an @ @ @ @ @ the Pope ’ s financial authorities are worried the state ’ s finances are edging @ @ @ @ @ FRANCE 24 ’ s correspondents Natalia Mendoza , Bernard Edarida and Charlotte Davan Wetton report @

Vatican’s state finances dry up as Covid-19 lockdowns empty streets of tourists
02:05
Video by: Natalia MENDOZA
While Europe is facing growing Covid-19 infection cases and more lockdown measures, the coronavirus pandemic has also caused a drop in tourist numbers in many countries, including the World’s smallest state: the Vatican. The usual masses of tourists are an important source of revenue and the Pope’s financial authorities are worried the state’s finances are edging further into deficit, as FRANCE 24’s correspondents Natalia Mendoza, Bernard Edarida and Charlotte Davan Wetton report.


france24--2020-11-03--Armed guards, boarded windows: New York prepares for post-vote protests

Nearly 45 percent of eligible voters in New York voted early this year .
FRANCE 24 correspondent Jessica Le Masurier @ @ @ @ @ mood of fear ahead of the vote .
Expectations are the state will remain ‘ @ @ @ @ @ , even if the president ’ s appeal to law and order does have its @ @ @ @ @ police .

Armed guards, boarded windows: New York prepares for post-vote protests
02:50
Nearly 45 percent of eligible voters in New York voted early this year. FRANCE 24 correspondent Jessica Le Masurier in New York describes a mood of fear ahead of the vote. Expectations are the state will remain ‘as blue as ever’, even if the president’s appeal to law and order does have its supporters, including among the police.


france24--2020-11-03--Philippine island left without power after deadly typhoon: Red Cross

A handout photo from the Philippine Coast Guard shows widespread damage on Catanduanes from Typhoon Goni It could take months to restore power to a Philippine island of 260,000 people devastated by the country 's most powerful typhoon this year , the Red Cross said Tuesday .
Eight towns on Catanduanes were cut off and an estimated 25,000 houses destroyed by Typhoon Goni , which was packing winds of 225 kilometres ( 140 miles ) per hour when it slammed into the island Sunday before sweeping across southern Luzon .
Robert Kaufman , country head for the International Federation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told AFP there are no telecoms services on the island and it could take months to restore power .
Emergency personnel were trying to reach eight towns that have been cut off by landslides , Kaufman said after a flying visit .
`` Building after building , house after house ... if it 's not destroyed it 's damaged , '' Kaufman said .
`` Many people , who were already hanging on by a thread , now their livelihood is really turned upside down and they will need support . ''
Ferocious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 homes on the island and damaged another 45,000 , he said , but the numbers are expected to rise .
Goni came a week after Typhoon Molave roared through the same region , where resources had already been stretched by the coronavirus outbreak .
At least 20 people were killed by Goni as it crossed the Philippines , including six on Catanduanes and 14 in nearby Albay province on Luzon , authorities have said .
`` The situation is both heartbreaking and also hopeful , '' said Kaufman , who also inspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried scores of homes .
`` There was a lot of devastation ... but one thing that I saw is an incredibly resilient population . ''
Around 400,000 people were evacuated ahead of the typhoon which , Kaufman said , `` saved lives '' .
`` They have a lot of experience with large-scale storms , with catastrophic typhoons ... people knew to vacate the area and take shelter in evacuation centres . ''
Many of the deaths were people who had left shelters before the typhoon had passed , he said .

Manila (AFP) –
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It could take months to restore power to a Philippine island of 260,000 people devastated by the country's most powerful typhoon this year, the Red Cross said Tuesday.
Eight towns on Catanduanes were cut off and an estimated 25,000 houses destroyed by Typhoon Goni, which was packing winds of 225 kilometres (140 miles) per hour when it slammed into the island Sunday before sweeping across southern Luzon.
Robert Kaufman, country head for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told AFP there are no telecoms services on the island and it could take months to restore power.
Emergency personnel were trying to reach eight towns that have been cut off by landslides, Kaufman said after a flying visit.
"Building after building, house after house... if it's not destroyed it's damaged," Kaufman said.
"Many people, who were already hanging on by a thread, now their livelihood is really turned upside down and they will need support."
Ferocious winds and torrential rain destroyed at least 25,000 homes on the island and damaged another 45,000, he said, but the numbers are expected to rise.
Goni came a week after Typhoon Molave roared through the same region, where resources had already been stretched by the coronavirus outbreak.
At least 20 people were killed by Goni as it crossed the Philippines, including six on Catanduanes and 14 in nearby Albay province on Luzon, authorities have said.
"The situation is both heartbreaking and also hopeful," said Kaufman, who also inspected the damage in Albay where volcanic mudslides buried scores of homes.
"There was a lot of devastation... but one thing that I saw is an incredibly resilient population."
Around 400,000 people were evacuated ahead of the typhoon which, Kaufman said, "saved lives".
"They have a lot of experience with large-scale storms, with catastrophic typhoons... people knew to vacate the area and take shelter in evacuation centres."
Many of the deaths were people who had left shelters before the typhoon had passed, he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--Vuelta peloton gets Covid all-clear

Vuelta peloton gets Covid all-clear

The Vuelta a Espana peloton got the Covid-19 all-clear with no positive cases detected in the latest round of testing from the Grand Tour 's `` bubble '' , organisers announced Tuesday .
The fourth round of controls for coronavirus was conducted on Monday .
`` In total , all the 681 tests conducted on the second rest day were negative for Covid-19 , '' a Vuelta statement reported .
Riders , team officials and organisers were subjected to an initial round of tests on their arrival at the `` race bubble '' in Irun , in the Basque country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Spain started .
Further tests were carried out just before the October 20 start with a third batch conducted on the first rest day on October 26 .
Two Bahrain-McLaren team officials and two from Sunweb were found to be positive on the eve of the race getting under way , but no rider has been detected with the virus that is currently sweeping Europe in a second wave of the pandemic and which caused the scheduled opening three days in the Nertherlands to be cancelled .
The pandemic also forced organisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions ruled out the planned ascent of the Col du Tourmalet in France .
Tuesday 's 13th stage is the only time trial of this year 's event , a 33.7km ride between Muros and the third-category summit of Mirador de Ezaro .
Richard Carapaz of Team Ineos holds the overall leader 's red jersey as the race heads to its conclusion in Madrid on Sunday .

Madrid (AFP) –
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The Vuelta a Espana peloton got the Covid-19 all-clear with no positive cases detected in the latest round of testing from the Grand Tour's "bubble", organisers announced Tuesday.
The fourth round of controls for coronavirus was conducted on Monday.
"In total, all the 681 tests conducted on the second rest day were negative for Covid-19," a Vuelta statement reported.
Riders, team officials and organisers were subjected to an initial round of tests on their arrival at the "race bubble" in Irun, in the Basque country, two days before the rescheuled Tour of Spain started.
Further tests were carried out just before the October 20 start with a third batch conducted on the first rest day on October 26.
Two Bahrain-McLaren team officials and two from Sunweb were found to be positive on the eve of the race getting under way, but no rider has been detected with the virus that is currently sweeping Europe in a second wave of the pandemic and which caused the scheduled opening three days in the Nertherlands to be cancelled.
The pandemic also forced organisers to reroute the sixth stage after border restrictions ruled out the planned ascent of the Col du Tourmalet in France.
Tuesday's 13th stage is the only time trial of this year's event, a 33.7km ride between Muros and the third-category summit of Mirador de Ezaro.
Richard Carapaz of Team Ineos holds the overall leader's red jersey as the race heads to its conclusion in Madrid on Sunday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--Khamenei says outcome of US vote will not affect Iran's policies

Iran 's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insists his country 's policies towards the United States will remain the same , whoever wins the presidential election The US presidential election will have `` no effect '' on Tehran 's policies towards Washington , Iran 's supreme leader said Tuesday .
`` On the subject of the United States , we follow a sensible , calculated policy ( which ) can not be affected by changes of personnel '' in Washington , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech marking the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
Things may happen but they do not concern us , '' he said .
`` Our policies are well defined and the coming and going of ( presidents ) will have no effect '' on them .
American voters headed to the polls on Tuesday in a vote that coincides with the anniversary of the 1979 storming by radical students of the US embassy in Tehran .
The ensuing crisis lasted 444 days until 52 hostages were finally released , and has poisoned relations between the two countries to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come close to armed conflict twice since June 2019 , following the Trump administration 's withdrawal the previous year from a multilateral deal on the Iranian nuclear programme .
Trump has engaged in a policy of `` maximum pressure '' against Tehran , reimposing harsh sanctions that have plunged the Iranian economy into a severe recession .
Tehran has responded by rolling back its commitments under the 2015 accord .
Joe Biden , Trump 's challenger , who is leading in polls , favours diplomacy with Iran and has backed the nuclear accord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama .

Tehran (AFP) –
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The US presidential election will have "no effect" on Tehran's policies towards Washington, Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday.
"On the subject of the United States, we follow a sensible, calculated policy (which) cannot be affected by changes of personnel" in Washington, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech marking the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed.
"Today is election day in the United States. Things may happen but they do not concern us," he said. "Our policies are well defined and the coming and going of (presidents) will have no effect" on them.
American voters headed to the polls on Tuesday in a vote that coincides with the anniversary of the 1979 storming by radical students of the US embassy in Tehran.
The ensuing crisis lasted 444 days until 52 hostages were finally released, and has poisoned relations between the two countries to this day.
Iran and the US have come close to armed conflict twice since June 2019, following the Trump administration's withdrawal the previous year from a multilateral deal on the Iranian nuclear programme.
Trump has engaged in a policy of "maximum pressure" against Tehran, reimposing harsh sanctions that have plunged the Iranian economy into a severe recession.
Tehran has responded by rolling back its commitments under the 2015 accord.
Joe Biden, Trump's challenger, who is leading in polls, favours diplomacy with Iran and has backed the nuclear accord negotiated while he was vice president under Barack Obama.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--Vienna attacker ‘born in Austria’ tried to flee to Syria, had previous terror conviction

Vienna attacker ‘ born in Austria ’ tried to flee to Syria , had previous terror conviction A gunman staged @ @ @ @ @ Austria ’ s capital of Vienna hours before a new Covid-19 lockdown was set to @ @ @ @ @ people are dead and another 7 are in critical condition , as one of the @ @ @ @ @ police , while authorities are still trying to find a possible second gunman .
According @ @ @ @ @ the 20 year-old Austrian-Macedonian main attacker had a previous terror conviction , as FRANCE 24 @ @ @ @ @ Mills reports .

Vienna attacker ‘born in Austria’ tried to flee to Syria, had previous terror conviction
04:10
A gunman staged a series of attacks around Austria’s capital of Vienna hours before a new Covid-19 lockdown was set to begin. At least 4 people are dead and another 7 are in critical condition, as one of the attackers was killed by the police, while authorities are still trying to find a possible second gunman. According to Austrian Interior minister, the 20 year-old Austrian-Macedonian main attacker had a previous terror conviction, as FRANCE 24’s Vienna correspondent Anthony Mills reports.


france24--2020-11-03--As tourism dries up, so too the Vatican's state finances

As tourism dries up , so too the Vatican 's state finances The Vatican , the world ’ s smallest @ @ @ @ @ empty of tourists since the outbreak of coronavirus , with even its most-famous museums seeing @ @ @ @ @ visitors .
The pope ’ s financial authorities now worry the state ’ s finances @ @ @ @ @ to deficit .

As tourism dries up, so too the Vatican's state finances
02:01
The Vatican, the world’s smallest state, has been largely empty of tourists since the outbreak of coronavirus, with even its most-famous museums seeing an 85 percent drop in visitors. The pope’s financial authorities now worry the state’s finances are edging closer and closer to deficit.


france24--2020-11-03--Vienna attacker had previous terror conviction, Austria says as shooting death toll rises

Vienna attacker had previous terror conviction , Austria says as shooting death toll rises A gunman staged a series of @ @ @ @ @ capital of Vienna hours before a new Covid-19 lockdown was set to begin .
At @ @ @ @ @ and another 7 are in critical condition , as one of the attackers was killed @ @ @ @ @ authorities are still trying to find a second gunman , who is still on the @ @ @ @ @ Interior minister , the 20 year-old Austrian-Macedonian main attacker had a previous terror conviction .

Vienna attacker had previous terror conviction, Austria says as shooting death toll rises
01:50
Video by: Sharon GAFFNEY
A gunman staged a series of attacks around Austria’s capital of Vienna hours before a new Covid-19 lockdown was set to begin. At least 4 people are dead and another 7 are in critical condition, as one of the attackers was killed by the police, while authorities are still trying to find a second gunman, who is still on the run. According to Austrian Interior minister, the 20 year-old Austrian-Macedonian main attacker had a previous terror conviction.


france24--2020-11-03--Dubai ruler joins coronavirus vaccine trial

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is injected with an experimental coronavirus vaccine as part of trials under way in the United Arab Emirates Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said Tuesday he had received an experimental coronavirus vaccine , becoming the latest United Arab Emirates official to take part in the trials .
Two vaccines are undergoing third-phase trials in the UAE , one produced by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm , and Russia 's Sputnik-V , named after the Soviet-era satellite .
`` While receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today , '' Sheikh Mohammed captioned a photograph of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeve rolled up , as a healthcare worker in full protective equipment administered the injection .
`` We wish everyone safety and great health , and we are proud of our teams who have worked relentlessly to make the vaccine available in the UAE , '' he said , without specifying which vaccine he took .
Chinese drug giant Sinopharm began the third phase of trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE in July and Emirati officials say the results have been positive .
Last month , authorities announced the UAE had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sputnik V , becoming the first Middle East country to do so .
Sheikh Mohammed is also prime minister of the UAE , a collection of seven emirates which has so far recorded more than 136,000 coronavirus cases , 503 of them fatal .
The foreign minister , Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan , and deputy prime minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan have also taken the experimental vaccine .
In September , Bahrain announced that Crown Prince Salman had taken part in third phase trials of the Sinopharm vaccine .
Dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pharma , are racing to develop a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine .
The World Health Organization has identified 42 `` candidate vaccines '' at the stage of clinical trials .
Ten of them are at the most advanced `` phase three '' stage , in which a vaccine 's effectiveness is tested on a large scale , generally tens of thousands of people across several continents .

Dubai (AFP) –
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Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said Tuesday he had received an experimental coronavirus vaccine, becoming the latest United Arab Emirates official to take part in the trials.
Two vaccines are undergoing third-phase trials in the UAE, one produced by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm, and Russia's Sputnik-V, named after the Soviet-era satellite.
"While receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today," Sheikh Mohammed captioned a photograph of himself he posted on Twitter with his sleeve rolled up, as a healthcare worker in full protective equipment administered the injection.
"We wish everyone safety and great health, and we are proud of our teams who have worked relentlessly to make the vaccine available in the UAE," he said, without specifying which vaccine he took.
Chinese drug giant Sinopharm began the third phase of trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE in July and Emirati officials say the results have been positive.
Last month, authorities announced the UAE had also approved clinical trials of Russia's Sputnik V, becoming the first Middle East country to do so.
Sheikh Mohammed is also prime minister of the UAE, a collection of seven emirates which has so far recorded more than 136,000 coronavirus cases, 503 of them fatal.
The foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and deputy prime minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan have also taken the experimental vaccine.
In September, Bahrain announced that Crown Prince Salman had taken part in third phase trials of the Sinopharm vaccine.
Dozens of companies, from biotech start-ups to Big Pharma, are racing to develop a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine.
The World Health Organization has identified 42 "candidate vaccines" at the stage of clinical trials.
Ten of them are at the most advanced "phase three" stage, in which a vaccine's effectiveness is tested on a large scale, generally tens of thousands of people across several continents.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--In locked-down Belgium, books are 'essential'

The open bookshops in Belgium are in marked contrast to neighbouring France , where the government 's decision to close beloved bookshops has caused an uproar In the now desolate alleys of central Brussels , one type of business is keeping the light on during one of Europe 's toughest coronavirus lockdowns : the book store .
Chocolate shops and beer halls will remain shuttered until at least December , but bookseller Marc El Khadem said nothing could stop that sale of what Belgium considers `` an essential good '' .
`` In a period of anguish and uncertainty that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the book probably remains the best food for thought and reflection , '' said El Khadem , his long white hair tied in a ponytail , as customers thumbed through pages around him .
Belgium drastically tightened its virus restrictions on Monday , and the Tropismes bookshop was one of the few stores in the Galeries Royales -- an elegant covered passage in the centre of Brussels -- to attract a constant flow of customers .
The open bookshops in Belgium are in marked contrast to the country 's big neighbour France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close beloved book stores has caused an uproar and led to scenes in supermarkets of aisles selling books cordoned off from buyers to prevent `` unfair competition '' .
`` Reading in a lockdown is essential , '' said Francois Bellet , a retired Brussels resident as he gathered a pile of books he planned to read over the month .
For him , the decision to close bookshops in France is incomprehensible .
`` It shows that the people in power are no longer interested in books .
It 's a descent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world 's most literary country ! ''
he said .
`` We sympathise , we feel absolutely in solidarity with our French colleagues -- and sad for their readers , '' said El Khadem .
Belgium , population 11.5 million , has more than 6,000 hospitalised coronavirus patients with over a thousand in intensive care .
The Belgian government had already imposed in mid-October the closure of bars and restaurants , the recommendation of working from home and a curfew between midnight and 5 am .

Brussels (AFP) –
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In the now desolate alleys of central Brussels, one type of business is keeping the light on during one of Europe's toughest coronavirus lockdowns: the book store.
Chocolate shops and beer halls will remain shuttered until at least December, but bookseller Marc El Khadem said nothing could stop that sale of what Belgium considers "an essential good".
"In a period of anguish and uncertainty that brings us back to our own mortality, the book probably remains the best food for thought and reflection," said El Khadem, his long white hair tied in a ponytail, as customers thumbed through pages around him.
Belgium drastically tightened its virus restrictions on Monday, and the Tropismes bookshop was one of the few stores in the Galeries Royales -- an elegant covered passage in the centre of Brussels -- to attract a constant flow of customers.
The open bookshops in Belgium are in marked contrast to the country's big neighbour France, where the government's decision to close beloved book stores has caused an uproar and led to scenes in supermarkets of aisles selling books cordoned off from buyers to prevent "unfair competition".
"Reading in a lockdown is essential," said Francois Bellet, a retired Brussels resident as he gathered a pile of books he planned to read over the month.
For him, the decision to close bookshops in France is incomprehensible.
"It shows that the people in power are no longer interested in books. It's a descent into hell -- and in France, the world's most literary country!" he said.
"We sympathise, we feel absolutely in solidarity with our French colleagues -- and sad for their readers," said El Khadem.
Belgium, population 11.5 million, has more than 6,000 hospitalised coronavirus patients with over a thousand in intensive care.
The Belgian government had already imposed in mid-October the closure of bars and restaurants, the recommendation of working from home and a curfew between midnight and 5 am.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--Williams propels Zimbabwe to 278-6 after Hasnain's five-wicket haul

Zimbabwe 's Sean Williams on his way to scoring a brilliant century Left-hander Sean Williams scored a brilliant century to help Zimbabwe post 278-6 after Pakistan 's paceman Mohammad Hasnain took a maiden five-wicket haul in the third and final one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday .
Williams made an unbeaten 135-ball 118 for his fourth ODI hundred to lift Zimbabwe from a precarious 22-3 after they won the toss and batted on a flat Rawalpindi stadium pitch .
Pakistan lead the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first match by 26 runs and the second by six wickets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 20-year-old paceman Hasnain who shook the tourists by removing Zimbabwe skipper Chamu Chibhabha ( nought ) , Craig Ervine ( one ) and Brian Chari ( nine ) in his first four overs of hostile fast bowling .
Williams added an invaluable 84 runs for the fourth wicket with Brendon Taylor ( 56 ) and another 75 for the fifth with Wesley Madhevere ( 33 ) to stage a fightback .
Dropped thrice on 73 , 75 and 81 , Williams finally reached his hundred with a couple off paceman Wahab Riaz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zimbabwe dressing room .
He hit 13 boundaries and a six in his knock .
Taylor , who scored a century in the first game on Friday , hit eight boundaries before falling to a miscued cut off Hasnain .
Hasnain , who had five wickets in his first five matches , had Madhevere caught off his own bowling to improve on his previous best of 2-52 against Australia in Dubai last year .
Williams and Sikander Raza -- who made a 36-ball 45 -- cut loose in the final overs adding 96 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 in the last five overs .

Rawalpindi (Pakistan) (AFP) –
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Left-hander Sean Williams scored a brilliant century to help Zimbabwe post 278-6 after Pakistan's paceman Mohammad Hasnain took a maiden five-wicket haul in the third and final one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Williams made an unbeaten 135-ball 118 for his fourth ODI hundred to lift Zimbabwe from a precarious 22-3 after they won the toss and batted on a flat Rawalpindi stadium pitch.
Pakistan lead the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first match by 26 runs and the second by six wickets, also at the same venue.
It was 20-year-old paceman Hasnain who shook the tourists by removing Zimbabwe skipper Chamu Chibhabha (nought), Craig Ervine (one) and Brian Chari (nine) in his first four overs of hostile fast bowling.
Williams added an invaluable 84 runs for the fourth wicket with Brendon Taylor (56) and another 75 for the fifth with Wesley Madhevere (33) to stage a fightback.
Dropped thrice on 73, 75 and 81, Williams finally reached his hundred with a couple off paceman Wahab Riaz, much to the jubilation of the Zimbabwe dressing room.
He hit 13 boundaries and a six in his knock.
Taylor, who scored a century in the first game on Friday, hit eight boundaries before falling to a miscued cut off Hasnain.
Hasnain, who had five wickets in his first five matches, had Madhevere caught off his own bowling to improve on his previous best of 2-52 against Australia in Dubai last year.
Williams and Sikander Raza -- who made a 36-ball 45 -- cut loose in the final overs adding 96 runs for sixth wicket, piling on 46 in the last five overs.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--Austria in mourning after deadly rampage by 'IS supporter'

One of the gunmen was shot dead by police who said they were hunting for at least one more attacker still at large Austria said on Tuesday the only known gunman in a shooting rampage across Vienna that left four people dead was an Islamic State group supporter , as a manhunt was under way for other possible suspects .
The shocked nation began three days of mourning after what Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described as a `` repulsive terror attack '' .
One of the suspected killers , who was shot dead by police after Monday 's attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with dual Austrian and Macedonian nationality , Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said .
He had been convicted of a terror offence in April last year for trying to travel to Syria , Nehammer told the APA news agency .
According to Nehammer , police are searching for more possible assailants who may still be at large , and several neighbouring countries have stepped up border checks .
`` It 's difficult for us at the moment to define whether the attack was carried out by one perpetrator or more than one , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The shooting erupted just hours before Austria was to re-impose a coronavirus lockdown , with people out in bars and restaurants enjoying a final night out .
Austria had until now been spared the sort of major attacks that have hit other European countries , but Monday 's shooting followed a spate of Islamist attacks in France and it triggered an outpouring of solidarity from world leaders .
Across the country , flags have been lowered to half mast on public buildings and people observed a minute of silence at noon ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Two men and two woman were killed in the attack , an interior ministry spokesman said , while 14 more have been injured , six seriously .
Police also said an officer had been hurt .
The first shots were heard at around 8 pm ( 1900 GMT ) in the heart of the city near a synagogue and the world famous opera house .
`` It sounded like firecrackers , then we realised it was shots , '' said one witness quoted by public broadcaster ORF .
A gunman `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before police arrived and opened fire , the witness added .
Another spoke of at least 50 shots being fired .
Nehammer told a press conference earlier Tuesday that police had used explosives to blast their way into the apartment of the dead suspect who had been `` heavily armed '' .
`` All the signs make it clear it 's a radicalised person and a person who feels closely connected to IS . ''
Nehammer urged Vienna residents to remain in their homes and said children would not be expected to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ORF , Kurz said the attackers `` were very well equipped with automatic weapons '' and had `` prepared professionally '' .
He also tweeted : `` Our police will act decisively against the perpetrators of this repulsive terror attack .
`` We will never be intimidated by terrorism and we will fight this attack with all means . ''
Kurz said that while police were concentrating on an anti-terror operation , the army would take over the security of major buildings in Vienna .
The president of Vienna 's Jewish community Oskar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the immediate vicinity '' of the Stadttempel synagogue , but added that it was currently unknown whether the temple -- closed at the time -- had been the target .
At the busy bars and restaurants , people were told to remain indoors as the attack unfolded .
`` At the beginning , I thought to myself that maybe we were making an American film or that they had drunk too much , '' said waiter Jimmy Eroglu , 42 .
But then he heard shots .
`` The police came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay inside because there 's a probably a dead man there ' . ''
Robert Schneider , who lives in central Vienna , went out and found two lasers trained on his chest .
`` Hands up , take off your jacket , '' officers shouted at him , the 39-year-old told AFP .
`` We had seen nothing , heard nothing .
We are in shock . ''
Germany joined the Czech Republic in stepping up checks at their borders with Austria as Chancellor Angela Merkel said : `` The fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is our common struggle . ''
President Emmanuel Macron said the French shared the `` shock and sorrow '' of the Austrian people .
`` After France , it is a friendly nation that has been attacked .
This is our Europe .
Our enemies must know who they 're dealing with .
We will concede nothing , '' he tweeted in both French and German .
France is still reeling from the killing of three people at a church in the Riviera city of Nice last Thursday and the beheading of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on October 16 .
Leaders of other nations also voiced support for Austria .
EU Council chief Charles Michel tweeted that the bloc `` strongly condemns this cowardly act '' .

Vienna (AFP) –
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Austria said on Tuesday the only known gunman in a shooting rampage across Vienna that left four people dead was an Islamic State group supporter, as a manhunt was under way for other possible suspects.
The shocked nation began three days of mourning after what Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described as a "repulsive terror attack".
One of the suspected killers, who was shot dead by police after Monday's attack, was a 20-year-old Islamic State group sympathiser with dual Austrian and Macedonian nationality, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said.
He had been convicted of a terror offence in April last year for trying to travel to Syria, Nehammer told the APA news agency.
According to Nehammer, police are searching for more possible assailants who may still be at large, and several neighbouring countries have stepped up border checks.
"It's difficult for us at the moment to define whether the attack was carried out by one perpetrator or more than one," said Gerhard Puerstl of the Vienna police.
The shooting erupted just hours before Austria was to re-impose a coronavirus lockdown, with people out in bars and restaurants enjoying a final night out.
Austria had until now been spared the sort of major attacks that have hit other European countries, but Monday's shooting followed a spate of Islamist attacks in France and it triggered an outpouring of solidarity from world leaders.
Across the country, flags have been lowered to half mast on public buildings and people observed a minute of silence at noon (1100 GMT) as church bells rang out.
- 'Sounded like firecrackers' -
Two men and two woman were killed in the attack, an interior ministry spokesman said, while 14 more have been injured, six seriously. Police also said an officer had been hurt.
The first shots were heard at around 8 pm (1900 GMT) in the heart of the city near a synagogue and the world famous opera house.
"It sounded like firecrackers, then we realised it was shots," said one witness quoted by public broadcaster ORF.
A gunman "shot wildly with an automatic weapon" before police arrived and opened fire, the witness added.
Another spoke of at least 50 shots being fired.
Nehammer told a press conference earlier Tuesday that police had used explosives to blast their way into the apartment of the dead suspect who had been "heavily armed".
"All the signs make it clear it's a radicalised person and a person who feels closely connected to IS."
Nehammer urged Vienna residents to remain in their homes and said children would not be expected to go to school on Tuesday.
- 'Never be intimidated' -
Speaking to ORF, Kurz said the attackers "were very well equipped with automatic weapons" and had "prepared professionally".
He also tweeted: "Our police will act decisively against the perpetrators of this repulsive terror attack.
"We will never be intimidated by terrorism and we will fight this attack with all means."
Kurz said that while police were concentrating on an anti-terror operation, the army would take over the security of major buildings in Vienna.
The president of Vienna's Jewish community Oskar Deutsch said shots had been fired "in the immediate vicinity" of the Stadttempel synagogue, but added that it was currently unknown whether the temple -- closed at the time -- had been the target.
- 'Cowardly act' -
At the busy bars and restaurants, people were told to remain indoors as the attack unfolded.
"At the beginning, I thought to myself that maybe we were making an American film or that they had drunk too much," said waiter Jimmy Eroglu, 42.
But then he heard shots. "The police came in and said, 'you all have to stay inside because there's a probably a dead man there'."
Robert Schneider, who lives in central Vienna, went out and found two lasers trained on his chest.
"Hands up, take off your jacket," officers shouted at him, the 39-year-old told AFP. "We had seen nothing, heard nothing. We are in shock."
Germany joined the Czech Republic in stepping up checks at their borders with Austria as Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "The fight against these assassins and those who instigate them is our common struggle."
President Emmanuel Macron said the French shared the "shock and sorrow" of the Austrian people.
"After France, it is a friendly nation that has been attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they're dealing with. We will concede nothing," he tweeted in both French and German.
France is still reeling from the killing of three people at a church in the Riviera city of Nice last Thursday and the beheading of a schoolteacher by a suspected Islamist outside Paris on October 16.
Leaders of other nations also voiced support for Austria.
EU Council chief Charles Michel tweeted that the bloc "strongly condemns this cowardly act".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-03--China mulls whether a Biden administration would improve strained ties

China is closely watching the results of the US election .
While Beijing frequently clashed with Trump over trade , @ @ @ @ @ issues , a Biden administration would be no guarantee of improved relations either .

China mulls whether a Biden administration would improve strained ties
01:55
China is closely watching the results of the US election. While Beijing frequently clashed with Trump over trade, technology, and human rights issues, a Biden administration would be no guarantee of improved relations either.


france24--2020-11-03--Ivory Coast’s Ouattara re-elected for 3rd term after contested presidential vote, commission says

Ivory Coast ’ s Ouattara re-elected for 3rd term after contested presidential vote , commission says Ivory Coast ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Alassane Ouattara has been re-elected to a controversial third term in a tense election , @ @ @ @ @ voting , calling his candidacy ‘ illegal ’ .
The voting had already sparked deadly @ @ @ @ @ country , and two major opposition candidates announced they would not recognize Ouattara ’ s @ @ @ @ @ form their own transitional government .

Ivory Coast’s Ouattara re-elected for 3rd term after contested presidential vote, commission says
01:17
Video by: Sam BRADPIECE
Ivory Coast’s electoral commission announced that President Alassane Ouattara has been re-elected to a controversial third term in a tense election, after opposition figures boycotted the voting, calling his candidacy ‘illegal’. The voting had already sparked deadly violence in the West African country, and two major opposition candidates announced they would not recognize Ouattara’s third term and will instead form their own transitional government.


france24--2020-11-05--Kosovo's President Thaci resigns to face war crimes court

Kosovo president Hashim Thaci addresses the nation as he announced his resignation to face war crimes charges in Kosovo capital Pristina on November 5 , 2020 .
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci resigned Thursday to face an indictment from a war crimes court in The Hague , a dramatic downfall for a man who has loomed over the former Serbian province for more than a decade .
The 52-year-old said he would step down to `` protect the integrity '' of the presidency after the court confirmed an indictment against him dating back to the 1990s conflict with Serbia , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebel army .
`` I will cooperate closely with justice .
I believe in truth , reconciliation and the future of our country and society , '' he said at a press conference in the capital Pristina .
Thaci , a former premier who has been president since 2016 , has long insisted on his innocence over a war that many Kosovars consider a `` just '' struggle for their independence from Serbian oppression .
Kosovo 's majority ethnic Albanian population suffered heavily during the conflict that claimed 13,000 lives and ended only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to withdraw from the province .
Serbian military and police officials were later convicted by international justice of war crimes .
But rebel leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army ( KLA ) -- many of whom have gone on to dominate politics -- have also been accused of revenge attacks on Serbs , Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war .
In June , prosecutors from the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers ( KSC ) accused Thaci and others of being `` criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders '' in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , persecution , and torture .
Thaci did not say Thursday which specific charges in the indictment had been confirmed .
The president 's closest political ally , Kadri Veseli , also said Thursday an indictment against him had been confirmed by the court and that he would go to The Hague .
Set up with EU-backing five years ago , the KSC operates under Kosovo law but is based in the Netherlands to protect witnesses from intimidation in a society where former rebel commanders are hugely influential .
Prosecutors have twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work of the tribunal .
At home , Thaci is not a hero to all .
For critics , he has become the face of a political elite whose corruption and mismanagement have done little to lift ordinary Kosovars out of grinding poverty .
But few Kosovo Albanians will criticise the legacy of the KLA , with voices from across the political spectrum defending the war after Thaci was first accused .
Twenty years later , relations between Kosovo and Serbia are still tense and complicated , with Belgrade refusing to recognise the @ @ @ @ @ @

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was detained at the Kosovo Tribunal in The Hague on Thursday, hours after he abruptly resigned to face an indictment from the war crimes court.
Kosovo president Hashim Thaci addresses the nation as he announced his resignation to face war crimes charges in Kosovo capital Pristina on November 5, 2020.
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The 52-year-old said he would step down to "protect the integrity" of the presidency after the court confirmed an indictment against him dating back to the 1990s conflict with Serbia, when Thaci was political chief of Kosovo's rebel army.
"I will cooperate closely with justice. I believe in truth, reconciliation and the future of our country and society," he said at a press conference in the capital Pristina.
Thaci was later arrested and transferred to the court's detention facilities in The Hague, the tribunal announced late on Thursday.
The former premier, who had been president since 2016, has long insisted on his innocence over a war that many Kosovars consider a "just" struggle for their independence from Serbian oppression.
Kosovo's majority ethnic Albanian population suffered heavily during the conflict that claimed 13,000 lives and ended only after a NATO bombing forced Serb troops to withdraw from the province.
Serbian military and police officials were later convicted by international justice of war crimes.
But rebel leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)-- many of whom have gone on to dominate politics -- have also been accused of revenge attacks on Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war.
'100 murders'
In June, prosecutors from the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) accused Thaci and others of being "criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders" in addition to other crimes including enforced disappearance of people, persecution, and torture.
Thaci did not say Thursday which specific charges in the indictment had been confirmed.
Prosecutors declined an AFP request for comment.
Set up with EU-backing five years ago, the KSC operates under Kosovo law but is based in the Netherlands to protect witnesses from intimidation in a society where former rebel commanders are hugely influential.
Prosecutors have twice accused Thaci of trying to undermine the work of the tribunal.
At home, Thaci is not a hero to all.
For critics, he has become the face of a political elite whose corruption and mismanagement have done little to lift ordinary Kosovars out of grinding poverty.
But few Kosovo Albanians will criticise the legacy of the KLA, with voices from across the political spectrum defending the war after Thaci was first accused.
Twenty years later, relations between Kosovo and Serbia are still tense and complicated, with Belgrade refusing to recognise the independence Pristina declared in 2008.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-11-05--Analysis: losing unfathomable, Trump is calling fraud

Donald Trump is calling for vote counts to be stopped in Michigan , Pennsylvania and Georgia , and for a @ @ @ @ @ has also threatened to go to the Supreme Court , though as FRANCE 24 ’ @ @ @ @ @ Parsons explains , no-one is quite sure on what basis .

Analysis: losing unfathomable, Trump is calling fraud
04:42
Donald Trump is calling for vote counts to be stopped in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia, and for a recount in Wisconsin. He has also threatened to go to the Supreme Court, though as FRANCE 24’s chief foreign editor Robert Parsons explains, no-one is quite sure on what basis.


france24--2020-11-05--Kiwi Lowe set for Ireland debut in Autumn Nations Cup

Leinster 's New Zealand wing James Lowe ( with the ball ) set for Ireland debut New Zealand-born wing James Lowe looks set for his Test debut for Ireland after being included by head coach Andy Farrell in the squad for the Autumn Nations Cup on Thursday .
The 28-year-old highly-rated Leinster star qualifies through the residency rule having joined the province in 2017 .
He could make his debut for his adopted country against Wales in their opening Nations Cup match in Dublin on November 13 .
Lowe is no stranger to the Ireland set-up as Farrell had him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumption of the Six Nations in October .
`` I am as keen as everyone to see how he ( Lowe ) goes at Test level , '' said Farrell .
`` We have seen the potential he has in his performances for Leinster .
`` Now we will see if he csn transfer that into the international scene .
`` If I were a betting man I would say he will do well . ''
Farrell has tinkered with the squad that missed out on the Six Nations title last weekend after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veteran Keith Earls returns from injury , while Munster team-mate Shane Daly and Ulster 's England-born Billy Burns are also included .
Daly comes in for the injured centre Garry Ringrose and the uncapped Burns replaces fly-half Jack Carty .
`` Billy ( Burns ) spent a bit of time with us pre the coronavirus lockdown and we were very impressed with what we saw , '' said Farrell .
`` He fitted in really well back then ( February/March ) but he was not fit for the resumption of the Six Nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` However , we watched his game in Cardiff on Monday ( Ulster won 11-7 in the Pro14 match ) and felt he deserved his chance to come back in . ''
The Irish follow their game with Wales with an away match at Twickenham to take on England on November 21 .
Farrell 's men host Georgia in Dublin on November 29 and will have a home play-off game against one of France , Italy , Scotland or Fiji on December 5 .

Dublin (AFP) –
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New Zealand-born wing James Lowe looks set for his Test debut for Ireland after being included by head coach Andy Farrell in the squad for the Autumn Nations Cup on Thursday.
The 28-year-old highly-rated Leinster star qualifies through the residency rule having joined the province in 2017.
He could make his debut for his adopted country against Wales in their opening Nations Cup match in Dublin on November 13.
Lowe is no stranger to the Ireland set-up as Farrell had him in the training squad ahead of the resumption of the Six Nations in October.
"I am as keen as everyone to see how he (Lowe) goes at Test level," said Farrell.
"We have seen the potential he has in his performances for Leinster.
"Now we will see if he csn transfer that into the international scene.
"If I were a betting man I would say he will do well."
Farrell has tinkered with the squad that missed out on the Six Nations title last weekend after being beaten by France in Paris.
Veteran Keith Earls returns from injury, while Munster team-mate Shane Daly and Ulster's England-born Billy Burns are also included.
Daly comes in for the injured centre Garry Ringrose and the uncapped Burns replaces fly-half Jack Carty.
"Billy (Burns) spent a bit of time with us pre the coronavirus lockdown and we were very impressed with what we saw," said Farrell.
"He fitted in really well back then (February/March) but he was not fit for the resumption of the Six Nations as he had a calf problem.
"However, we watched his game in Cardiff on Monday (Ulster won 11-7 in the Pro14 match) and felt he deserved his chance to come back in."
The Irish follow their game with Wales with an away match at Twickenham to take on England on November 21.
Farrell's men host Georgia in Dublin on November 29 and will have a home play-off game against one of France, Italy, Scotland or Fiji on December 5.
Squad
Forwards: Cian Healy, Ed Byrne, Andrew Porter, John Ryan, Finlay Bealham, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Heffernan, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Quinn Roux, Tadhg Beirne, Ultan Dillane, CJ Stander, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Carlan Doris, Will Connors.
Backs: Conor Murray, Kieran Marmion, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton (captain), Ross Byrne, Billy Burns, Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Chris Farrell, Stuart McCloskey, Keith Earls, Andrew Conway, Jacob Stockdale, James Lowe, Shane Daly, Hugo Keenan.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-05--Kosovo president resigns to face war crimes court

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci resigned Thursday to face an indictment from a war crimes court in The Hague , a dramatic downfall for a man who has loomed over the former Serbian province for more than a decade .
The 52-year-old said he would step down to `` protect the integrity '' of the presidency after the court confirmed an indictment against him dating back to the 1990s conflict with Serbia , when Thaci was political chief of Kosovo 's rebel army .
`` I will cooperate closely with justice .
I believe in truth , reconciliation and the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said at a press conference in the capital Pristina .
Thaci , a former premier who has been president since 2016 , has long insisted on his innocence over a war that many Kosovars consider a `` just '' struggle for their independence from Serbian oppression .
Kosovo 's majority ethnic Albanian population suffered heavily during the conflict that claimed 13,000 lives and ended only after a NATO bombing forced Serb troops to withdraw from the province .
Serbian military and police officials were later convicted by international justice of war crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liberation Army ( KLA ) -- many of whom have gone on to dominate politics -- have also been accused of revenge attacks on Serbs , Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war .
In June , prosecutors from the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers ( KSC ) accused Thaci and others of being `` criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders '' in addition to other crimes including enforced disappearance of people , persecution , and torture .
Thaci did not say Thursday which specific charges in the indictment had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally , Kadri Veseli , also said Thursday an indictment against him had been confirmed by the court and that he would go to The Hague .
Set up with EU-backing five years ago , the KSC operates under Kosovo law but is based in the Netherlands to protect witnesses from intimidation in a society where former rebel commanders are hugely influential .
Prosecutors have twice accused Thaci of trying to undermine the work of the tribunal .
At home , Thaci is not a hero to all .
For critics , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite whose corruption and mismanagement have done little to lift ordinary Kosovars out of grinding poverty .
But few Kosovo Albanians will criticise the legacy of the KLA , with voices from across the political spectrum defending the war after Thaci was first accused .
Twenty years later , relations between Kosovo and Serbia are still tense and complicated , with Belgrade refusing to recognise the independence Pristina declared in 2008 .

Pristina (AFP) –
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Kosovo President Hashim Thaci resigned Thursday to face an indictment from a war crimes court in The Hague, a dramatic downfall for a man who has loomed over the former Serbian province for more than a decade.
The 52-year-old said he would step down to "protect the integrity" of the presidency after the court confirmed an indictment against him dating back to the 1990s conflict with Serbia, when Thaci was political chief of Kosovo's rebel army.
"I will cooperate closely with justice. I believe in truth, reconciliation and the future of our country and society," he said at a press conference in the capital Pristina.
Thaci, a former premier who has been president since 2016, has long insisted on his innocence over a war that many Kosovars consider a "just" struggle for their independence from Serbian oppression.
Kosovo's majority ethnic Albanian population suffered heavily during the conflict that claimed 13,000 lives and ended only after a NATO bombing forced Serb troops to withdraw from the province.
Serbian military and police officials were later convicted by international justice of war crimes.
But rebel leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)-- many of whom have gone on to dominate politics -- have also been accused of revenge attacks on Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war.
- '100 murders' -
In June, prosecutors from the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) accused Thaci and others of being "criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders" in addition to other crimes including enforced disappearance of people, persecution, and torture.
Thaci did not say Thursday which specific charges in the indictment had been confirmed.
Prosecutors declined an AFP request for comment.
The president's closest political ally, Kadri Veseli, also said Thursday an indictment against him had been confirmed by the court and that he would go to The Hague.
Set up with EU-backing five years ago, the KSC operates under Kosovo law but is based in the Netherlands to protect witnesses from intimidation in a society where former rebel commanders are hugely influential.
Prosecutors have twice accused Thaci of trying to undermine the work of the tribunal.
At home, Thaci is not a hero to all.
For critics, he has become the face of a political elite whose corruption and mismanagement have done little to lift ordinary Kosovars out of grinding poverty.
But few Kosovo Albanians will criticise the legacy of the KLA, with voices from across the political spectrum defending the war after Thaci was first accused.
Twenty years later, relations between Kosovo and Serbia are still tense and complicated, with Belgrade refusing to recognise the independence Pristina declared in 2008.
burs-ssm/txw
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-05--In Pennsylvania, Biden closing on Trump with 400,000 votes to count

In Pennsylvania , Biden closing on Trump with 400,000 votes to count The day after America 's election , Donald @ @ @ @ @ path to victory , while Joe Biden has numerous options .
In Pennsylvania , which @ @ @ @ @ re-election hopes alive , Biden is fast closing in , with 400,000 more votes to @ @ @ @ @ have descended on the state to force a halt to the count .

In Pennsylvania, Biden closing on Trump with 400,000 votes to count
03:36
The day after America's election, Donald Trump retains a very slim path to victory, while Joe Biden has numerous options. In Pennsylvania, which Trump needs to keep his re-election hopes alive, Biden is fast closing in, with 400,000 more votes to be counted. Republican lawyers have descended on the state to force a halt to the count.


france24--2020-11-05--Solskjaer's defence is shaky as future hangs in the balance

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissed former team-mate ROy Keane 's claim his players would cost him his job but Wednesday 's woeful defending added weight to the Irishman 's comments Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have dismissed Roy Keane 's suggestion this week that the players would cost him his job but the manner of Wednesday 's Champions League defeat supported the former United great 's claim .
The Daily Mirror 's headline `` Dumb and Demba '' summed up the embarrassment of the United defence .
They allowed 35-year-old Demba Ba the freedom of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal as the minnows of the Champions League group ran out 2-1 winners .
The expensively-assembled defence were exposed again before half-time for Basaksehir 's second handing United their first defeat in this season 's competition and leaving Solskjaer in deep trouble .
`` You would n't see this on Hackney Marshes ( in amateur football ) , '' said Solskjaer 's former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport .
`` Where is the defending ?
There is zero organisation .
Where is the person organising that ?
`` I hope Ole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I hope he is very animated in the dressing room because those players need a rocket . ''
The Champions League had prior to Wednesday provided respite for Solskjaer from a desperate start to the Premier League campaign .
United are languishing in 15th spot after making their worst start to a league campaign in 48 years and face a tricky trip to Everton on Saturday .
Defeat there might persuade executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward -- the great survivor despite being blamed by the supporters for much of what has gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for a change .
Tempting for Woodward is the availability of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino , who he is a known admirer of .
Solskjaer conceded the opening goal was indefensible and accepted he shared responsibility .
However , unlike his predecessor Jose Mourinho who enjoyed playing to the press gallery Solskjaer is never one to respond directly to speculation over his future .
`` I decline to comment on such a thing , '' he said .
`` It is early on .
Opinions are there all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am employed by the club to do a job and I 'm doing that to the best of my ability with my staff . ''
Solskjaer may still have some currency in his favour with Woodward after signs of improvement in the team last term .
United finished third in the league -- only the second time that has happened since Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 season -- and reached the semi-finals in three cup competitions .
If there is any room for optimism ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to Wednesday United have been far better away from home than at Old Trafford .
They have failed to win their first four home league games whereas Basaksehir 's victory ended Manchester United 's longest away winning run in all competitions in their history ( 10 straight wins ) .
It was their first away defeat in 19 matches since losing in January at Liverpool in the Premier League .
Solskjaer will be looking for the same type of character the team showed after the traumatic 6-1 home defeat by Mourinho 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins over last season 's Champions League finalists Paris Saint Germain , Newcastle in the league and a 5-0 annihilation of Champions League semi-finalists Leipzig have shown the quality of the side .
However , as good as they are in attack at times it does not hide the fact the once reliable Harry Maguire is a shadow of the player he was before his legal difficulties in Mykonos .
Confidence appears to have drained from him and with it the defence has lost it 's one true leader .
Quite how Solskjaer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviving the defence and retaining his job .
He will want the brutal assessment of the back four provided by former team-mate Paul Scholes to mark the moment the defence pulled themselves together .
`` It 's like under-10s football , '' said Scholes on BT Sport .
`` Embarrassing .
What the defence were doing I have no idea .
`` The goal is comical , laughable .
That can only be a player 's fault -- that 's not down to the staff or the coaches . ''

London (AFP) –
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have dismissed Roy Keane's suggestion this week that the players would cost him his job but the manner of Wednesday's Champions League defeat supported the former United great's claim.
The Daily Mirror's headline "Dumb and Demba" summed up the embarrassment of the United defence.
They allowed 35-year-old Demba Ba the freedom of the pitch to score Istanbul Basaksehir's opening goal as the minnows of the Champions League group ran out 2-1 winners.
The expensively-assembled defence were exposed again before half-time for Basaksehir's second handing United their first defeat in this season's competition and leaving Solskjaer in deep trouble.
"You wouldn't see this on Hackney Marshes (in amateur football)," said Solskjaer's former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport.
"Where is the defending? There is zero organisation. Where is the person organising that?
"I hope Ole is telling them they are embarrassing him.
"I hope he is very animated in the dressing room because those players need a rocket."
The Champions League had prior to Wednesday provided respite for Solskjaer from a desperate start to the Premier League campaign.
United are languishing in 15th spot after making their worst start to a league campaign in 48 years and face a tricky trip to Everton on Saturday.
Defeat there might persuade executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward -- the great survivor despite being blamed by the supporters for much of what has gone wrong at the club -- it is time for a change.
Tempting for Woodward is the availability of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, who he is a known admirer of.
Solskjaer conceded the opening goal was indefensible and accepted he shared responsibility.
However, unlike his predecessor Jose Mourinho who enjoyed playing to the press gallery Solskjaer is never one to respond directly to speculation over his future.
"I decline to comment on such a thing," he said.
"It is early on. Opinions are there all the time. We have to stay strong.
"I am employed by the club to do a job and I'm doing that to the best of my ability with my staff."
- 'The goal is comical' -
Solskjaer may still have some currency in his favour with Woodward after signs of improvement in the team last term.
United finished third in the league -- only the second time that has happened since Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 season -- and reached the semi-finals in three cup competitions.
If there is any room for optimism ahead of the Everton clash for Solskjaer it is that prior to Wednesday United have been far better away from home than at Old Trafford.
They have failed to win their first four home league games whereas Basaksehir's victory ended Manchester United's longest away winning run in all competitions in their history (10 straight wins).
It was their first away defeat in 19 matches since losing in January at Liverpool in the Premier League.
Solskjaer will be looking for the same type of character the team showed after the traumatic 6-1 home defeat by Mourinho's Spurs earlier in the season.
Excellent wins over last season's Champions League finalists Paris Saint Germain, Newcastle in the league and a 5-0 annihilation of Champions League semi-finalists Leipzig have shown the quality of the side.
However, as good as they are in attack at times it does not hide the fact the once reliable Harry Maguire is a shadow of the player he was before his legal difficulties in Mykonos.
Confidence appears to have drained from him and with it the defence has lost it's one true leader.
Quite how Solskjaer can remedy that may prove pivotal in reviving the defence and retaining his job.
He will want the brutal assessment of the back four provided by former team-mate Paul Scholes to mark the moment the defence pulled themselves together.
"It's like under-10s football," said Scholes on BT Sport.
"Embarrassing. What the defence were doing I have no idea.
"The goal is comical, laughable. That can only be a player's fault -- that's not down to the staff or the coaches."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-05--Analysis: Trump looks to courts to claw back votes

Analysis : Trump looks to courts to claw back votes Behind in Electoral College votes and losing the popular vote @ @ @ @ @ re-election hopes now hinge on postal ballots in a handful of key states .
As @ @ @ @ @ affairs editor Philip Turle explains , mail-in ballots typically favour Democrat candidates .
In Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ ballots are susceptible to be for Joe Biden , and only 13 percent for Trump @ @ @ @ @ sown seeds of doubt about postal ballots , which he claims , without evidence , @ @ @ @ @

Analysis: Trump looks to courts to claw back votes
04:08
Behind in Electoral College votes and losing the popular vote, Donald Trump’s re-election hopes now hinge on postal ballots in a handful of key states. As FRANCE 24’s international affairs editor Philip Turle explains, mail-in ballots typically favour Democrat candidates. In Pennsylvania, 87 percent of absentee ballots are susceptible to be for Joe Biden, and only 13 percent for Trump. The president has long sown seeds of doubt about postal ballots, which he claims, without evidence, are susceptible to fraud.


france24--2020-11-05--Gun-toting Trump supporters mob vote-counting centres in key states

Pro-Trump protestors have turned out at vote-counting centres in Arizona and other states , portending an ugly post-election battle .
@ @ @ @ @ Republicans , many carrying firearms , turned up to a vote-counting office to show their @ @ @ @ @ Arizona , which officially is yet to declare , to Joe Biden .

Gun-toting Trump supporters mob vote-counting centres in key states
01:34
Pro-Trump protestors have turned out at vote-counting centres in Arizona and other states, portending an ugly post-election battle. In Maricopa county, local Republicans, many carrying firearms, turned up to a vote-counting office to show their anger after Fox News gave Arizona, which officially is yet to declare, to Joe Biden.


france24--2020-11-05--More Paris shops ordered closed at night as Covid-19 crisis worsens

Pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk along the rue Montorgueil , in central Paris , on November 2 , 2020 .
Paris will be placed under more restrictions to curb the worsening COVID-19 pandemic , including a requirement for more shops to close in the evening , Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo told BFM TV on Thursday .
Answer a few questions to join Europe Talks and debate with another European Hidalgo said this would entail shutting down certain shops selling takeaway food and drink at 10 p.m. local time , which would come on top of the existing national lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Emmanuel Macron imposed a new lockdown last month , forcing non-essential shops - such as those not selling basic foods or medicines - to close , and making people use signed documents to justify being out on the streets .
Nevertheless , French authorities believed more measures were needed in Paris as they felt there were still too many people out in the capital late at night , in spite of the lockdown .
New COVID-19 lockdowns and curbs have stirred resistance across Europe even as countries including France and Spain deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure .
A French government source told Reuters this week that they had noted in Paris `` clandestine parties , raves , private dinners '' , and felt stricter measures were needed .
`` When you get people who are not playing by the rules of the game , and are therefore putting at risk the health of a large number of people , that is when you need to put in place new restrictions , '' Hidalgo said .
On Wednesday , France reported 40,558 new COVID-19 cases and a further 385 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll from COVID to 38,674 while the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases stands at around 1.5 million .

Paris will ban delivery and takeaway services for prepared food and alcohol between 10pm and 6am from Friday to curb the worsening Covid-19 pandemic, the police prefecture has announced.
Pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk along the rue Montorgueil, in central Paris, on November 2, 2020.
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Answer a few questions to join Europe Talks and debate with another European
In a statement on Thursday, police officials said the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks in public spaces during those hours would also be banned.
Earlier in the day, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the new restrictions were necessary to prevent people from gathering outside food outlets in the French capital.
The new curbs will come on top of the existing national lockdown that has been imposed throughout France.
President Emmanuel Macron imposed a new lockdown last month, forcing non-essential shops - such as those not selling basic foods or medicines - to close, and making people use signed documents to justify being out on the streets.
Nevertheless, French authorities believed more measures were needed in Paris as they felt there were still too many people out in the capital late at night, in spite of the lockdown.
New Covid-19 lockdowns and curbs have stirred resistance across Europe even as countries including France and Spain deal with record daily infections and hospitals under pressure.
A French government source told Reuters this week that they had noted in Paris "clandestine parties, raves, private dinners", and felt stricter measures were needed.
"When you get people who are not playing by the rules of the game, and are therefore putting at risk the health of a large number of people, that is when you need to put in place new restrictions," Hidalgo said.
On Wednesday, France reported 40,558 new Covid-19 cases and a further 385 deaths, taking the country's total death toll to 38,674 while the total number of confirmed cases stands at around 1.5 million.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-11-05--In the mail: Biden, Trump tussle over vote counts in undeclared states

In the mail : Biden , Trump tussle over vote counts in undeclared states The race to the White House @ @ @ @ @ finish line .
After a win in Wisconsin , Joe Biden urged his supporters to @ @ @ @ @ the count was finished , he was confident of winning .
Donald Trump meanwhile has @ @ @ @ @ of transparency in the counting of mailed-in votes in Pennsylvania and Georgia , where he @ @ @ @ @ son confirming they would be pursuing legal action .

In the mail: Biden, Trump tussle over vote counts in undeclared states
01:43
The race to the White House is moving slowly towards the finish line. After a win in Wisconsin, Joe Biden urged his supporters to be patient, saying once the count was finished, he was confident of winning. Donald Trump meanwhile has charged there is a lack of transparency in the counting of mailed-in votes in Pennsylvania and Georgia, where he is still ahead, his son confirming they would be pursuing legal action.


france24--2020-11-05--Ethiopia MPs back state of emergency in Tigray amid military campaign

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , pictured on the public broadcaster EBC as he announced the military response on Wednesday Ethiopian lawmakers on Thursday endorsed a six-month state of emergency in the northern region of Tigray , a day after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered military operations there in an escalation of a long-running feud .
The move is part of an attempt by Abiy , winner of last year 's Nobel Peace Prize , to assert federal control over a region whose ruling party has openly defied him for months and brands him as illegitimate .
The lower house of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency in a session Thursday morning , state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate said .
According to the country 's constitution , under a state of emergency the government has `` all necessary power to protect the country 's peace and sovereignty '' and can suspend some `` political and democratic rights '' .
A senior government official told AFP that in Tigray this could lead to a curfew , searches without warrants , transportation and communications restrictions and the detention of `` any person that [ officials ] suspect is taking part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The state of emergency could also be extended beyond Tigray if needed , the official said .
Ahead of Thursday 's vote , the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission , the national rights body , pointed to the need to maintain key services and supplies for civilians .
Lawmakers `` should in particular consider ensuring humanitarian access and support including for food , medicine and other essential civilian services to avoid a complete blockage of communication and transport facilities , '' it said .
He said the move came in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's ruling party , the Tigray People 's Liberation Front ( TPLF ) , on a military camp there .
But a senior Tigrayan official told AFP Thursday that the `` attack '' never happened .
`` No attack was launched by us , '' said the official , Wondimu Asamnew .
Speaking on state television Wednesday night , Abiy said there would be further operations in the `` coming days '' .
`` In general , when the operations are finished we will disclose them to the public , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline or a clear military objective for the campaign , though a spokesman for a newly-formed crisis committee said Wednesday the goal was to `` liberate '' the region from the TPLF .
Abiy said the initial `` attack '' produced `` many martyrs '' , but officials have not provided much information on subsequent military operations .
Fighting so far appears to have been largely concentrated in western Tigray , diplomats and aid workers said .
Wondimu , the TPLF official , reiterated the TPLF 's claim that the military 's Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim dismissed as false by Abiy 's office .
`` The Northern Command has voluntarily started to cooperate with Tigray to save the country from an all-out civil war , '' Wondimu said .
He also said there were `` no civilian casualties and only a few skirmishes with a few soldiers who have not respected the decision of their commanders '' .
`` I am at work like anyone else in Mekele , '' he said , referring to the regional capital .
The fighting in Tigray has drawn expressions of concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU .
An official at the African Union told AFP Thursday that the body , headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa , was reaching out to `` all actors '' to try to bring a swift end to the conflict .
`` The African Union is engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region and with all actors at the moment to try to find some sort of solution .
But it 's clearly very sensitive right now , '' the official said .
`` I know that everybody is clamouring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dire that it 's really about the doing .
A solution is not going to be found on Twitter . ''
The TPLF dominated politics in Ethiopia for nearly three decades before Abiy came to power in 2018 on the strength of anti-government protests .
Under Abiy , Tigrayan leaders have complained of being unfairly targeted in corruption prosecutions , removed from top positions and broadly scapegoated for the country 's woes .
In previous weeks , tensions had been rising over control of military assets in the region .

Addis Ababa (AFP) –
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Ethiopian lawmakers on Thursday endorsed a six-month state of emergency in the northern region of Tigray, a day after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered military operations there in an escalation of a long-running feud.
The move is part of an attempt by Abiy, winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, to assert federal control over a region whose ruling party has openly defied him for months and brands him as illegitimate.
The lower house of parliament "unanimously approved" the state of emergency in a session Thursday morning, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate said.
According to the country's constitution, under a state of emergency the government has "all necessary power to protect the country's peace and sovereignty" and can suspend some "political and democratic rights".
A senior government official told AFP that in Tigray this could lead to a curfew, searches without warrants, transportation and communications restrictions and the detention of "any person that [officials] suspect is taking part in illegal activities that threaten the constitutional order".
The state of emergency could also be extended beyond Tigray if needed, the official said.
Ahead of Thursday's vote, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the national rights body, pointed to the need to maintain key services and supplies for civilians.
Lawmakers "should in particular consider ensuring humanitarian access and support including for food, medicine and other essential civilian services to avoid a complete blockage of communication and transport facilities," it said.
- TPLF denies 'attack' -
Abiy announced the military operations in Tigray Wednesday morning.
He said the move came in response to an "attack" by the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), on a military camp there.
But a senior Tigrayan official told AFP Thursday that the "attack" never happened.
"No attack was launched by us," said the official, Wondimu Asamnew.
Speaking on state television Wednesday night, Abiy said there would be further operations in the "coming days".
"In general, when the operations are finished we will disclose them to the public," he said.
The government has not revealed a timeline or a clear military objective for the campaign, though a spokesman for a newly-formed crisis committee said Wednesday the goal was to "liberate" the region from the TPLF.
Abiy said the initial "attack" produced "many martyrs", but officials have not provided much information on subsequent military operations.
Fighting so far appears to have been largely concentrated in western Tigray, diplomats and aid workers said.
Wondimu, the TPLF official, reiterated the TPLF's claim that the military's Northern Command had broken with Abiy -- a claim dismissed as false by Abiy's office.
"The Northern Command has voluntarily started to cooperate with Tigray to save the country from an all-out civil war," Wondimu said.
He also said there were "no civilian casualties and only a few skirmishes with a few soldiers who have not respected the decision of their commanders".
"I am at work like anyone else in Mekele," he said, referring to the regional capital.
The fighting in Tigray has drawn expressions of concern from the UN, the US and the EU.
An official at the African Union told AFP Thursday that the body, headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, was reaching out to "all actors" to try to bring a swift end to the conflict.
"The African Union is engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region and with all actors at the moment to try to find some sort of solution. But it's clearly very sensitive right now," the official said.
"I know that everybody is clamouring for public pronouncements. The situation is so dire that it's really about the doing. A solution is not going to be found on Twitter."
The TPLF dominated politics in Ethiopia for nearly three decades before Abiy came to power in 2018 on the strength of anti-government protests.
Under Abiy, Tigrayan leaders have complained of being unfairly targeted in corruption prosecutions, removed from top positions and broadly scapegoated for the country's woes.
In previous weeks, tensions had been rising over control of military assets in the region.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-06--'Free spirit' Lowe set for new high of Ireland Test debut

New Zealand-born wing James Lowe will put his heart and soul into playing for his adopted country Ireland even though he once described it as a weird prospect James Lowe once described the thought of ending up playing for Ireland as a `` weird prospect '' , but the highly-rated New Zealand-born wing looks set to do so during the Autumn Nations Cup .
The 28-year-old -- a `` free spirit '' according to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell -- has been named in the squad for the forthcoming tournament .
He qualifies to do so due to the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 , encouraged to settle in Ireland after talking to his close friend Jamison Gibson-Park .
There is a good chance the two Kiwis will line up in the starting XV during the Autumn Nations Cup , with Leinster scrum-half Gibson-Park having won his first cap against Italy a fortnight ago .
Even so Lowe , who was bed-ridden with rheumatoid arthritis when he was a youngster and still receives weekly injections and painkillers for it , is no great fan of the rule that permits him to play for Ireland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a stupid rule , is n't it ?
Like… I could dig myself a big hole here , obviously , '' he told website the42.ie last year .
`` It 's weird that I could be Irish , is n't it ?
Like , it is weird . ''
Whatever its merits or lack of -- the residency rule is now changed to five years -- his eligibility is a boon for the Irish .
His performances for The Chiefs earned him a call-up to the All Blacks squad for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule him out .
He did , however , turn out for the All Black Maoris against the British & Irish Lions in 2017 .
While the All Black shirt proper evaded him , a green one is looming after a succession of sparkling displays for Leinster that has seen him part of a squad that won the 2018 European Champions Cup and Pro 14 title double in his debut season .
His dedication to his adopted country is not in doubt , according to his Leinster team-mate and Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put on the green jersey I know it will mean a lot to him , '' said Sexton on Thursday .
`` It 's not something he will take lightly .
He will be very proud , from speaking to him .
`` I do n't think he came over here , I might be wrong , I do n't think he came over here with the sole purpose of trying something new .
`` He seemed to fall in love with the place . ''
Ireland are blessed with several exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be no accident one of them , Jacob Stockdale , has seized the chance to try his luck at full-back just as Lowe became eligible .
Sexton says Lowe possesses that special stardust which sets him apart from his rivals and should find the step up to Test rugby not too challenging .
`` He 's got outstanding prospects to be incredible at this level , '' said Sexton .
`` He 's been a huge part of our success over the last three years .
`` He 's got an X-factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him . ''
Farrell thinks Lowe will add an extra zest to the Irish attack .
`` Potentially , we think he can be excellent , '' said Farrell .
`` His strengths are that he does n't like getting tackled too much , does n't die with the ball either , he 's always going looking for work to make things happen .
`` That 's what all the best wingers do -- they try to make things happen . ''
Farrell says they will not try to suppress his individual skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training field , not too much in the classroom , meetings , etc .
`` Not too much there because he just wants to get out and run around with the ball .
`` He 's a likeable sort , let 's put it that way . ''

Dublin (AFP) –
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James Lowe once described the thought of ending up playing for Ireland as a "weird prospect", but the highly-rated New Zealand-born wing looks set to do so during the Autumn Nations Cup.
The 28-year-old -- a "free spirit" according to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell -- has been named in the squad for the forthcoming tournament.
He qualifies to do so due to the three year residency rule, having joined Leinster in 2017, encouraged to settle in Ireland after talking to his close friend Jamison Gibson-Park.
There is a good chance the two Kiwis will line up in the starting XV during the Autumn Nations Cup, with Leinster scrum-half Gibson-Park having won his first cap against Italy a fortnight ago.
Even so Lowe, who was bed-ridden with rheumatoid arthritis when he was a youngster and still receives weekly injections and painkillers for it, is no great fan of the rule that permits him to play for Ireland.
"If I look at it, it's a stupid rule, isn't it? Like… I could dig myself a big hole here, obviously," he told website the42.ie last year.
"It's weird that I could be Irish, isn't it? Like, it is weird."
Whatever its merits or lack of -- the residency rule is now changed to five years -- his eligibility is a boon for the Irish.
His performances for The Chiefs earned him a call-up to the All Blacks squad for a Test with Samoa only for injury to rule him out.
He did, however, turn out for the All Black Maoris against the British & Irish Lions in 2017.
While the All Black shirt proper evaded him, a green one is looming after a succession of sparkling displays for Leinster that has seen him part of a squad that won the 2018 European Champions Cup and Pro 14 title double in his debut season.
His dedication to his adopted country is not in doubt, according to his Leinster team-mate and Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton.
"If he gets the chance to put on the green jersey I know it will mean a lot to him," said Sexton on Thursday.
"It's not something he will take lightly. He will be very proud, from speaking to him.
"I don't think he came over here, I might be wrong, I don't think he came over here with the sole purpose of trying something new.
"He seemed to fall in love with the place."
- 'Happy go-lucky lad' -
Ireland are blessed with several exciting prospects of already proven wings but it may be no accident one of them, Jacob Stockdale, has seized the chance to try his luck at full-back just as Lowe became eligible.
Sexton says Lowe possesses that special stardust which sets him apart from his rivals and should find the step up to Test rugby not too challenging.
"He's got outstanding prospects to be incredible at this level," said Sexton.
"He's been a huge part of our success over the last three years.
"He's got an X-factor, a bit of special quality about him."
Farrell thinks Lowe will add an extra zest to the Irish attack.
"Potentially, we think he can be excellent," said Farrell.
"His strengths are that he doesn't like getting tackled too much, doesn't die with the ball either, he's always going looking for work to make things happen.
"That's what all the best wingers do -- they try to make things happen."
Farrell says they will not try to suppress his individual skills.
"He's a free spirit, he's a happy, go-lucky lad," said Farrell.
"He enjoys himself on the training field, not too much in the classroom, meetings, etc.
"Not too much there because he just wants to get out and run around with the ball.
"He's a likeable sort, let's put it that way."
© 2020 AFP