france24--2020-11-17--UN General Assembly president assails Security Council

UN General Assembly president Volkan Bozkir criticized the body , saying its effectiveness has been limited UN General Assembly president Volkan Bozkir on Monday criticized the Security Council , saying it was failing to respond to the world 's biggest challenges due to `` competing interests . ''
`` The council has , on many occasions , failed to carry out its responsibility to maintain international peace and security , '' Bozkir , a Turkish diplomat , said at a debate on reforming the body .
`` Competing interests among its members and frequent use of the veto have limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some of the most urgent humanitarian crises , the council could not provide a timely and adequate response . ''
There has been growing criticism of the body , which has not been reformed in decades , with France 's President Emmanuel Macron saying in a recent interview with Le Grand Continent that it `` no longer produces useful solutions . ''
Bozkir said reform of the Security Council was `` an unavoidable imperative -- both challenging and essential . ''
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic , the Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
It took more than three months to overcome friction between the United States and China to pass a resolution on July 1 calling for more international cooperation and to support a call by the secretary-general for a ceasefire in war-torn countries to help fight the disease .
During the debate on reform , the 193 UN members discussed the right to veto , the privilege of the five permanent members of the Security Council ( United States , China , Russia , France and United Kingdom ) , enlarging the forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has used its veto 15 times since 2011 on the Syrian dossier alone , and the US do not wish to see that power reduced .
`` The United States remains open , in principle , to a modest expansion of the Security Council , '' said American diplomat Ngoyi Ngoyi .
But `` this must be pursued in a way that will not diminish the Security Council 's effectiveness , or its efficiency , and will not alter or expand the veto . ''
Deputy Russian ambassador Anna Evstigneeva argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prerogatives of the permanent members of the Security Council , including the right to veto , are unacceptable . ''
Using the veto , or even the threat of using it , `` have repeatedly prevented the United Nations from becoming associated with dubious companies , '' she added .
Later , Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun criticized an `` over-representation of developed countries '' and called for a larger presence of small and medium nations , particularly African ones .
The Security Council , which can decide on international sanctions and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition to the five permanent nations , it has 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms .
Germany is a candidate for another permanent seat on the Council , along with Brazil , Japan and India .
Africa is seeking two spots but has yet to identify potential future beneficiaries .

United Nations (United States) (AFP) –
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UN General Assembly president Volkan Bozkir on Monday criticized the Security Council, saying it was failing to respond to the world's biggest challenges due to "competing interests."
"The council has, on many occasions, failed to carry out its responsibility to maintain international peace and security," Bozkir, a Turkish diplomat, said at a debate on reforming the body.
"Competing interests among its members and frequent use of the veto have limited the Security Council's effectiveness. Even in some of the most urgent humanitarian crises, the council could not provide a timely and adequate response."
There has been growing criticism of the body, which has not been reformed in decades, with France's President Emmanuel Macron saying in a recent interview with Le Grand Continent that it "no longer produces useful solutions."
Bozkir said reform of the Security Council was "an unavoidable imperative -- both challenging and essential."
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Security Council has held few meetings devoted to the virus.
It took more than three months to overcome friction between the United States and China to pass a resolution on July 1 calling for more international cooperation and to support a call by the secretary-general for a ceasefire in war-torn countries to help fight the disease.
During the debate on reform, the 193 UN members discussed the right to veto, the privilege of the five permanent members of the Security Council (United States, China, Russia, France and United Kingdom), enlarging the forum and its regional balance.
- Modest expansion of council? -
Russia, which has used its veto 15 times since 2011 on the Syrian dossier alone, and the US do not wish to see that power reduced.
"The United States remains open, in principle, to a modest expansion of the Security Council," said American diplomat Ngoyi Ngoyi. But "this must be pursued in a way that will not diminish the Security Council's effectiveness, or its efficiency, and will not alter or expand the veto."
Deputy Russian ambassador Anna Evstigneeva argued that "ideas leading to the erosion of the prerogatives of the permanent members of the Security Council, including the right to veto, are unacceptable."
Using the veto, or even the threat of using it, "have repeatedly prevented the United Nations from becoming associated with dubious companies," she added.
Later, Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun criticized an "over-representation of developed countries" and called for a larger presence of small and medium nations, particularly African ones.
The Security Council, which can decide on international sanctions and the use of force, has 15 members. In addition to the five permanent nations, it has 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Germany is a candidate for another permanent seat on the Council, along with Brazil, Japan and India. Africa is seeking two spots but has yet to identify potential future beneficiaries.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--'Abnormal spike in deaths' as fin whales wash up on French shores

Experts at the Observatoire Pelagis examine the dead body of a fin whale which was found stranded on a beach in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez , France , November 16 , 2020 .
Marine biologists are investigating the deaths of at least six whales found washed up on France 's western shores with no apparent sign of having been hit by a ship or caught in a trawler 's net .
Researchers on Monday used a mechanical digger and long knives to dissect a fin whale , the second largest species of whale after the blue whale , taking samples they believe might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an average year , between three and , at most , 10 whales are deposited dead on France 's beaches , they say .
`` We have what is almost an epidemic or , at any rate , an abnormal spike in deaths , '' said Willy Dabin , a researcher from the Pelagis Observatory working on the corpse .
The most recent fin whale corpse was found on Friday near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez .
It measured nearly 16 metres and weighed an estimated 10 tonnes .
The common fin whales have all died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been malnourished and shown evidence of hemorrhaging in the cardiac and respiratory systems .
`` The question lurking in the background is : are humans a contributing factor in their capacity to upset the environment ? ''
Dabin said .
`` Either by impacting food availability or polluting the living environment , which could leave the whales more vulnerable to disease . ''
Officials put guards near the carcass at the weekend to keep intrigued locals at a distance .
`` It 's disgusting , '' said one local man .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to remove it .
Cut it up piece by piece ? ''

Marine biologists are investigating the deaths of at least six whales found washed up on France's western shores with no apparent sign of having been hit by a ship or caught in a trawler's net.
Experts at the Observatoire Pelagis examine the dead body of a fin whale that was found stranded on a beach in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, France, November 16, 2020.
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Researchers on Monday used a mechanical digger and long knives to dissect a fin whale, the second largest species of whale after the blue whale, taking samples they believe might reveal evidence of a viral pathogen.
In an average year, between three and, at most, 10 whales are deposited dead on France's beaches, they say.
"We have what is almost an epidemic or, at any rate, an abnormal spike in deaths," said Willy Dabin, a researcher from the Pelagis Observatory working on the corpse.
The most recent fin whale corpse was found on Friday near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. It measured nearly 16 metres and weighed an estimated 10 tonnes.
The common fin whales have all died within the past six weeks. All have been malnourished and shown evidence of hemorrhaging in the cardiac and respiratory systems.
"The question lurking in the background is: are humans a contributing factor in their capacity to upset the environment?" Dabin said. "Either by impacting food availability or polluting the living environment, which could leave the whales more vulnerable to disease."
Officials put guards near the carcass at the weekend to keep intrigued locals at a distance.
"It's disgusting," said one local man. "I don't know how they're going to remove it. Cut it up piece by piece?"
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-11-16--UN chief 'deeply disturbed' by political unrest in Peru

A supporter of ousted Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra holds a Peruvian flag during a protest against the government of interim president Manuel Merino in Lima on November 14 , 2020 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is `` deeply disturbed '' by a violent crackdown in Peru against people protesting the impeachment of former president Martin Vizcarra , his spokesman said Monday .
Guterres was `` deeply disturbed by reports of excessive use of force and violence allegedly committed by security forces during the protests , including the death of two young men , dozens of injured and attacks against media workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dujarric .
Vizcarra 's impeachment a week ago over allegations of corruption , and his replacement by congressional speaker Manuel Merino just five months before an election , triggered widespread protests , which police used force to crush , killing two young people and injuring hundreds of others .
Merino quit on Sunday , scarcely five days after taking up his post , and centrist lawmaker Francisco Sagasti was elected by Congress as Peru 's third president in a week , faced with the daunting task of restoring peace in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Peruvian attorney general 's office on Monday opened a preliminary investigation against Merino for the deaths of the two young men , apparently killed by police .
Guterres is following the situation in Peru `` with concern '' Dujarric said , and `` urges all stakeholders to work towards a prompt and institutional solution to the current political crisis ... through inclusive dialogue with full respect for the rule of law . ''

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply disturbed" by a violent crackdown in Peru against people protesting the impeachment of former president Martin Vizcarra, his spokesman said Monday.
Guterres was "deeply disturbed by reports of excessive use of force and violence allegedly committed by security forces during the protests, including the death of two young men, dozens of injured and attacks against media workers," said his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.
Vizcarra's impeachment a week ago over allegations of corruption, and his replacement by congressional speaker Manuel Merino just five months before an election, triggered widespread protests, which police used force to crush, killing two young people and injuring hundreds of others.
Merino quit on Sunday, scarcely five days after taking up his post, and centrist lawmaker Francisco Sagasti was elected by Congress as Peru's third president in a week, faced with the daunting task of restoring peace in the midst of the worst political crisis in decades.
The Peruvian attorney general's office on Monday opened a preliminary investigation against Merino for the deaths of the two young men, apparently killed by police.
Guterres is following the situation in Peru "with concern" Dujarric said, and "urges all stakeholders to work towards a prompt and institutional solution to the current political crisis... through inclusive dialogue with full respect for the rule of law."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Djokovic off to a flying start at ATP Finals as Medvedev battles past Zverev

Novak Djokovic produced a masterclass on Monday to launch his campaign for a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP Finals as Daniil Medvedev outfought former champion Alexander Zverev .
The world number one crushed Argentine eighth seed Diego Schwartzman 6-3 , 6-2 in the opening round-robin match in Group Tokyo 1970 before Russia 's Medvedev triumphed 6-3 , 6-4 .
Djokovic , who has already sealed the year-end number one spot for a record-equalling sixth time , is aiming to match the absent Roger Federer , who holds the record of six ATP Finals wins .
The Serbian , 33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus interruption , winning four titles including the Australian Open .
He came into the match at an empty O2 Arena with a 5-0 record against the diminutive Schwartzman but the debutant started impressively , breaking Djokovic in the third game .
However , the top seed broke back immediately and took his game up a notch , breaking again and converting his first set point with a powerful serve down the T. Two more breaks in the second set were enough to take Djokovic to a comfortable win against his outclassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started slowly but said he was pleased with his game as the match wore on .
`` In the second set I started swinging through the ball a bit more , bit less hesitation from both corners and I was very pleased with the way I played in the second set especially , '' he said .
The five-time champion said he was missing the fans , who usually pack the cavernous O2 Arena for the elite eight-man event .
`` I 've been playing the ATP Finals in this arena for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience some incredible matches and atmospheres and it feels very strange to play in front of empty stands , '' he said .
The evening contest between Medvedev and Zverev was a rematch of last week 's Paris Masters final , where the Russian came out on top .
Both players struggled to hold serve in an intense start to the contest on Monday , swapping breaks as they struggled to catch their breath .
Fifth-seed Zverev hit four double faults in his first two service games to set the tone and struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve throughout the whole match , losing 15 out of 19 points .
Medvedev , who lost all three matches on his first appearance at the ATP Finals last year , broke again in the sixth game to take the first set .
The pair settled into more of a rhythm on serve in the second set but 2018 champion Zverev blinked first , broken in the seventh game as his shoulders slumped .
Medvedev , spotting the German far back behind the baseline , slipped in an underarm serve in the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the match to love , completing his triumph with a leaping backhand winner .
There were 15 break points in the match , Medvedev saving five of the six he faced .
The Russian fourth seed said his win at the Paris Masters had given him confidence , describing Monday 's battle as exhausting .
`` The intensity of the match was one of the most I had in my career so actually second set for both of us was easier to make some winners because we were both tired so we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` There were some amazing rallies .
I 'm happy that I came out on top of this battle . ''
World number two Rafael Nadal , chasing his first ATP Finals crown , won his first match in Group London 2020 on Sunday , along with US Open Dominic Thiem .
The O2 Arena is hosting the ATP Finals for the 12th and final season before the year-end championships moves to Turin next year .

London (AFP) –
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Novak Djokovic produced a masterclass on Monday to launch his campaign for a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP Finals as Daniil Medvedev outfought former champion Alexander Zverev.
The world number one crushed Argentine eighth seed Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round-robin match in Group Tokyo 1970 before Russia's Medvedev triumphed 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic, who has already sealed the year-end number one spot for a record-equalling sixth time, is aiming to match the absent Roger Federer, who holds the record of six ATP Finals wins.
The Serbian, 33, has enjoyed another sparkling season despite the coronavirus interruption, winning four titles including the Australian Open.
He came into the match at an empty O2 Arena with a 5-0 record against the diminutive Schwartzman but the debutant started impressively, breaking Djokovic in the third game.
However, the top seed broke back immediately and took his game up a notch, breaking again and converting his first set point with a powerful serve down the T.
Two more breaks in the second set were enough to take Djokovic to a comfortable win against his outclassed opponent.
The Serbian admitted he had started slowly but said he was pleased with his game as the match wore on.
"In the second set I started swinging through the ball a bit more, bit less hesitation from both corners and I was very pleased with the way I played in the second set especially," he said.
- Empty stands -
The five-time champion said he was missing the fans, who usually pack the cavernous O2 Arena for the elite eight-man event.
"I've been playing the ATP Finals in this arena for many years and I've been blessed to experience some incredible matches and atmospheres and it feels very strange to play in front of empty stands," he said.
The evening contest between Medvedev and Zverev was a rematch of last week's Paris Masters final, where the Russian came out on top.
Both players struggled to hold serve in an intense start to the contest on Monday, swapping breaks as they struggled to catch their breath.
Fifth-seed Zverev hit four double faults in his first two service games to set the tone and struggled to find a rhythm behind his second serve throughout the whole match, losing 15 out of 19 points.
Medvedev, who lost all three matches on his first appearance at the ATP Finals last year, broke again in the sixth game to take the first set.
The pair settled into more of a rhythm on serve in the second set but 2018 champion Zverev blinked first, broken in the seventh game as his shoulders slumped.
Medvedev, spotting the German far back behind the baseline, slipped in an underarm serve in the following game, holding serve before closing out the match to love, completing his triumph with a leaping backhand winner.
There were 15 break points in the match, Medvedev saving five of the six he faced.
The Russian fourth seed said his win at the Paris Masters had given him confidence, describing Monday's battle as exhausting.
"The intensity of the match was one of the most I had in my career so actually second set for both of us was easier to make some winners because we were both tired so we couldn't run any more," he said.
"There were some amazing rallies. I'm happy that I came out on top of this battle."
World number two Rafael Nadal, chasing his first ATP Finals crown, won his first match in Group London 2020 on Sunday, along with US Open Dominic Thiem.
The O2 Arena is hosting the ATP Finals for the 12th and final season before the year-end championships moves to Turin next year.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Romania hospital fire fuels fear of further disasters

Flames spread rapidly through a hospital unit that had recently been reorganised to cope with extra coronavirus patients Ten coronavirus patients died in a fire at a Romanian hospital on Saturday , sparking wider safety warnings in a country marked by crumbling infrastructure and a culture of makeshift repairs .
`` Any intensive care unit in Romania could find itself in the same situation tomorrow , '' says anaesthetist Carmen Marginean of the hospital fire in the town of Piatra Neamt .
`` How many Romanian hospitals have secure fire doors ?
Who knows where the nearest emergency exit is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marginean , fire safety training for medical personnel `` only happens on paper '' .
Liviu Ungureanu , the head of the intensive care unit where the tragedy unfolded on Saturday , said it had been caused by a syringe pump that caught fire .
The flames rapidly spread through the unit , where eight patients were on ventilators after catching coronavirus .
Those patients , along with another eight in a neighbouring room , had just been transferred there after a reorganisation of the unit .
That reorganisation was meant to ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling like all other health workers in Romania with a vicious second wave of the pandemic .
But it had n't been authorised by local health officials and was done in a rush , with a partition put up to divide one large room into two .
Cramming so many extra patients into the same room was clearly too much for the unit 's electrical system in a building constructed in the communist era in 1973 .
Extra safety checks have been announced for intensive care units across the country .
And not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have worked in hospitals have taken to social media to publish disturbing images of loose wiring dangling from walls which could cause a short circuit at any moment .
Romanian hospitals `` often buy high-performing medical equipment but the electrical systems do n't conform to any sort of safety standard '' , electrician Sorin Popa told local media .
Hospital bosses `` are meant to conduct checks on their own initiative but it seems that they need a police officer to be checking up on them '' , Marius Filip , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Health ( ANMCS ) , told AFP .
But Beatrice Mahler , who 's in charge of the Marius Nasta hospital in Bucharest , says it can be difficult to make sure technicians conduct the necessary regular checks on the electrical systems .
Filip is exasperated by the widespread mentality of `` making do and mending '' , which leads to a reliance on makeshift solutions while hoping things turn out for the best .
`` If sometimes a member of staff stands up against this , the bosses will just get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , it works just fine as it is , ' '' he says .
For many Romanians the disaster in Piatra Neamt brought back memories of a fire five years ago in Bucharest 's Colectiv nightclub , in which 64 people died .
That fire brought into sharp focus the flouting of rules and regulations which pervades so much of Romanian public life .
It transpired after the blaze that local authorities had allowed the nightclub to continue operating despite not having the necessary permission from the fire department .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct a review before hospitals are allowed to operate .
But according to Filip , while there has been some progress , less than one third of Romania 's 670 hospitals have the necessary authorisation .
Carmen Uscatu and Oana Gheorghiu , who run an NGO that built a children 's hospital using private donations , are similarly worried about the risk of a repeat of Saturday 's fire .
A prefabricated hospital built for coronavirus patients not far from Piatra Neamt `` seems to be a makeshift structure even more dangerous than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said in a Facebook post .
As well as a heating system that could well stop working in the first cold snap , there is also a gas storage system they say has been constructed in violation of safety rules .
Their appeal to doctors working there is to voice their concerns about such issues : `` Speak now , or nothing will change in Romania . ''

Bucharest (AFP) –
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Ten coronavirus patients died in a fire at a Romanian hospital on Saturday, sparking wider safety warnings in a country marked by crumbling infrastructure and a culture of makeshift repairs.
"Any intensive care unit in Romania could find itself in the same situation tomorrow," says anaesthetist Carmen Marginean of the hospital fire in the town of Piatra Neamt.
"How many Romanian hospitals have secure fire doors? Who knows where the nearest emergency exit is," she asks.
According to Marginean, fire safety training for medical personnel "only happens on paper".
Liviu Ungureanu, the head of the intensive care unit where the tragedy unfolded on Saturday, said it had been caused by a syringe pump that caught fire.
The flames rapidly spread through the unit, where eight patients were on ventilators after catching coronavirus.
Those patients, along with another eight in a neighbouring room, had just been transferred there after a reorganisation of the unit.
That reorganisation was meant to ease the workload of the hospital staff, struggling like all other health workers in Romania with a vicious second wave of the pandemic.
But it hadn't been authorised by local health officials and was done in a rush, with a partition put up to divide one large room into two.
Cramming so many extra patients into the same room was clearly too much for the unit's electrical system in a building constructed in the communist era in 1973.
- Dangling wires -
Extra safety checks have been announced for intensive care units across the country.
And not a moment too soon: electricians who have worked in hospitals have taken to social media to publish disturbing images of loose wiring dangling from walls which could cause a short circuit at any moment.
Romanian hospitals "often buy high-performing medical equipment but the electrical systems don't conform to any sort of safety standard", electrician Sorin Popa told local media.
Hospital bosses "are meant to conduct checks on their own initiative but it seems that they need a police officer to be checking up on them", Marius Filip, director of Romania's National Authority of Quality Management in Health (ANMCS), told AFP.
But Beatrice Mahler, who's in charge of the Marius Nasta hospital in Bucharest, says it can be difficult to make sure technicians conduct the necessary regular checks on the electrical systems.
Filip is exasperated by the widespread mentality of "making do and mending", which leads to a reliance on makeshift solutions while hoping things turn out for the best.
"If sometimes a member of staff stands up against this, the bosses will just get angry with them and say: 'Leave it, it works just fine as it is,'" he says.
- 'Speak now' -
For many Romanians the disaster in Piatra Neamt brought back memories of a fire five years ago in Bucharest's Colectiv nightclub, in which 64 people died.
That fire brought into sharp focus the flouting of rules and regulations which pervades so much of Romanian public life.
It transpired after the blaze that local authorities had allowed the nightclub to continue operating despite not having the necessary permission from the fire department.
Since then, local fire departments are meant to conduct a review before hospitals are allowed to operate.
But according to Filip, while there has been some progress, less than one third of Romania's 670 hospitals have the necessary authorisation.
Carmen Uscatu and Oana Gheorghiu, who run an NGO that built a children's hospital using private donations, are similarly worried about the risk of a repeat of Saturday's fire.
A prefabricated hospital built for coronavirus patients not far from Piatra Neamt "seems to be a makeshift structure even more dangerous than the one that burnt down", they said in a Facebook post.
As well as a heating system that could well stop working in the first cold snap, there is also a gas storage system they say has been constructed in violation of safety rules.
Their appeal to doctors working there is to voice their concerns about such issues: "Speak now, or nothing will change in Romania."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Nevada first US state to recognize gay marriage in its constitution

Nevada has become the first US state to enshrine in its constitution the right of gay couples to marry , overturning an 18-year ban on same-sex marriage .
The measure was put to voters during the recent presidential election on November 3 and the final results were published in recent days .
Voters approved the `` Marriage Regardless of Gender Amendment '' by 62 percent , with 38 percent against , according to the Nevada secretary of state 's office .
`` It feels good that we let the voters decide , '' advocacy group Equality Nevada president Chris Davin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said this , not judges or lawmakers .
This was direct democracy — it 's how everything should be . ''
He said the initiative was important to members of the LGBTQ community , many of whom are concerned that the new majority conservative US Supreme Court may seek to revoke the ruling that protects same-sex marriage federally .
The new Nevada law overturns a 2002 referendum approved by voters that defined marriage as between `` a male and a female person . ''
However , in 2009 a domestic partnership law was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not until June 2015 that the US Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage .
The ballot measure which enshrines that right in Nevada 's constitution does allow religious organizations and members of the clergy in the state to refuse to perform a marriage .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Nevada has become the first US state to enshrine in its constitution the right of gay couples to marry, overturning an 18-year ban on same-sex marriage.
The measure was put to voters during the recent presidential election on November 3 and the final results were published in recent days.
Voters approved the "Marriage Regardless of Gender Amendment" by 62 percent, with 38 percent against, according to the Nevada secretary of state's office.
"It feels good that we let the voters decide," advocacy group Equality Nevada president Chris Davin told NBC News. "The people said this, not judges or lawmakers. This was direct democracy — it's how everything should be."
He said the initiative was important to members of the LGBTQ community, many of whom are concerned that the new majority conservative US Supreme Court may seek to revoke the ruling that protects same-sex marriage federally.
The new Nevada law overturns a 2002 referendum approved by voters that defined marriage as between "a male and a female person."
However, in 2009 a domestic partnership law was passed by state lawmakers.
But it was not until June 2015 that the US Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage.
The ballot measure which enshrines that right in Nevada's constitution does allow religious organizations and members of the clergy in the state to refuse to perform a marriage.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Senate chief blasts Trump troop withdrawal plans

US President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut more US troops in Afghanistan depspite the continuing violence , like this recent bombing in Lashkar Gah that killed an Afghan journalist US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned President Donald Trump Monday against accelerating troop reductions in Afghanistan and Iraq , saying it would give extremists a `` big propaganda victory . ''
Addressing reports that Trump plans to announce within days sharp cuts to US forces in both countries , the Republican Senate chief said the US would be `` abandoning '' partners .
He added that the move would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of Afghanistan and the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda to rebuild .
`` The consequences of a premature US exit would likely be even worse than president Obama 's withdrawal from Iraq back in 2011 , which fueled the rise of ISIS and a new round of global terrorism , '' McConnell said on the Senate floor .
`` It would be reminiscent of the humiliating America departure from Saigon in 1975 . ''
McConnell spoke after media reports said the Pentagon had received directives to prepare to bring back another 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq before Trump steps down on January 20 .
That would leave only about 2,500 troops in each country , fewer than US military officials have said is enough to ensure stability .
Before he was fired on November 9 , defense secretary Mark Esper had insisted on keeping 4,500 troops in Afghanistan until the Taliban reduced its attacks on the Afghan government to show a commitment to peace talks .
The Pentagon did not confirm the reports , which said Trump could announce the withdrawals this week .
Trump entered office nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wars abroad .
He has appeared determined to get close to that before he steps down , following his November 3 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden .
He said last month he wanted US troops home `` by Christmas '' and his National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien refined that to mean the Afghan presence would fall to 2,500 as early as January .
McConnell , normally a close political ally of Trump , warned a rapid withdrawal would `` delight the people who would wish us harm . ''
`` The spectacle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leaving the field in Afghanistan to the Taliban and ISIS , would be broadcast around the world as a symbol of US defeat and humiliation , and a victory for Islamic extremism , '' he said .
`` It would hand a weakened and scattered Al-Qaeda a big , big propaganda victory and a renewed safe haven for plotting attacks against America . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned President Donald Trump Monday against accelerating troop reductions in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying it would give extremists a "big propaganda victory."
Addressing reports that Trump plans to announce within days sharp cuts to US forces in both countries, the Republican Senate chief said the US would be "abandoning" partners.
He added that the move would leave room for the Taliban to take control of Afghanistan and the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda to rebuild.
"The consequences of a premature US exit would likely be even worse than president Obama's withdrawal from Iraq back in 2011, which fueled the rise of ISIS and a new round of global terrorism," McConnell said on the Senate floor.
"It would be reminiscent of the humiliating America departure from Saigon in 1975."
McConnell spoke after media reports said the Pentagon had received directives to prepare to bring back another 2,000 US forces from Afghanistan and 500 from Iraq before Trump steps down on January 20.
That would leave only about 2,500 troops in each country, fewer than US military officials have said is enough to ensure stability.
Before he was fired on November 9, defense secretary Mark Esper had insisted on keeping 4,500 troops in Afghanistan until the Taliban reduced its attacks on the Afghan government to show a commitment to peace talks.
The Pentagon did not confirm the reports, which said Trump could announce the withdrawals this week.
Trump entered office nearly four years ago pledging to end US wars abroad.
He has appeared determined to get close to that before he steps down, following his November 3 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
He said last month he wanted US troops home "by Christmas" and his National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien refined that to mean the Afghan presence would fall to 2,500 as early as January.
McConnell, normally a close political ally of Trump, warned a rapid withdrawal would "delight the people who would wish us harm."
"The spectacle of US troops abandoning facilities and equipment, leaving the field in Afghanistan to the Taliban and ISIS, would be broadcast around the world as a symbol of US defeat and humiliation, and a victory for Islamic extremism," he said.
"It would hand a weakened and scattered Al-Qaeda a big, big propaganda victory and a renewed safe haven for plotting attacks against America."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Canada, Britain give first media freedom award to Belarus journalists

Belarusian pensioners stage a protest on November 16 , 2020 in Minsk against President Alexander Lukashenko , in power since who has been 1994 The first ever Media Freedom Award , bestowed by the governments of Britain and Canada , was given Monday to the Belarusian Association of Journalists , the foreign ministries of the two countries said .
The prize aims to promote international action to bolster security for journalists around the world , according to Canada 's Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and his British counterpart Dominic Raab .
It was awarded to the independent Belarusian journalists union Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference on press freedom , hosted virtually by Canada and Botswana .
The Belarusian group was `` singled out for its ongoing commitment to journalistic ethics and principles and its perseverance and self-sacrifice in the face of increased targeted crackdowns on media in Belarus , '' the Canadian government said in a statement .
With 1,300 members , the Minsk-based association had already received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Union in 2004 .
`` Today , journalists in Belarus have to work under gunfire , literally , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the Belarusian association , Andrei Bastunets , as he received the prize .
`` They are victims of police violence and are sentenced to long-term arrests for their work . ''
Since protests broke out over the August presidential election in which President Alexander Lukashenko -- who has held power since 1994 -- declared himself the winner , thousands of people have been arrested , at least four have been killed and dozens of others have said they were tortured and subjected to violence during detention .
At the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against Belarusian officials , including Lukashenko , for the repression of the movement protesting the election .

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The first ever Media Freedom Award, bestowed by the governments of Britain and Canada, was given Monday to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, the foreign ministries of the two countries said.
The prize aims to promote international action to bolster security for journalists around the world, according to Canada's Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and his British counterpart Dominic Raab.
It was awarded to the independent Belarusian journalists union Monday at the end of the second global conference on press freedom, hosted virtually by Canada and Botswana.
The Belarusian group was "singled out for its ongoing commitment to journalistic ethics and principles and its perseverance and self-sacrifice in the face of increased targeted crackdowns on media in Belarus," the Canadian government said in a statement.
With 1,300 members, the Minsk-based association had already received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Union in 2004.
"Today, journalists in Belarus have to work under gunfire, literally, in a peaceful country," said the president of the Belarusian association, Andrei Bastunets, as he received the prize. "They are victims of police violence and are sentenced to long-term arrests for their work."
Since protests broke out over the August presidential election in which President Alexander Lukashenko -- who has held power since 1994 -- declared himself the winner, thousands of people have been arrested, at least four have been killed and dozens of others have said they were tortured and subjected to violence during detention.
At the end of September, Canada and Britain announced targeted sanctions against Belarusian officials, including Lukashenko, for the repression of the movement protesting the election.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Elneny tests positive as international break sees spike in EPL virus cases

Arsenal and Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny has tested positive for Covid-19 , his agent said Monday , as figures published by the Premier League showed a sharp increase in cases coinciding with the international break .
Already unpopular with Premier League clubs because of the risk of injury to key players , the mood among the likes of Arsenal 's Mikel Arteta and his fellow top-flight bosses is unlikely to be improved by figures from the November 9-15 latest round of weekly tests showing the Premier League returned 16 positive coronavirus cases from 1,207 players and staff tested .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the week of November 2-8 and a previous weekly high of 10 positives .
And while players who were away on international duty at the time would not have been included in the Premier League 's latest figures , there may now be concerns that the knock-on effects of players returning from long-distance trips have led to a surge in reported cases .
Those who tested positive will now self-isolate for 10 days .
As has long been its policy , the Premier League refused to name the clubs or individuals involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent , tweeted : `` Elneny Positive Cov19 get well soon . ''
Meanwhile , the Egyptian Football Association confirmed in a Facebook post that Elneny was isolating in line with medical protocols .
His Covid-19 result came just three days after it was announced that Liverpool 's Mohamed Salah had also tested positive while on international duty with Egypt .
`` The results of the medical swabs conducted by the national team upon arrival in Togo showed negative all except for Arsenal player Mohamed Elneny , whose result appeared positive without any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The player immediately began to implement the special medical protocol for people infected with Covid-19 . ''
An Egypt side without Salah beat Togo 1-0 in Cairo on Saturday in the first of two back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches between the countries .
Salah has scored eight Premier League goals for Liverpool already this season .
If he is sidelined , it would be a blow for Premier League champions Liverpool , who were deprived of Senegal forward Sadio Mane earlier in the season when he too tested positve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to the team .
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already lost defender Joe Gomez to a knee tendon injury he suffered while on England duty last week .
The club say Gomez is likely to be sidelined for months .
And the Reds are counting the cost of being deprived of key central defender Virgil van Dijk for what is expected to be most of the season after he tore knee ligaments in a clash with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford last month .

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Arsenal and Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny has tested positive for Covid-19, his agent said Monday, as figures published by the Premier League showed a sharp increase in cases coinciding with the international break.
Already unpopular with Premier League clubs because of the risk of injury to key players, the mood among the likes of Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and his fellow top-flight bosses is unlikely to be improved by figures from the November 9-15 latest round of weekly tests showing the Premier League returned 16 positive coronavirus cases from 1,207 players and staff tested.
This compares with four positives from 1,646 tests during the week of November 2-8 and a previous weekly high of 10 positives.
And while players who were away on international duty at the time would not have been included in the Premier League's latest figures, there may now be concerns that the knock-on effects of players returning from long-distance trips have led to a surge in reported cases.
Those who tested positive will now self-isolate for 10 days.
As has long been its policy, the Premier League refused to name the clubs or individuals involved.
But Alan Nazmy, Elneny's agent, tweeted: "Elneny Positive Cov19 get well soon."
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed in a Facebook post that Elneny was isolating in line with medical protocols.
His Covid-19 result came just three days after it was announced that Liverpool's Mohamed Salah had also tested positive while on international duty with Egypt.
"The results of the medical swabs conducted by the national team upon arrival in Togo showed negative all except for Arsenal player Mohamed Elneny, whose result appeared positive without any symptoms," the EFA said.
"The player immediately began to implement the special medical protocol for people infected with Covid-19."
An Egypt side without Salah beat Togo 1-0 in Cairo on Saturday in the first of two back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches between the countries.
Salah has scored eight Premier League goals for Liverpool already this season.
If he is sidelined, it would be a blow for Premier League champions Liverpool, who were deprived of Senegal forward Sadio Mane earlier in the season when he too tested positve for coronavirus, although he has since returned to the team.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already lost defender Joe Gomez to a knee tendon injury he suffered while on England duty last week.
The club say Gomez is likely to be sidelined for months.
And the Reds are counting the cost of being deprived of key central defender Virgil van Dijk for what is expected to be most of the season after he tore knee ligaments in a clash with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford last month.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Biden warns 'more people may die' of virus if transition delayed

US President-elect Joe Biden has criticized President Donald Trump for his refusal to concede the election and work with the incoming administration to jointly fight the coronavirus pandemic US President-elect Joe Biden expressed frustration Monday over Donald Trump 's refusal to cooperate on the White House transition process , saying `` more people may die '' of coronavirus without immediate coordination on fighting the surging pandemic .
Biden was declared winner of the November 3 election but Trump has not conceded , and his administration has so far failed to formally acknowledge the veteran Democrat as the president-elect .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinate with government officials on crucial continuity of issues like national security , but also on emergencies like a distribution plan for Covid-19 vaccines to tens of millions of Americans .
Biden was asked a press conference about the greatest threat from Trump 's obstruction of a smooth transfer of power and said that `` more people may die if we do n't coordinate '' on distributing vaccines as quickly as possible .
`` If we have to wait until ( inauguration day ) January 20 to start that planning , it puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month and a half , '' Biden told reporters in his home town of Wilmington in Delaware .
`` And so it 's important that it be done , that there be coordination now . ''
Several experts including former Trump administration officials have warned that the outgoing president 's refusal to cooperate on the transition while he challenges election results in court could have devastating consequences as the nation grapples with Covid-19 spikes .
The United States added one million new cases in less than a week , a dizzying rise to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 246,000 American deaths , a global high .
Trump health advisor Scott Atlas , who has no relevant experience or qualifications in public health or infectious disease , has urged people in Michigan to `` rise up '' against Covid-19 measures rather than engage in an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat the pandemic .
`` What the hell is the matter with these guys ? ''
Biden said .
`` It 's totally irresponsible . ''
His comments came as biotech firm Moderna announced that its experimental vaccine was 94.5 percent effective .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or another being developed by Pfizer , if experts like top immunologist Anthony Fauci declared them safe .
`` I would n't hesitate to get the vaccine if , in fact , Dr Fauci and these two organizations -- whether it 's Moderna or Pfizer , who have been extremely responsible -- conclude that it is safe and able to be done , '' Biden said .
`` The only reason people question the vaccine now is because of Donald Trump , '' added Biden , who turns 78 on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` on a clear path '' towards safe usage .
`` They appear to be ready for prime time , ready to be used , and if that continues along that road , I would take the vaccine . ''

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US President-elect Joe Biden expressed frustration Monday over Donald Trump's refusal to cooperate on the White House transition process, saying "more people may die" of coronavirus without immediate coordination on fighting the surging pandemic.
Biden was declared winner of the November 3 election but Trump has not conceded, and his administration has so far failed to formally acknowledge the veteran Democrat as the president-elect.
That leaves Biden and his team unable to coordinate with government officials on crucial continuity of issues like national security, but also on emergencies like a distribution plan for Covid-19 vaccines to tens of millions of Americans.
Biden was asked a press conference about the greatest threat from Trump's obstruction of a smooth transfer of power and said that "more people may die if we don't coordinate" on distributing vaccines as quickly as possible.
"If we have to wait until (inauguration day) January 20 to start that planning, it puts us behind for a month, a month and a half," Biden told reporters in his home town of Wilmington in Delaware.
"And so it's important that it be done, that there be coordination now."
Several experts including former Trump administration officials have warned that the outgoing president's refusal to cooperate on the transition while he challenges election results in court could have devastating consequences as the nation grapples with Covid-19 spikes.
The United States added one million new cases in less than a week, a dizzying rise to more than 11 million confirmed infections and 246,000 American deaths, a global high.
Trump health advisor Scott Atlas, who has no relevant experience or qualifications in public health or infectious disease, has urged people in Michigan to "rise up" against Covid-19 measures rather than engage in an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat the pandemic.
"What the hell is the matter with these guys?" Biden said. "It's totally irresponsible."
His comments came as biotech firm Moderna announced that its experimental vaccine was 94.5 percent effective.
Biden said he himself would take the vaccine, or another being developed by Pfizer, if experts like top immunologist Anthony Fauci declared them safe.
"I wouldn't hesitate to get the vaccine if, in fact, Dr Fauci and these two organizations -- whether it's Moderna or Pfizer, who have been extremely responsible -- conclude that it is safe and able to be done," Biden said.
"The only reason people question the vaccine now is because of Donald Trump," added Biden, who turns 78 on Friday.
He stressed that it appeared the vaccines are "on a clear path" towards safe usage. "They appear to be ready for prime time, ready to be used, and if that continues along that road, I would take the vaccine."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Welshman storms into doldrums in round-the-world Vendee Globe race

Welsh sailor Alex Thomson was 100 nautical miles ahead of key rivals as the epic Vendee Globe yacht race was poised to head into the notorious waters known as the doldrums some time Tuesday after eight days on the high seas since leaving France .
Thomson 's 60-foot Hugo Boss is one of eight of 33 competitors whose craft are fitted with a state-of-the-art foil that lifts it partly out of the water and can hit record speeds .
The solo round-the-world race is approaching the feared waters known as the doldrums either side of the equator where clashing headwinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead calm or storms .
`` On our way to the doldrums .
Looking forward to them .
They say it 's not too bad right now , but I 've heard that one before , '' Thomson joked on a Youtube video with the wind howling around him late on Monday .
A reminder of what can happen in high seas caused drama overnight as seventh-placed Corum L'Epargne lost its mast with the team scrambling to salvage their recently-built multi-million dollar yacht .
`` We lost the mast off Cape Verde , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicolas Troussel became the first skipper to pull out .
Conversely the Jeremie Beyou-skippered Charal is about to re-embark on the race after returning to port in France on Wednesday for lengthy repairs .
`` It 's madness but I 'm going back .
We had ideas about winning .
It 'll be another race now , '' said Beyou .
Technically he may target the fastest time of 74 days 3 hours and 46 seconds set by Armel Le Le Cléac ' h in the last edition four years ago .
Frenchman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes We Cam , was in second place followed closely by Thomas Ruyant on LinkedOut .

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Welsh sailor Alex Thomson was 100 nautical miles ahead of key rivals as the epic Vendee Globe yacht race was poised to head into the notorious waters known as the doldrums some time Tuesday after eight days on the high seas since leaving France.
Thomson's 60-foot Hugo Boss is one of eight of 33 competitors whose craft are fitted with a state-of-the-art foil that lifts it partly out of the water and can hit record speeds.
The solo round-the-world race is approaching the feared waters known as the doldrums either side of the equator where clashing headwinds from the two hemispheres can cause either dead calm or storms.
"On our way to the doldrums. Looking forward to them. They say it's not too bad right now, but I've heard that one before," Thomson joked on a Youtube video with the wind howling around him late on Monday.
A reminder of what can happen in high seas caused drama overnight as seventh-placed Corum L'Epargne lost its mast with the team scrambling to salvage their recently-built multi-million dollar yacht.
"We lost the mast off Cape Verde," the team announced as 45-year-old Frenchman Nicolas Troussel became the first skipper to pull out.
Conversely the Jeremie Beyou-skippered Charal is about to re-embark on the race after returning to port in France on Wednesday for lengthy repairs.
"It's madness but I'm going back. We had ideas about winning. It'll be another race now," said Beyou.
Technically he may target the fastest time of 74 days 3 hours and 46 seconds set by Armel Le Le Cléac'h in the last edition four years ago.
Frenchman Jean Le Cam on his old style Yes We Cam, was in second place followed closely by Thomas Ruyant on LinkedOut.
Race standings as of Monday 1700GMT
1. Alex Thomson (GBR/Hugo Boss) 21.956,2 nautical miles to race
2. Jean Le Cam (FRA/Yes we Cam !) at 98.5
3. Thomas Ruyant (FRA/LinkedOut) 112.2
4. Charlie Dalin (FRA/Apivia) 171.9
5. Kevin Escoffier (FRA/PRB) 18.9
6. Benjamin Dutreux (FRA/OMIA-Water Family) 235.8
7. Louis Burton (FRA/Bureau Vallée 2) 261.3
8. Samantha Davies (GBR/Initiatives-Cœur) 273.5
9. Yannick Bestaven (FRA/Maître Coq IV) 280.7
10. Boris Herrmann (GER/Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) 281.7
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Covid-19: 'More people may die', warns Biden, if Trump impedes transition

US President-elect Joe Biden leaves the Queen Theater after he delivered remarks about the US economy during a press briefing on November 16 , 2020 , in Wilmington , Delaware .
President-elect Joe Biden said on Monday `` more people may die '' if outgoing President Donald Trump continues to block efforts to plan for a U.S. transition of power as the coronavirus pandemic worsens , and added that he would not hesitate to get vaccinated .
Biden also said business and labor leaders had signaled willingness to cooperate to fix the pandemic-battered U.S. economy but stressed COVID-19 first must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass relief legislation .
The Democratic president-elect delivered a speech and took questions from journalists in Wilmington , Delaware , after consulting with the CEOs of top U.S. companies and labor leaders on Monday .
He welcomed further progress in COVID-19 vaccine development .
Biden said the CEOs and labor leaders were `` ready to come together '' and that `` the unity was astounding . ''
Biden will inherit an economy that has suffered millions of job losses during a pandemic that has killed more than 246,000 people in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Biden prepares to take office on Jan. 20 .
`` We 're going into a very dark winter .
Things are going to get much tougher before they get easier , '' Biden said of the pandemic .
In response to a question about the consequences of the Trump administration not cooperating with the Biden transition team on fighting the pandemic , he said , `` More people may die if we do n't coordinate . ''
`` As you battle COVID , we have to make sure that businesses and workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national guidance and health and safety standards to operate safely , '' Biden added .
Biden said it would be a lot easier for the presidential transition if Trump were to cooperate but said of the incumbent 's refusal to concede : `` I find this more embarrassing for the country than debilitating for my ability to get started . ''
He called for bipartisan cooperation against the pandemic and urged Congress to pass pandemic relief legislation .
Talks on such legislation stalled for months before the Nov. 3 election .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost unabated '' and that it was state governors who were stepping up .
On other economic matters , Biden said he plans to pursue `` a fairer tax structure '' with corporations paying their fair share and added that he wanted to see a $ 15 hourly minimum wage nationwide .
Biden said no government contracts will be given to companies that do not make products in the United States .
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris held a midday video conference with several chief executives including General Motors Co 's Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Target Corp 's Brian Cornell and Gap Inc 's Sonia Syngal .
Also taking part were AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka and the heads of the Service Employees International Union , the United Auto Workers and two other large unions .
Biden told reporters that he made it clear to corporations on the video conference that he is a `` union guy . ''
Biden earlier on Monday said Moderna Inc 's announcement that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine was 94.5 % effective based on interim data from a late-stage trial provided fresh hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive results last week on a rival Pfizer Inc shot , Moderna 's news added to optimism that widespread vaccination in the coming months could help tame the pandemic .
Asked whether he personally would be willing to get vaccinated with one of the newly developed shots , Biden said , `` I would n't hesitate to get the vaccine . ''
`` They appear to be ready for prime time , ready to be used , '' Biden said of the two vaccine candidates .
Biden also urged Americans to limit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week 's Thanksgiving holiday , with social distancing and masks encouraged .
Unlike in 2008 , when the country elected Democrat Barack Obama and his running mate Biden as the global economy teetered from the sub-prime mortgage crisis , the worst of the current economic downturn may have passed .
Unemployment has come down sharply from its April peak of 14.7 % to 6.9 % and is projected to fall further throughout next year .
Biden moved ahead with economic planning even as the Republican Trump on Monday again refused to accept his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser , Robert O'Brien , said on Monday he was prepared to ensure a professional transition to Biden 's team .
`` If the Biden-Harris ticket is determined to be the winner , and obviously things look like that now , we 'll have a very professional transition from the National Security Council , there 's no question about it , '' O'Brien said .
Biden beat Trump by the same 306-232 margin in the state-by-state Electoral College that prompted Trump to proclaim a `` landslide '' victory in 2016 .
Biden also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 5.5 million votes , or 3.6 percentage points , with some ballots still being counted .
Trump has made no headway with legal challenges in multiple states so far .
`` I won the Election ! ''
Trump wrote on Monday on Twitter , again falsely claiming victory .
Twitter posted a disclaimer saying , `` Official sources called this election differently . ''
Election officials from both parties have said there is no evidence of major irregularities .
Federal election security officials have decried `` unfounded claims '' and expressed `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity .
Trump suffered another setback when James Bopp , a conservative attorney , on Monday voluntarily withdrew lawsuits filed in federal courts seeking to block the states of Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from certifying their election results .
The lawsuits made unsubstantiated claims of illegal voting .

Covid-19: Biden warns that 'more people may die' if Trump persists in impeding transition
President-elect Joe Biden said on Monday "more people may die" if outgoing President Donald Trump continues to block efforts to plan for a U.S. transition of power as the coronavirus pandemic worsens, and added that he would not hesitate to get vaccinated.
01:58 President-elect Joe Biden speaks in Delaware on November 16, 2020. © AFP


france24--2020-11-16--Moderna, the small biotech company taking on the pandemic

Moderna has long been a darling of investors but it was n't until the coronavirus pandemic came along that the Cambridge , Massachusetts-based biotech company could prove the value of its new vaccine technology and mint some new billionaires .
Moderna announced on Monday that its experimental vaccine against the coronavirus was 94.5 percent effective , about the same efficacy as the common vaccine against measles .
The announcement sent the share price of the company founded just a decade ago soaring on the NASDAQ in New York .
Since January , Moderna has seen its share price quintuple .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has served as chief executive officer of Moderna since 2011 , became a billionaire in April , when the very preliminary results of clinical trials on a Covid-19 vaccine were first published .
Bancel is currently worth some $ 3 billion through his nine percent stake in the company , according to Forbes magazine .
Numerous investors have put their money on the biotech startup during the past decade in part due to the salesmanship of the Moderna CEO .
In 2018 , Moderna set a record for an initial public offering by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 million .
The promising new technology attracted not only the attention of Wall Street but also that of the scientific community and a Nobel Prize winner is among the eminent advisors to the company .
Two of the founders and early investors in Moderna were Harvard University professor Timothy Springer and Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) .
They both became billionaires this year , according to Forbes .
Speaking in 2012 , another co-founder , Noubar Afeyan , said : `` Moderna 's promise rivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 years ago -- adding an entirely new drug category to the pharmaceutical arsenal in the fight against important diseases . ''
Despite its promise , the company has not yet brought a product to market and the Covid-19 vaccine still needs the approval of health authorities before it can be shipped .
Moderna uses synthetic versions of molecules called `` messenger RNA '' to hack into human cells and effectively turn them into vaccine-making factories .
The concept was first developed in the 1990s , but it was n't until the mid-2000s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ synthetic RNA to prevent it from triggering a dangerous inflammatory response .
One of Moderna 's first projects was to try to develop targeted vaccines against various types of cancer , research which is still underway .
But Moderna quickly pivoted to addressing viruses and several clinical trials are taking place involving the Zika virus , Epstein-Barr and others .
His former boss Alain Merieux at French diagnostics company bioMerieux told the newspaper Echos that Bancel has a `` warrior temperament . ''
When it comes to saving lives , Bancel does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You want to be the guy who 's going to fail them ? ''
Bancel asked in a 2016 interview with the website Stat about working conditions at Moderna .
`` I do n't .
`` So was it an intense place ? ''
he said .
`` It was .
And do I feel sorry about it ?
No . ''
Moderna , which employs more than 1,000 people , about half at a factory in Massachusetts , does not have the production facilities needed to make the huge amounts of vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With US government assistance , it has formed partnerships with pharmaceutical firms with factories in the United States and Europe : Lonza , Rovi , Catalent .
The ever-optimistic Bancel has promised between 500 million and one billion doses in 2021 and hopes to have approximately 20 million doses ready to ship in the United States by the end of the year , first for high-risk groups and later for children .
`` We are very soon going to start a study in teenagers , and I 'm hopeful that we might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Fox Business .
`` So if a vaccine is proved to be effective and safe in children ... they could potentially be vaccinated next summer so that they go back to school in September '21 . ''

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Moderna has long been a darling of investors but it wasn't until the coronavirus pandemic came along that the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech company could prove the value of its new vaccine technology and mint some new billionaires.
Moderna announced on Monday that its experimental vaccine against the coronavirus was 94.5 percent effective, about the same efficacy as the common vaccine against measles.
The announcement sent the share price of the company founded just a decade ago soaring on the NASDAQ in New York. Since January, Moderna has seen its share price quintuple.
Frenchman Stephane Bancel, 48, who has served as chief executive officer of Moderna since 2011, became a billionaire in April, when the very preliminary results of clinical trials on a Covid-19 vaccine were first published.
Bancel is currently worth some $3 billion through his nine percent stake in the company, according to Forbes magazine.
Numerous investors have put their money on the biotech startup during the past decade in part due to the salesmanship of the Moderna CEO.
In 2018, Moderna set a record for an initial public offering by a biotech firm, raising more than $600 million.
The promising new technology attracted not only the attention of Wall Street but also that of the scientific community and a Nobel Prize winner is among the eminent advisors to the company.
Two of the founders and early investors in Moderna were Harvard University professor Timothy Springer and Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
They both became billionaires this year, according to Forbes.
Speaking in 2012, another co-founder, Noubar Afeyan, said: "Moderna's promise rivals that of the earliest biotechnology companies over 30 years ago -- adding an entirely new drug category to the pharmaceutical arsenal in the fight against important diseases."
- 'Warrior' -
Despite its promise, the company has not yet brought a product to market and the Covid-19 vaccine still needs the approval of health authorities before it can be shipped.
Moderna uses synthetic versions of molecules called "messenger RNA" to hack into human cells and effectively turn them into vaccine-making factories.
The concept was first developed in the 1990s, but it wasn't until the mid-2000s that a way was found to modify synthetic RNA to prevent it from triggering a dangerous inflammatory response.
One of Moderna's first projects was to try to develop targeted vaccines against various types of cancer, research which is still underway.
But Moderna quickly pivoted to addressing viruses and several clinical trials are taking place involving the Zika virus, Epstein-Barr and others.
His former boss Alain Merieux at French diagnostics company bioMerieux told the newspaper Echos that Bancel has a "warrior temperament."
When it comes to saving lives, Bancel does not deny being a hard taskmaster.
"You want to be the guy who's going to fail them?" Bancel asked in a 2016 interview with the website Stat about working conditions at Moderna. "I don't.
"So was it an intense place?" he said. "It was. And do I feel sorry about it? No."
Moderna, which employs more than 1,000 people, about half at a factory in Massachusetts, does not have the production facilities needed to make the huge amounts of vaccine that will be needed around the world.
With US government assistance, it has formed partnerships with pharmaceutical firms with factories in the United States and Europe: Lonza, Rovi, Catalent.
The ever-optimistic Bancel has promised between 500 million and one billion doses in 2021 and hopes to have approximately 20 million doses ready to ship in the United States by the end of the year, first for high-risk groups and later for children.
"We are very soon going to start a study in teenagers, and I'm hopeful that we might get the result by the summer," he told Fox Business.
"So if a vaccine is proved to be effective and safe in children... they could potentially be vaccinated next summer so that they go back to school in September '21."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-17--Thai police fire water cannon, tear gas at latest democracy rally

Thai police on Tuesday fired water cannon and tear gas on pro-democracy protesters attempting to get close to parliament , @ @ @ @ @ changes to the military-scripted constitution .
Thailand has seen months of student-led demonstrations demanding reform @ @ @ @ @ , and for the current prime minister to quit .
FRANCE 24 's Philip Sherwell @ @ @ @

Thai police fire water cannon, tear gas at latest democracy rally
01:55
Thai police on Tuesday fired water cannon and tear gas on pro-democracy protesters attempting to get close to parliament, where lawmakers were debating possible changes to the military-scripted constitution. Thailand has seen months of student-led demonstrations demanding reform to the constitution and monarchy, and for the current prime minister to quit. FRANCE 24's Philip Sherwell tells us more.


france24--2020-11-17--South Korea to tighten social distancing, warns of new Covid-19 crisis

South Korea to tighten social distancing , warns of new Covid-19 crisis South Korea will impose stricter social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ a month after easing them , officials said on Tuesday , warning of an even @ @ @ @ @ fail to dampen a spike in new cases .

South Korea to tighten social distancing, warns of new Covid-19 crisis
01:39
South Korea will impose stricter social distancing rules for the greater Seoul area a month after easing them, officials said on Tuesday, warning of an even bigger crisis if anti-COVID-19 efforts fail to dampen a spike in new cases.


france24--2020-11-17--French bill banning images of police worries activists and journalists

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has said the controversial clause in the new bill is needed to “ protect those who protect us ” .
French lawmakers will begin debating a controversial bill on Tuesday that proposes a ban on the publication of images showing law enforcement officers .
The bill has drawn sharp criticism from media outlets and activist groups who say it would violate principles of press freedom and the public ’ s right to be informed .
The bill 's Article 24 , which has been dubbed the “ guerre des images ” ( war of images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ protecting those who protect us ” by banning anyone – journalists and civilians alike – from publishing or broadcasting images in which on-duty police officers or gendarmes can be clearly identified for what the bill calls `` malicious purposes '' .
The clause was first proposed by an MP for President Emmanuel Macron ’ s La République En Marche ( LREM ) party after police unions lobbied for it .
The purpose of the bill `` is to forbid any calls for violence or reprisals against officers and their families '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP , Alice Thourot , told France Inter radio .
Critics , however , say the ban would essentially censor journalists by outlawing an activity that could be essential to their work .
Images documenting police brutality or misconduct could also fall under the rubric of the ban .
The January death of Cédric Chouviat , a delivery driver in Paris who suffered a heart attack and died after police put him in a chokehold , shined a spotlight on France 's own demons .
In the wake of George Floyd protests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests against police brutality and racism over the summer .
According to international NGO Reporters Without Borders ( Reporters sans frontières or RSF ) , the clause “ clearly violates the principles of press freedom and the public ’ s right to be informed ” .
Read more : As George Floyd protests spread , France confronts its own demons Civilians would also be prevented from sharing such images on social media .
A Change.org petition protesting the ban had on Tuesday garnered more than 80,000 signatures .
Should the proposal – which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s upper and lower houses – go through , offenders would face up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine .

French lawmakers will begin debating a controversial bill on Tuesday that proposes a ban on the publication of images showing law enforcement officers. The bill has drawn sharp criticism from media outlets and activist groups who say it would violate principles of press freedom and the public’s right to be informed.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has said the controversial clause in the new bill is needed to “protect those who protect us”.
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The bill's Article 24, which has been dubbed the “guerre des images” (war of images) in France, is aimed at “protecting those who protect us” by banning anyone – journalists and civilians alike – from publishing or broadcasting images in which on-duty police officers or gendarmes can be clearly identified for what the bill calls "malicious purposes".
The clause was first proposed by an MP for President Emmanuel Macron’s La République En Marche (LREM) party after police unions lobbied for it. The purpose of the bill "is to forbid any calls for violence or reprisals against officers and their families" in videos on social media, another LREM MP, Alice Thourot, told France Inter radio.
Critics, however, say the ban would essentially censor journalists by outlawing an activity that could be essential to their work. Images documenting police brutality or misconduct could also fall under the rubric of the ban.
The January death of Cédric Chouviat, a delivery driver in Paris who suffered a heart attack and died after police put him in a chokehold, shined a spotlight on France's own demons. In the wake of George Floyd protests in the United States, France faced unprecedented protests against police brutality and racism over the summer.
According to international NGO Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières or RSF), the clause “clearly violates the principles of press freedom and the public’s right to be informed”.
Read more: As George Floyd protests spread, France confronts its own demons
Civilians would also be prevented from sharing such images on social media. A Change.org petition protesting the ban had on Tuesday garnered more than 80,000 signatures.
Should the proposal – which will require approval from both France’s upper and lower houses – go through, offenders would face up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-11-17--Coronavirus pandemic: Moderna vaccine success gives world more hope

Moderna Inc 's experimental vaccine is 94.5 % effective in preventing Covid-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial @ @ @ @ @ Monday , becoming the second US drugmaker to report results that far exceed expectations .

Coronavirus pandemic: Moderna vaccine success gives world more hope
00:30
Moderna Inc's experimental vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing Covid-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial, the company said on Monday, becoming the second US drugmaker to report results that far exceed expectations.


france24--2020-11-17--Wasps head coach Blackett rewarded with new deal

Wasps ' revival of fortunes since February under head coach Lee Blackett has seen him and his backroom staff rewarded with new contracts Head coach Lee Blackett and his backroom staff have been rewarded with new deals after guiding Wasps to the English Premiership final last season .
The 37-year-old was appointed in February this year on an interim basis when the long-serving Dai Young stepped down .
The club were in ninth spot , a long way from making the top four and the play-offs , and had exited the European Challenge Cup at the pool stage .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- who was given the job on a permanent basis in April -- recording 12 wins from his 15 games in charge and reaching the 2019/20 Premiership final .
They only lost 19-13 to European champions Exter Chiefs in the final last month despite lacking several first-choice players due to a coronavirus outbreak .
`` I am delighted to have agreed a new contract with the club and that we will continue working together as a coaching team for the foreseeable future , '' said Blackett in a club statement .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of winning rugby that gets supporters off their seats and having a nucleus of motivated and passionate coaches is key to achieving this .
`` We showed glimpses of our true potential last season and it 's brilliant that we have been able to retain our coaching team so we have a strong base and can plan for the next few years with a level of certainty . ''
Stephen Vaughan , CEO at Wasps Group , said the stability the new deals will bring to the club will hopefully lay the base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and first since 2008 .
`` The coaching team , alongside the players and backroom staff , have worked tirelessly over the last few months to help make possible our incredible run to the final , '' said Vaughan .
`` Stability is key to laying the foundations for success which is why these contract extensions are so important . ''

London (AFP) –
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Head coach Lee Blackett and his backroom staff have been rewarded with new deals after guiding Wasps to the English Premiership final last season.
The 37-year-old was appointed in February this year on an interim basis when the long-serving Dai Young stepped down.
The club were in ninth spot, a long way from making the top four and the play-offs, and had exited the European Challenge Cup at the pool stage.
However, the club was revitalised under Blackett -- who was given the job on a permanent basis in April -- recording 12 wins from his 15 games in charge and reaching the 2019/20 Premiership final.
They only lost 19-13 to European champions Exter Chiefs in the final last month despite lacking several first-choice players due to a coronavirus outbreak.
"I am delighted to have agreed a new contract with the club and that we will continue working together as a coaching team for the foreseeable future," said Blackett in a club statement.
"We are working hard to develop a brand of winning rugby that gets supporters off their seats and having a nucleus of motivated and passionate coaches is key to achieving this.
"We showed glimpses of our true potential last season and it's brilliant that we have been able to retain our coaching team so we have a strong base and can plan for the next few years with a level of certainty."
Stephen Vaughan, CEO at Wasps Group, said the stability the new deals will bring to the club will hopefully lay the base to add a seventh Premiership title -- and first since 2008.
"The coaching team, alongside the players and backroom staff, have worked tirelessly over the last few months to help make possible our incredible run to the final," said Vaughan.
"Stability is key to laying the foundations for success which is why these contract extensions are so important."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-17--'Full-scale humanitarian crisis unfolding' in Ethiopia: UN

Many Ethiopians who have fled the fighting are being sheltered at Um Rakuba in eastern Sudan , 80 kilometres ( 50 miles ) from the border .
The camp once housed refugees from Ethiopia 's 1983-85 famine The United Nations said Tuesday that thousands of people were fleeing northern Ethiopia 's conflict-torn Tigray region and the border area with Sudan now faced a full-blown refugee emergency .
Some 4,000 people are fleeing across the border every day , Baloch said .
In all , more than 27,000 people have now streamed into Sudan since the conflict in Tigray erupted there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long trek to safety , with few belongings , '' Baloch said .
`` The pace is very rapid , '' he said , stressing that the Sudan was now experiencing `` an influx unseen over the last two decades in this part of the country . ''
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , last year 's Nobel Peace Prize winner , announced a military campaign in the dissident northern region on November 4 .
He said it came in response to attacks by local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liberation Front ( TPLF ) , on federal military camps .
The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for three decades before Abiy came to power in 2018 .
A bitter feud has grown as the party became sidelined , growing ever more defiant towards the central government .
Abiy has resisted calls by world leaders to cease hostilities and accept mediation .
The recent fighting has meanwhile left hundreds dead , although a communications blackout in Tigray has made it difficult to assess how the fighting is going .
It also remained unclear how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but UN humanitarian agency spokesman Jens Laerke said given the number of people crossing the border `` there may be massive displacement '' inside Tigray .
Baloch also cautioned that the conflict was also `` a major ongoing concern for the Eritrean refugee population '' in Tigray , which he said numbered nearly 100,000 .
`` Potential for further displacement of refugees inside the country is increasingly a real possibility , '' he said , warning that the `` humanitarian situation as result of this crisis is growing rapidly . ''

Geneva (AFP) –
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The United Nations said Tuesday that thousands of people were fleeing northern Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray region and the border area with Sudan now faced a full-blown refugee emergency.
"A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding," UN refugee agency spokesman Babar Baloch told a virtual press briefing.
Some 4,000 people are fleeing across the border every day, Baloch said.
In all, more than 27,000 people have now streamed into Sudan since the conflict in Tigray erupted there two weeks ago.
"Refugees fleeing the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long trek to safety, with few belongings," Baloch said.
"The pace is very rapid," he said, stressing that the Sudan was now experiencing "an influx unseen over the last two decades in this part of the country."
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, announced a military campaign in the dissident northern region on November 4.
He said it came in response to attacks by local ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), on federal military camps.
The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for three decades before Abiy came to power in 2018.
A bitter feud has grown as the party became sidelined, growing ever more defiant towards the central government.
Abiy has resisted calls by world leaders to cease hostilities and accept mediation.
The recent fighting has meanwhile left hundreds dead, although a communications blackout in Tigray has made it difficult to assess how the fighting is going.
It also remained unclear how many people had been displaced inside Ethiopia, but UN humanitarian agency spokesman Jens Laerke said given the number of people crossing the border "there may be massive displacement" inside Tigray.
Baloch also cautioned that the conflict was also "a major ongoing concern for the Eritrean refugee population" in Tigray, which he said numbered nearly 100,000.
"Potential for further displacement of refugees inside the country is increasingly a real possibility," he said, warning that the "humanitarian situation as result of this crisis is growing rapidly."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-17--Austria returns to lockdown to limit rise in Covid-19 cases

Austria returns to lockdown to limit rise in Covid-19 cases Austria will introduce a national lockdown on Tuesday in a @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections under control , Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Saturday , confirming an earlier @ @ @ @ @ draft government decree .
FRANCE 24 's Anthony Mills tells us more .

Austria returns to lockdown to limit rise in Covid-19 cases
02:12
Austria will introduce a national lockdown on Tuesday in a bid to bring its soaring coronavirus infections under control, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Saturday, confirming an earlier Reuters report based on a draft government decree. FRANCE 24's Anthony Mills tells us more.


france24--2020-11-17--Peru political crisis: Congress chooses third president in a week amid protests

Peru 's Congress on Monday chose a 76-year-old former World Bank official as the South American country 's new president @ @ @ @ @ rollercoaster week of political upheaval .
Francisco Sagasti was elected as lawmakers met to try @ @ @ @ @ crippling political crisis , sparked by the impeachment of a popular president and the resignation @ @ @ @ @ protests that killed two people .

Peru political crisis: Congress chooses third president in a week amid protests
00:53
Peru's Congress on Monday chose a 76-year-old former World Bank official as the South American country's new president - the third in a rollercoaster week of political upheaval. Francisco Sagasti was elected as lawmakers met to try to move on from a crippling political crisis, sparked by the impeachment of a popular president and the resignation of his controversial successor amid protests that killed two people.


france24--2020-11-17--Taylor Swift says back catalog sold without her knowledge

Taylor Swift has confirmed that the rights to her first six albums have been sold to a private equity firm without her knowledge , in the latest dispute over the pop megastar 's lucrative back catalog .
The 30-year-old singer has become one of the most bankable musicians in the world after more than a decade of chartbusting hits including `` Shake It Off '' and `` I Knew You Were Trouble '' .
But last year she began sparring publicly with music mogul Scooter Braun , who manages rival popstars Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande , after his company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the bulk of her recordings .
Swift said she had been trying to actively regain control of her master recordings for the last year in a late Monday post on Twitter , following a report by entertainment magazine Variety that Braun had sold the assets for $ 300 million .
But despite attempting to negotiate with Braun , she said her team had `` received a letter from a private equity company called Shamrock Holdings '' announcing they had purchased her music , videos and album art .
`` This was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without my knowledge , '' she wrote , adding that she had begun re-recording her earlier songs .
Braun is yet to respond to Swift 's tweet .
Swift had vowed last year to regain command of her first six albums by making her own new masters .
She said at the time that she was contractually allowed to do so from this month .
The dispute between Swift and Braun simmered for months last year after the industry mogul purchased Big Machine , the singer 's label of more than a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Big Machine had barred her from performing her songs on television or releasing a Netflix documentary -- claims the company denied .

New York (AFP) –
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Taylor Swift has confirmed that the rights to her first six albums have been sold to a private equity firm without her knowledge, in the latest dispute over the pop megastar's lucrative back catalog.
The 30-year-old singer has become one of the most bankable musicians in the world after more than a decade of chartbusting hits including "Shake It Off" and "I Knew You Were Trouble".
But last year she began sparring publicly with music mogul Scooter Braun, who manages rival popstars Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, after his company's decision to purchase a majority stake in the bulk of her recordings.
Swift said she had been trying to actively regain control of her master recordings for the last year in a late Monday post on Twitter, following a report by entertainment magazine Variety that Braun had sold the assets for $300 million.
But despite attempting to negotiate with Braun, she said her team had "received a letter from a private equity company called Shamrock Holdings" announcing they had purchased her music, videos and album art.
"This was the second time my music has been sold without my knowledge," she wrote, adding that she had begun re-recording her earlier songs. Braun is yet to respond to Swift's tweet.
Swift had vowed last year to regain command of her first six albums by making her own new masters. She said at the time that she was contractually allowed to do so from this month.
The dispute between Swift and Braun simmered for months last year after the industry mogul purchased Big Machine, the singer's label of more than a decade.
At one point, the singer said Big Machine had barred her from performing her songs on television or releasing a Netflix documentary -- claims the company denied.
burs-gle/jfx/axn
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-17--Coronavirus pandemic: Sweden limits public gatherings as second wave swells

The Swedish government on Monday moved to cut the size of public gatherings sharply as it sought to come to @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic that has seen record daily numbers of new cases and growing pressure @ @ @

Coronavirus pandemic: Sweden limits public gatherings as second wave swells
01:30
Video by: James VASINA
The Swedish government on Monday moved to cut the size of public gatherings sharply as it sought to come to grips with a second wave of the pandemic that has seen record daily numbers of new cases and growing pressure on hospitals.


france24--2020-11-17--Coronavirus pandemic: Austria enters second national lockdown

Austria will introduce a national lockdown on Tuesday in a bid to bring its soaring coronavirus infections under control , @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , confirming an earlier Reuters report based on a draft government decree .

Coronavirus pandemic: Austria enters second national lockdown
01:38
Video by: Shirli SITBON
Austria will introduce a national lockdown on Tuesday in a bid to bring its soaring coronavirus infections under control, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Saturday, confirming an earlier Reuters report based on a draft government decree.


france24--2020-11-17--Burkina Faso: Thousands of internally displaced face disenfranchisement from presidential vote

Thousands of internally displaced people may not be able to vote in upcoming presidential elections .
Thousands of people in @ @ @ @ @ after having fled the unrest that prevails in some regions of the country .
These @ @ @ @ @ of being disenfranchised in the November 22 presidential election , in which national security is @ @ @ @ @ issue .
Thousands of Burkinabes have fled villages targeted by terrorist attacks , often leaving @ @ @ @ @ important belongings .
The independent electoral commission has admitted that nationwide voting will not be @ @ @ @ @ to the tenuous security situation , with the residents of nearly 1,600 villages unable to @ @ @ @ @ third of Burkina Faso citizens face being excluded from the vote , one civil society @ @ @ @ @ Click on the video player above to watch the full FRANCE 24 report .

On the ground
Thousands of people in Burkina Faso remain internally displaced after having fled the unrest that prevails in some regions of the country. These Burkinabes are now at risk of being disenfranchised in the November 22 presidential election, in which national security is likely to be a primary issue.
Thousands of internally displaced people may not be able to vote in upcoming presidential elections.
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Thousands of Burkinabes have fled villages targeted by terrorist attacks, often leaving behind their papers and other important belongings.
The independent electoral commission has admitted that nationwide voting will not be able to take place due to the tenuous security situation, with the residents of nearly 1,600 villages unable to be registered.
About a third of Burkina Faso citizens face being excluded from the vote, one civil society activist told FRANCE 24.
Click on the video player above to watch the full FRANCE 24 report.
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france24--2020-11-17--Coronavirus pandemic: US reports 1 million new Covid-19 cases in a week

Coronavirus pandemic : US reports 1 million new Covid-19 cases in a week The United States recorded more than 1 @ @ @ @ @ week as new infections rose in every state except for Hawaii .
US President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump 's refusal to cooperate on the White House transition process , saying `` @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus without immediate coordination on fighting the surging pandemic .

Coronavirus pandemic: US reports 1 million new Covid-19 cases in a week
01:58
The United States recorded more than 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week as new infections rose in every state except for Hawaii. US President-elect Joe Biden expressed frustration Monday over Donald Trump's refusal to cooperate on the White House transition process, saying "more people may die" of coronavirus without immediate coordination on fighting the surging pandemic.