Sunday, May 22, 2011

The ashes of the volcano eruption threatens Scotland

Icelandic volcanic ash Grímsvötn could reach the north of Scotland on Tuesday mid-day and part of Great Britain, France and Spain by Thursday or Friday if the eruption continues at the same rate, according to a notice sent Sunday to the airlines.

This warning is based on weather forecasts to five days should be viewed with caution because of changes which might occur between now and then on air currents, officials said European Meteorology.

Sunday, the air traffic control agency Eurocontrol reported in mid-day it did not anticipate any impact on European and transatlantic flights for the next 24 hours at least.

The Grímsvötn, beneath a glacier in southeast Iceland, erupted on Saturday, leaving out a huge plume of white smoke reached an altitude of 20,000 meters.

Its eruption has forced the management of the Icelandic Civil Aviation to order the closure of the main island's airport, Keflavik, located about forty miles from the capital,
Reykjavik.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

CASE DSK: Christine Lagarde says she deserves the position of DSK?

According to Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Christine Lagarde? Only the first harbinger of Thursday's resignation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the possible candidacy of the current French Minister of Economy to the position of CEO of the institution gained credibility - at least in Europe .

"She has a very strong authority, which is vital to find a consensus in negotiations on important issues," said Anders Borg, Swedish Minister of Finance on the British television station Sky News.Christine Lagarde could also benefit from support from Berlin, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung - which qualifies it as "favorite".

Thursday noon, the main "interest" has called for "a gathering of European candidate" without discussing his own case. In France, Secretary of State for Transport, Thierry Mariani, acknowledged Thursday that it would be a "good candidate" but that it will be "difficult". Indeed, the nomination of Christine Lagarde does not have only advantages.

Why would it matter?

A true international stature: Four years spent in Bercy allowed Christine Lagarde to enforce internationally.So much so that in 2009, the influential British economic daily The Financial Times elected "best Minister of Finance of the euro zone."

She knows the situation in the euro area: Europeans want someone like Dominique Strauss-Kahn, has the necessary relations among countries in the euro area to conduct effective negotiations to resolve the crisis of sovereign debt. This is the case of Christine Lagarde, who participated in the development of all successive bailouts - Greece, Ireland, Portugal.

It has the American Fiber: The French minister is not a pure European product. She worked for nearly ten years in Chicago law firm Baker & McKenzie (1995 to 2004), it was one of the leaders.Of dealings with the United States which would not displease overseas because "even if the United States did not appoint the director of the IMF, their influence on the functioning of the institution is important," says Christine Rifflart, an economist at the French Office of Economic Conditions (OFCE), France 24.

She is a woman: Christine Lagarde is currently the only woman among the potential candidates. So far, all directors of the IMF have been men.The accession of the French Minister of Economy at the head of the international organization could be a powerful symbol of "able to forget the origin of European and French Christine Lagarde," Judge Robert Wade, an economist at the London School of Economics at France 24.

Why she would do the trick?

Even France? The current legal woes now former CEO of the Fund are that France is not among the favorites to field a candidate.A disadvantage of the more important since the IMF was established in 1946, four of its ten directors were the French (Pierre-Paul Schweitzer from 1963 to 1973, Jacques de Larosiere from 1978 to 1987, Michel Camdessus from 1987 to 2000 and then Dominique Strauss-Kahn from 2007 to 2011).

Yet a European? Since its inception, the IMF has always been a European director. This is the result of a tacit agreement with the United States, which, in turn, keep your hand on the direction of the World Bank. Emerging countries would like their growing weight in the global economy is finally translated by a director from their ranks.They may therefore be opposed in principle to all those who come from the Old Continent.

The "pan" Bernard Tapie: In France, Christine Lagarde could end up before the Court of Justice of the Republic for "abuse of authority." Indeed, the prosecutor asked in early May, the opening of an investigation. The minister is accused of having done everything to encourage the businessman Bernard Tapie in the dispute between, for over ten ANSl at Credit Lyonnais. The satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine said Wednesday a report by the Court of Auditors very critical of the Minister of Economy. A political and legal scandal could be fatal to his possible candidacy for the leadership of the IMF.

Monday, May 16, 2011

DIPLOMACY: Pakistan and the United States show their willingness to restore confidence

AFP - U.S. Senator John Kerry, appointed by President Barack Obama, and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad said Monday that both countries wanted to restore mutual confidence after the crisis resulting from the elimination of Osama bin Laden .

"We are strategic partners with a common enemy," said U.S. Senator John Kerry.

After assuring that the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would announce "soon" a visit to Islamabad, Mr.Kerry said he had "explained" to the heads of the Pakistani army and state and government, he was "here with the support of President Barack Obama (...) to rebuild confidence between (our) two countries. "

The Democratic chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate, is the first senior U.S. official to visit Pakistan since a helicopter-borne U.S. commandos killed the leader of al-Qaida May 2 in Abbottabad, a city-garrison two hours drive north of Islamabad.

This attack, "illegal" according to Islamabad, caused a stir at a population overwhelmingly anti-American, not for the death of bin Laden, who has raised little protest, but for the "violation of sovereignty" Pakistan.

For their part, officials and prominent U.S. lawmakers have accused Pakistani authorities of incompetence at best, complicity at worst after learning that the leader of al-Qaeda had been hiding for years in a city- garrison, more so near the capital of Pakistan, its key ally in its "war against terrorism."

In a statement, Mr Gilani followed the lead of Mr.Kerry, "stressing the need for mutual trust, mutual interest and respect the sovereignty of Pakistan to strengthen the national consensus on the war against terrorism in order to finally achieve our common goal of defeating the forces of terror. "

"Pakistan is involved in the full solution to ensure lasting peace in the region and it is the strong interest of Pakistan and the United States to rebuild trust between their governments and institutions," concluded chief of the Pakistani government.

The CIA, which conducted the commando operation on 2 May, said she had not warned the Pakistani authorities for fear of leakage.U.S. officials have since reported suspicion of "complicity" in the military and intelligence community to explain the presence of brain attacks of Sept. 11 in a city housing more than 10,000 soldiers.

For its part, Pakistan, protesting feebly since 2004 against the very frequent firing missiles CIA drones targeting the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the tribal areas of northwest, bordering Afghanistan, has raised its voice after the raid against bin Laden. He threatened to Washington to review its policy of cooperation on counterterrorism if such an incursion happened again.

Monday, May 9, 2011

CUBA: Cubans could again travel abroad

AFP - The Cuban government will allow, for the first time in more than 50 years, tourism trips abroad for Cubans, according to a reform plan released Monday by the authorities.

The government will "consider the provisions that allow Cubans to travel outside as tourists," said one of the 313 economic reform measures adopted in April by a historic congress of the Communist Party of Cuba.

The document released Monday gives no details on how to leave these trips abroad, but formalizes the decision to allow Cubans to travel as part of economic reforms launched by President Raul Castro.

Permission to travel is a key demand of the Cuban population. It is not forbidden to travel, but restrictions are so numerous that very few Cubans are able to do so.

Cubans must obtain such an invitation from the outside and ask for permission, which can be rejected without justification.All steps bureaucratic cost also very expensive for an average salary of around 15 euros per month.

The Cuban government does not publish statistics on travel by Cubans abroad.

Monday, May 2, 2011

COTE D'IVOIRE: Laurent Gbagbo says Desmond Tutu's desire to see the country "heal its wounds"

AFP - Former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo has "insisted he had to heal the wounds" of Côte d'Ivoire, told journalists on Monday the South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, after meeting Mr.Gbagbo in Korhogo (north), in his house arrest.

"We had a brief but cordial exchange, we were pleased to note that former President (Laurent Gbagbo) has expressed the desire to see the country return to normalcy," said Archbishop Tutu, after meeting the president fallen for 45 minutes.

The archbishop was with the former Secretary General Kofi Annan and former President of Ireland and former High Commissioner for Human Rights UN, Mary Robinson.

"In his speech (Mr.Gbagbo) has insisted that he had to heal the wounds of the country. That's what we came to encourage. As you have seen, he looks healthy, he told us himself. He looks relaxed and he requested a Bible, "said the Nobel Prize for Peace.

It is the first known visit by officials from Mr.Gbagbo since he is under house arrest in Korhogo.

Dressed in a blue shirt and black pants, smiling, the former president shook hands with three members of the group known as Elders (Elders) and told them "thank you for coming," noted a AFP, while the press had been allowed to attend the beginning of the meeting.

Promoting "healing and reconciliation"

Members of the Elders arrived Sunday in Abidjan with the objective of promoting "healing and reconciliation in Cote d'Ivoire after a post-election crisis more than four months resulted in the arrest of Lawrence Gbagbo came to power and Alassane Ouattara, who won the election on November 28.

Arrested with his wife Simone and a hundred people and detained at the Golf Hotel in Abidjan, the headquarters of Mr. Ouattara, M.Gbagbo was transferred on April 13 in Korhogo, where he has been under house arrest.

His wife, for his part was transferred April 22 to Odienné (northwest).

The hearings by the Ivorian justice the former head of state, his wife and about 200 former officials of his regime under house arrest throughout the country to begin Wednesday.

However, the Ivorian Minister of Justice Ahoussou Jeannot Kouadio, who also made the trip on Monday in Korhogo, told AFP that the date of commencement of the hearing of the former president was "not certain" Mr. Gbagbo himself has said that its lawyers were "not available".

The deposed head of state is accused of being responsible for abuses, extortion and incitement to hatred.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in more than four months of crisis and fighting in Ivory Coast, authorities said.The United Nations reports, more than 1,000 dead.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

SYRIA: "Iran will never allow the regime collapse"

He might live in exile for years, it does not leave Syria eyes. Ribal al-Assad is first, as its name implies, a member of the al-Assad. Her father, Rifat, is well known to Syrians. This is the first former vice president, known for having led the ferocious repression of Hama and Aleppo in 1982. It is also the younger brother of Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for 30 years. But two years before he died, Hafez al-Assad has his own favorite son Bashar to take over the reins of power. Definitely fell into disgrace in 1998, Rifaat al-Assad was then exiled.

FRANCE 24: More than 230 members of the Baath Party have announced their resignations Wednesday. How do you see the situation in Syria?

Ribal al-Assad: What is happening in Syria is a disaster.Instead of putting in place reforms quickly is by violence that Bashar al-Assad meets with protesters. It's madness. There are people around him who have an interest in what the regime uses force to prevent the reforms to succeed. Bashar al-Assad is particularly taken by two of his cousins. First there is Rami Makhlouf, who is one of the largest fortunes in Syria, and his brother Gen. Hafez Makhlouf. They have everything to lose in these revolts since it is they who control the Syrian economy.

FRANCE 24: But President Bashar al-Assad can continue to ignore the events?

Ribal al-Assad: You know, all alone, Bashar al-Assad can not do anything.Constitutionally, it combines the functions of president, chairman of the Baath Party and army chief, but in reality it is nothing. And it did not grip his father Hafez al-Assad. Moreover, he accuses foreign powers of being behind the demonstrations. This is absurd. The Syrians saw what happened in Tunisia, Egypt, or even in Yemen. They want to live in a democracy.

FRANCE 24: The opposition in Syria is not structured. There is no party may take overnight relay of the Baath party. How then to consider a peaceful transition to democracy?

Ribal al-Assad: The protesters are peaceful. This is the regime that uses violence.Next, we need all the political sensitivities are represented: the Kurds, opponents in exile as well as all minorities ... The ruling clan brandishes the threat of a sectarian war in order to allow the Iranians to call for help. Tehran is close to the al-Assad. The fall of President Bashar al-Assad would undermine its influence in the region. Besides, I do not see a scenario in Egyptian occur. Iran will never let the regime collapse.

FRANCE 24: You're the cousin of Bashar, the son of Rifaat, former Syrian vice president and younger brother of Hafez al-Assad ... Do not you think that the Syrians want to turn the page of the al- Assad?

Ribal al-Assad: My father Rifaat al-Assad is a respected, you know.I live in exile since the age of 9 years, and nobody ever wanted to leave my father Rifaat al-Assad nor his family live in peace in Syria. An example: in 1994, I had to go study at Boston University. Officers tried to kill me at the airport in Damascus. But the military has recognized my father who accompanied me, and that's why they could not kill me. My father was very popular in Syria, especially in the army. We have been unjustly accused. Moreover, the Syrian regime even accused me of being in Lebanon, alongside Saad Hariri, the Prime Minister. This same information is reflected by the website Al-Manar Hezbollah. This is nonsense.As for my father, is accused of having sent troops to Hama in 1982, but this is false. He also refused to endorse these responsibilities. All that has been mounted. My father still has many adherents in all faiths.

FRANCE 24: You are chairing a London-based NGO, the Organization for Democracy and freedom in Syria. Does that mean you think you can embody a political alternative to the Baath Party?

Ribal al-Assad: I was among the first to call for democracy, true. I also chairs the television channel ANN (Arabic News Network), whose regime has tried to prevent the broadcast. But I do not want to go to Syria to found a political party.Now, for me it is very simple: I have family that I have not seen in years. I want to live like we can live in France or the United Kingdom: Security in beside her. The only solution is democracy.

Monday, April 25, 2011

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Resumption of border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia after a short truce

Reuters - Clashes erupted again Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the border, after almost 24 hours of the truce in fighting that killed at least 12 deaths since Friday.

Gunfire and explosions were heard near two twelfth-century Hindu temples, which, since Friday, was the scene of the bloody border conflict between the two countries in almost 20 years, witnesses said.The fighting forced the evacuation of nearly 50,000 area residents to temporary shelters.

Thailand reiterated its call for direct talks with Cambodia, after canceling a visit to both countries foreign minister of Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa, whose country is the current chairman of Asean (Association Nations of the South-East).On 22 February, the Minister was able to obtain a cease-fire.

The truce called for the dispatch of Indonesian military observers along the disputed border, which never materialized.

Thailand has refused so far the presence of international observers, but his foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, who spoke to reporters Monday in a nursing home, did not rule out that they can finally future unfold.

"We're not hostile.It is a sensitive issue, "he told a press briefing, about thirty miles from the theater.

Thailand wants the dispute resolved bilaterally, through a joint commission that has failed over the past decade, to clearly demarcate the border.

Dispute since the independence of Cambodia

Large border areas are not clearly delineated and can be challenged by either party.This territorial dispute is the most violent two decades between the two neighbors.

The fighting that broke out Friday near the two temples were preceded in February by four days of fighting that had killed 11 people around a temple, Preah Vihear, located 150 km to the east.

Since independence from the former French protectorate in 1953, Cambodia and Thailand dispute jungle Dangrek mountains and three Hindu temples - Preah Vihear, Ta Moan and Ta Krabey.

The most intense fighting of recent days have taken place around the site of Ta Moan.Both armies are also positioned around Ta Krabey, where the first clashes took place Friday and where Thailand accuses Cambodia to install military bases.

Since Friday, five Thai soldiers were killed and 31 others injured, Thai officials say.The official Cambodian side is seven dead and 17 wounded.

Several analysts said the two capitals have each political reasons for starting the conflict.

Thai generals close to the ultra-nationalist circles could attempt to create an environment conducive to a coup to prevent the organization of elections due by July.

The Cambodian government could stimulate the nationalistic fervor to rise in public opinion, proving that his army is able to stand up to the longtime rival.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

COTE D'IVOIRE: African Union lifts its sanctions

AFP - The African Union has lifted sanctions on Thursday against the Ivory Coast decided on December 9 following the presidential election, announced in a statement.

The Council for Peace and Security of the African organization, meeting in Addis Ababa, decided "to terminate the suspension of the participation of Côte d'Ivoire to the activities of the AU," the statement said.

December 9, Côte d'Ivoire had been suspended the activities of the AU as the dispute around the election of Alassane Ouattara - contested by incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo - would not have been resolved and Mr. Ouattara, recognized by the international community would not be able to assume his duties.

Mr.Gbagbo was arrested April 11 in Abidjan following an offensive military forces supporting Alassane Ouattara.

The AU has welcomed calls for reconciliation launched since then by the elected president and urged him to quickly appoint a government of unity and reconciliation.

Monday, April 18, 2011

ITALY - FRANCE: Brussels tranche the discord between Rome and Paris on the train of Tunisian immigrants

France had the "right" to suspend temporarily Sunday rail traffic with Italy, said Monday the European Commission, while the two countries meet on the issue of Tunisian immigrants.

France explained "it was a very temporary interruption (...) and now traffic passes normally," and it seems "that it does not fall under the regulation of the Schengen border control," said Commissioner European Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström.

According to information provided by France, the decision was motivated by "reasons of public order," she said, holding that "apparently, they have the right to do that."

The French decision to suspend a few hours Sunday during the movement of trains from Ventimiglia (Italy), while a convoy of Tunisian migrant rights activists accompanied the French and Italian man would cross the border, angered Rome, which protested against a "violation of EU principles."

Friday, April 15, 2011

LIBYA - EXCLUSIVE: In Misrata, the rebels besieged desperate NATO

Every night for five weeks, a rain of shells fell on Misrata. And every morning, the last bastion of anti-Gaddafi rebellion in the west of the country buries its dead. According to our correspondents on the spot, they would already be close to 400 to have died since the fighting began. Number continues to increase ...

Our reporters visited the main hospital in Misrata, where doctors are faced with a steady stream of victims of all ages. "I was at my house. I just went out the garbage and suddenly the bombs [in the army Gaddafi ed] fell all around me," said one wounded about fifty years, lying on his hospital bed.A story similar to that of other victims in the room.

"I do not know what to do to stop this massacre, laments a doctor. The government army sends troops into civilian cars and NATO can no longer differentiate between rebels Gaddafi," says he disappointed.

Meanwhile NATO ...

However, NATO is expected as the messiah by the insurgents.They do not believe in the powerlessness of the Atlantic Alliance, which has already struck strategic positions on the city earlier this week without discouraging the bombing of the loyalist forces.

Moktar join our reporters, who took the lead a small group of rebels. He just locate a position Gaddafi: a building on which floats the green flag of the Colonel. Both men are stationed on the roof. They are the eyes of the army. They are responsible for directing the shooting of the different points of Misrata.

Why NATO strikes Does not this building? Difficult to understand ... This position is indeed visible and isolated. And, therefore, to thank you for an airstrike.

Monday, April 11, 2011

AUTOMOTIVE: The number 2 Renault resigned

Reuters - In accepting the resignation of Patrick Pelata, Renault stops the ascent of one who had reached the number two position in the group, but hopes to put an end to the matter of fake spy poisoned for several months in preserving at the same time the CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Patrick Pelata announced in early March that the manufacturer would take the diamond "all the consequences, to the highest level of business is to say to (himself)" on error in the case of industrial espionage in which the group considered itself a victim.

"At first it's Patrick Pelata which seems to be to shield the CEO," then told Reuters a source close to Renault."So as they say in any case, it
have fuses. "

However, during the first board of directors special March 14, after which Renault had admitted his error and apologized to the three frameworks
wrongly accused, the resignation of Chief Operating Officer, aged 55 and right arm of Carlos Ghosn, was denied.

This time, when a new board devoted to the extraordinary preliminary findings of internal audit on the dysfunctional mess that made possible its
resignation was accepted.

"It's a loss for Renault, as number two Pélata did a solid job in steering the company in recent years," said Stuart Pearson
auto analyst at Morgan Stanley.

"This casts doubt on the practical implementation of the strategic plan that has only just been announced - Pélata would have been one of the principal architects.Difficult to say
immediate successor thereto. "

The departure of chief operating officer could save Carlos Ghosn, although it has always supported the accusations of espionage while claiming not to have held the record details.

Carlos Ghosn launched in February a new strategic plan for Renault to six years and few of them, internally, among analysts at the State or shareholder, who seem ready to consider leaving.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

EARTHQUAKE: Tsunami warning lifted in north-eastern Japan

Tsunami alerts issued for the coast north-eastern Japan were lifted, reported Friday morning (Japan time) the public television station NHK.

The review was launched after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Thursday north-east, threatening the coasts of the region, which is located including the plant in Fukushima-Daiichi ucléaire.

The epicenter of the quake at a magnitude of 7.4, was located 66 km off the coast of Sendai and Fukushima 116 km.

The earthquake and tsunami of March 11 were 28.000 dead or missing and severely damaged the plant in Fukushima-Daiichi, where workers work tirelessly
for four weeks to try to cool the fuel rods and avoid a meltdown of the reactor could cause a major nuclear disaster.

Monday, April 4, 2011

PRESIDENTIAL HAITIAN: Government calls for calm before the announcement of preliminary results

AFP - The Haitian government has appealed for calm Monday in a few hours of the announcement of preliminary results of the second round of the presidential election, fearing violence as those who had followed the results of the first round last December.

Secretary of State for Public Security, Aramick Louis, asked the candidates to urge their supporters "not to violent demonstrations in the streets," regardless of the result which would be announced at 17:00 am (2200 GMT), by spokesman for the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) Richard Dumel.

The second round was between March 20 popular singer Michel Martelly, poll favorite, the University Mirlande Manigat, a former first lady aged 70.

Without waiting for the official publication of results, both sides claimed victory in recent days.

The publication of preliminary results in early December of the first round ranking Michel Martelly, 50, in third place - and thus excluding the second round - had thrown thousands of demonstrators in the streets for several days.

Faced with an outburst of violence that left several people dead, the authorities had to review the results and had returned the singer in the race to the detriment of the government candidate, Jude Celestin.

For supporters of Michel Martelly, there is no doubt that the singer called "Tet Kale" ("shaved" in Creole) will succeed Rene Preval, who was constitutionally barred from claiming a third term.

"It is slow to give results, but the president is none other than Tet Kale," said a man listening to the radio on a street in Port-au-Prince, the capital devastated by an earthquake Earth in January 2010.

"At least we can go out tomorrow," replied another man sitting beside him, explaining that in the case of the announcement a victory for Ms. Manigat, there could be violence.

The PRC had announced last week that the consultation had been tainted by fraud and that several hundreds of minutes sent by different polling centers had been canceled.

Monday, schools remained closed in Cap-Haitien and Les Cayes, the country's largest cities after the capital Port-au-Prince, local radio reported.Les Cayes, a city where violent clashes had taken place particularly in December, armored MINUSTAH, the strength of peacekeeping to the UN, were in position in the streets, and vehicles of the Haitian police

The second round was marked, a few days before the consultation by the return to Haiti of former President Jean Bertrand Aristide, who remains very popular among disadvantaged seven years after being ousted in an armed insurrection, with the blessing France and the United States.

Two months earlier, was the former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier who had returned to the country after 25 years of exile in France."Baby Doc" was sued by the Haitian justice for corruption and embezzlement, while several complaints of crimes against humanity have been filed against him by former opponents to his regime.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Liveblogging: The Libyan insurgents seek a cease-fire under certain conditions

LIBYA: The insurgents are ready for a cease-fire under certain conditions, announced the National Transitional Council (CNT) as the forces of Muammar Gaddafi have consolidated their positions in eastern Libya, especially in south 'Ajdabiya (160 km south of Benghazi). SYRIA: Protests against the ruling Baath Party erupted in Damascus and Latakia Deraa after Friday prayers despite the announcements and promises of power to try to calm the situation. At least 4 people were killed. YEMEN: Supporters and opponents of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh have mobilized massively in Sanaa on Friday when security forces and the army deployed an unprecedented fear of clashes between rival groups.

To follow the events from a smartphone, click here.

Monday, March 28, 2011

INTERNET: The "hacker" that Iran wanted to avenge Stuxnet

He presents himself as a young Iranian 21 years, calls himself ComodoHack and launched last week, a cyber attack that would "potentially could undermine the trust we place on the Internet," in the words of Lawrence Heslaut, responsible for security at Symantec France.

In a message posted Friday on the Web, ComodoHack said he wanted "revenge operation Stuxnet led by the United States and Israel against Iran's nuclear power plants last summer.In broken English, the young man, who claims to have "the capacity of 1 000 hackers gathered," promised that he would attack other computer using the same modus operandi.

What did he do exactly? ComodoHack is one of the first hacker to have managed the feat of creating digital certificates authentication system by hacking Comodo, one of the leading companies in the closed world of certification.

Gmail, Skype or Yahoo

Comodo, like Verisign or RSA, to validate the identity of secure sites whose addresses begin with "https."Without certification, there is no evidence, for example, a site selling online has not been established by a small malignant eager to retrieve the data bank of a surfer.

Motivated more by politics than profit, the hacker Iranian authentication certificates issued on behalf of Comodo for Gmail, Yahoo Mail or Skype, instant messaging popular with opponents of the regime in Tehran. With these certificates usurped, cybercriminals was able to create fake Gmail and Skype conversations which he recovered and personal data of users fooled.An amount of information it could then sell to the highest bidder or give generously to the Iranian authorities.

By last weekend, Microsoft, Mozilla (Firefox), Google had, in an emergency, to update their browser to identify and banish the Net certificates. Still, the attack proved that the security of commercial transactions and the confidentiality of conversations is to be engraved in stone digital. Lawrence Heslaut even sees one of the major trends in cybercrime: "Today, criminals are doing everything to confuse the issue between what is true and what is wrong on the Internet."

Thursday, March 24, 2011

LIBYA: NATO called to take command of the military intervention

AFP - The international coalition has stepped up pressure Thursday on Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, with new air strikes, when the NATO countries were an agreement to take over military command of operations.

According to a preliminary assessment submitted by a spokesman for the Libyan regime, the raids of the coalition were "about 100 deaths" among civilians since the offensive began March 19.

For its part, the military commander of the coalition, General Carter Ham, said he did not "make sure there were no civilian casualties"."But we're very, very precise and selective in our targets," he said.

The Libyan authorities have indicated they expect raids on centers of telecommunications and broadcasting services in the evening, based on "intelligence information".

In the morning, France had said that the coalition would "continue the air strikes" on military targets, "the time".

On Thursday, a plane of the Libyan forces was destroyed on the ground by a French fighter plane in Misrata (200 km east of Tripoli), said the staff of the armies in Paris.

The coalition has also targeted the region Tajoura, about thirty miles east of Tripoli, according to residents.State television confirmed that "civilians and military sites" of this region had been the target of raids.

In Tripoli, the firing of air defense and several loud explosions were heard Thursday morning and evening, according to an AFP journalist.

The DCA went into action from 1900 GMT and at least one explosion was heard from the center of Tripoli.Two explosions were heard also in Tajoura (30 km from the capital), where a column of smoke coming from a site undetermined.

State television later reported that "civilian and military sites in Tripoli and Tajoura" were targets of "long-range missiles."

The coalition had conducted the night of Wednesday to Thursday of intensive air raids Sabha (750 km south of Tripoli), according to residents.The city, stronghold of the tribe of Gaddafi, is home to several military sites.

Fighting between pro-and anti-Gaddafi also continued in several cities, including Misrata.

The loyalist forces have killed 109 people and injured more than 1,300 since the start of their offensive last Friday, told AFP a doctor.

Snipers were firing on pro-Qaddafi in the afternoon from the roofs of buildings and gunfire rang out, said a spokesman for the rebels.

The coalition strikes were conducted Wednesday against Gaddafi's troops on the ground including Misrata third largest city.

Nearly Ajdabiya, 160 km south of Benghazi, the rebel stronghold in the east, a large number of insurgents were advancing quickly to regain control of this key city, according to an AFP journalist.Fighting was taking place within the city between rebels and pro-Gaddafi.

According to a spokesman for the insurgents in Benghazi, Ahmed Omar Bani, some pro-Gaddafi to Ajdabiya are "ready to go" and the insurgents communicate with them through religious leaders in mosques.

After negotiations with forceps, the NATO countries have reached an agreement in principle to take over military command of operations, replacing the coalition led by France, Great Britain and the United States.

NATO was currently charged with monitoring the embargo on arms sales to Libya.

"The NATO countries agree to start (the process) that will allow him to take over from the coalition on Monday or Tuesday," said one diplomat told AFP.

However, all details remained unresolved. Because Turkey is unhappy with the operating rules prescribed for the no-fly zone, to avoid stressing the bombing against ground targets, according to another diplomat.

Many Western countries insisted that NATO take over completely. But France, fearful of alienating Arab opinion, and anxious to keep a room for strikes without having to always seek the endorsement of NATO countries, has long been very reserved.

According to Paris, the "political leadership" of the intervention will remain outside NATO.It will be ensured by a "contact group" of countries participating in separate transactions, including the Arab League and African Union (AU).

The first meeting of this group is scheduled for Tuesday in London, attended by the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"More than 350 aircraft" in the coalition are involved in air operations, including just over half are American, said a senior Pentagon official, who said the United States called the Libyan military to "stop to fight "against their own countrymen, and not to obey the orders of Colonel Gaddafi.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lamented his side that the Libyan authorities had taken no steps to fulfill their obligations under the resolution adopted by the Security Council, arguing that violations of human rights, man continued.

The AU called on Friday in Addis Ababa, representatives of Muammar Gaddafi and the rebels to discuss a cease-fire.

Colonel Gaddafi, in power for 42 years, faces from 15 February to a revolt that has left hundreds dead and forced more than 300,000 people to flee.

Here are liveblogging the events of Thursday, March 24 provided by the editors.

Monday, March 21, 2011

FRANCE: Strong abstention and thrust of the National Front in the first round of cantonal

AFP - The first round of cantonal last election by universal suffrage before major electoral events of 2012, was marked on Sunday by a surge of FN, behind which the UMP, big loser, and an increase in left background record abstention.

The second round will take place, according to a recording made by the AFP in France to 394 duels, mostly against the PS (204), but also facing the UMP (89), FCP (37) or other candidates, from left or right. There will also be five triangular UMP-PS-FN.

The party of Marine Le Pen, came in first in 39 townships, has qualified in the quarter of districts still to be filled Sunday.In the boss's own stronghold of the UMP, Jean-Francois Cope, the presidential party is overtaken by the FN.

On nearly 99% of ballots counted, the PS obtained 25.04% of votes, the UMP 17.07%, 15.18% of the FN, the Left Front over 9% and Europe-Ecology Greens 8, 28%, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Minister Claude Gueant has credited the "presidential majority" of 32.5% through the addition of voice to the right that has outraged FN and PS.

The final rate of abstention is at 55.6%, a record for this type of election.

Ms. Le Pen hailed a success "historic" for his party, almost elbow to elbow with the UMP, which many label candidates of the majority preferred to that of various right because of the unpopularity of Nicolas Sarkozy .

The FN, which had no general counsel, has to replace the UMP in the political landscape, predicted the companion of Ms. Le Pen, Louis Aliot.

The breakthrough of far-right party confirms recent polls by Ms. Le Pen, a possible presidential nominee.The positioning of each other compared to the FN has also supplied all the comments.

"We let our voters' freedom of choice" when the UMP is absent in the second round, said Jean-Francois Cope, denying the vote as the Republican front FN.

A position condemned by the Left, which sees "an ambiguity guilty," as David Assouline (PS). Same side of the modem tone: "The position of the UMP is irresponsible, he must vote for the candidate who is against the FN," said his spokesman Yann Wehrling.

The majority also the official position of UMP raised eyebrows and promises of tough debates.The President of the Radical Party, Jean-Louis Borloo, has called for "to block the FN.

Minister Valerie Pecresse said that "personally" in case of FN with the duel, she would vote for the left.

The number one PS Martine Aubry was again accused President Sarkozy of "damaging the Republic" and being "instrumental in the scoring of the National Front." Following a meeting with Cécile Duflot (EELV) and Peter Lawrence (PCF), the three leaders called together at the rally.

Ms. Duflo has also called for "to block the FN" wherever it is present."The UMP has taken a beating and the FN has made the pockets," quipped Jean-Luc Melenchon (Left Party).

A rare dissenting voice to right, Claude Goasguen (UMP) saw this result "a warning" launched his party "and Nicolas Sarkozy," whereas in the majority, the word was clear: to relativize the national scope election and call for mobilization.

As for results, the former first lady Bernadette Chirac was re-elected by one vote in the first round in Corrèze. Michel Mercier, one minister in the running, was re-elected in the Rhone.

On the county, the right seems distressed in the Jura.The suspense continues in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques and the Charente-Maritime, other departments may fall into the hands of the Left, which already controls 58.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

FOOTBALL: The French international Eric Abidal will be operated on a liver tumor Thursday

The operation of the French international defender for FC Barcelona, ​​Eric Abidal, a liver tumor was advanced to Thursday instead of Friday, announced Wednesday, the Catalan club stressing that this change was not related to a worsening state of the player.

"A liver tumor was detected in the player of FC Barcelona Eric Abidal," had indicated as early as Tuesday evening Barça in a brief statement on its website.

Eric Abidal, 31, will undergo surgery Friday in a hospital in Barcelona by Dr. Josep Fuster Obregón, the club said."At the request of the player, the club requires the greatest respect for the right to privacy," Barca concluded in its statement.

Season over

Holder indisputable FC Barcelona, ​​the French defender should draw a line on the end of the season, took the Spanish sports press. Usually aligned left, Eric Abidal has often been called this season to play in central defense, particularly to compensate for the absence of the Spaniard Carles Puyol, long wounded.His performance in this position, Wednesday, March 8, against Arsenal in the second round back in the Champions League (3-1 win and qualification of Barcelona) was noticed.

The former Lyon defender, who arrived at FC Barcelona for the 2007-2008 season, also had to regain his place in the France team after the sinking of the Blues in South Africa in 2010.

"I want to finish my career at Barca," he declared in late January. "We are seeing what the club can offer me," added the defender, whose current contract runs until June 30, 2012. "I feel very comfortable here and I hope to stay. Everything is going well for me," Bush said.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Liveblogging: The Japanese authorities make every effort to avoid a nuclear accident

AFP - Fears of a major nuclear accident are alive after an explosion Saturday in a nuclear power station 250 km from Tokyo, following the strong earthquake and tsunami that have made the day more than 1,800 dead or missing in Japan.

The accident has been assessed at Level 4 on the scale (which goes up to 7) nuclear and radiological events (INES), announced the Japan Nuclear and Industrial Safety.

The government ordered the evacuation of residents within a radius of 20 km around the NPP.

The toll of the earthquake and tsunami could rise.Saturday night the authorities were without news of some 10,000 of the 17,000 inhabitants of the port city of Minamisanriku in north-east, according to the television channel NHK.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

IRAN: Former President Rafsanjani rejected the leadership of the Assembly of Experts

Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has lost Tuesday a key position within the government, ceding the presidency of the Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Mohammad Reza Mahdavi Kani, a religious conservative Iranian news agencies reported.

Mr Rafsanjani had said in his speech at the opening session of the Assembly of religious experts that would not stand for the position if the candidacy of Ayatollah Mohammad Reza Mahdavi Kani.

The Assembly of religious experts, which has 86 members, is responsible for appointing, monitoring and eventually dismiss the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mahdavi Kani, influential religious conservative who was Prime Minister for a year shortly after the Islamic revolution in 1979, aged 80.

Mr.Rafsandajani, moderate conservative who was president of the Islamic Republic for eight years (1989-1997), has for several months the target of a broad political offensive of the ultra-conservatives, who accuse him of having supported the opposition in the reformist crisis that followed the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June 2009.

It takes yet another important position within the regime, as Chairman of the Expediency Council, which advises the guide and arbiter in disputes between parliament and government. But there is appointed directly by Supreme Leader.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

CHINA: Beijing acknowledges discontent and wants to tackle inflation

Premier Wen Jiabao said Saturday that his government's priority was to fight against inflation and a recognized public discontent, while setting a growth target of 8% for 2011, in a speech to parliament.

"We have to consider price stability as the priority of our macro-economic control," said the head of government before the nearly 3,000 delegates to the NPC, met for ten days in the Chinese capital, according to the translation his official speech in French.

He described the price rise and inflation expectations "problems which are closely the standard of living of the population, the overall situation and stability of the country."

The aim of rising consumer prices, which reached 4.9% in January over one year was set at "4%" for 2011, against 3% last year, while the objective of growth of gross domestic product (GDP) was maintained at 8%.

China's GDP in 2010 became the world's second largest behind the United States, surpassing that of Japan.

This year, the Chinese government "will continue to pursue a policy of recovery", but by reducing the budget deficit will be contained in "about 2% of GDP."

Priority spending will be devoted to "rural development", "to improve the level of the population and develop the social sectors," according to this discourse that determines the main directions for the country's official year.

"Some issues are subject to strong reactions among the population have not been completely resolved," admitted the Prime Minister.

"The educational resources and lack of quality medical and their distribution is uneven," he detailed.

"The property prices have experienced an excessive increase in some cities," continued Mr.Wen wants to boost the construction of social housing.

He further stressed that "social contradictions raised by the illegal requisition of land and demolition of illegal houses have multiplied," that "food security is poor" and that "some sectors are vulnerable to corruption."

China also wants to continue to "improve the formation mechanism of RMB exchange rate," considered undervalued by its major trading partners, but without making any specific commitments.

Always fight against inflation, it wants to implement "a prudent monetary policy" by limiting to 16% increase in money supply M2 (broad money comprising currency in circulation, deposit accounts and accounts of savings).

The National Popular Assembly (ANP) is the largest parliament in the world. She just basically endorse Communist Party projects and the government.

This body meets only once a year in plenary session for ten days in March.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

FRANCE: Jean-Marie Le Pen again in trouble with the law

AFP - Accused by the MRAP incitement to racial hatred, Jean-Marie Le Pen will be considered Tuesday by the correctional court of Nanterre for broadcasting in regional elections, campaign posters deemed offensive against Muslims.

According to his lawyer Wallerand de Saint-Just, M.Le Pen will not attend the hearing.

The poster in question was a fully veiled woman beside a map of France covered the Algerian flag on which rose the minarets shaped missiles, with the title "No to Islam".

In the last regional elections in February 2010, the movement "Youth" National Front had released the posters in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur and on its website and then across France.

At the time, the case had sparked protests from Algeria.

In early December, the Paris Criminal Court had acquitted Jean-Marie Le Pen, prosecuted for the same offense by Licra and SOS Racisme, without addressing the merits of the case, dismissing the two associations for purely formal matters.

The court had found that Jean-Marie Le Pen was "neither the author of the poster in question, nor the head of the sites where it was aired."Either on the websites, but the display of election signs in the PACA region, said he had no jurisdiction territorially.

At the hearing on October 28, the prosecutor had requested cons MEP and Regional Councillor of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur one year of ineligibility, two months suspended prison sentence and 20,000 euro fine.

Under the new procedure, the Movement against Racism and for Friendship among Peoples (MRAP) had seized on the direct quote Nanterre court before the decision is made in Paris, relying mainly on the fact that the seat of FN is found in the Hauts-de-Seine.

The trial will be held Tuesday afternoon at the 14th room.

Friday, February 25, 2011

LIBYA: Police fire on protesters in Tripoli

Forces loyal to the Libyan regime of Muammar Gaddafi opened fire in broad daylight on protesters Friday in Tripoli after the announcement by the opposition of "liberation" of Eastern countries, the international community to stop hurrying bloodshed.

The 11th day of the bloody revolt against the tottering power of M.Gaddafi has accused his opponents of being guided by Al Qaeda, the initiatives are increasing: UN meeting, proposals for sanctions, embargo and establishing a no-fly zone.

The challenge extends west from Tripoli to Benghazi, 1000 km east of the capital, in cities or close to the coastal shores of the Mediterranean, the vast majority of the country, 93% desert, being spared by the fighting.

But while the eastern oil is in the hands of organized armed opposition to a possible step toward Tripoli, Gadhafi pro-government forces fired on protesters in eastern districts of the capital, causing casualties, according to witnesses reached by telephone.

"The police opened fire on protesters without distinction. There are dead in the streets of Soug Al Jomaa," said one resident told AFP.

Other witnesses of suburban neighborhoods, like Ben Achour and Fachloum, reported "heavy fire upon all who are in the street."Similar scenes take place Ghout Achaal in the west of the city.

"They fired on unarmed civilians leaving the prayer," he told AFP capita residential qartier Ben Achour.

The police had deployed around several mosques to prevent demonstrations, witnesses said.

Hundreds of people Tajoura, a neighborhood in Tripoli, protesting against the regime, according to witnesses.

Proponents of the "Guide" in power for over 40 years are concentrated in Tripoli, where the militia would have Khamis than 9,000 fighters, tanks and aircraft, according to unconfirmed reports.

Sign that power seeks to stem the wave of protest, the official Libyan television announced an $ 400 Libyan families, and the 150% increase of salaries of certain officials.

At Tobruk in the east, an event attended by a thousand people. The protesters waved flags of the Libyan monarchy of King Idris Sanusi who has become a symbol of the insurgency. "Free Libya, Gaddafi outside," "The people want the fall of the regime," they have launched.

Musratha third largest city, about 150 km east of Tripoli, was deserted by loyalists to Mr.Gaddafi, but clashes took place on an air base nearby that have caused many deaths, "said one resident told AFP.

Heavy fighting murderers had opposed these days Musratha supporters of the regime "supported by African mercenaries" and protesters, according to several witnesses.

To the west of Tripoli, in the city of Zawiyah (60 km), "terrorists" have murdered several soldiers, according to state news agency Jana, while the newspaper based in Benghazi Libya Quryna 23 people were killed in the assault by security forces against the city.

That the inhabitants of this town spoke Thursday Mr.Gaddafi charged that AA in an audio message on television, Al Qaeda orchestrating the insurgency by giving his view of "hallucinogenic pills" to opponents.

Two days earlier he had vowed to suppress the insurgency, warning of possible "butcher".The violence has already caused several hundred deaths, from 300 to a thousand different sources.

Abroad, the outrage is growing against his regime, increasingly isolated after being abandoned by his peers and several relatives and Arab diplomats, including ambassadors to Libya and UNESCO Paris, and al-Gaddafi -Dam, close adviser and cousin of Colonel Gaddafi.

Paris and London have proposed to the Security Council of the United Nations which meets at 20:00 GMT in New York a draft resolution calling for "a total embargo on arms," "sanctions," and "referral to the ICC for crimes against humanity, "the French foreign minister Michele Alliot-Marie.

The countries of the European Union and NATO are preparing also to establish a no-fly zone to prohibit Libya Libyan military planes to fly, if the UN gives green light, according to a diplomat.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay expressed concern over "brutal and shocking situation."

Faced with the chaos in Libya, evacuations in difficult conditions by land, sea and air continues, several European countries, foremost among them Italy concerned about a humanitarian crisis due to the exodus of tens of thousands foreigners and Libyans.

The World Food Programme UN has warned that the food supply chain in Libya "was in danger of collapse."Food imports can no longer in ports and distribution is compromised because of the violence.

Monday, February 21, 2011

MOROCCO: Five persons died on the fringes of protests in the city of Al-Hoceima

Five people were killed and 128 were injured, including 115 members of security forces, during disturbances that followed the events, otherwise largely peaceful, which took place Sunday to Morocco, officials said Monday.

"The charred bodies of five people were found inside one of the bank branches burned by the troublemakers in the town of Al Hoceima" in the north, "said Interior Minister Taib Cherkaoui In a statement to press.

An investigation is underway, added the minister, adding that 120 people were arrested following disturbances in a half-dozen Moroccan cities.Minors arrested were handed over to their families.

Thousands of people marched Sunday in several cities in Morocco to demand political reform and limiting the powers of the king, responding to a call at home by young people on Facebook and taken up by various NGOs and organizations.

The interior minister argued that "democratic practice" of Morocco and the "right to freedom of expression in the country", have ensured that the demonstrations Sunday "took place in a peaceful atmosphere imbued serenity and discipline. "

The minister said some 37,000 people have participated in these gatherings.

But trouble erupted after demonstrations in the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, Larache, Al Hoceima in the north and Marrakech in the south Guelmin well as Sefrou (center).The Minister attributed the violence to "troublemakers, including minors and habitual criminals."

A Larache, the "troublemakers," he said, have invested a customs building and seized drugs and liquor that were seized by customs.

Cherkaoui has finally stated that 33 public buildings, 24 banks, 50 shops and private buildings and 66 vehicles were burned or damaged.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Libya: Benghazi "the rebellious" at the forefront of the anti-Gaddafi sling

In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, 38 people were injured in the town of Benghazi, Libya, after clashes between demonstrators and security forces. While today have multiplied rallies across the country for a "Day of Wrath, this early revolt of the country's second city has all of a symbol.

Hassan Al-Jahmi, a thirty originating from Benghazi, was exiled in Switzerland for nearly ten years.He is the author of the call to rally on 17 February, it launched through the creation of a Facebook page which has over 20,000 members.

For him, "the rebellious Benghazi" is the heart of the protest movement: "Benghazi is not only rebellious against Gaddafi. It is a city that traditionally has opposed and whose people have always demanded greater freedom of speech and opinion. When Italy had his hand on the country until 1943, the first voices were raised against colonization came from Benghazi. "

The singularity of Benghazi has emerged through a combination of several factors. "This is the most cosmopolitan city in the country.Here are found the people who come from all over Libya. This combination alone explains the uniqueness of the city. Benghazi Libya made significant contributions to the cultural: Actors, singers, writers.People here like to express themselves, "he develops.

Disastrous legacy of the massacre of prisoners in Abu Slim

For Hasni Abdi, director of the Center for Study and Research on the Arab and Mediterranean World (CERMAM) located in Geneva, other variables, more recent, have made the capital of Benghazi opposition to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

This is particularly the massacre of prisoners in Abu Slim says political scientist: "The stability of Libya through good management of tribal elements that make up the population of Benghazi sociology. The regime has stepped up the blunders, including in the 1200 murder of prisoners in the prison of Abu Slim in 1996.The authorities have removed many representatives of these tribes, they have never officially acknowledged. But the fact that many of these people are from Benghazi has reinforced the city in his sling against traditional power. "

According to Human Rights Watch, most victims of the shooting originated in Benghazi. This event, which reflects the preferential treatment which the city and its inhabitants are subjected by the government, is not isolated. Economically too, Benghazi has regularly been ignored by the regime: "Benghazi was excluded from all major political and economic progress of countries, including incomes from the oil windfall, contrary or in Sirte Tripoli.A hospital in Benghazi like field hospitals, transport are poorly developed. Against this background of perpetual humiliation that have forged the main opposition movements. Benghazi has been set aside by the Libyan regime as it was perceived as the city that had defied Gaddafi. "

And the events of Wednesday have burned a little more in the marble image that cultivates Benghazi: that of a rebellious city, a bastion of anti-Gaddafi sling.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Rome seeks international help to curb the influx of migrant Tunisians

AFP - The mass landings of Tunisians on the small Italian island of Lampedusa continued Sunday, causing concern that Rome has launched an appeal for international help to tackle the crisis and wants to deploy police in Tunisia.

"I ask the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs the authorization for our forces to operate in Tunisia to block the flow. The Tunisian system is collapsing," said Interior Minister Roberto Maroni on the news TG5.

The spokesperson of the Tunisian government has called the idea "unacceptable", later in the evening on the television channel Al-Arabiya.

Mr.Maroni, a member of the Northern League, a party and populist anti-immigrant, also criticized the lack of a concerted European action, saying the EU "has only left Italy, as usual, opposite landed about 5,000 people in five days.

"Europe does nothing. I am very concerned and asked for the urgent intervention of the EU because the Maghreb is exploding. As usual, we were left alone. We manage the only with the humanitarian emergency preparedness.Intervention is essential for Europe, "insisted the minister.

In Tunis, a government source said in the evening to AFP that the Tunisian authorities had sent reinforcements to stem the flow of illegals from the Tunisian coast to Europe.

In Brussels, the European Commission said it was reviewing the measures it might take to assist Italy.

European Commissioner for Security Cecilia Malmström "spoke personally yesterday with Mr.Maroni, and she is fully aware of the exceptional pressure on Italy "is that this massive landing, said a spokesman for the Commission.

Nearly 1,400 people arrived in Lampedusa since Saturday midnight only, according to Coast Guard figures.

To ease the immigrants, Italian authorities decided the immediate opening of first reception center which was closed in 2009, and about a thousand people have found shelter immediately.

"It became impossible for us to live in Tunisia: it is violence, abductions, we do not know which controls the country is adrift," said a woman came into the night, who says he wants to rejoin his family France.

"We are afraid.The revolution of January did not change anything. We want to find work in Europe and we ask the help of the Italian people, "said a young man on TV Sky TG-24.

The Italian government has declared Saturday the state of humanitarian emergency, which allows you to take immediate action and rapid mobilization of financial resources

"But that's not enough, we must mobilize the Mediterranean countries which have ships, planes and helicopters" to control the coast of Tunisia, said in an interview with Corriere della Sera the Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.

Mr Frattini called the "Model Albania" to solve the refugee problem in Tunisia.In the 90s, when thousands of Albanian refugees arrived in Italy, Rome has deployed with the consent of Tirana, military vessels in Albanian waters, thus stopping the illegal traffickers.

The minister also announced Sunday night a lightning visit to Tunisia on Monday afternoon, during which he will meet Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi on the sidelines of a trip planned for some time in Syria and Jordan.

The chief diplomat of the EU, the British Ashton, must also travel to Tunisia on Monday.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

FOOTBALL: Real Madrid is still the richest club in the world

Real Madrid Football Club is the world's richest for the sixth consecutive year, according to the annual report released Thursday by consulting firm Deloitte.

With 438.6 million euros in revenue for the 2009-2010 season, ahead of Real Madrid FC Barcelona (398.1) and Manchester United (349.8).Followed Bayern Munich (323), Arsenal (274.1), Chelsea (255.9), AC Milan (235.8), Liverpool (225.3), Inter Milan (224.8) and Juventus (205).

The French club is the richest Olympique Lyon, 14th with 146.1 million euros, followed closely by Olympique de Marseille (15th, 141.1).

The top twenty ranking from all five major championships: England (7), Italy (4), Germany (4), Spain (3) and France (2).

While the top six rankings remain unchanged, Manchester City jumped from 20th to 11th place with 152.8 million against 102.2 a year earlier.

Combined revenues of the twenty wealthiest clubs exceeded for the first time the 4 billion euros in fiscal year 2009-2010 ($ 4.3 billion, up 8% over the previous year).

"This shows the impressive strength of the sport in a global crisis," said Deloitte.

Monday, February 7, 2011

UNITED KINGDOM: The request for extradition of Julian Assange investigated by British justice

AFP - Julian Assange appear Monday and Tuesday before a British court that will consider its request for extradition to Sweden, while the documents confidential police throwing a harsh light on the rape charges for the founder of Wikileaks have been published.

The Australian, 39, on probation since December 16, gained international notoriety with the release since late November on its website Wikileaks, hundreds of secret diplomatic telegrams that have angered several countries, led by the United States .

He has always denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against him, saying they were part of a smear campaign to discredit her work and make it stop.

When he appears Monday, several celebrities, including Jemima Khan, Columbia, fashion muse and ambassador for UNICEF (United Nations Fund for Children), London to attend a rally in support of the founder of Wikileaks.

The judge's decision, which must rule on the extradition of Mr. Assange, will be important, but probably not decisive, the Australian having many opportunities to appeal. The judicial process could ultimately take several months.

The Swedish authorities want to question Mr. Assange under investigation for alleged sexual assault and rape, opened after a complaint by two women.

Confidential police reports on the survey just published on the internet.If they do not bring new elements to the lawyers for Mr. Assange, who had already in hand, they cast a harsh light on the facts alleged against him.

According to one of these documents, one of the women who filed a complaint against Australian tells in great detail, initiated a sexual relationship, she says, by Mr. Assange while she slept and that he would have refused to wear a condom.

Covered by an international arrest warrant issued by the Swedish court, Mr.Assange was arrested in Britain on Dec. 7, before being placed on parole nine days later.

He has lived under house arrest in a friend's posh property, located 200 km north-east London, is subject to a curfew, is an electronic bracelet and must register every day with the police.

These conditions have been relaxed for Sunday and Monday to allow him to reside in London for hearings.

Lawyers for Mr.Assange oppose his extradition to Sweden, arguing in particular that there is a risk that their client is then sent to the United States, where they believe he could be sentenced to death.

The U.S. federal court has opened an investigation against the founder of Wikileaks, which, in addition to U.S. diplomatic telegrams, published last year reports of the U.S. military on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. She did not however formally charged, and therefore did not request his extradition.

In early February, Mr. Assange asked the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to repatriate. "Julia Gillard should take active steps to protect ourselves and my repatriation (Wikileaks).She should contact the U.S. Embassy to tell them to stop, "said Mr Assange, who said he was eager to return home.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

DENMARK: The perpetrator of a cartoonist Muhammad found guilty of terrorism

The Somali Geele Mohamed was found guilty of attempted "terrorism" and murder against the Danish Mohammed cartoonist Kurt Westergaard said Thursday the judge of the court in Aarhus.

"The Court finds that a murder attempt at his home on January 1, 2010 against Kurt Westergaard, a man who personifies the cartoons of Muhammad should be seen as an attempt to frighten the population and a high degree of destabilization structures of society, "said the magistrate Ingrid Thorsboe.

This verdict has been "made unanimously by the jury," she said.

The sentence of up to life imprisonment must be imposed Friday.

In the evening of 1 January 2010, Mohamed Geele now aged 29, had burst into the home of the draftsman in Viby, near Aarhus, armed with a hatchet and a knife, shouting that he wanted to kill him because he had insulted the Prophet and Muslims.

Kurt Westergaard, 75, had taken refuge in a bathroom safe, forcing the attacker to give up his project before being shot by the police arrived on the scene.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

HANDBALL: France world champion

AFP - France has been crowned world champion in handball for the fourth time in its history, beating Denmark 37-35 after extra time in the World Cup final-2011, Sunday in Malmo.

Shaken ever since the tournament began, the Blues have overcome the equalization of Denmark at 31-31 with four seconds remaining in regulation time to talk about their experiences in overtime.

France had already won in the same conditions the final of 2001 World Championship in Paris against Sweden.

It Nikola Karabatic, voted best player of the tournament before the final, which was the major player in the French success with 10 goals, but the captain Jerome Fernandez who proved decisive with two goals late on capital .

The scenario of this crazy fantasy game just adds to the happiness of players Claude Onesta which base a little place more marked in the legend of the sport.

For this fourth world title after the 1995, 2001 and 2009, allowing them to join Sweden and Romania on the list.It is also the fourth major title in a row for the Blues after their victories in the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the World-2009 and Euro-2010, a fourfold increase ever.

In total, France has now seven major titles.Have managed to raise in just sixteen years testifies to the meteoric rise of a team that, thirty years ago still remain constant in third world division.

Qualified for the Olympics

Another remarkable fact, France has lost one of its eight major finals, the first in the World-1993, before winning the next seven.

This new title offers the Blues as the direct qualification for the London Olympics in 2012 and the next World Cup that will take place next year in Spain, a significant luxury for players in high demand.

In Sweden, players Claude Onesta, performed a flawless, winning nine out of ten matches, conceding only one draw in the first round to Spain, who took the bronze medal Sunday.

They flew the second phase, beating Hungary, Norway and Iceland to reach their eighth final four in a row in a big tournament.They have dominated the other two Scandinavian teams with Sweden, beaten 29-26 in the semifinals Friday, and Denmark on Sunday.

Doubt, however, was allowed in early tournament with the absences of two major players of previous campaigns, Daniel Narcisse and Guillaume Gille.

But the absences were offset by two youths who have successfully completed an amazing World, and especially William Accambray Xavier Barachet, author of a new great game in the final.

In the finals, the Blues were pushed into a corner by a generous Danish team, led by its star Mikkel Hansen, a diabolical efficiency (10 goals) and has successfully completed a second period of great beauty.

Led 15-12 at the break, Denmark returned to the tune of the Blues to a quarter of an hour remaining. And while France had recovered a goal ahead, the Scandinavians have equalized by Bo Spellenberg four seconds of the term in a crazy atmosphere, punctuated by the Danish and Swedish supporters.

A first world title seemed so close at hand for Denmark, beaten in the final in 1967.But then the Blues have shown what was their strength: self-control, and physical experience enabled them to control the extension in which they were conducted for the first time in the match (32-33) before ending on a 5 - 2 full of panache.

Thus ensuring a fourth coronation is also the third world title for Didier Dinart staff, Jerome Fernandez and Thierry Omeyer, already there in 2001 in 2009 and have already promised to continue at least until the London Olympics .

Friday, January 28, 2011

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM: The crisis in the eurozone stirred debates in Davos

AFP - The euro zone has again stirred the spirits in Davos (Switzerland), where it appeared more than ever torn by differences over the means to end once and for all with the debt crisis in Europe.

The euro zone should it find its salvation in a stronger European integration, for example by organizing a real union of transfers of wealth from richer countries to poorer? Or should it move towards a debt restructuring - ie reduction in their practice - starting with those of Greece?

This is essentially the dilemma presented by a senior member of the eurozone to a gathering of EU ministers and policy makers gathered for an informal lunch on the occasion of the great mass of Davos.

Between these two options, Europe hesitates.Yet despite the relative calm in the markets, "time release", according to some European leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, as is the rule in most discussions at Davos.

The first option, advocated by the so-called devices that have an interest, such as Greece, Portugal and Spain, was clearly rejected by Germany, the main donor in Europe.

It promotes respect for the rules and conditions its support to drastic measures of fiscal consolidation.

On the other hand, a debt restructuring is advocated by many economists, who believe that some countries in the euro area, starting with Greece will have no choice because of the massive debt which they are victims.

The subject remains taboo in Europe and all rumors or press reports suggesting that eventuality, including Germany, are immediately denied.

"This will cause" terrible injuries ", held Friday a senior European official. This option was again rejected Thursday by the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.

"We're not trying to direct us towards a restructuring. We have a very clear path, a roadmap out of our debt problem," saidPapandreou before an audience of decision makers from around the world during the 41st World Economic Forum (WEF).

Greece, recalled his Prime Minister, did what was necessary, and it now has the solidarity of its partners. "This is not only of Greece, not even of solidarity, it concerns the conditions for stability" in Europe, argued on this subject a high EU official.

But solidarity is organized around the Fiscal Stabilization Fund, created last spring, and which must be sustained in 2013. But then again, opinions differ.Some European officials recommended a doubling in private, citing the need for "liquidity, massively beyond what is necessary" to calm markets.

It now has 440 billion euros in loan guarantees, a lending capacity of about 250 billion. European Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Olli Rehn confirmed Friday in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that lending capacity would be increased, but not the total amount.

A decision is expected in March, during an EU summit.

The ultimate path that would forget the debt crisis, is that of growth.But Europeans are still lagging behind with a modest increase of 1.5% expected in 2011 in the euro area, against 4.4% for the entire planet, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).