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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).