WORLD NEWS: Buffon rages as Ronaldo's late penalty puts Real into semi-finals

source: AFP
Buffon rages as Ronaldo's late penalty puts Real into semi-finals

AFP / OSCAR DEL POZO Undressed for success: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 97th minute penalty

Gianluigi Buffon's Champions League career looks likely to end in a red mist of rage after Cristiano Ronaldo's late penalty on Wednesday rescued Real Madrid from a pulsating Juventus comeback.

Buffon's anger earned him a red card from English referee Michael Oliver, moments before Ronaldo slammed a 97th-minute penalty into the top corner to send Real into the semi-finals.

Oliver's decision was not as poor as Buffon claimed. Mehdi Benatia's challenge on Lucas Vazquez had been clumsy, from behind and a desperate attempt to stop the Spaniard finishing from five yards.

But Juve had made the impossible possible, having cancelled out a 3-0 deficit from the first leg, to lead by the same scoreline at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Buffon, who has racked up 125 Champions League appearances but never won the competition, could not contain his frustration as Ronaldo's goal made the aggregate score 4-3.

"This referee has no heart, he has a garbage bag instead of a heart," Buffon told Italian channel Mediaset Premium after the match.

"If you do not have personality and courage, you should go to the stands to watch the match with your wife and a Sprite.”

Benatia controversially likened the penalty decision to being "raped".

Amidst the swarm of Juventus players surrounding Oliver, and Buffon at the front of them, Ronaldo kept his cool. This was a record-strecthing 11th consecutive Champions League game in which he has scored.

"I do not understand why they protest against the penalty," Ronaldo told beIN Sports.

"If he did not commit the foul, Lucas would have scored. During the game, Benatia and the rest of them had already been kicking us from behind. But we are happy and we are in the semi-finals."

Real coach Zinedine Zidane was more sympathetic towards Buffon.

"He did not deserve that," Zidane said. "But we cannot change it. It will not take away everything he has done, even if it's a shame to end his Champions League career this way."

Mario Mandzukic set Juve on their way with a goal after 76 seconds -- the fastest Real have ever conceded in this competition -- and then scored again before half-time with another header at the back post.

When Keylor Navas fumbled Douglas Costa's cross on the hour, allowing Blaise Matuidi to stab home, Juve were on the cusp of ensuring there would be no Spanish representative in the last four.


AFP / OSCAR DEL POZO You're off: Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is red-carded


But Oliver blew, Buffon exploded and Ronaldo hit the net.

"It leaves a bitter taste," Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said.

"Because we have not had the chance to take the game to extra-time. In view of the two legs both teams would have deserved to move on to the next phase."

Real, meanwhile, edge one step closer to claiming an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League triumph, a fourth in five years.

They join Bayern Munich, who knocked out Sevilla, Liverpool and Roma in Friday's semi-final draw.

"What I did not expect is in minute one to score a goal," Zidane said. "By conceding the goal after a minute, you drop your head and give them life. Then they played a good game -- they were good and we were bad."

Gareth Bale perhaps paid the heaviest price. Bale had been handed his first Champions League start since September by Zidane but the Welshman was hauled off at half-time, with his team 2-0 down. Casemiro also made way as Marco Asensio and Vazquez came on.

"Something had to change," Zidane said. "I was not happy with the approach, it was not to punish Gareth or Casemiro. "

"We have changed a little more the dynamics, with Lucas and Marco giving us a little more energy. We had to do it."

Azerbaijan's Aliyev wins election boycotted by opposition

source: AFP
Azerbaijan's Aliyev wins election boycotted by opposition


 POOL/AFP/File / DENIS BALIBOUSE, DENIS BALIBOUSE Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev surprised the opposition by holding the vote six months early

Azerbaijan strongman Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday secured a fourth consecutive term in a snap election boycotted by the main opposition parties, near-complete results showed.

An Aliyev victory was widely seen as a foregone conclusion with the Caspian state's downtrodden opposition unable to mount a serious challenge to his authoritarian rule.

Aliyev's position has been boosted in recent years by the steady influx of petrodollars into his government's coffers.

In power for 15 years, Aliyev received 86 percent of the vote, with 94 percent of votes counted, the Central Election Commission said in a statement.

Turnout was 74.5 percent, the statement added.

Claiming victory in the election, Aliyev addressed the nation, thanking Azerbaijanis for "support and trust".

"Citizens of Azerbaijan have voted for security and progress," he said in a televised address.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the first foreign leader to congratulate Aliyev on his electoral win, the Azerbaijani presidency said in a statement.


AFP / Tofik BABAYEV People voting at a polling station in Baku. The result was in little doubt with the oppposition boycotting


The main opposition parties in the tightly controlled Caucasus nation boycotted the vote, calling the elections a sham and accusing the authorities of preparing to rig the vote.

They also condemned Aliyev's surprise -- and unexplained -- decision to hold the election six months ahead of schedule, saying it was aimed at shortening the campaign period and hampering efforts to prevent vote-rigging.

"All previous elections in Azerbaijan were falsified and held with blatant violations of the electoral law. These elections will be no exception," the executive secretary of the opposition Republican Alternative Movement, Natig Jafarli, said ahead of the vote.

But authorities rejected the criticism, insisting the vote was free and fair.

"Azerbaijan is on a firm and irreversible path of democratic development. A free, open and transparent environment has been created in Azerbaijan for the presidential elections," foreign ministry spokesman, Hikmet Hajiyev, told AFP.

"All the candidates enjoy equal rights and opportunities," he added.

- 'Unprecedented' powers -

Earlier in the day at a polling station in the capital Baku, 38-year-old schoolteacher Elmira Balayeva said she had voted for Aliyev because he was the only candidate capable of steering the country towards economic wellbeing and political stability.

"There is no alternative to Aliyev. Only thanks to him is Azerbaijan a stable country with a strong economy," she said.

But for Natig Veliyev, a 27-year-old student who did not turn out to vote, "the elections are pure farce."


AFP / JGD Azerbaijan

"We have never seen free elections in this country. Aliyev simply extends his reign again and again."

Aliyev, 56, was first elected in 2003, after the death of his father Heydar Aliyev.

A former KGB officer and communist-era leader, Aliyev senior had ruled Azerbaijan with an iron fist since 1993.

Ilham Aliyev was re-elected in 2008 and 2013 in polls that were denounced by opposition parties as fraudulent.

In 2009, he amended the country's constitution so he could run for an unlimited number of presidential terms, a move criticised by rights advocates.

Azerbaijan adopted fresh controversial constitutional amendments in 2016, extending the president's term in office from five to seven years.

The changes drew criticism from Council of Europe constitutional law experts as "severely upsetting the balance of powers" and giving the president "unprecedented" authority.

Cementing his family's decades-long grip on power, the president last year appointed his wife Mehriban Aliyeva as first vice president.

Apart from the incumbent president, seven candidates ran in the poll -- all low-profile figures who barely carried out any campaigning.

- Corruption claims -

Supporters have praised the Aliyevs for turning a republic once thought of as an ex-Soviet backwater into a flourishing energy supplier to Europe.
AFP / TOFIK BABAYEV Aliyev has also seen his position boosted by the steady influx of petrodollars into his government's coffers

New Zealand halts new offshore oil and gas exploration

source: AFP
New Zealand halts new offshore oil and gas exploration

AFP/File / CHRISTOPHE SIMON Environmental groups have welcomed the news that New Zealand is halting all new offshore oil and gas exploration as part of its efforts to deal with climate change

New Zealand is halting all new offshore oil and gas exploration to become a global leader in the fight against climate change, the centre-left government said Thursday, but opponents accused it of "economic vandalism".

"(We are) taking an important step to address climate change and create a clean, green and sustainable future for New Zealand," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

The oil and gas industry in New Zealand generates about NZ$2.5 billion a year ($1.8 billion), including NZ$1.5 billion in exports, and employs about 11,000 people.

Ardern said existing drilling and exploration permits would not be affected, meaning no existing jobs would be lost.

She said there would also be limited new on-shore permits around the North Island's Taranaki region, where most of New Zealand industry is concentrated.

"We're striking the right balance for New Zealand -- we're protecting existing industry and protecting future generations from climate change," she said.

The move by New Zealand comes two weeks after the Netherlands announced plans to rapidly cut production at -- and eventually close -- Europe's biggest gas field as it too seeks to its slash fossil fuel use.

Ardern campaigned heavily on environmental issues when she won a general election last year and is in a three-way coalition government that includes the Greens.


AFP / Laurence CHU New Zealand's government has 22 active offshore oil and gas exploration permits


She said she saw the impact of climate change first-hand last month when she visited the cyclone-ravaged Pacific island nations of Samoa and Tonga.

This, she said, underscored the fact that climate change was real and New Zealand needed to be at the forefront of efforts to address it.

"We’ve been a world leader on critical issues... by being nuclear free, the first to support women to vote," she said.

"Now we could be a world leader in becoming carbon neutral. We owe this to future generations."

The government said there were currently 31 oil and gas exploration permits, with 22 of them offshore.

Environmental groups welcomed the move, with Greenpeace declaring "the tide has turned irreversibly against Big Oil in New Zealand".

"This is a huge step forward for New Zealand and a landmark moment in the transition to a clean-energy economy," WWF New Zealand chief Livia Esterhazy said.

- 'Kick in the guts' -

But the conservative opposition National Party accused Ardern of "economic vandalism" that could put thousands of jobs at risk.

Opposition energy spokesman Jonathan Young said gas helped ensure New Zealand's electricity supply and when existing reserves ran out in 10 years it would be forced to import emissions-heavy alternatives such as coal.

"This decision is devoid of any rationale. It certainly has nothing to do with climate change," he said.

"These changes will simply shift production elsewhere in the world, not reduce emissions."


 AFP / Andy WHARTON Jacinda Ardern said her recent visits to Samoa and Tonga underscored the need to address climate change

New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom said the decision was "a kick in the guts" for the Taranaki region.

"Nobody's going to be losing their jobs overnight but in terms of the long-term outlook for those industries... people are going 'my career doesn't actually have a future'," he told Radio New Zealand.

Industry group Petroleum Exploration and Production NZ (PEPANZ) said it had been blindsided by the announcement and had not been consulted by the government.

Chief executive Cameron Madgwick said a well-managed trading scheme was the way to reduce New Zealand's emissions, not "arbitrarily banning" certain fuel types.

"We now join the elite club of Belize, Costa Rica and France that have banned exploration. I don't think that's really the way the world's going," he told TV3.

Ardern said industry had been given plenty of time to adjust to changes in the sector that were a long-term necessity.

"Transitions have to start somewhere and unless we make decisions today that will essentially take place in thirty years time, we risk abrupt shocks," she said.

LATEST WORLD NEWS: Pope Francis admits 'grave mistakes' in Chile sex abuse scandal

source: AFP
Pope Francis admits 'grave mistakes' in Chile sex abuse scandal

AFP / TIZIANA FABI Pope Francis admits he made 'grave mistakes' in his handling of a sex abuse scandal in Chile

Pope Francis admitted Wednesday he had made "grave mistakes" in his handling of a sexual abuse scandal in Chile as he looks to quell the latest controversy to rock the Roman Catholic Church.

In a letter to 32 Chilean bishops released by the Vatican, Francis said he intended to summon them to Rome to discuss an investigation into an alleged cover-up by Bishop Juan Barros of abuse by paedophile priest Fernando Karadima during the 1980s and 1990s.

Francis expressed his "shame" and "pain" for the suffering of the victims and pledged to meet them.

"I have made grave mistakes in the assessment and my perception of the situation, especially due to a lack of truthful and balanced information," Francis wrote.

He made no specific mention of Barros, who was appointed Bishop of Osorno in Chile, despite being accused of concealing and even witnessing abuse carried out by Karadima.

A 2,300-page report sent to the pope includes testimony gathered from 64 people in New York and Santiago.

The pope asked the bishops to Rome to discuss the findings of the probe by Archbishop Charles Scicluna and requested their "collaboration and assistance" in finding measures that can "repair the scandal as much as possible and restore justice".

"The present difficulties are also an opportunity to restore confidence in the Church, a confidence broken by our mistakes and sins," Francis wrote.

- 'Everything is slander' -

During a trip to Chile in January, the pontiff had strongly defended Barros, who appeared at public masses celebrated by the Pope in three different Chilean cities, causing a public outcry.

Francis said that he was convinced of Barros' innocence and demanded "proof" of abuse before he would speak out against him.


AFP / Vincenzo PINTO The presence of Bishop Juan Barros at public masses celebrated by the Pope in three different Chilean cities caused a public outcry during Francis' visit at the start of the year


"There is not a single piece of proof against him. Everything is slander. Is this clear?" Francis said.

However, he later apologised to the victims and dispatched Scicluna, a renowned Vatican investigator, to Chile to collect evidence. Scicluna returned at the end of February.

Karadima, an influential Chilean priest, was convicted by the Vatican in 2011 of abusing teenage boys and sentenced to a life of penitence. Civil charges against him in the Chilean courts were dismissed because of a lack of evidence.

The president of the Episcopal Conference of Chile, Bishop Santiago Silva, said that the church "had not done enough" in the case.

"Our commitment is that this does not happen again," he added.

Silva said the meeting of Chilean bishops with the pope in Rome would take place on the third week of May.

Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta, was until 2012 a prosecutor in the Vatican Court to investigate cases of paedophilia among priests, making a name for himself with his determination.

He allowed the opening of an investigation into Father Marcial Maciel, Mexican founder of the congregation of the Legionaries of Christ and the perpetrator of numerous cases of paedophilia.

Since taking over in March 2013, Francis has championed the cause of the marginalised and launched a reform agenda.

But sex abuse scandals have haunted his papacy and the Vatican announced it was reviving its anti-paedophile panel in February.

The pope has often spoken out about sexual abuse, and has vowed zero tolerance towards what he has described as a "great humiliation" for the Catholic Church.

But many victims remain bitter over alleged coverups and Church inaction over the years.

Florida school shooter wants to donate inheritance to survivors

source: AFP
Florida school shooter wants to donate inheritance to survivors

Pool/AFP/File / Susan Stocker-Sun Sentinel Nikolas Cruz appears in court for the first time on February 15 in the US city of Fort Lauderdale (Florida)

Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz wants to donate his inheritance -- which could run to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more -- to the bereaved families and survivors of his attack, his lawyers said Wednesday.

Cruz walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the south Florida city of Parkland on February 14 and opened fire at students and staff with an AR-15-style semi-automatic weapon.

He stands accused of 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

At a court hearing on Wednesday, Broward County Judge Elizabeth Scherer sought to determine whether Cruz -- who has so far been represented by public defenders -- is able to pay for his own defense.

His lawyers said they have not yet been able to determine the value of the inheritance left to him following the death of his mother Lynda Cruz last November -- though local reports quoting the family which took him in following his mother's death have said he could have a trust fund worth $800,000.

But his legal team suggested any wealth that may be discovered should go to Cruz's victims rather than expensive lawyers.

"Mr. Cruz does not want those funds, whatever money that he is entitled to," said lawyer Melissa McNeill.

"He does not want that money. He would like that money donated to an organization that the victims' family believes would be able to facilitate healing in our community or an opportunity to educate our community about the issues that have ripened over the last four or five months," she added.

Cruz -- who was present for the hearing in Fort Lauderdale, which is near Parkland -- stared blankly at the floor, his hands and feet cuffed.

"Let it go to those who have been hurt, period," another member of his legal team, Howard Finkelstein, asked the judge.

Cruz's wealth currently consists of 24 Microsoft stocks worth about $2,200 from which he receives dividends, and he is entitled to $25,000 from his mother's life insurance, which he has not yet obtained.

In addition, his mother, who died from a respiratory illness, received an annuity of $3,333 in September to an account she shared with Nikolas. The source of these funds have not been revealed.

But his lawyers have yet to determine whether the installments are paid monthly or yearly and whether Cruz is entitled to it.

If it is monthly, the defendant could have access to "a million dollars," Finkelstein said.

But if it is annual, the amount would be insignificant for what "in this moment right now is the highest profile case of America" with costs expected to run into hundreds of thousands dollars, according to his lawyers, excluding civil suits.

Judge Scherer said she would decide on the matter of Cruz's indigence before April 27, when a hearing is scheduled to set the trial's schedule.

Cruz had told the couple who took him in following his mother's death he would inherit at least $800,000 from his parents, with most of the funds becoming available when he turned 22, according to local press.

The inheritance has not yet been executed, however, and it is unclear what Cruz and his brother Zachary really have.

LATEST WORLD NEWS: Mariah Carey reveals bipolar disorder

source: AFP
Mariah Carey reveals bipolar disorder

 AFP/File / DON EMMERT Maria Carey has disclosed that she suffers from bipolar disorder

Pop superstar Mariah Carey has revealed that she suffers from bipolar disorder and has entered treatment.

The singer, whose sweeping five-octave vocal range helped make her one of the most successful artists of the 1990s, said she decided to go public to help remove stigma over the mental illness.

"Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me," she told People in the celebrity magazine's latest cover story.

Carey, who is in her late 40s, said she long presumed that she had a sleeping problem but that her insomnia and irritability turned out to be the lows of bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression.

"I would feel so lonely and sad -- even guilty that I wasn't doing what I needed to be doing for my career," she said.

Bipolar disorder "does not have to define you and I refuse to allow it to define me or control me," she told the magazine.

Carey said she has Bipolar II disorder, which is characterized by less severe episodes than Bipolar I.

Around 2.8 percent of US adults experience bipolar disorder in a given year, according to the federal National Institute of Mental Health.

Carey has long faced unflattering headlines over perceived diva-like behavior.

In 2001, she retreated in what was described as a physical and mental breakdown amid the flop of "Glitter," her first film in which she starred in a leading role.

The Long Island-born singer said she started taking medicine and undergoing therapy amid a new rough patch in her life.

In the course of a few years Carey has divorced from actor Nick Cannon, with whom she has twin children, and got engaged and then separated from Australian billionaire James Packer.

While still packing in crowds, Carey has also not matched the phenomenal success of her early career in which she scored a string of number-one hits including "Hero," "Emotions" and "One Sweet Day."

LATEST WORLD NEWS: 13 African athletes go missing at Commonwealth Games

source: AFP
13 African athletes go missing at Commonwealth Games


AFP/File / Anthony WALLACE Flags of various countries are seen during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

Five more African athletes may have vanished from the Commonwealth Games, organisers said Thursday, after eight competitors from Cameroon were suspected of fleeing a day earlier.

Gold Coast organisers confirmed reports that athletes from Rwanda and Uganda were thought to have gone missing, while they were also looking to verify the whereabouts of two squash players from Sierra Leone.

"We're obviously looking at it very carefully," Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg told reporters.

"We have a service to people who have legitimate visas to be in this country," he added.

"Until it becomes a true issue and somebody has outstayed their visa, or have formally applied for asylum, we just need to continue to monitor the situations.

"The focus now is to support teams in trying to track down the athletes who are missing."

More than 100 athletes overstayed their visas at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Athlete visas for the Commonwealth Games expire on May 15, Grevemberg said.

Eight athletes from conflict-hit Cameroon -- one third of the central African country's 24-strong team -- were said to be missing from the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday, sparking an Australian Border Force manhunt.

As the search continues for Cameroon's five boxers and three weightlifters, Grevemberg insisted the welfare of the athletes came first.

"We obviously have been in close contact with Cameroon officials," he said.

"We share their concern regarding obviously the safety, welfare, whereabouts of these athletes."

Cameroon team manager Victor Agbor Nso told local media he had reported the matter to police on Wednesday.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton warned that athletes would be forcibly removed from the country if they attempted to overstay their visas.

"They aren't going to game the system," he told local radio. "Australian Border Force officers will find these people (and) they'll be held in immigration detention until they can be deported."

WORLD NEWS: Vietnam eyes cryptocurrency crackdown after alleged $660 mn scam

source: AFP
Vietnam eyes cryptocurrency crackdown after alleged $660 mn scam


AFP / MINH HOANG Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has signed a directive calling to strengthen cryptocurrency regulations

Vietnam has vowed to tighten regulations on cryptocurrencies as authorities investigate an alleged multi-million-dollar fraud in the country, where digital units are traded in a shadowy and unregulated market.

Paying with cryptocurrencies is illegal in Vietnam, where they are not recognised as a legitimate tender by the central bank. However there are currently no laws explicitly banning the possession of assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

A directive signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Wednesday called for new rules to "strengthen the management of activities related to cryptocurrencies".

It comes after a Vietnam company, Modern Tech Jsc, was accused of scamming $660 million from tens of thousands of people who bought iFan and Pincoin cryptocurrencies, according to state media.

The Ho Chi Minh City-based company promised to repay clients monthly interest -- and more if they could attract other customers -- but has been slow to pay them back as the value of iFan and Pincoin slumps, VNExpress reported.

City authorities have asked police to investigate.

Investing and trading the currencies is "increasingly complicated and threatens to affect the stability of the market, social order... (and) can pose great risks to organisations and individuals involved", the new directive said.

It warned financial institutions against accepting the currencies and said authorities would "detect and handle" those dealing in the illegal currency.

A cryptocurrency investor in Vietnam said he may consider moving business elsewhere after the announcement.

"Since the government wants to tighten regulations on cryptocurrency, I may not invest in cryptocurrency in Vietnam, maybe... in other countries," he told AFP, asking not to be named.

Vietnam said last year it would consider developing a legal framework to manage cryptocurrencies and digital assets as they increase in popularity in the country.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies operate independent of governments and banks.

Exchanges in the currencies, which use blockchain technology, have seen tremendous volatility and sparked concerns they can be used to launder money for criminal networks.

LATEST WORLD NEWS: Angry Myanmar activists grab Zuckerberg's attention on hate speech

source: AFP
Angry Myanmar activists grab Zuckerberg's attention on hate speech

AFP / SAUL LOEB Zuckerberg recently replied to activists in Myanmar who have spent years pushing Facebook to do more to clamp down on hate speech

A whoop of disbelief erupted in the small office used by anti-hate speech activists in Myanmar when they spotted the name that had dropped into their email inbox: Mark Zuckerberg.

In a week that saw the Facebook CEO field questions in Washington over privacy breaches and election interference, angry online warriors have thrust Myanmar and its volatile social situation into the forefront of the debate on how to fix the platform.

They say Facebook is used as a tool to spread incendiary posts, bringing bloodshed to the largely Buddhist country that has expelled some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh since late last year.

"It's not just problematic. It's dangerous and they need to take more responsibility," said Htaike Htaike Aung, executive director of MIDO, which promotes digital rights.

While battling power outages from their front-room office in a Yangon suburb, they penned a letter along with five other Myanmar groups to Zuckerberg questioning his recent assertions about combatting hate speech in the combustible country.

The personal reply and apology from the Silicon Valley boss came as a shock -- not least because they had only written to him the night before.

He thanked them for reporting posts on the platform and said Facebook was boosting its Burmese-language staff to "better understand the specific local challenges and build the right tools to help keep people there safe".

Facebook has come under increased pressure in Myanmar as the Rohingya crisis has intensified.

In January the social media giant removed the account of extremist monk Wirathu who had spent years posting denigrating remarks about Muslims to an enormous following, and it has also tried to regulate the use of anti-Muslim terminology.

But activists say the platform's response rate is too slow, with malicious posts gaining traction for more than 48 hours on average before they are removed -- by which time they have often gone viral.

- A dangerous cocktail -

Pressure is building on Facebook regionally after recent violence against Muslims in Sri Lanka, while activists in Vietnam accuse it of helping the government scrub dissident content online.

But the platform is especially powerful in Myanmar, which emerged in 2011 from half a century of military rule that kept people firmly offline.

The country has since leapfrogged into the smartphone era and onto Facebook, which now boasts nearly 30 million active users in a nation of just over 50 million.


AFP / John SAEKI Facebook worldwide


Army chief Min Aung Hlaing claims one of the most popular pages in the country with more than 1.3 million followers. Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has some 2 million.

Both understand the platform's dominance, using their pages to make key announcements.

Facebook serves as an easy one-stop-shop for entertainment, social interaction, work and news for a population that is still "not very highly digitally literate", according to Jes Petersen, CEO of local tech hub Phandeeyar.

Hailed for 2015 elections that elevated Suu Kyi to power, Myanmar has faced widespread condemnation for a brutal military-led campaign against the Rohingya after insurgents attacked border guard posts in August.

United Nations investigators have said hate speech and incitement to violence against the stateless minority are rampant on Facebook and that the site has morphed into a "beast".

In January, the government posted the names and photos of some 1,300 Rohingya -- including at least 46 children -- labelling them "terrorists", in what the UN team called a "clear violation" of the right to a fair trial.

But problems on the platform have been brewing for years.

One example that came up in the Capitol Hill hearing was a photo of local Muslim journalist Aung Naing Soe from November 2016 that circulated on Facebook calling for him to be killed for being a "terrorist".

The company initially said the post did not violate "community standards" and by the time it was removed it had been shared thousands of times.

The reporter told AFP that the harassment has continued and derogatory Facebook posts are still online urging authorities to "punish" him.

- Don't shoot the Messenger? -

In another case, messages were spread last September across Myanmar saying Buddhists and Muslims were each preparing attacks against the other.

Zuckerberg, in an interview with Vox media, said Facebook had detected the messages, an assertion that prompted the activists to write their open letter.

They reminded him that they had been the ones to report the posts and, even then, it took three days for the platform to act -- later acknowledged by the Facebook CEO in his apology.

His promises to add technology and dozens more Burmese-language reviewers leave them underwhelmed.

They point out there are some 1,700 Facebook staff in Germany, where there is strict legislation for removing hate speech posts within 24 hours.

For others, however, shooting the messenger is not the answer to Myanmar's deeply rooted problems.

"Facebook has been used by the government and military as a platform for their propaganda," says head of Burma Campaign UK Mark Farmaner.

"But it is government laws and policies which deny the Rohingya full citizenship... and are seen as justification for abuses against them."

WORLD NEWS: IMF head warns China on exporting debt through 'Silk Road'

source: AFP
IMF head warns China on exporting debt through 'Silk Road'

AFP/File / LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI Sri Lanka had to hand back control of the Chinese-built Hambantota Port to Beijing after struggling to repay its debts from the project

IMF chief Christine Lagarde warned China on Thursday about saddling other countries with a "problematic increase in debt" through its ambitious global trade infrastructure project.

Lagarde made the comments at a Beijing forum on Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road initiative, a $1 trillion road, rail and construction project spanning dozens of countries -- from Asia to Africa and Europe.

But many of the colossal projects are being built by state-owned Chinese companies and financed by loans from China, leaving states billions of dollars in debt to Beijing.

"These ventures can also lead to a problematic increase in debt, potentially limiting other spending as debt service rises, and creating balance of payment challenges," Lagarde told the crowd of Chinese and foreign officials.

"In countries where public debt is already high, careful management of financing terms is critical," she said.

Some countries like Sri Lanka have already ended up deeply in debt and been left with little choice but to turn over crucial assets to Beijing as way to restructure the loans.

In Sri Lanka's case, the island nation handed over a long term lease on the strategically located and bustling Hambantota Port to pay down debt.

Lagarde advocated greater transparency and cooperation to get all stakeholders on the same page to avoid such problems.

"It's not a free lunch, it's something where everybody chips in, it's not just honey for bees," she said, warning that the large scale spending projects also come with corruption temptations for officials.

"Projects can always present the risk of potentially failed projects and the misuse of funds. In some corners, it's even called corruption," Lagarde told the officials, many of whom preside over Belt and Road projects.

The speech may ruffle feathers in Beijing where leaders have heaped praise on the project and been loathe to acknowledge any risks or pitfalls in the initiative, which is often described as a revival of the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

Speaking before Lagarde, China's central bank chief Yi Gang said Chinese banks had "achieved great successes" providing low cost financing to Belt and Road countries.

Yi said the banks do not rely on government subsidies but at the same time are "not purely commercial lending".

Xi struck back at criticism of his key initiative on Wednesday at the Boao Forum for Asia, a Davos-like meeting of international leaders held on the southern island of Hainan.

The Belt and Road "is neither the Marshall Plan after World War II nor an intrigue of China. It is, if anything, a plan in the sunshine," Xi said, according to the Xinhua state news agency.

WORLD NEWS: UN calls urgent Syria meeting after Trump threat

source: AFP
UN calls urgent Syria meeting after Trump threat


AFP/File / STRINGER Moscow has said the formerly rebel-held district of Eastern Ghouta had been "totally stabilized"

The United Nations warned world powers against letting the crisis over an alleged chemical attack against civilians in Syria from "spiraling out of control" after US President Donald Trump said "missiles will be coming."

As tensions mounted over a face-off with Damascus-ally Russia, opponents of unilateral US action called an emergency closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council for Thursday. Britain also scheduled an emergency cabinet meeting.

With punitive US military action seemingly imminent, Russia scrambled to deflect blame from Syria's Bashar al-Assad and, according to a monitor group, regime forces evacuated key defense buildings in Damascus.

Trump's bellicose tweets came in response to a warning from Russia's ambassador to Beirut, who took to a television network run by the armed group Hezbollah to declare that any US missiles would be shot down "as well as the sources they were fired from."

If the US action follows the pattern of a previous punitive strike on Syria last year, it will begin with a salvo of cruise missiles fired from US warships in the Mediterranean, as Trump implied when he tweeted they would be "nice, new and 'smart.'"

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis as well as CIA director Mike Pompeo met at the White House on Wednesday to discuss options, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

With the UN Security Council failing thus far to find a diplomatic solution, Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that time was running out.

"Today, I called the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the Security Council to reiterate my deep concern about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control," he said, referring to the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain.

- 'Gas Killing Animal' -

Moscow and Washington have so far vetoed each other's motions to set up an international investigation into chemical weapons use.


AFP / HO An image grab from a video released by the Syrian Civil Defence shows hospital volunteers giving aid to children after an alleged chemical attack in Douma on Saturday


Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry said the Syrian regime flag was flying in Douma -- the target of Saturday's attack -- which it said indicated government forces have taken full control over the formerly rebel-held district of Eastern Ghouta.

"The raising of a regime flag over a building in the town of Douma signified control over this town and consequently over Eastern Ghouta as a whole," Major General Yury Yevtushenko was quoted as saying Thursday by the Interfax news agency.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the remaining rebels in Eastern Ghouta surrendered their heavy weapons to Russian military police and their leader left the enclave for the north.

The Russian army has continued to deny their side's latest victory came after Assad launched a chemical attack on the last rebel-held pocket of the enclave in the Damascus suburbs, instead accusing the White Helmets civil defense organization of staging the supposed gas assault.

Trump's spokeswoman dismissed this idea, and pointedly refused to say that concern about the risks of a direct confrontation with Russia would hold the US military back.

"The intelligence provided certainly paints a different picture," Sanders said. "The president holds Syria and Russia responsible for this chemical weapons attack."


AFP/File / NICHOLAS KAMM President Donald Trump gathered senior military leaders at the White House on April 9 to weigh the US response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria

But while the Russian president's lieutenants continued to up the ante with threats and allegations, Vladimir Putin himself adopted a more statesmanlike tone, in remarks to new ambassadors presenting their credentials at the Kremlin.

"The situation in the world is becoming more and more chaotic but all the same we hope that common sense will finally prevail and international relations will take a constructive path," he said.

Trump's tweets were more belligerent. He told Russia: "You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" He declared that US relations with Russia have plunged to a historic low.

But Trump notably also said there was "no reason for this," reiterated his hope for talks with Putin to halt a new arms race, and blamed his domestic political opponents for poisoning ties.

Assad's Damascus regime, which has long accused Washington of supporting its armed opponents in the country's bloody seven-year-old civil war, hit back at Trump's "reckless escalation."

- OPCW to deploy -

Trump and other Western leaders have vowed a quick and forceful response to Saturday's alleged gas attack, which rescue workers say killed more than 40 people.


 AFP / Gal ROMA Syria chemical weapons attacks

British Prime Minister Theresa May has called an emergency cabinet meeting for Thursday, while French President Emmanuel Macron is to decide on a response in the coming days, having insisted he does "not want an escalation" and that any response would focus on Syria's chemical capabilities, not on allies of the regime.

As it looked to head off the threat of Western strikes, Syria said it had invited the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which has blamed the regime for previous attacks, to visit the site.

The OPCW said it would "shortly" deploy a fact-finding team to Douma for an investigation, but US officials said they were working from their own information and would not necessarily hold back.

Damascus agreed to hand over its chemical arsenal in 2013, narrowly avoiding American and French air strikes in retaliation for a suspected sarin attack.

That incident, which killed hundreds, also took place in Eastern Ghouta.

burs-rlp/ach

LATEST WORLD NEWS: In first, London Symphony ties up with California academy

source: AFP
In first, London Symphony ties up with California academy


AFP/File / Tolga AKMEN The London Symphony Orchestra's Music Director, Simon Rattle, leads a performace at The Barbican

The Music Academy of the West, a leading classical school and festival set on the California coast, announced Thursday that it will offer a seasonal home for the London Symphony Orchestra.

In its first long-term educational partnership in the United States, the premier British orchestra signed on to a four-year relationship with the academy which recently concluded a similar arrangement with the New York Philharmonic.

The full London Symphony Orchestra will take up residence in 2019 and 2021 at the Music Academy of the West, set on the Pacific in Santa Barbara in southern California wine country.

The school selects promising young adults each year to spend the summer studying music, with room, board and tuition provided.

As part of the partnership, 12 students will be chosen to train further each winter in London under the orchestra's music director Simon Rattle, one of the world's most prominent conductors.

"Nurturing the next generation of musicians is central to the LSO's mission," the orchestra's managing director, Kathryn McDowell, said in a statement.

Michael Tilson Thomas, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony and former principal conductor in London, will spend each summer in Santa Barbara.

Announcing its season, the Music Academy of the West also said that Gustavo Dudamel, the star Venezuelan conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will close the summer by leading Mahler's Symphony No. 2, known as the Resurrection Symphony.

The outdoor August 11 performance, which will feature 4,000 tickets at just $10 and free admission for young people, is meant to pay tribute to Santa Barbara after a deadly mudslide and fires.

Night owls risk dying younger, should sleep in: study

AFP
Night owls risk dying younger, should sleep in: study

AFP/File / People who stay up late and have to drag themselves out of bed are likelier to die younger than those who rise and set with the Sun, study shows

People who stay up late and have to drag themselves out of bed are likelier to die younger than those who rise and set with the Sun, researchers said Thursday.

A survey of more than 430,000 people in Britain found that night owls had a 10-percent higher risk of dying in the 6.5-year study period than "larks".

"This is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored," said study co-author Malcolm van Schantz of the University of Surrey -- and argued that "night types" should be allowed to start and finish work later in the day.

"Night owls trying to live in a morning-lark world may (suffer) health consequences," said fellow author Kristen Knutson of the Northwestern University in Chicago.

The duo gathered information on nearly half-a-million people aged 38-73 from a public database.

The participants had defined themselves as either "definitely a morning person" (27 percent), "more a morning person than evening person" (35 percent), "more an evening than a morning person" (28 percent), or "definitely an evening person" (nine percent).

They also listed their weight, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status.

Deaths in the group -- just over 10,500 in total -- were documented for six-and-a-half years.

The night owl group, the team found, had a 10-percent higher risk of dying than those in the extreme early-morning group.

People in the late-night group were more likely to suffer from psychological disorders, diabetes, and stomach and breathing troubles, and slept fewer hours per night.

They were also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and coffee, and use illegal drugs.

The higher risk may be because "people who are up late have an internal biological clock that doesn't match their external environment," Knutson said.

"It could be psychological stress, eating at the wrong time for the body, not exercising enough, not sleeping enough, being awake at night by yourself, maybe drug or alcohol use."

The research duo urged special treatment for night owls.

"If you can recognise these (types) are, in part, genetically determined and not just a character flaw, jobs and work hours could have more flexibility for owls," Knutson said.

"They shouldn't be forced to get up for an 8.00 am shift."

World Latest News: Watchdog confirms UK findings on nerve agent used on Russian ex-spy

source: AFP
Watchdog confirms UK findings on nerve agent used on Russian ex-spy

AFP/File / Adrian DENNIS Moscow strongly denies involvement in the March 4 Salisbury attack, which has sparked an international row resulting in the expulsions of diplomats from all sides

The world's chemical arms watchdog on Thursday confirmed Britain's findings on the identity of a nerve agent used against a former Russian spy, which London has said involved the Soviet-made Novichok.

Samples tested by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) "confirm the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical", it said.

The watchdog made no assessment of who was to blame for the March 4 attack, which also affected Sergei Skripal's daughter Yulia and a local policeman.

But British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: "There can be no doubt what was used and there remains no alternative explanation about who was responsible.

"Only Russia has the means, motive and record."

Moscow strongly denies involvement in the attack, which has sparked an international row resulting in the expulsions of diplomats from all sides.

- 'Kremlin must give answers' -

Experts from the OPCW took samples from the three victims during a visit to Britain last month, which were then tested in international laboratories.

In an executive summary made public at Britain's request, it said "the toxic chemical was of high purity" but did not name it.

That information and details about its structure would be in a classified report shared with OPCW signatories, it said.

Johnson said the chemical "was a military grade nerve agent -- a Novichok", a group of deadly chemical compounds reportedly developed by the Soviet government in the 1970s and 1980s.

"We have called a session of the OPCW Executive Council next Wednesday to discuss next steps. The Kremlin must give answers," he added.

Alastair Hay, Professor of Environmental Toxicology at the University of Leeds, said the findings were a "vindication" of Britain's position.

He added: "The high purity of the substance will strengthen the UK's position that the agent was made by a highly proficient team and in a well refined process."

Prime Minister Theresa May's government has said Russia was known to have used Novichok, and pointed to the country's pattern of "reckless behaviour", including the annexation of Crimea.

Russia insists it has destroyed all of its chemical weapons and has responded angrily to suggests it targeted Skripal, a former intelligence officer who sold secrets to the British.

Skripal moved to Britain in a spy swap in 2010 and settled in Salisbury, and Yulia was visiting from Russia when they were poisoned, likely via contamination from his front door.

Despite initial fears that they would not survive, Yulia Skripal was released from hospital to an undisclosed location on Monday, while her father is said to be improving rapidly.

- Skripal 'still seriously ill' -

The Russian embassy in London has requested consular access to the Skripal, and warned that any secret resettlement of the family "will be seen as an abduction or at least as their forced isolation".

In a statement issued through British police on Wednesday, Yulia Skripal said she did not currently want any help from the embassy, adding: "I am safe and feeling better as time goes by."

She said her father "is still seriously ill" and said she herself is "still suffering with the effects of the nerve agent used against us".

She also distanced herself from her cousin Viktoria Skripal, who has spoken to Russian media about the poisoning and has sought to visit Britain, although her visa was rejected.

"I thank my cousin Viktoria for her concern for us, but ask that she does not visit me or try to contact me for the time being," Yulia Skripal said.

WORLD NEWS: WTO warns protectionism threatens strong trade growth forecast

WTO warns protectionism threatens strong trade growth forecast


 AFP/File / ROBYN BECK The WTO forecast 4.4 percent growth in global trade volume this year and a more moderate four percent expansion in 2019

The World Trade Organization said Thursday that it expects strong trade growth through this year and next but warned progress would be "undermined" if governments implement threatened protectionist measures.

The WTO forecast 4.4 percent growth in trade volume this year and a more moderate four percent expansion in 2019.

But the body's director-general Roberto Azevedo cautioned that "this important progress could be quickly undermined if governments resort to restrictive trade policies, especially in a tit-for-tat process that could lead to an unmanageable escalation."

"A cycle of retaliation is the last thing the world economy needs," he added in a statement.

Last year saw the most robust rise in trade volume expansion since 2011, raising hope that the world economy was finally on a sustained path to recovery following the financial crisis.

In its latest forecast, the WTO said risks "had appeared to be more balanced than at any time since the financial crisis," but noted that uncertainty was rising again.

The extent of any protectionist measures that will be implemented by the world's top economies remains uncertain.

US President Donald Trump's administration has announced tariffs on steel and aluminium and targeted China for additional 25 percent punitive duties on nearly $50 billion in goods for its alleged theft of US intellectual property.

China has vowed to defend itself through a series of reciprocal measures.

Azevedo reiterated his call for nations to try to resolve their disputes through the multilateral system, instead of via face-to-face standoffs.

"The pressing trade problems confronting WTO members (are) best tackled through collective action," he said.

"I urge governments to show restraint and settle their differences through dialogue and serious engagement."
source: AFP

LATEST WORLD NEWS : Trump on Syria attack: 'very soon or not so soon at all!'

Trump on Syria attack: 'very soon or not so soon at all!'



AFP/File / NICHOLAS KAMM President Donald Trump was evasive about when the United States might attack Syria in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons assault, saying it could be "very soon or not so soon at all!"

President Donald Trump was evasive Thursday about when the United States might attack Syria in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons assault, saying it could be "very soon or not so soon at all!"

A day after warning starkly that "missiles will be coming," Trump in another early morning tweet storm wrote: "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!"

He added: "In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'"

Trump's new tweet seemed to backtrack from the bellicose one of Wednesday in which he suggested to Syria and its ally Russia that a US attack over the alleged chemical weapons assault on civilians last weekend was all but imminent.

That one, which came after a warning from Russia, went like this: "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and "smart!" You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!"

The tough talk between Trump and Russia has raised fears of the Syria conflict mushroomning into something even more serious involving America and its Western allies on one side and the Russians on the other.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned world powers Wednesday to keep the confict from "spiraling out of control."

Algeria in mourning after its deadliest plane crash

source: AFP
Algeria in mourning after its deadliest plane crash


AFP / Rescuers gather round the wreckage of an Algerian military plane which crashed shortly after taking off from a base near Algiers on April 11, 2018, killing 257 people

Algerians on Thursday mourned 257 people killed in a military plane crash the day before, the country's worst-ever aviation catastrophe, with no indication yet of the cause.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced three days of national mourning after the plane slammed into a field near the Boufarik airbase 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Algiers shortly after it took off on Wednesday.

The aircraft was mostly carrying army personnel and their family members on their way back to their barracks in the country's far south.

Flags flew at half mast on public buildings and foreign embassies in the capital on Thursday as government departments observed a minute's silence.

Armed forces chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah attended a ceremony where the coffins of the first victims to be identified were draped in national colours.

There was no announcement on the number of people identified so far as experts continued work on matching the DNA of the dead.

Several large companies took out advertising space in newspapers to offer condolences to the families of the 10 crew members and 247 passengers who died.

Mosques across the country are set to hold prayers of mourning on Friday.

The Algerian authorities have announced an investigation into the crash, but so far there has been no details of any findings.


AFP / RYAD KRAMDI An Algerian flag flies at half mast in Algiers on April 12, 2018 as the country observes three days of mourning after a military plane crash the previous day which left 257 people dead


The plane, which came down shortly after being refuelled, erupted into flames before it hit the ground, witnesses told AFP.

Hundreds of ambulances and dozens of fire trucks with sirens wailing rushed to the scene of the crash, in an uninhabited area where one person was injured on the ground by debris.

Firefighters took two hours to extinguish the blaze, Algerian media reported.

The Ain Naadja military hospital in Algiers, where the bodies were transported, has set up a psychological support unit for victims' relatives and witnesses of the accident.

Several cultural events planned for the coming days were cancelled.

- 'Tragic!' -

Images of the plane's burned-out frame dominated the front pages of Algeria's newspapers.

Francophone daily Liberte led with the headline "Tragic!", while the official Arabic language paper El Moudjahid quoted Bouteflika calling the accident a "painful test" for the country.

Several papers praised the pilot, Smail Doucene, citing witnesses who said he had managed to steer the plane away from nearby homes.


AFP / RYAD KRAMDI A man reads a newspaper in Algiers on April 12, 2018, headlining a military plane crash the previous day which killed 257 people

"The pilot saved hundreds of people from certain death," wrote El Khabar.

The Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane was bound for Tindouf in southwest Algeria near the borders with Morocco and Western Sahara.

The North African country has suffered a string of military and civilian aviation disasters, but Wednesday's was Algeria's deadliest ever plane crash and the world's fourth costliest in human lives in 20 years.

Despite no details emerging on the cause of the disaster, several newspapers underlined the poor state of the Algerian military's ageing aircraft.

Several previous accidents were due to "poor maintenance of the military air fleet", said El Khabar.

Liberte said that "to date... very little if nothing has filtered out regarding investigations" into previous accidents.

Two Algerian military planes collided mid-flight in December 2012 during a training exercise in Tlemcen, in the far west of the country, killing the pilots of both planes.

In February 2014, 77 people died when a military plane carrying army personnel and family members crashed between Tamanrasset in southern Algeria and the eastern city of Constantine.

LATEST WORLD NEWS: Syria rebels give up Ghouta in major win for regime

source: AFP
Syria rebels give up Ghouta in major win for regime


AFP / Youssef KARWASHAN A Syrian soldier walks over the rubble of buildings in the former rebel-held town of Zamalka in Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on April 11, 2018

Rebels in Syria's Eastern Ghouta surrendered their heavy weapons and their leader left the enclave, a monitor said Thursday, signalling the end of one of the bloodiest assaults of Syria's seven-year war.

The Syrian flag was raised above the central mosque in Douma, the town where the regime is accused of carrying out a chemical attack that sparked outrage and threats of Western military action.

US President Donald Trump was mulling his options and British Prime Minister Theresa May called an emergency cabinet meeting Thursday, as the Syrian army braced for Western strikes, hiding assets and clearing key buildings.

Jaish al-Islam, which has controlled Eastern Ghouta's main town for years, had balked at a Russian-brokered deal like those that saw other factions bussed to northern Syria.

The group's political chief told AFP it was a chemical attack by the regime that forced them to accept Russia's terms and evacuate their former bastion.

"Of course, the chemical attack is what pushed us to agree" to a withdrawal from Douma, said Yasser Dalwan.

Western powers such as France and the United Nations have alleged the regime used chemical weapons on Douma last Saturday.

Damascus has said the case was entirely fabricated to justify military action against the regime and that international chemical experts would arrive in the country Thursday.

The OPCW global watchdog said the team was "on its way to Syria and will start its work as of Saturday" on a fact-finding mission into the alleged attack.

Regime forces had yet to take over Douma Thursday but, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the rebels gave up their heavy weapons.

"Jaish al-Islam fighters handed over their heavy weapons to Russian military police in the town of Douma on Wednesday," the Britain-based monitoring group said.

Their top leader Issam Buwaydani boarded a convoy out of Ghouta with thousands of other fighters and their relatives, it said.

- Flag raised -

Douma residents told AFP that Syria's national red, white and black flag with two green stars was raised on Wednesday above the main mosque, which was also used as the office of the town's opposition-run council.

But a dispute subsequently erupted, shots were fired and the flag was taken down, the residents said.


AFP / Sophie RAMIS Eastern Ghouta


Russian military police, who had started deploying in the town as part of a deal that would allow some rebels to disarm and stay in Douma, also left after the incident, the residents said.

Simultaneously carrying out air strikes, brokering talks and supervising humanitarian operations, Russia was the key player in an assault that left at least 1,700 civilians dead.

Russian military police, who had started deploying in the town as part of a deal that would allow some rebels to disarm and stay in Douma, also left after the incident, the residents said.

Simultaneously carrying out air strikes, brokering talks and supervising humanitarian operations, Russia was the key player in an assault that left at least 1,700 civilians dead.

"Today a significant event in the history of Syria took place," Major General Yury Yevtushenko, head of the Russian military's centre for reconciliation in Syria, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

"The raising of a regime flag over a building in the town of Douma signified control over this town and consequently over Eastern Ghouta as a whole," he said.

It was not clear whether he was referring to the flag that was taken down or to another.

- Assad recovery -

Moscow also said Russian military police had returned to the town on Thursday and were in full control.

"From today, units of the Russian armed forces' military police are working in the town of Douma," the defence ministry said.

Yet chaos and confusion prevailed in the streets of Douma, where civilians appeared to have very little information on the latest political developments.

Many residents were preparing to take what should be some of the last buses leaving the region to head to parts of northern Syria still under rebel control.

A military official said around 30 of 80 buses brought to Douma for the evacuations had already left.


AFP / Youssef KARWASHAN A member of Syrian government forces looks at materials they say were used by opposition fighters to make weapons in the former rebel-held town of Zamalka in Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on April 11, 2018

According to the Russian military, more than 160,000 people have been evacuated from Eastern Ghouta, which only two months ago was a sprawling rebel enclave within mortar range of central Damascus.

The government of President Bashar al-Assad, which since Russia's military intervention in 2015 has gradually reasserted what was once a very tenuous grip on the country, was keen to secure an area that directly threatened the capital.

"Victory in Ghouta is a critical point," Bouthaina Shaaban, a top Assad adviser, said on the Lebanese channel Al-Mayadeen.

"It has sent a message to the whole world that Syria's army and its allies can liberate every inch of Syrian territory," she said.

The Syrian pound has risen significantly as the operation to flush rebels out of Ghouta wrapped up.

Regime and allied forces are next expected to train their sights on areas in southern Damascus that are almost empty of civilians but still controlled by the Islamic State jihadist group (IS).

According to the Observatory, more than 350,000 people have been killed in seven years of conflict, including a proportion of children that has risen sharply over the past year.

While the scramble for Syria that followed the collapse of IS's self-styled "caliphate" last year is winding down in some parts of Syria, the humanitarian emergency is still acute.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 2.9 million people were forced from their homes last year, or nearly 8,000 people every day.

May mulls Syria action despite cautious mood in UK

source: AFP
May mulls Syria action despite cautious mood in UK

AFP/File / Tolga AKMEN Prime Minister Theresa May was holding an emergency cabinet to discuss joining mooted strikes by the US and allies, as rival politicians and some Conservative colleagues called for a parliamentary vote before any British involvement

Britain's government weighed the possibility of military action against Syria on Thursday but faced growing scepticism from opposition leaders and deeper divisions in a country still haunted by its role in the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Prime Minister Theresa May was holding an emergency cabinet to discuss joining mooted strikes by the US and allies, as rival politicians and some Conservative colleagues called for a parliamentary vote before any British involvement.

The crisis has evoked memories of the Iraq War, when lawmakers approved joining in the face of strong public opposition.

That conflict left 179 British soldiers dead and unleashed years of sectarian violence as well as protracted recriminations within the British political system over participation.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn raised the spectre of the war on Thursday as he insisted MPs should be recalled from their Easter break to have their say on Syria.

"Parliament must be consulted on this," he said.

"Surely the lessons of Iraq... are that there's got to be... a proper process of consultation," he added.

The Times and the Daily Telegraph newspapers reported that the cabinet would back May in joining any US-led action, as Royal Navy submarines armed with cruise missiles were moving into range.

It is believed there are no plans to recall MPs, who are not due to return to parliament until Monday.

Formally, the prime minister has the right to go to war without approval from parliament, but a convention has been established in previous conflicts where MPs have a vote either before or shortly after military action begins.

British lawmakers voted down taking military against Damascus in 2013, in what was widely viewed as an assertion of parliamentary sovereignty on the use of force.

But they backed action in Iraq the following year, and again in Syria in 2015, strictly limiting strikes to Islamic State (IS) group targets.

Britain continues to support the US-led coalition targeting IS jihadists in Iraq and Syria, and has conducted more than 1,700 strikes.

Opposition Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable told the BBC that parliament "can and should be recalled immediately" to hold a vote on the latest possible action.

"The position is a very dangerous one because of Russian involvement, also because we have an erratic president of the United States."

 
PRU/AFP/File / PRU Formally, the prime minister has the right to go to war without approval from parliament, but a convention has been established in previous conflicts where MPs have a vote either before or shortly after military action begins


A YouGov poll in The Times conducted this week found that 43 percent of voters oppose strikes in Syria, with 34 percent unsure and only 22 percent supportive.

Anti-conflict coalition Stop the War called on Britons to lobby their lawmakers to prevent an "escalation of the war" and planned a Friday protest outside Downing Street.

Ministers have reflected the cautious public sentiment in their comments on the crisis.

"It is a very, very delicate circumstance, and we've got to make this judgment on a very careful, very deliberate, very well thought-through basis, knowing exactly ... how strong the evidence is," Brexit Secretary David Davis said ahead of Thursday's cabinet.

Some MPs have backed Britain acting against Syria, warning that the use of chemical weapons was in breach of international law and could not be allowed to go unpunished.

Conservative former London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith, tweeted: "We need a clear response to the Syrian chemical outrage".

Other members of May's Conservative party have urged restraint in a highly fraught situation.

"What we've got here in Syria is a choice between monsters on the one hand and maniacs on the other," Julian Lewis, the chairman of the House of Commons defence committee, told the BBC.

Latest Job Recruitment For Head of Operations (Card) at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Head of Operations (Card)

Location: Lagos

Job Details

• The applicant for this must be able to plan, direct and coordinate the day to day operations of the company by formulating policies consistent with goals of the company.

Requirements

• The applicant must have a good first degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Humanities or Printing Technology related degree.
• 5-7 years experience is required.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Job Recruitment For Admin Manager at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Admin Manager

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good first degree in Social Science, Management Science and any related discipline, with a minimum of 4 years Postgraduate experience. CIPM, NIM, CIA is an advantage.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Vacancy For Account Officer at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Account Officer

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Accounting/Finance
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through 3 or more years of related experience.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Recruitment For Production Manager at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Production Manager

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• A good first degree in a relevant Engineering discipline or related discipline (Commercial Printing and Press) with experience in Pre-order, press and post press production.
• Knowledge on printing machines, start to finish process involved in commercial printing with years of experience in said field.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Vacancy For Business Development Executive at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Business Development Executive

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good first degree in Marketing, Management Sciences or any other related discipline, with a minimum of 3 years working experience and good communication skills
• The applicants must have skills to market:
  • Commercial prints and reliable customer base
  • Bank payment cards and instant issuance payment
  • Payment system cards

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Recruitment For CTP Operator at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: CTP Operator

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• Must have hands on knowledge of Lithography.
• Usage of Heidetberg/Kodak/Agfa is compulsory and will be an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Job Vacancy For Assistant Store-Keeper, Finished Product at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the following vacant positions:

Job Title: Assistant Store-Keeper, Finished Product

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than OND in Purchasing & Supply, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and allied fields
• At least three years of experience in similar position.

Competencies:

• Attention to details
• An organized person
• Sound book-keeping knowledge
• Analytical mind
• Familiarity with standard concepts
• IT knowledge (ability to use Excel package)
• Physical ability.

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Job Recruitment For Head of Security Risk Management at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Head of Security Risk Management (Chief Information Security Officer)

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• A good degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Business Administration.
• At least 3 years of experience in Information Security Risk related position for insurance or financial services industry and a card manufacturing company.
• A Master’s degree in  Computer Science, Information System, or Business Administration and a Security Certification such as (CISSP, SSCP, GIAC, CEH, etc.) will be an added advantage

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Recruitment For Audit Trainee at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Audit Trainee

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good HND/B.Sc in Accounting or any other much related discipline with minimum of 3years experience. ICAN and other related professional examination is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Recruitment For Procurement Officer/Logistics Officer at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Procurement Officer/Logistics Officer

Location: Lagos

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good first degree in Management Sciences, Marketing or any other related discipline, MBA is an added advantage, with a minimum of 3 years working experience and good communication
• The applicant must have Supplier evaluation and management; Quality management; Purchasing: Supply and demand planning; Procurement; Delivery supervision Skills

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Recruitment For Customer Support Officer at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Customer Support Officer

Location: Lagos

Job Details

• Applicants will be the first point of contact for customers and other clients.
• The primary role of a Customer Service Officer in the organization is to respond to a variety of customer requests and inquiries via the telephone or to person over the front desk.

Requirement

• A good first degree in English, Mass communication and other related discipline

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

 

Latest Job Recruitment For Maintenance Engineer at a Smart Card Manufacturing Company

A Smart Card Manufacturing Company in Nigeria with head office in Lagos State. We seek for employment, highly qualified and experienced personnel to join our organization in the capacity below:

Job Title: Maintenance Engineer

Location: Lagos

Job Details

• Applicants must be a very Sound functional support engineer who will be responsible for coordinating, expediting & achieving a schedule of work, making sure product repair works is carried out in a timely manner.

Requirements

• A good first degree in a relevant Engineering Discipline or equivalent vocational experience with a minimum of 5 years working experience in smart card product, large printing and other related field will be an excellent added advantage.

Application Closing Date
19th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: cardslatestjobs@gmail.com

Latest Job Recruitment For Store Keeper, Raw Materials at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the vacant position below:

Job Title: Store Keeper, Raw Materials

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degree/HND in Purchasing & Supply, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and allied fields
• At least five years of experience in similar position

Competencies:

• Attention to details
• An organized person
• Sound bookkeeping knowledge
• Analytical mind
• Familiarity with standard concepts
• IT knowledge (ability to use Excel package)
• Physical ability

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Senior Supervisor, Raw Material Products Unit at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the following vacant positions:

Job Title: Senior Supervisor, Raw Material Products Unit

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degree/HND in Purchasing & Supply, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and allied fields. Additional qualification Material handling would be an added advantage
• At least five years of experience in similar position.

Competencies:

• Health and safety experience, Supervision experience
• Fluency and fluidity in verbal and written communication, Numerical skill
• Team player
• IT knowledge (Excel and Word)
• Professional Material Handling qualification
• Experience/understanding of Cost Accounting concepts
• Ability to extrapolate or verify material list for production use
• Ability to help implement internal system relating to purchasing and internal control.

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Latest Job Recruitment For Warehouse Supervisor at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the vacant position below:

Job Title: Warehouse Supervisor

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degre/HND in Purchasing & Supply, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and allied fields
• At least five years of experience in similar position

Competencies:

• Applicant must have deep understanding of Warehouse Management
• Attention to details
• An organized person
• Problem solving skill
• IT and Numerical skills
• Applicant should be able to work under pressure.
  

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Latest Job Recruitment For Store-Keeper, Finished Product at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the vacant position below:

Job Title: Store-Keeper, Finished Product

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degree/HND in Purchasing & Supply, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and allied fields
• At least five years of experience in similar position

Competencies:

• Attention to details
• An organized person
• Sound bookkeeping knowledge
• Analytical mind
• Familiarity with standard concepts
• IT knowledge (ability to use Excel package)
• Physical ability.

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Latest Job Recruitment For Procurement Supervisor at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the vacant position below:

Job Title: Procurement Supervisor

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degree/HND in Economics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Finance and allied fields
• Three to five years of experience in similar position

Competencies:

• Applicant must have deep understanding of local and international purchasing process including shipping
• Problem solving skill
• IT and Numerical skills with sound application of Excel package
• Result oriented
• Applicant should be able to work under pressure
• Ability to manage multiple projects

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Job Vacancy For Supervisor, Electrical

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the following vacant positions:

Job Title: Supervisor, Electrical

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Systems Engineering
• At least, five years of experience in similar position.

Competencies:

• Great Familiarity with installation, repairs, testing and maintenance of a wide range of electrical equipment in F&B industry
• Knowledge of business process and management systems
• Troubleshooting, Problem solving, Ability to work under pressure
• Highly focused.

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.

Latest Job RECRUITMENT For Laboratory Trainees at a Newly Established Beverage Company

A newly established Beverage company (FMCG) with a vision to becoming the market leader in record time, located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is desirous of taking off with highly resourceful/personnel to fill up the vacant position below:

Job Title: Laboratory Trainee

Location: Abuja

Educational & Technical Qualifications

• Not less than a First Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology and related fields.

Competencies:

• Basic understanding of any of the following: Microbiology, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry IT knowledge
• Familiarity with automated laboratory equipment.

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's and scanned passport photographs to: jobhunt@concretegoal.com using the position applied for as the subject of the mail.

Note: Any application that does not adhere to this rule stands unattended to.