NEWS: Russia throws off isolation as it gears up for the World Cup

Russia throws off isolation as it gears up for the World Cup
source: AFP

 SPUTNIK/AFP/File / Alexey NIKOLSKY Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Russia throws opens its doors for the World Cup in a week's time, with superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi performing in a country sharply at odds with some of the participating countries.

The month-long celebration of the world's most popular sport has been haunted by fears over racism and violence as well as diplomatic spats.

But Vladimir Putin has left no stone unturned making sure the biggest event Russia has seen since Moscow's 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics seduces a sceptical world.

Twelve sparkling stadiums in 11 cities spanning the European portion of the world's largest country are ready after getting their last licks of paint.


AFP / Mladen ANTONOV The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will host the opening match and the final


The host nation will kick off the action against Saudi Arabia on June 14 in the 80,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, the historic crucible of Soviet and Russian sport, which will also host the final.

Brazil's Neymar has recovered from a long-term injury to join Argentina's Messi and Portugal's Ronaldo to fight for the right to lift the trophy on July 15.

Almost every second person on Earth tuned into the last edition of the spectacular in Brazil in 2014.

That tournament saw the hosts suffer a traumatic 7-1 beating by Germany in the semi-finals that left a nation obsessed by football in shock.

Eventual champions Germany and Brazil again top a list of favourites that also includes Spain and past winners Argentina and France.

Russia's chances of doing something special are modest. The hosts are the second-lowest ranked team of the 32 in the final and are riven by internal squabbles and injuries.

Putin counters that Russia will come out tops simply by pulling off the most expensive World Cup ever staged while struggling under the weight of international sanctions.

"The organisers," said Putin when asked to pick this year's likely winner.

- Sanctions and boycotts -

The West's penalties are a response to an ever more aggressive foreign policy Putin has pushed in the eight years since securing the hosting rights over England in a vote tainted by bribery charges.

Russia has annexed Crimea from Ukraine and defied the West by unleashing a bombing campaign in support of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

The US intelligence community believes Moscow meddled in America's 2016 presidential election. Its British counterpart says Russia used a nerve agent in England to try and kill former double agent Sergei Skripal.

A doping scandal that got Russia banned from the Olympics and forced its athletes to compete under a neutral flag at last winter's Pyeongchang Games completed a picture of relations in utter tatters.

Yet Putin has emerged from all this looking as strong as ever.

The Kremlin also does little to hide its pleasure at seeing the effective failure of efforts by some in England and eastern Europe to organise a diplomatic boycott of Putin's party.

England will not be sending diplomats or royalty to the opening ceremony in protest over the Skripal case.

Sweden and Iceland along with a few others may follow suit by keeping their prime ministers and heads of state home.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he expected to see a "heavy traffic of guests at the highest level" coming to matches.

- Racism and riots -

Russia's problems do not end in the high-brow world of international relations.

The bloody beating English fans got at the hands of nearly 200 Russian thugs at Euro 2016 in France has plagued preparations as much as any dispute with the West.

Neo-Nazi hooligans who organise mass fights in forests and chant racist slurs at players have lorded over Russian stadiums for years.

The anti-discrimination network Fare said Russia's football federation was making matters worse by punishing those who reacted to racist abuse "while ignoring the perpetrators".

Security services have either locked up or checked in on hundreds of hoodlums to make sure they do nothing to tarnish Russia's image in the coming weeks.

The scare tactics have worked. Some football gang members say they will be skipping town once the games begin to avoid getting rounded up.

"However, we do not have as much confidence in the prevention of non-violent racist incidents (at the World Cup), despite the many well intentioned reassurances," Fare said in a report issued last week.

- Neymar and Neuer -


AFP/File / Oli SCARFF Neymar is back from a broken foot bone to lead Brazil at the World Cup

Yet the world's focus in the final week before kickoff will not be on politics or Russia's underworld but things like Neymar's right foot.

Brazil's latest heir apparent to Pele sparked national panic by undergoing surgery on a broken bone near his toe on March 3.

The 26-year-old's return could not have been more triumphant as he scored a fine goal in a 2-0 defeat of Croatia on Sunday that left even coach Tite stunned.

Argentina's troubled preparations took another knock when their friendly in Israel due on Saturday was cancelled, drawing the fury of the Israeli organisers.

Germany will also be delighted to have seen talismanic goalkeeper Manuel Neuer come back from an eight-month absence with a foot problem of his own.

He looked as confident as ever in a 2-1 loss to Austria on Saturday.

And Russia will be watching with curiosity as Egypt's emerging superstar Mohamed Salah recovers from a left shoulder injury he suffered in Liverpool's 3-1 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.

The timeline set out by Egypt's football bosses suggests Salah might be in the lineup against the hosts on June 19.

The two nations will likely vie with Saudi Arabia for the second knockout qualification spot in a group that includes two-time World Cup winners Uruguay.

An early exit would spell disaster for Russia -- still waiting to make their first last 16 of a World Cup since Soviet times.

But coach Stanislav Cherchesov said he was "confident" his men would do well enough to let him keep his job.

NEWS: EU says tit-for-tat tariffs against US ready in July

EU says tit-for-tat tariffs against US ready in July


AFP/File / John MACDOUGALL The European Commission, which handles trade matters for the 28-country EU, "expects to conclude the relevant procedure in coordination with member states before the end of June," said European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic

The EU on Wednesday said a raft of retaliatory tariffs, including on whiskey and motorcycles, against painful metals duties imposed by the US would be ready as early as July.

The European Commission, which handles trade matters for the 28-country bloc, "expects to conclude the relevant procedure in coordination with member states before the end of June," said European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic at a news briefing.

This would allow "that the new duties start applying in July," he added.

"It is a measured and proportionate response to the unilateral and illegal decision taken by the US to impose tariffs on the European steel and aluminium exports which we regret," said the former Slovak prime minister.

From blue jeans to motorbikes and whiskey, the EU's hit-list of products targeted for tariffs with the US reads like a catalogue of emblematic American exports.

The European Union originally drew up the list in March but pledged not activate it unless US President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminium.

The Trump tariffs came into effect on June 1 and the EU now joins Mexico and Canada and other close allies that have announced their own wave of counter-duties against Washington.

The EU commission must now take their proposal to be signed off by the bloc's member states amid divisions over what path to take against Trump's unpredictable policies.France and the Netherlands back a tough line against the US, while export powerhouse Germany has urged caution towards Trump's "America First" policies

NEWS: Singapore top diplomat to visit Pyongyang before Trump-Kim summit

Singapore top diplomat to visit Pyongyang before Trump-Kim summit
source: AFP

AFP/File / GREG BAKER Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will visit the North Korean capital at the invitation of the North, the foreign ministry said in a statement

Singapore's foreign minister will make a two-day trip to Pyongyang starting Thursday, as preparations for a summit in the city-state between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un accelerate.

The announcement came a day after the White House revealed that the historic June 12 meeting between the US and North Korean leaders will take place in a luxury hotel on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa.

The summit is due to be held following a rapid detente between Pyongyang and Washington -- as well as South Korea -- in a turn-around from a dramatic escalation of tensions last year, when the North ratcheted up its weapons programme.

Trump finally confirmed the summit last week following a visit from a top Pyongyang official in Washington, after having abruptly cancelled the meeting as US and North Korean officials traded verbal barbs.

He has said denuclearisation, and a formal end to the decades-old Korean war, will be on the table in Singapore.

Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan will visit the North Korean capital at the invitation of the North's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, Singapore's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The minister, who will be accompanied by foreign ministry officials, will also meet the North's ceremonial president Kim Yong Nam, the statement said.

It did not give reasons for the trip but analysts noted Balakrishnan visited the US this week and met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and will be keen to keep both sides happy before the summit.

- 'Extremely fragile' -

"We've reached a point where the summit is extremely fragile and can easily be tipped out of balance," Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told AFP.

The US is pushing for a "complete, verifiable and irreversible" end of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programmes, but observers believe there is a large gap between what Washington and Pyongyang define as "denuclearisation".

Singapore has diplomatic ties with Pyongyang and the North has an embassy in the city-state, although Singapore does not have an embassy in Pyongyang.

The Southeast Asia financial hub of 5.6 million people also has good relations with the US. Part of its appeal as summit host was its the fact it has one foot in the East and one in the West, as well as being modern, efficient and secure.

The island resort of Sentosa, which was selected by American diplomats, is connected to the Singapore main island by a single causeway that can be easily closed off to traffic, sources familiar with the arrangements told AFP

Singapore authorities on Tuesday marked out a part of the island surrounding the Capella hotel as a special security zone for the days around the summit.

Balakrishnan is the latest senior foreign official to visit the North as summit preparations heat up -- last month, top diplomats from China and Russia made trips to Pyongyang.

Since the inter-Korean detente began at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February, there has also been a flurry of diplomatic activity between the North and South.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim have held landmark summits twice in recent weeks.

NEWS: Ponting to join Australia coaching staff on England tour

Ponting to join Australia coaching staff on England tour



AFP/File / Sajjad HUSSAIN Ponting will join forces with old team-mate Justin Langer again after the pair coached Australia's Twenty20 team against Sri Lanka on home soil in 2017

Australia great Ricky Ponting will join the backroom staff of head coach Justin Langer during the team's tour tour of England.

Former Australia captain Ponting, one of the outstanding batsmen of his generation, was already due to be in Britain to commentate on the five-match one-day international series against 2019 World Cup hosts England that starts on June 13 and a subsequent Twenty20 international.

But Wednesday's announcement by Cricket Australia will see Ponting joining forces with Langer, an old team-mate, again after the pair coached Australia's Twenty20 team against Sri Lanka on home soil in 2017.

Ponting also assisted former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann, who quit following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, for the Twenty20 tri-series against England and New Zealand earlier this year.

As a batsman Ponting averaged over 42 in 375 ODIs, with an excellent strike rate above 80.

His 41 hundreds in the format included a brilliant 140 not out in a 2003 World Cup final win over India in Johannesburg.

Ponting had first won the World Cup in 1999 before enjoying back-to-back triumphs as captain in 2003 and 2007.

More recently, the 43-year-old Tasmanian has coached the Delhi Daredevils in this year's edition of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.

Langer was delighted to be able to tap into Ponting's expertise, saying: "Ricky is one of the greats of the game, and since he was already in England doing some commentary we saw it as a great opportunity to have him join our team for this important series.

"We have played a lot of cricket together and coached alongside each other previously, and he will also know many of the players already through his work with the team over the past two summers and his BBL (Big Bash League) commitments," he added.

"Ricky's knowledge of the game is second-to-none, and we know that his experiences, tactical expertise and leadership will be invaluable for this group, as we start to build a team capable of winning a World Cup in these conditions in a year's time."

Ponting will join up with the squad on June 10 and fit in his work with World Cup-holders Australia around his broadcasting duties.

NEWS: France, Germany, Britain formally request exemptions from US Iran sanctions

France, Germany, Britain formally request exemptions from US Iran sanctions



AFP/File / STR French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said France, Britain, Germany and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions"

France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the United States a joint official request for their companies to be exempt from punitive measures resulting from fresh US sanctions on Iran.

"As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions".

"Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities," he wrote on Twitter.

The plea comes as European leaders scramble to save the hard-fought deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear capacities in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions.

US President Donald Trump announced he was abandoning the deal last month -- which will mean new sanctions on the Islamic republic and punitive measures for those who trade with it.

Analysts say European firms which have rushed to invest in Iran after the lifting of sanctions over the past three years have the most to lose from the renewed sanctions.

Several major companies including France's Total and the Netherlands' Maersk have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed over the next six months, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington.

French automaker PSA said Monday that it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing fines.

NEWS: Kate Spade suffered from mental illness for years: sister

Kate Spade suffered from mental illness for years: sister
source: AFP

GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File / Evan Agostini Designer Kate Spade struggled with mental illness for years, according to her sister Reta Saffo

Designer Kate Spade, who committed suicide in New York, suffered for years from mental illness but had refused treatment, her sister said Wednesday.

The death of the 55-year-old star designer, whose body was found Wednesday in her Park Avenue apartment, "was not unexpected by me," Spade's older sister Reta Saffo told The Kansas City Star from her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

"Sometimes you simply cannot SAVE people from themselves!" Saffo wrote, adding that Spade was concerned hospitalization for treatment would hurt the light-hearted image of her eponymous brand.

"I'd flown out to Napa and NYC several times in the past 3-4 years to help her to get the treatment she needed (inpatient hospitalization)," Saffo added.

"She was always a very excitable little girl and I felt all the stress/pressure of her brand (KS) may have flipped the switch where she eventually became full-on manic depressive."

Spade -- a Missouri native who first worked as a journalist, including a stint as accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine -- launched her Kate Spade fashion label in 1993 with her husband Andy and the help of outside investors.

Her cheerful use of bright colors and prints proved a hit with career women.


AFP / Bryan R. Smith Media and onlookers gather outside the New York apartment of fashion designer Kate Spade after she was found dead at age 55 on June 5, 2018


Saffo said she had come "very" close to getting her sister into a treatment facility.

""She was all set to go -— but then chickened out by morning. I even said I (would) go with her and be a 'patient' too (she liked that idea) I said we could talk about it all -- our childhood, etc. That I could help her fill in any blanks she might have," Saffo added.

"That seemed to make her more comfortable, and we'd get sooo close to packing her bags, but -- in the end, the 'image' of her brand (happy-go-lucky Kate Spade) was more important for her to keep up. She was definitely worried about what people would say if they found out."

Saffo, who said Spade's husband also helped to try to get his wife into treatment, eventually stopped trying after "numerous" attempts.

"One of the last things she said to me was, 'Reta, I know you hate funerals and don't attend them, but for me would you PLEASE come to MINE, at least. Please!' I know she perhaps had a plan, but she insisted she did not," Saffo added.

Celebrity news website TMZ cited police sources as saying Spade had fallen into depression in recent weeks after her husband left her and was seeking divorce.

Grieving her sister's death, Saffo recalled "she was a dear little person. So dear -- so kind, so funny. I'll miss our 6-7-hr-long phone conversations between NY and NM.

"I'm off to bed for a good cry."

- Embodying authenticity -


AFP / Bryan R. Smith Saffo said Spade was concerned hospitalization would hurt the light-hearted image of her eponymous brand

Anna Wintour, the grand priestess of fashion and editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, hailed Spade as a woman who "defined" authenticity.

"There was a moment when you couldn't walk a block in New York without seeing one of her bags, which were just like her; colorful and unpretentious," Wintour said in a statement.

"Kate designed with great charm and humor, and built a global empire that reflected exactly who she was and how she lived. Long before we talked about 'authenticity,' she defined it."

Several admirers like First Daughter Ivanka Trump highlighted the importance of suicide helplines and seeing the signs of depression.

"Kate Spade's tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another's pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help," Trump tweeted.

NEWS: Facebook deals with Chinese firm draw ire from US lawmakers

Facebook deals with Chinese firm draw ire from US lawmakers
source: AFP

 GETTY/AFP/File / CHIP SOMODEVILLA Some lawmakers say Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seen here at an April congressional hearing on personal data protection, should return to explain its deal allowing smartphone makers to access user information

Facebook drew fresh criticism from US lawmakers following revelations that it allowed Chinese smartphone makers, including one deemed a national security threat, access to user data.

The world's largest social network confirmed late Tuesday that China-based Huawei -- which has been banned by the US military and a lightning rod for cyberespionage concerns -- was among device makers authorized to see user data.

Facebook has claimed the agreements with some 60 device makers dating from a decade ago were designed to help the social media giant get more services into the mobile ecosystem.

Nonetheless, lawmakers expressed outrage that Chinese firms were given access to user data at a time when officials were trying to block their access to the US market over national security concerns.

Senator Ed Markey‏ said Facebook's chief executive has some more explaining to do following these revelations.

"Mark Zuckerberg needs to return to Congress and testify why @facebook shared Americans' private information with questionable Chinese companies," the Massachusetts Democrat said on Twitter.

"Our privacy and national security cannot be the cost of doing business."

Other lawmakers zeroed in on the concerns about Huawei's ties to the Chinese government, even though the company has denied the allegations.

"This could be a very big problem," tweeted Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican.

"If @Facebook granted Huawei special access to social data of Americans this might as well have given it directly to the government of #China."

Representative Debbie Dingell called the latest news on Huawei "outrageous" and urged a new congressional probe.

"Why does Huawei, a company that our intelligence community said is a national security threat, have access to our personal information?" said Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, on Twitter.

"With over 184 million daily Facebook users in US & Canada, the potential impact on our privacy & national security is huge."

- 'Approved experiences' -


GETTY/AFP/File / David Becker Huawei has been a lightning rod in Washington for concerns on national security but denies any links to the Chinese government


Facebook, which has been blocked in China since 2009, also had data-access deals with Chinese companies Lenovo, OPPO and TCL, according to the company, which had similar arrangements with dozens of other devices makers.

Huawei, which has claimed national security fears are unfounded, said in an emailed statement its access was the same as other device makers.

"Like all leading smartphone providers, Huawei worked with Facebook to make Facebook's service more convenient for users. Huawei has never collected or stored any Facebook user data."

The revelations come weeks after Zuckerberg was grilled in Congress about the hijacking of personal data on some 87 million Facebook users by Cambridge Analytica, a consultancy working on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.

Facebook said its contracts with phone makers placed tight limits on what could be done with data, and "approved experiences" were reviewed by engineers and managers before being deployed, according to the social network.

Any data obtained by Huawei "was stored on the device, not on Huawei's servers," according to Facebook mobile partnerships chief Francisco Varela.

Facebook said it does not know of any privacy abuse by cellphone makers who years ago were able to gain access to personal data on users and their friends.

It has argued the data-sharing with smartphone makers was different from the leak of data to Cambridge Analytica, which obtained private user data from a personality quiz designed by an academic researcher who violated Facebook's rules.

Facebook is winding up the interface arrangements with device makers as the company's smartphone apps now dominate the service. The integration partnership with Huawei will terminate by the end of this week, according to the social network.

The news comes following US sanctions on another Chinese smartphone maker, ZTE -- which was not on the Facebook list -- for violating export restrictions to Iran.

The ZTE sanctions limiting access to US components could bankrupt the manufacturer, but Trump has said he is willing to help rescue the firm, despite objections from US lawmakers.

NEWS: Five Armenians charged in Belgium over tennis match-fixing

Five Armenians charged in Belgium over tennis match-fixing
source: AFP

AFP/File / Timothy A. CLARY Belgian prosecutors said the tennis matches involved were on the low-level Futures and Challenger circuits

Five Armenians have been charged in Belgium with corruption, money laundering and other crimes as part of an international investigation into match-fixing in tennis, prosecutors said Wednesday.

They were among 13 people held in Belgium on Tuesday as simultaneous raids were carried out in the United States, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Netherlands.

An investigating judge in Belgium then issued a formal arrest warrant for five people, "all of Armenian nationality," the federal prosecutor's office said.

"They were charged with corruption, money laundering, forgery and membership of a criminal organisation."

The judge ordered the further detention of the five Armenians and the release of the eight other people, following questioning, the office said in a statement.

The raids were part of an international probe into an Armenian-Belgian criminal network suspected of bribing players to throw games over the last four years.

Belgian prosecutors said the matches were on the low-level Futures and Challenger circuits, away from the gaze of television coverage and where meagre prize money leaves players susceptible to backhanders.

Prosecutors said Tuesday the probe showed the criminal network worked to bribe professional tennis players to fix matches and fraudulently boost the winnings of bettors who knew.

They said the suspects, usually jobless with financial problems, would receive money to bet on matches in lower-division tournaments where prize money was around $5,000 to $15,000.

They said players in such tournaments are easier to corrupt because the matches are not filmed, adding organisers of fixed matches generate considerable cash.

Belgian authorities, who were first alerted to suspicious betting activity in 2015, said the criminal network "would not shrink from violence."

It also used its contacts to move large sums of money abroad anonymously, they added.

- Match-fixing 'tsunami' -

The prosecutor's office identified the five by their first names and last initials: Grigor S., 27, Artur Y., 30, Lendrush H., 30, Jirair I., 54, and Hayg S., 34.

It added that Belgian police seized 250,000 euros in the raids as well as documents for analysis.

The Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis report warned in April that the lower levels of the sport were engulfed in betting-related corruption.

It spoke of a 'tsunami' of match-fixing in non-elite tennis.

The report said the problems stemmed from too many players in the likes of the Futures and Challenger circuits not earning enough to make a living, coupled with the rise of online betting.

There are around 15,000 professional tennis players but only the top 250 women and the top 350 men even manage to break even before coaching costs, lawyer Adam Lewis, who chaired the review panel, warned in April.

After surveying more than 3,000 players as well as tournament organisers, officials and betting operators, the panel found "evidence of some issues" at Grand Slams and Tour events, but it did not uncover proof of a widespread problem at those higher levels.

The panel was set up in 2016 following allegations made by the BBC and Buzzfeed that leading players, including Grand Slam winners, were involved in suspected match-fixing and that evidence had been suppressed.

In a further demonstration of the woes blighting the lower rungs of the game, Ukrainian Dmytro Badanov was handed a life ban and fined $100,000 last month for fixing a Futures match in Tunisia in 2015.

NEWS: Messi in middle of Israel-Palestinian spat over scrapped match

Messi in middle of Israel-Palestinian spat over scrapped match
source: AFP

 AFP / PAU BARRENA Argentina's forward Lionel Messi looks on from a bus as Argentina's national football team arrives at El Prat airport in Barcelona on May 31, 2018

The Israeli and Palestinian football associations traded accusations Wednesday over the cancellation of a World Cup warm-up match between the Jewish state and Argentina in the disputed city of Jerusalem.

Israel accused the Palestinians of "football terror," saying their threats saw Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and his team abandon what would have been Argentina's final friendly match ahead of the World Cup.

The Palestinians rejected the allegation, saying the Argentinians pulled out of the match as they realised Israel was using their presence for political gain.

The encounter was called off on Tuesday after a campaign by the Palestinians following its relocation to Jerusalem.

"We are confronting a football terror from the Palestinian Football Association and its president (Jibril Rajoub)," said Rotem Kamer of the Israel Football Association.

He accused them of threatening players and their families, without providing any evidence.

"We are seeing it as crossing a red line and we cannot accept it," Kamer said, adding an official complaint would be sent to world football's governing body FIFA.

The sold-out game in Jerusalem was hotly opposed by Palestinians, who claim the eastern part of the city, occupied and later annexed by Israel, as the capital of their future state.

It had originally been scheduled to take place the northern Israeli city of Haifa but was moved after pressure from Israel's hardline sports minister, Miri Regev.

Palestinians were already angered by US President Donald Trump's transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May, which sparked protests in Gaza in which dozens of Palestinians were killed.

- 'Red card' -

Israel considers Jerusalem its "indivisible" capital.

Ahead of the game Rajoub had urged Messi not to take part and called on fans to burn shirts bearing his name if he did.

Speaking on Wednesday, he thanked the Argentinians for the cancellation, saying he hopes they will win the World Cup.

"I think what happened yesterday is a red card from everybody to the Israelis to (get them to) understand that they (only) have a right to organise, or play football within their internationally recognised borders," he said in English, pointing out the final status of Jerusalem is supposed to be the subject of negotiations between the parties.

Rajoub laughed off Israeli threats of action, denying there was any intimidation.

"The Argentinian Football Association cancelled the agreement it signed with the Israelis because it reached the conclusion that this match is a political one."

Israeli media said that late Tuesday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Argentine President Mauricio Macri, with whom he has good relations, in an effort to save the match but that Macri had said he was unable to intervene.

Netanyahu is currently visiting Europe and his office could not immediately confirm the reports.

Israeli daily Yisrael Hayom, considered close to Netanyahu, expressed ire at Argentina with its front-page headline: "They surrendered to terrorism: The game against Argentina has been cancelled."

- Argentina players 'not willing' -

Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie said before confirmation of the game's cancellation that he believed his country's players had been reluctant to travel to Israel for the match.

"As far as I know, the players of the national team were not willing to play the game," Faurie said.

The status of Jerusalem, always a key sticking point in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, surged back to centre-stage when Trump tore up decades of US policy to recognise it as Israel's capital in December.


AFP / ABBAS MOMANI Jibril Rajoub, the head of the Palestinian Football Association, speaks during a press conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah on June 6, 2018


The United States shifted its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem in May on the 70th anniversary of the creation of Israel, in a move met with condemnation from the Palestinians.

At the same time, Israel has faced fierce criticism over its use of lethal force against Palestinian protesters on the Gaza Strip border with the Jewish state.

Israeli troops have killed at least 125 Gazans since March 30, during protests and clashes along the border over the return of Palestinians to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

The press in Argentina and Israel reported that the Argentine Football Association was supposed to receive a payment of between two and three million dollars if Messi played.

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli last week aired misgivings about having his players make the trip to Israel, noting he preferred to remain in Barcelona, where the team is holding its pre-World Cup training camp.

"From a sporting point of view, I would have preferred to play in Barcelona," Sampaoli said.

The World Cup kicks off in Russia on June 14, with Messi looking to inspire Argentina to victory, having lost in the final four years ago.

Israel has not qualified for the tournament.

burs-scw-jod/dv

NEWS: Italy's new populist government formally takes reins

Italy's new populist government formally takes reins
source: AFP

AFP / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE Italy's incoming premier Giuseppe Conte (C) shakes hands with far-right leader Matteo Salvini (L) and Five Star Movement head Luigi Di Maio after Tuesday's successful senate vote

Italy's new populist government officially took the reins of the eurozone's third largest economy Wednesday after winning parliamentary backing.

The alliance between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right League was approved by the chamber of deputies with 350 votes in favour, 236 against and 35 abstentions.

Wednesday's vote came a day after the upper house senate approved the government of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

The new coalition was sworn in by President Sergio Mattarella on Friday after months of political turmoil that alarmed EU officials and financial markets.

Approval in both houses of parliament gives 53-year-old academic Conte, a political novice, the mandate to carry out his programme for a "government of change."

The programme -- which combines radical tax cuts with anti-austerity measures like a basic monthly income for the poorest citizens -- has left many Italian and international observers perplexed given the country's huge public debt.

It also takes a hard line on immigration, promising to curb new arrivals and speed up expulsions of illegal migrants.

On Wednesday, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini went a step further saying that he wanted asylum centres to become closed-off structures so that migrants "aren't strolling about our cities".

A lawyer with little political experience, Conte was nominated by Salvini and Five Star head Luigi Di Maio -- both of whom are now also his deputy prime ministers.

In his first policy speech on Tuesday, Conte called for "obligatory" redistribution of asylum seekers around the EU and a review of sanctions against Russia.

He also reaffirmed several of the coalition's key manifesto pledges, including rejection of austerity in an economy weighed down by the eurozone's second-largest debt ratio.

"We want to reduce our public debt, but we want to do so with growth and not with austerity measures," he told senators.

- Summits on horizon -

The 53-year-old Conte will quickly have to step up to the plate -- on his agenda in his first weeks in office are a Group of Seven summit in Canada this week and a key EU summit at the end of the month.

Ahead of his first engagements, Conte reiterated the government's intention to stay in the EU.


AFP / Simon MALFATTO Composition of Italy's new government


"Europe is our home," Conte said, adding that he wanted a "stronger but also fairer Europe".

But the government's ambitious anti-austerity policies -- which include rolling back pension reform, slashing taxes and a basic universal income for Italy's poorest-- have worried Brussels, given Italy's huge public debt.

"We will get through the summer without difficulties, but there will be problems in the autumn if the new government implements even only 50 percent of what it has planned," head of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Klaus Regling told the German newspaper Handelsblatt on Wednesday.

- Exporting 'convicts' -

Since being sworn in as interior minister, Salvini has already made waves.

He wasted no time addressing immigration, stressing at the weekend that Italy "cannot be Europe's refugee camp" on a visit to Sicily, one of the country's main refugee landing points

The 45-year-old said the "good times for illegals are over" in a country where around 700,000 migrants have arrived since 2013.

The bullish minister also caused a diplomatic gaffe with Tunisia after accusing the North African country of exporting "convicts" to Italy.

Tunisia's foreign ministry summoned their Italian ambassador and expressed their "deep surprise" at Salvini's comments in light of the two countries' "cooperation in the fight against illegal immigration".

Salvini capped off an eventful few days by getting into a spat with Italian international footballer Mario Balotelli.

In an interview, Balotelli -- whose parents are Ghanaian immigrants -- lamented that he was not granted Italian citizenship until the age of 18 despite being born and raised in Italy.

"I'm not a politician, but I think the law should change," he said Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter the new interior minister wrote:

"Dear Mario, 'Ius Soli' (birthright citizenship) is not my priority, nor the priority of the Italians. Regards, and have fun chasing the ball."

NEWS: Europe under pressure as Iran 'nears nuclear red line'

Europe under pressure as Iran 'nears nuclear red line'
source: AFP

AFP/File / LUDOVIC MARIN French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called Iran's announcement that plans to boost its enrichment capacity "inopportune"

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned Iran on Wednesday that its plan to increase its uranium enrichment capacity took it close to a "red line", as Europe sought to protect its companies from a nuclear standoff between the US and Tehran.

Iran confirmed Wednesday that it was in "preparatory works" to restart nuclear activities in the event that a 2015 accord with world powers on limiting its atomic programme falls apart.

In such a scenario, Iran could "restart its activities without any limits," Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Reza Najafi told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEA's board in Vienna.

The announcement piled pressure on France, Britain and Germany, who are scrambling to save the deal after the US sensationally pulled out a month ago.

Le Drian called Iran's announcement that plans to boost its enrichment capacity "inopportune".

"It is always dangerous to flirt with red lines," he said, while emphasising that these plans did not constitute a breach of the accord.

The deal, which offers sanctions relief in return for guarantees that Tehran would not be able to build an atomic bomb, is hanging by a thread after the US announced plans to restore sanctions, diminishing the incentive for Iran to remain on board.

Tehran has put the ball in Europe's camp, demanding it come up with an economic package to offset the effects of the US withdrawal.

"The bottom line is that unless Tehran sees some benefits, it is unsustainable to continue limiting its nuclear programme, which is civilian in their eyes," Ellie Geranmayeh, Iran analyst for the European Council on Foreign Relations in London, told AFP.

"In practice it will revert back to the sanctions years when it had no restrictions."

Le Drian warned Tehran that Europe would not be able to stand idly by if Iran takes its nuclear programme "to the next level".

"The Iranians must realise that if they violate the accord they will face new sanctions," he told Europe 1 radio.

A spokesman for the German foreign ministry also described the plan as "not helpful at this time" saying it did not "contribute to the building of trust, in which Iran should also have an interest."

- Protecting European investments -

Apart from the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran, Paris, Berlin and London also fear the fallout of the showdown for European companies which invested in the country since 2015.

The US has threatened them with reprisals if they remain in Iran after it re-imposes sanctions on the country.

France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the US a joint official request "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions".

In the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo they warned that "secondary sanctions" by the US on European companies could jeopardise Europe's ability to uphold its end of the deal.

Several multinationals, including French oil giant Total and Danish shipping group Maersk, have already announced they will pull out of Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington.

French automaker PSA also said it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing US fines.

The European Commission said Wednesday it had updated a rarely-tested legal mechanism intended to provide legal cover to European companies in the face of US sanctions.

Officials acknowledged however that the mechanism known as the blocking statute may prove ineffective, especially for multinationals with a significant presence in the US.

Analysts point to the $9-billion fine handed to French bank BNP Paribas in the US in 2015 for sanctions-busting in Sudan, Cuba and Iran as an example of what could await European companies.

Shutdown Supervisor (Separator Works) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting 2018

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Supervisor (Experienced Leader In Separator Works)

Ref: TC2317LSW
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years experience in carrying out separator works during Shutdown or offshore hook-up activities.
• Highly skilled in performing Separator works.
• Able to lead in the preparation of baffles.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions.
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must be able to manage a team of 20 workers.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Superintendent at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Superintendent

Ref: TC0505
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Level of Construction Manager, familiar with shutdown activities such as inspection of exchangers, vessels, column. Acknowledgement of piping, boilermaking, structural work and lifting as per the Company’s general specifications.
• An HSE culture will be added advantage.
• Able to work under stress with an experience of 10 years in the same area, shutdown or hook up activities in an offshore location.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions.
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Fabrication Supervisor at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting 2018

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Fabrication Supervisor

Ref: TC2317LSW
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Mimimum of 15 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN construction piping fabrication experience  and offshore hook-up activities
• Highly skilled with the knowledge of the general specifications and structural standards with in-depth knowledge of heavy lifting.
• Must possess the relevant HSE experience
• Experience in torquing and bolt welding, installation piping and structure, torquing and bolt tensionning, ,
• Able to work in fast track conditions.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Able to manage a team of 20 workers (fitter, welders riggers, erectors e.t.c)

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Team Supervisor at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Team Supervisor

Ref: TC2318STS
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Mimimum of 10 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN and/or offshore hook-up activities
• Ability to:
  • Report on shutdown activities
  • Forecast the activities for the coming week
  • Be pro-active on the work
• Experience in acknowledgement of Vessels, Exchangers, column inspection work, torquing and bolt tensionning
• Able to work in fast track conditions
• Able to manage a team of 20 workers.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Must possess the relevant HSE experience
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

Shutdown Engineer at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Engineer

Ref: TC2517SE
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 - 10 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience on oil and gas installations.
• Skilled in planning and scheduling techniques
• Skilled in developing shutdown scope of work, coordinating mobilisation of all shutdown resources, monitoring shutdown progress against agreed schedules, ability to analyse gaps and recommend corrective actions and ensure compliance to clients requirements.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related Engineering field.
• Relevant professional certification is a plus

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Superintendent (Heat Exchangers) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Superintendent (Experienced In Heat Exchangers)

Ref: TC0517SS
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience on oil and gas installations
• Highly skilled in conducting performance evaluation, monitoring and trouble shooting of heat exchangers
• Highly skilled in performing repairs of metallurgical defects and modifications
• Able to supervise and manage Heat Exchanger Supervisors
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering or other related Engineering field with experience of heat exchange maintenance.
• Relevant professsional certifications are a plus.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Superintendent (Spading/Despading) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting 2018

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Superintendent (Experienced In Spading/Despading Vessel Open And Close) 

Ref: TC2511DVO
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience of spading/despading vessel open and close activities on oil and gas installations.
• Highly skilled in performing draining of hydrocarbon products, water flushing, N2 purging, LEL check, bolt tightening/ torqueing on the joints, tagging of joints, de-spading of disturbed joints etc
• Able to supervise and manage Spading/Despading Supervisors and an offshore shutdown team of a minimum of 20 persons.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum Engineering or other related  Engineering field with experience of piping and structural shutdown activities
• Relevant professsional certifications is a plus.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Superintendent (Valves Replacement) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Superintendent (Experienced In Valves Replacement, Spading, Despading)

Ref: TC2551RSD
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience of valves replacement, spading and despading activities on oil and gas installations.
• Able to supervise and manage Spading/Despading valve replacement Supervisors. 
• Highly skilled in performing positive isolation on joints and following intrusive inspection; despading of disturbed joints; flange management of ASME flanges including performing machining on the face of the flange for damaged flanges, bolt tightening/ torqueing on the joints, tagging of joints, installation of blind flange or blind hub, corrective maintenance to replace defective valve and equipment e.t.c.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum Engineering or other related  Engineering field with experience of piping and structural shutdown activities
• Relevant professsional certifications is a plus.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

LATEST Supervisor, Survey Modification & Record (SMR) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Supervisor, Survey Modification & Record (SMR) (Shift Basis)

Ref: TC2511SSM
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Mimimum of 6 years of relevant SMR offshore experience during SHUTDOWN activities on oil and gas installations.
• Must possess experience of preparation of SMR documents; Carrying out survey’s and inspections of oil installation, equipment and materials; Identification of equipment replacement, modifications and repairs to be carried out.
• Highly skilled in performing site survey’s to check the condition of the flanges and the bolts within the Full Field Shutdown scope of works
• Validate the condition of equipment and valve replacement list and develop replacement plan
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related Engineering field with experience of piping and structural

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Supervisor (Valve Replacement) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting 2018

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Supervisor (Experienced In Spade/Despade Valve Replacement - Shift Basis) 

Ref: TC2518DVR
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Mimimum of 6 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience of valves replacement, spading and despading activities on oil and gas installations.
• Highly skilled in performing positive isolation on joints and following intrusive inspection; despading of disturbed joints; flange management of ASME flanges including performing machining on the face of the flange for damaged flanges.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum Engineering or other related Engineering field with experience of piping and structural shutdown activities.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Supervisor (Vessel Drum) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Supervisor (Experienced In Spade/Despade Vessel Drum - Shift Basis)

Ref: TC2741DRM
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience of spading, despading and vessel drum activities on oil and gas installations.
• Highly skilled in performing draining of hydrocarbon products, water flushing, N2 purging, LEL check, etc
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum Engineering or other related Engineering field with experience of piping and structural shutdown activities.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Shutdown Supervisor (Heat Exchanger) at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting 2018

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Shutdown Supervisor (Experienced In Heat Exchanger Open Close - Shift Basis)

Ref: TC2591OCL
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Mimimum of 6 years of relevant offshore SHUTDOWN experience of heat exchange maintenance.
• Highly skilled in conducting performance evaluation, monitoring and trouble shooting of heat exchangers
• Highly skilled in performing repairs of metallurgical defects and modifications
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering or other related Engineering field with experience of heat

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Hydrotest Precommissioning Specialist at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Hydrotest Precommissioning Specialist

Ref: TC6211HPC
Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 – 15 years of relevant hydrotest precommissioning specialist experience in oil and gas installations.
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must be able to work under SIMOPS conditions
• Must possess a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum Engineering or other related Engineering field with experience of piping and structural shutdown activities.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position and the reference code you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

LATEST Project Manager at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of project management experience on oil and gas installations out of which 5 or more years must be in the current position of a Project Manager.
• Able to manage Contractors engineering resources
• Must be able to serve as the primary liaison to contractor’s home office engineering staff for additional work requests.
• Must have in-depth experience of managing all aspects of engineering design and/or construction projects for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
• Skilled in planning and scheduling techniques
• Skilled in coordinating mobilisation of all resources, monitoring progress against agreed schedules, ability to analyse gaps and recommend corrective actions and ensure compliance to clients’ requirements.
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.
• Must be educated to degree level obtained from an accredited and recognised institution.
• Must possess an Engineering or Technical degree from a recognised institution
• Must have COREN certification or equivalent professional engineer certification.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Construction Superintendent at an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company - Taris Consulting

Taris Consulting - Our client, an Upstream & Downstream Oil and Gas Servicing Company with an established facility for the fabrication and construction of various equipment for Oil and Gas Installations, seeks to recruit highly competent, experienced and suitably qualified Nigerians to perform Full Field Shutdown activities located offshore Nigeria.

The Shutdown is for the purpose of performing intrusive inspections on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, and also preventative and corrective maintenance (replacement of defective valves, replacement of sectional piping by welding/flange connection and execution/tie-in of various Site Modifications including electrical and instrumentation which require Full Field Shutdown).

Therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Construction Superintendent

Location: Nigeria

Requirements

• Must possess an engineering or technical degree from an accredited & recognized institution plus 15 years or more experience (20 years’ experience without an engineering/technical degree) in directing field construction and shop fabrication for major projects in the oil, gas, and/or petrochemical industries.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Construction Superintendent in planning and supervising offshore construction work such as installation of platform facilities, hook-up and commissioning and pipeline construction and commissioning.
• Must have good leadership and inter-personal skills, planning, work prioritization and understanding of offshore construction work requirements and be able to work closely with Company’s representatives and Operations staff to ensure a smooth work execution and turnover when installation is complete
• Must possess the relevant HSE experience
• Familiar with and knowledge of the general specifications and procedures of a company.

Application Close Date
10pm; 20th June, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV's, copies of relevant degree qualifications, certificates and a Cover Letter to support their Application to: career@taris.com.ng or career@consulting.taris.com.ng

Note

• Please indicate the job position you are applying for in the subject box of the email.
• Any applications sent after this time and date will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

NEWS: China says not scared after reported U.S. bomber trip over South China Sea

China says not scared after reported U.S. bomber trip over South China Sea

Reuters



FILE PHOTO: U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber flies during the annual recurring multinational, maritime-focused NATO exercise BALTOPS 2017 near Ventspils, Latvia June 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

BEIJING (Reuters) - No military ship or aircraft can scare China away from its resolve to protect its territory, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday after two U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers were reported to have flown near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

CNN reported that the two aircraft flew within the vicinity of the Spratly Islands, where China has reclaimed land and built runways and other facilities on disputed reefs and small islands.

The United States was willing to work with China on a "results-oriented" relationship, but its actions in the South China Sea were coercive and the Pentagon would "compete vigorously" if needed, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.

The United States and China have frequently sparred about who is really militarizing the South China Sea, where China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines all have competing claims.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she hoped the United States could clarify whether it thought sending "this type of offensive weapon" to the South China Sea counted as militarization.

The United States should stop hyping up the issue of militarization and provoking trouble, she said.

"Running amuck is risky," Hua said.

"China won't be scared by any so-called military ship or aircraft, and we will only even more staunchly all necessary steps to defend the country's sovereignty and security, to protect the peace and stability of the South China Sea region."

Last month, China's air force landed bombers on disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of a training exercise, triggering concern in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Satellite photographs taken on May 12 showed China appeared to have deployed truck-mounted surface-to-air missiles or anti-ship cruise missiles at Woody Island in the disputed sea.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel)

Urgent Recruitment For Company Accountant 2018

: Urgently Hiring for a Company Accountant in Lagos

Requirements:

A candidate who can work efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, handle multiple tasks with deadlines and provide transparent and complete reports to management.

The successful candidate must have a firm grasp of accounting and financial practices, policies, and regulations and possess strong computer, verbal and written communication skills.

The ideal person should be prompt,detail-oriented, professional, and analytical.

The candidate must have excellent presentation skills with the ability to successfully communicate simple, to complex quantitative data to decision makers.

Qualification and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Professional qualification ie ACCA, ICAN (a must have)

7-10 years experience in a related role

Kindly send your cvs to piloka@tatcafrica.com