22 dead as migrant truck crashes in western Turkey

22 dead as migrant truck crashes in western Turkey
source: AFP

Demiroren News Agency/AFP / MEHMET CANDAN The truck's back end appeared to be an open container into which the migrants had been crammed

Twenty-two people, including children, died on Sunday when a vehicle carrying migrants reportedly heading for EU member Greece plunged off the highway into a waterway in western Turkey.

The vehicle was travelling on a highway near Izmir airport when it flipped over and fell into the channel several metres below, state-run Anadolu news agency said.

The nationality of the migrants was not immediately clear, but 22 people died in the crash and another 13 others were hurt, the agency said, hiking an earlier toll of 19 dead.

Turkish television pictures showed the wreckage of the vehicle upside-down in the river channel, reduced to burned-out metal by the impact of the crash with corpses strewn alongside it.

Rescue workers later used a crane to lift it on to the road, with images showing the vehicle's back end was simply an open container into which the migrants had been crammed.

- Driver survives -


 Demiroren News Agency/AFP / MEHMET CANDAN The impact of the crash left only a skeleton of burnt-out twisted metal


The DHA news agency said the driver, a 35-year-old Turkish national, had survived, telling police he had swerved to avoid an oncoming white vehicle.

The man had a standard 'B' license to drive a car did not have the required papers to drive a vehicle of that size, it said.

The truck had been hired for four days.

Among the dead were two babies, two children and a pregnant woman, it said.

The driver was expected to be arrested after leaving hospital, Anadolu reported, saying regional prosecutors had opened an investigation.

DHA said the vehicle was headed for the coast of the Izmir region, from where the migrants were to have tried to reach Greece's Samos island. In the truck with them were several inflatable dinghies.

Samos is just a few kilometres north of Turkey's Dilek peninsula that juts out from the Izmir region.

- Key transit point -


 AFP / Gillian HANDYSIDE Izmir

Turkey is a key transit point for migrants from troubled countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa seeking a new life in Europe.

A million migrants crossed from Turkey into Greece in 2015, mostly by boats, in a crisis which forced a deal between Ankara and the EU to stem the flow of people.

Numbers have fallen since but people are still undertaking what is a highly perilous journey and the flow has ticked up this year from 2017.

According to UN figures, more than 24,500 migrants have arrived in Greece by sea so far this year, with 118 people losing their lives via this route.

Last week, eight migrants were found drowned off the Karaburun district, also in Izmir province, after their boat capsized.

Twenty-six others are still officially listed as missing after that accident, according to Anadolu.

The trips of migrants towards Greece are often organised by smugglers who demand hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars per person to sort out the logistics.

After the disaster off Karaburun, four suspected smugglers were arrested following evidence given by an Iraqi who survived, Anadolu said. They had demanded a fee of $1,500 from each migrant.

The Hurriyet daily said investigators were now looking into whether the same smuggling network behind the Karaburun disaster was also linked to the migrants caught up in the truck accident.

Eleven people also died on in northern Greece on Saturday when a car thought to be carrying migrants crashed head-on with a truck and burst into flames.

Merkel's Bavarian allies suffer historic election losses

Merkel's Bavarian allies suffer historic election losses
source: AFP


AFP / John MACDOUGALL The outcome spells a new headache for Chancellor Angela Merkel just over six months after she forged a fragile "grand coalition" with the CSU and the reluctant SPD

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative CSU allies suffered historic losses in Bavaria state elections Sunday, dealing a blow to her fragile three-party coalition government.

The Christian Social Union (CSU) scored 37 percent, a steep 10-point drop from four years ago in the wealthy Alpine state it has ruled almost single-handedly since the 1960s.

As a result, it loses its absolute majority and must scramble for coalition allies -- likely the conservative Free Voters, who won 11 percent.

Merkel's other national governing partner, the over 150-year-old Social Democrats (SPD), halved their ballot box support to 9.6 percent, ceding the position of Bavaria's second biggest political force to the Greens.

"Debacle for CSU and SPD," ran the online headline of Bild daily, while Der Spiegel called it a "bitter defeat" for Bavaria's traditional ruling party.


AFP / Odd ANDERSEN Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder conceded the result was "painful"


State premier Markus Soeder, 51, conceded the result was "painful", while CSU party chief and national Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said "it was not a nice day for us".

The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), which rails against Muslims and demands that "Merkel must go", won 11 percent and entered the 15th of Germany's 16 state assemblies.

The head of Italy's far-right League, deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, hailed the rise of the AfD at the expense of the older and bigger parties, saying that "in Bavaria, change has won" and adding an "arrivederci" (goodbye) to Merkel.

- 'Bitter losses' -

For Merkel, in power for 13 years, the Bavaria election spells a new headache just over half a year since she managed to forge a fragile "grand coalition" with the CSU and a reluctant SPD.

The "bitter" losses in Bavaria reflect voter dismay over recent coalition infighting in Berlin, conceded the CDU's general secretary Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

She said this "must serve as a warning for the German CDU" ahead of another dangerous state election, in Hesse state, two weeks from now.


DPA/AFP / Karl-Josef Hildenbrand The result shatters old certainties for the CSU, which has dominated the state known for its fairytale castles, Oktoberfest and crucifixes in classrooms

SPD leader Andrea Nahles conceded a "bad result for the SPD ... and for all mainstream parties" that she attributed partially to "the bad performance of the grand coalition in Berlin".

The AfD's Alice Weidel, meanwhile, jubilantly declared that Merkel's government "is not a grand coalition but a mini-coalition" and demanded she "clear the way for new elections".

The Bavaria poll result shattered old certainties for the CSU, which had long dominated politics in the state known for its fairytale castles, Oktoberfest and crucifixes on classroom walls.

- Migration fight -

Since Germany's mass migrant influx of 2015, the CSU has hardened its folksy brand of beerhall politics with increasingly aggressive anti-immigration and law-and-order positions.


AFP / Odd ANDERSEN German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer is Merkel's harshest internal critic


At the national level, Seehofer became Merkel's harshest internal critic, echoing the AfD's rhetoric about the more than one million refugee and migrant arrivals.

The poll result Sunday showed that Seehofer's brinkmanship in Berlin backfired as voters worried about immigration defected to the AfD, while those turned off by the harsh new tone drifted to the Greens.

"If you copy the far right, you lose," gloated the Greens' national co-leader Annalena Baerbock.


DPA/AFP / Bernd von Jutrczenka "If you copy the far right, you lose," gloated the Greens' national co-leader Annalena Baerbock, shown here with the other co-leader, Robert Habeck

A poll by public broadcaster ARD showed that most voters blame Berlin-based politicians for the CSU's poor performance.

While 56 percent saw Seehofer as the chief culprit, 24 percent pointed to Merkel, followed by Soeder at eight percent.

Seehofer, 69, has already declared he intends to stay on and "complete my mission" as interior minister.

The Bavaria election served as a painful bellwether of the national mood.

Across Germany, support for the CDU-CSU conservative union dropped to an all-time low of 26 percent, according to an Emnid poll for Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

In second place, Germany-wide, were the SPD and Greens, neck-and-neck at 17 percent each, followed by the AfD at 15 percent.

THE LATEST Full-Time Söderberg Scholarships at Lund University in Sweden, 2019

Full-Time Söderberg Scholarships at Lund University in Sweden, 2019

The Lund University is offering scholarships for the students to pursue the postgraduate degree program. The Söderberg Scholarship is an academic excellence award targeting top Master in Management students outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Course Level: The scholarship is available to study the postgraduate degree program.
Eligible Countries: The scholarship is available for the citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you must meet the following two criteria:

3. You are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, hence required to pay a tuition fee
4. You have completed the application to Master’s in Management ranked it as your number one choice, and paid the application fee
5. . Applicants with the first degree from a recognized university and academically talented, disadvantaged based on the criteria of disability, socioeconomic status, and are not engaged at work at all or have been engaged at work but couldn’t able to cover their study expenses will be eligible for the scholarship.
6. Have financial difficulty to finance graduate university education and,
7. Have leadership/community giveback experience or potential.

Method of Application: To apply for The Söderberg Scholarship, you must first apply to the Master’s in Management via the University admissions website and ranked it as your number one choice. Once you have completed the application and paid the application fee, you will be invited to complete the LU Global scholarship application form.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: February 15, 2019

THE LATEST Erasmus Mundus SERP-Chem MSc Scholarships in EU, 2019

Erasmus Mundus SERP-Chem MSc Scholarships in EU, 2019

The new International Master SERP-Chem Scholarship is now available for the duration of two years. Erasmus Mundus scholarships will be awarded to both European and non-European students.
The Master SERP-Chem aims at training young students in the most performing experimental and theoretical tools used and developed in chemistry and physical-chemistry and Material Science.
Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue Master degree programme.
Scholarship can be taken in This international study programme stems from existing scientific links between participating institutions.
Students enrolled in the two-year programme will attend lectures in at least two different countries of their choice:

Eligible Countries: Erasmus Mundus scholarships will be awarded to both European and non-European students. The number of scholarships offered will be defined on a yearly basis.
Category B scholarships are awarded to:

• Students who are nationals of any EU member state
• Students who are nationals from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and Macedonia
• Students who have resided or carried out their main activities (studies, work, etc.) in any of the above mentioned countries for more than 12 months over the past five years

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants should have or should be in process to get a Bachelor (BS) degree at the time of the application. The proof of the Bachelor degree (diploma or certificate) will be asked when entering the master in September. An applicant with a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is not English is required to provide official score reports from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other criteria to be taken into account are awards and external references. If submitted before the deadline your application for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship is automatically proceeded together with the admission. Application to the SERP-Chem programme after the deadline of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is possible for applicants self financed.
Please note that students already holding a master degree can be accepted in the second year of the master at the University of Paris-Sud.
The criteria and respective weights are the following:

• 50%: academic workloads (including appropriateness of the curriculum (and diploma) to the present Master, marks and grade in studies),
• 10%: home institution ranking (Shanghai ranking and/or CHE),
• 10%: English,
• 10%: recommendation of professionals,
• 10%: motivation letter,
• 10%: professional experience.

Method of Application: To apply to the SERP+ programme please enter your email address in the box below and press the submit button. You will received and email from us containing a link to follow in order to fill all the required information for the registration to the SERP+ programme. You will have the opportunity to come back at any time to complete, submit or check the status of your registration.
All documents must be in English. Only certified translations will be accepted. All documents translated to English must come with a copy of the original document. Original transcripts of records and degree certificates in French, Italian, Portuguese and Polish can be accepted.
All documents must be uploaded as a PDF file.
All documents must be uploaded through the online application form. Documents cannot be sent by post or email.
During the application process, you will be asked to submit the following information:

1. Your CV (2 pages maximum) as a PDF file
2. A cover letter (motivation letter, 2 pages maximum) as PDF file
3. Your grades as PDF file. Upload your grades since the first year of your Bachelor studies(including an explanation of the grading system used at your university). Only official, signed and stamped transcripts of records will be taken into consideration. Student copies or any other non-official documents will be disregarded. If you already hold a Master degree, please upload the grades that you have obtained during both your Bachelor and your Master degrees.
4. Bachelor or Master degree diploma/certificate as PDF file(if you already obtained it)
5. Passport (or identity card for students from the European Union) as PDF file
6. Proof of your place of residency as PDF file. This can be a certificate from your place of study (e.g. student card), work (e.g. contract), or a residence certificate in accordance with your municipality registration, issued less that 12 months before the application deadline.
7. Proof of english proficiency

Please note that an applicant from an institution where the language of instruction is English is not required to provide any official test results. In that case, you must upload a document certifying it (transcript of records, letter of your institution, etc.). In all other cases, the applicant must provide one of the following tests:

• TOEFL:
  • Paper Based Test: 550 or higher
  • Computer Based Test: 213 or higher
  • Internet Based Test: 82 or higher
• IELTS: 6.0 points or higher
• Cambridge Certificates: Cambridge English First (FCE), Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE). If you have any doubt, please contact us before applying.

If you have any doubt, please contact us before applying.

8. Recommendation letter on letterhead paper and hand signed(optional)
9. Contact details of a referee. This referee must be able to evaluate your scientific knowledge(e.g. professor or internship supervisor). The SERP+ office will contact him/her in order to request a recommendation letter. This is your responsibility to ensure that your referee will answer our request on time. In addition, please note that the referee must have a valid institutional email address. All Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses will be disregarded. As soon as the status of your application is “Checked”, this means that an email has been sent to your referee. If he/she has not received anything, your referee needs to check the spam box and will have 2 weeks to submit a recommendation in your favour.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: February 15, 2019

THE LATEST MSc Scholarships at University of Edinburgh Business School in UK, 2019

MSc Scholarships at University of Edinburgh Business School in UK, 2019

Applications are invited for UK & EU Business School Scholarships for students commencing the study of one of university’s Masters Courses in September 2019. Scholarships are available to UK and EU students.
Applicants have or will have achieved the minimum required score in one of University’s accepted English language tests.
Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue Master degree programme.
Eligible Countries: Scholarships are available to UK and EU students.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Decisions will be made based on merit. Scholarships will be awarded to offer holders based on the following criteria:

• Are able to demonstrate excellent academic performance
• Are on track to obtain, or who have graduated with a minimum high 2.1 or 1st UK undergraduate degree or overseas equivalent
• Have previously studied at a University with a strong academic reputation and ranking
• Have the potential to contribute to and enrich all aspects of the Master’s programme and the diverse academic and cultural profile of the Masters class

Method of Application: No additional application process is required. The School will offer scholarships to offer holders based on their MSc application taking into consideration academic qualifications and results as well as other achievements.
Scholarships will be offered based on merit and to the highest calibre applicants (see Scholarship criteria) and based on the candidate’s application for the Masters course.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: Open for application

THE LATEST Voldemar Jaanberg Scholarships at University of Tartu in Estonia, 2019

Voldemar Jaanberg Scholarships at University of Tartu in Estonia, 2019

The University of Tartu is offering Voldemar Jaanberg Scholarships for Estonian students in 2018. Scholarships are available to pursue Master/Doctoral/Research Fellow/Lecturers of School Degree program.
Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue Master/Doctoral/Research Fellow/Lecturers of School Degree program.
Eligible Countries: The scholarship is available for Estonia citizens.
Eligibility Criteria: Students who comply with the following conditions can apply for the scholarship:

• The recipient of the scholarship must be a master’s candidate, a doctoral candidate, or a research fellow or lecturer (who is up to 41 years old and has defended his/her doctoral-level degree) of the School of Economics and Business Administration of the University of Tartu.
• Upon granting the scholarship, the academic achievements (master’s candidates, doctoral candidates), professional performance and social activities are taken into account.
• If the applicant has graduated from a university other than the University of Tartu then we kindly ask the first year students to add the grade report of their previous studies to the application.

Method of Application:  Applicant must submit an electronic application which includes information about the applicant and a recommendation from a lecturer.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: November 1, 2018

THE LATEST Fully Funded Scholarships at Monash University in Australia, 2019

Fully Funded Scholarships at Monash University in Australia, 2019

Monash University, Australia offers up to 31 full scholarships to international students undertaking Undergraduate or Postgraduate (coursework) degree at the University.
Course Level: Undergraduate or Postgraduate (coursework) degree
Eligible Countries: International
Eligibility Criteria: 

• International student.
• Commencing students with a full Monash course offer or continuing students that have completed a minimum of 2 semesters
• Undertaking a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree at a Monash campus in Australia
• Current students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) MBBS must have completed at least 3 semesters.

Selection Criteria: 

• Based on academic achievement.
• Current students must have achieved a minimum 85 WAM
• Students will also be assessed on their scholarship application statement (500 words), and their potential to be an ambassador for Monash University.
• Preference will be given to commencing students.

Number of Awardees: 31
Value of Scholarship: 100% course fees paid until the minimum number of points for your degree are completed (excludes OSHC, accommodation and living costs).
Duration of Scholarship: Duration of programme. However, you must maintain a distinction average (70% or above) each semester to retain this scholarship.
Method of Application: 

• You must submit a separate application form for this scholarship (due dates as above).
• Before applying for this scholarship, you must have received a full Monash course offer with no conditions.
• Do not submit supporting documentation with your application – this will not be considered.

Scholarship links
Scholarship Application Deadline:

• Round one: 15th October 2018
• Round two: 15th November 2018
• Round three: 15th January 2019
• Round four: 15th March 2019
• Round five: 15th April 2019
• Round six: 15th May 2019

Award Provider: Monash University

THE LATEST 2019 Yale Young Global Scholarships At Yale University in USA

2019 Yale Young Global Scholarships At Yale University in USA

The Yale University – USA is inviting applications from International students who are looking to acquire a degree program at the Institution.
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a summer academic enrichment and leadership program for outstanding high school students from around the world.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Eligible Countries: International
Eligibility Criteria:  In order to apply to YYGS, applicants MUST fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Age: Be at least 15 years old by February 6, 2019 (application deadline).
• English Fluency: Be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
• Grade Level: Be a current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent).
• Graduation Date: Be graduating in May/June 2020 or 2021 from the Northern Hemisphere, or in Nov./Dec. 2019 or 2020 from the Southern Hemisphere.

Method of Application:

• Step 1: Review the YYGS eligibility criteria.
• Step 2: Review the YYGS application required components.
• Step 3: Review a PDF of a sample blank application, and start preparing to answer as many application questions as possible.
• Step 4: You will need to submit contact information for a parent/guardian, teacher, and/or official at your school. Reach out to them as soon as possible to review the PDF of a sample blank application with you, and be sure to collect the information you need.
• Step 5: Click APPLY NOW and start your 2019 application. Be sure to write down the email and password you use in case you need to login again to continue the application.
• Step 6: Contact YYGS Staff with ANY/ALL questions as you complete the application. The earlier you contact us, the more likely that we can help you by the deadline.
• Step 7: Check the “Review” page of the application to see if you are missing any required components, and go back into any pages that require further information.
• Step 8: Once your application is complete, on the “Review” page please click on the “Finalize & Pay” button at the bottom of the page.
• Step 9: Pay the $60 USD application fee. If you submitted a Fee Waiver Request*, this page will automatically skip.
  *YYGS staff will contact you if your Fee Waiver Request is denied to let you know that your application will not be reviewed until the $60 YYGS application fee is paid.
• Step 10: Keep an eye out for an email from YYGS that confirms receipt of your completed application. Please note that confirmation emails usually arrive within 24-48 hours of submission, as there are sometimes delays in payment processing. Questions? Please contact us.

Scholarship link
Scholarship Application Deadline: 6th February 2019

THE LATEST Novo Nordisk International Talent Programme at University of Copenhagen, 2019/2020

Novo Nordisk International Talent Programme at University of Copenhagen, 2019/2020

Novo Nordisk International Talent Programme is awarded to students from select universities in the world to study at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Students from Africa for the programme this year are expected to come from the University of Cape Town and other IARU Universities (See Universities List below).
Eligible Universities: The International Alliance of Research Universities are:

• University of Cape Town 

Others are:

• Australian National University
• ETH, Zürich
• National University of Singapore
• Peking University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• The University of Tokyo
• Yale University

Harvard University is also included in the Novo Nordisk International Talent Program.
Eligible Field of Study: Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Biology, Biology-Biotechnology, Public Health, Food Innovation and Health, Global Health, Human Nutrition, Human Biology, Human Physiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Health Informatics, Chemistry, Medicine, Medicine and Technology, Molecular Biomedicine, Nanoscience and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Course Level: Masters
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to apply, candidate must:

• be enrolled in a degree programme at a IARU university or Harvard University
• apply for admission to UCPH as an exchange or guest student
• study at third year Bachelor’s level or Master’s level while at UCPH in one of the following programmes:
  Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Biology, Biology-Biotechnology, Public Health, Food Innovation and Health, Global Health, Human Nutrition, Human Biology, Human Physiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Health Informatics, Chemistry, Medicine, Medicine and Technology, Molecular Biomedicine, Nanoscience and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• meet a GPA requirement of minimum 3
• engage in study activities pertaining to metabolism, insulin, haemoglobin and obesity

Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: 

• The scholarship may be spent towards the cost of tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, and other expenses incurred in connection with studying abroad at UCPH.
• The scholarship will typically amount to approximately EURO € 1200 a month. Depending on the costs and length of the study abroad at UCPH, it may increase up to EURO € 26000 in total.

Duration of Scholarship: Scholarships are awarded for up to one academic year.
Method of Application: To submit an application, you will be required to prepare following documents:

• Application form
• A copy of your transcript of records in English, including both Bachelor’s and Master’s grades

The application comprises of an application form, containing a motivated study plan and a list of the courses you plan to attend during your studies abroad as well ad enclosed transcripts of records, including both Bachelor’s and Matser’s grades (if applicable). The application and requested documents are submitted through this link.
You will be requested to submit your GPA, including both Bachelor’s and Master’s grades – if you have Master’s grades.
Visit Scholarship Webpage for details
Important Notes: Candidates may expect to hear about the outcome of their application 4-8 weeks after the application deadline.

China bemoans 'confusing' US signals but holds hope for a Trump-Xi meet

China bemoans 'confusing' US signals but holds hope for a Trump-Xi meet
source: AFP

AFP/File / Nicolas ASFOURI US President Donald Trump (L) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a November 2017 meeting in Beijing; the relationship has since cooled considerably

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will "probably" meet at a G20 summit next month, a US official said Sunday, as both sides seek answers for a badly strained relationship that a Chinese official called "very confusing."

"The presidents will probably meet at the G20 in Buenos Aires," Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on the "Fox News Sunday" program.

But he added that trade talks with China -- with each side imposing a mounting series of tariffs on the other, raising fears of a shock to the global economy -- had so far been "unsatisfactory."

"The relationship has not been positive lately," Kudlow said.

China's ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, raised similar doubts about the relationship between the world's two largest economic powers.

Also appearing on Fox, he said China has grown frustrated in trade talks because of conflicting signals from the Trump administration. Cui said other ambassadors in Washington shared his frustration.

"They don't know who was the final decision-maker" in the administration, he said. "Of course, presumably the president would take the final decision. But who is playing what role? It can be very confusing."

Chinese officials have complained before about receiving mixed signals from Trump's economic team. One Chinese official appealed in June to "our American interlocutors to be credible and consistent" while another called the US side "capricious."

- Litany of complaints -

The latest airing of grievances occurred at the end of a week that saw a sharp drop in the US stock market, which analysts blamed partly on uncertainties sparked by the trans-Pacific trade dispute.

At a World Bank/International Monetary Fund meeting this week in Bali, global finance chiefs warned that the US-China trade spat, coupled with rising US interest rates and tanking emerging-market currencies, could push the world to financial crisis. They added, however, that there was still time to avert such a disaster.

Trump has levied billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese imports as he presses Beijing to change restrictive trade practices that he says unfairly hurt American businesses and innovators.

His move comes at a time when the US economy has been growing robustly while Chinese growth has slowed, adding to the pressure on Beijing.

But some Americans -- like soybean farmers whose product is being priced out of China's market by its retaliatory tariffs -- are also suffering.

- 'American intervention' -

The differences between the two sides extend beyond trade, both Cui and Kudlow acknowledged.

Cui complained about a recent incident in which a US navy ship, in a so-called "freedom of navigation" exercise, sailed close to a disputed island claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea, where China has steadily extended its presence.

"This is a very good example of American intervention into Chinese internal affairs," Cui said, adding that US officials would not be pleased to see Chinese warships in the Gulf of Mexico.

Kudlow said that relations have "not been positive lately, and we have to have reciprocity in all of these areas: trade, security, military issues. That's what is at stake."

Earlier this month, US Vice President Mike Pence issued a long litany of complaints against China. He accused Beijing of "predatory" trade practices, of military "aggression," of attacks on personal freedoms and religious minorities, and even of electoral interference aimed at unseating Trump by running ads in American newspapers.

Cui replied on Fox that Chinese media were "just learning from American media to use all these means to buy commercial pages from newspapers," adding, "This is a normal practice for all the media."

But the ambassador also held out hope for the Buenos Aires meeting.

Two earlier encounters between the presidents, he said, had made it "clear that such top-level communication played a key role, irreplaceable role in guiding the relationship forward. And there is good mutual understanding and good working relationship between the two.

"I hope, and I'm sure, this will continue."

Brexit talks in crisis over Irish border ahead of crunch summit

Brexit talks in crisis over Irish border ahead of crunch summit
source: AFP

POOL/AFP / HENRY NICHOLLS Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has had trouble convincing her own cabinet of her Brexit plans

Last-ditch talks between London and Brussels' chief Brexit negotiators failed to agree a draft divorce settlement on Sunday, still blocked on the issue of the Northern Irish border just days before a make-or-break European Union summit.

Britain's Brexit pointman Dominic Raab made an unannounced trip to the EU capital for talks with his opposite number Michel Barnier, briefly raising hopes that a deal might be in the offing.

But negotiations ended without a breakthrough, including on the issue of trade to and from Northern Ireland, which has emerged as a possible deal breaker and even a threat to Prime Minister Theresa May's leadership.

Diplomatic sources in Brussels confirmed to AFP that negotiations have been suspended until Wednesday, when the leaders of the other 27 EU member states will be in town on the eve of their October summit, which had already been billed as a "moment of truth".

"We met today Dominic Raab and UK negotiating team. Despite intense efforts, some key issues are still open, including the backstop for IE/NI to avoid a hard border," Barnier tweeted, referring to EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that a meeting of the "diplomatic sherpas" -- senior officials representing the leaders of EU members -- that had been planned for Monday to review a draft deal has been cancelled.

"The commission informed the ambassadors that no deal was reached today. There will be no further negotiations until the summit," one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Other sources familiar with Barnier's meeting with EU ambassadors confirmed this, and one added that "certain countries insisted that preparations for a 'no deal' be accelerated."

Raab's department said "real progress" had been made in some areas, but admitted "there remain a number of unresolved issues relating to the backstop."

"The UK is still committed to making progress at the October European Council," it promised, referring to this week's Brussels summit.

With Britain set to leave the bloc at the end of March, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker had demanded "substantial progress" this week, and Raab's visit stoked optimism.

"With several big issues still to resolve, including the Northern Ireland backstop, it was jointly agreed that face-to-face talks were necessary" ahead of the summit, Raab's department had said.

A senior British government source played down initial reports a deal had already been done, saying there are still some "big issues" to be resolved and "Dominic has gone out there to try to resolve the outstanding issues".

- 'Hell week' -


AFP / Paul FAITH Britain's border with Ireland remains a key sticking point in Theresa May's negotiations with both Brussels and her own coalition


Sunday's flurry of activity came as May prepared to face what one newspaper cartoon dubbed "hell week".

On Tuesday, she will rake over the Irish border issue with her cabinet, amid speculation that more ministers could resign if she ploughs on with her proposals.

David Davis, who quit as Brexit secretary in July over May's broad blueprint, wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper her plans were "completely unacceptable" and urged ministers to "exert their collective authority" this week.


 AFP / Oli SCARFF Former Brexit minister David Davis calls May's EU exit blueprint "completely unacceptable", raising speculation other ministers could follow his example and quit the cabinet over her proposals

Then on Wednesday, May goes to Brussels, still facing the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

Neither London, Dublin nor Brussels wants to see checks imposed on the border, but the problem persists of finding a way to square that aim with Britain's decision to leave the European single market and the customs union.

Britain has proposed sticking with EU customs rules after Brexit as a fallback option to keep the border open, until a wider trade deal is agreed that avoids the need for frontier checks.

May says this will only be temporary, but her spokeswoman was forced to clarify the point after media reports that the final "backstop" arrangement will have no legal ending date.

The EU's suggestion would see Northern Ireland remain aligned with Brussels' rules, thus varying from the rest of the United Kingdom.

- Pro-Brexit fury -


AFP / Iris ROYER DE VERICOURT Profile of Arlene Foster


May's plans have infuriated the pro-Brexit core of her centre-right Conservative Party -- not to mention her Northern Irish allies in the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

The minority Conservative government relies on the DUP, Northern Ireland's biggest party, for a thin majority in parliament, but it has threatened to vote down the government's budget if May gives way to Brussels.

burs-dc/b

Deadline passes for Syria's Idlib buffer without jihadists leaving

Deadline passes for Syria's Idlib buffer without jihadists leaving
source: AFP

AFP / OMAR HAJ KADOUR Under a deal reached in September by opposition backer Turkey and regime ally Russia rebels and jihadists in Syria were means to have pulled out heavy weapons from a planned buffer zone by October 10

A deadline passed Monday without jihadists leaving a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib as set out under a Russian-Turkish deal.

The radical fighters were supposed to withdraw from the buffer as a final condition to implementing a Russian-Turkish deal to stave off a regime offensive on the northwestern region of Idlib.

The accord hung in the balance on the early hours of Monday, seven years into a grinding civil war that has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions.

Just hours before the cut-off time, Idlib's dominant jihadist group vowed to continue to fight but did not give a clear position on the deal reached in the Russia resort of Sochi.

"We have not abandoned our choice of jihad and fighting towards implementing our blessed revolution," said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance led by the jihadists of Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate.


AFP / Sophie RAMIS Idlib, the last rebel stronghold


"We appreciate the efforts of all those who strive inside and abroad to protect the liberated area," it said in an apparent reference to Turkey.

"But at the same time, we warn of the deceitfulness of the Russian occupier," it said of the regime's ally.

Under the accord, heavy weapons were meant to have been withdrawn from the horseshoe-shaped buffer by October 10 and radical fighters were meant to have left by Monday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had not observed any jihadists leaving the outlined demilitarised area by the time midnight struck.

And deadly mortar rounds fired late Saturday from the planned buffer, according to the Britain-based monitor, appeared to indicate the first part of the deal was not fully implemented either.

- Excuse for a fight? -

"The jihadists not withdrawing gives the regime and Russia an excuse to carry out a military operation at least within the demilitarised zone," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

HTS had likely "tried to gain time by neither explicitly refusing nor accepting the deal" between Russia and Turkey, he said.

Sam Heller, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, on Twitter said the HTS announcement appeared to be a "tacit agreement of the Sochi deal".

"HTS emphasizes its responsibility and flexibility (within limits), which seemingly adds up to a tacit acceptance of the Sochi deal," he wrote.

Late Saturday, "heavy mortar shells" were fired from the planned buffer area into regime territory, killing two soldiers, the Observatory said.

Rebels and jihadists had reportedly fulfilled the first part of the deal, with Turkish officials, armed factions and the Observatory reporting that the area was free of heavy-duty weaponry.

But the shells which Saturday hit an army position in Hama province appear to have violated the accord.

But it was unclear which groups fired the mortars late Saturday, it said, as both the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front and rival jihadist factions were present in the area.

The NLF -- which holds just under half of the Idlib region and has welcomed the accord -- did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment on the shelling.

- 'Vast ramifications' -

The lion's share of Idlib is held by HTS, as well as more hardline jihadists like Hurras al-Deen and Ansar al-Islam.

Those fighters also control more than two-thirds of the planned buffer zone and are supposed to withdraw by Monday.

Hurras al-Deen has publicly rejected the agreement, although it apparently withdrew its heavy arms from the area last week.


AFP / Aaref WATAD Syrian rebel-fighters with the National Liberation Front (NLF) stand on a hill overlooking regime-held areas in the northwestern countryside of Aleppo province on October 9, 2018


HTS, widely considered the most powerful force in Idlib, had quietly abided by the deal's first deadline and re-stationed heavy arms elsewhere.

But getting them to agree to the second part of the deal has proven more difficult.

In a recent report for the Turkey-based Omran Center, expert Nawar Oliver described HTS's approval as the deal's ultimate "test".

"If HTS acts as a spoiler to the agreement on the ground, this will probably lead to one of two scenarios: either Turkey and the NLF launch military action against HTS, or Russia will seize the opportunity with the support of the regime and its allies to enter Idlib," he said.

"The ramifications of that move could be vast," he added.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other top government officials have warned that the Idlib deal was only a "temporary" measure.

On Friday, residents around Idlib received warning messages on their mobile phones from the Syrian army.

"Get away from the fighters. Their fate is sealed and near," one said.

US's Harris, L3 merging to form a defense-technology giant

US's Harris, L3 merging to form a defense-technology giant
source: AFP

AFP/File / JIM WATSON The Mobius aircraft system seen here, which can be piloted by a pilot or remotely, was designed by defense technology firm L3, which on Sunday announced a merger with another big defense firm, Harris Corporation

Harris and L3 Technologies, two American companies specializing in military communications and technology, announced their merger on Sunday, giving birth to a giant in the sector.

The merger "of equals" will be achieved through a share swap, according to a joint communique. L3 shareholders will receive 1.30 Harris shares for each L3 share.

When the merger has been finalized -- both companies' boards have approved it, but governmental approval is still required -- Harris shareholders will control a 54 percent share of the combined company, while L3's will hold the remaining 46 percent.

Harris was recently selected to provide the electronic "brain" for the US military's next-generation F-35, a multi-role fighter-bomber plane, as well as for more than 1,500 portable communication systems for the army.

Harris also supplies US special forces units.

The company had annual revenue of $6.2 billion for the fiscal year that ended in June. It has more than 17,000 employees and has offices in approximately 100 countries, according to its website.

L3, also an important Pentagon supplier, has 31,000 employees. It reported annual revenue in 2017 of $9.6 billion.

The merged entity -- to be called L3 Harris Technologies Inc. -- will be the sixth-largest US defense company and one of the 10 largest in the world, with 48,000 employees and clients in 100 countries.

In calendar year 2018, the new company expects net revenue of $16 billion, with pre-tax profits of $2.4 billion and available cash flow of $1.9 billion, according to the communique.

The deal is expected to result in synergies generating $500 million in savings, with savings by the third year of $300 million due to the consolidation of headquarters, elimination of redundancies, and other measures.

L3 Harris Technologies plans to invest $450 million in cash over that period as it integrates the two companies.

The merger is expected to be completed by mid-2019. The resulting company will be based in Melbourne, Florida, Harris's home.

Each company will contribute six members to the new 12-person board of directors.

For the first two years, Harris's CEO, William M. Brown, will become chairman and CEO of the new company, while L3's CEO, Christopher Kubasik, will be vice president and chief operating officer. Afterward, Kubasik will become chairman and CEO while Brown becomes executive chairman.

Last-gasp Biraghi saves Italy, gives Mancini first competitive win

Last-gasp Biraghi saves Italy, gives Mancini first competitive win
source: AFP

 AFP / Janek SKARZYNSKI Defender Cristiano Biraghi (L) scored his first goal for Italy.

Cristiano Biraghi snatched a late victory to give new Italy coach Roberto Mancini his first competitive victory and keep the Azzurri's Nations League hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Poland in their League A Group 3 clash in Chorzow on Sunday.

Defender Biraghi, 26, slid in the winner two minutes into injury time for his first goal for Italy in a game his team had dominated. The defeat ensured Poland were relegated to League B.

It gives Mancini his first competitive victory since taking over as Italy coach last May, after the four-time world champions failure to qualify for the World Cup.

"A new cycle has already begun," said Mancini

"We dominated the game, we had to score the first goal, it would have been unfair to finish 0-0.

"All the lads are trying to do their best. It's a good win in a very good game."

Fiorentina defender Biraghi made the sign '13' with his hands when he scored, as he dedicated his first goal to former Italy and Fiorentina captain Davide Astori who died of a heart attack last March.

"I owe everything to him. I'm here thanks to Davide who was a mentor for me," said Biraghi, who was called up to Italy for the first time last month at the age of 26.

European champions Portugal lead the three-team group with six points from two games with Italy on four points after three games with Poland relegated to League B with one point.

Mancini stuck with the same eleven he started with in last Wednesday's 1-1 draw against the Ukraine with Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Chiesa leading the attack.

Nicolo Barella, 21, was chosen to start over Lorenzo Pellegrini in midfield after making his international debut in Genoa.

Poland opted for the strike partnership of Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik over Genoa forward Krzysztof Piatek, who has scored 14 goals in ten competitive games for club and country.

Italy had the best of the first half but once again demonstrated their difficulty finishing off.

Jorginho rattled the bar within the first minute, with Federico Chiesa also hitting the woodwork after half an hour in the Silesian Stadium.

Poland could thank Wojciech Szczesny for keeping them in the game with the under-pressure goalkeeper denying Alessandro Florenzi, Jorginho, Federico Bernardeschi and Juventus teammate Giorgio Chiellini in the first half.

Italy had a goal disallowed after 65 minutes following a well-worked pass between Bernardeschi and Marco Verratti with Insigne offside in the box.

Poland also had a couple of chances in the second half with Kamil Grosicki denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Arkadiusz Milik curling over.

- 'Never say die attitude' -


AFP / Marco BERTORELLO Roberto Mancini got his first competitive win as Italy coach.


Just when it looked as if both sides would settle for a draw, off the last corner, substitute Kevin Lasagna, who made his international debut, steered in for the Biraghi to finish off.

"It had looked as if the match was jinxed," said Biraghi.

"The minutes were going by and the ball wouldn't go in.

"When you create a lot and the ball doesn't go in you start to get nervous, even risk losing.

"Instead we stayed calm and believed until the end. This victory is thanks to the group's never say die attitude."

The result ensures Italy stayed in the tier ahead of December's Euro 2020 qualifying draw.

Italy next host Portugal on November 17 with Poland playing in Portugal three days later.

English players overworked after World Cup, says Southgate

English players overworked after World Cup, says Southgate
source: AFP

 AFP / JORGE GUERRERO England manager Gareth Southgate gives a press conference at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on Sunday

Gareth Southgate believes English players have been hampered by the Premier League starting so soon after the World Cup.

England's top flight began on Friday August 10, less than a month after England had been knocked out by Croatia in the semi-finals in Russia.

The first divisions in France and Italy began on the same weekend, but La Liga in Spain kicked off on August 17 and the Bundesliga in Germany on August 24.

"When you see the league, a lot of teams haven't started yet at their maximum. There have been lot of injuries across our league," Southgate said on Sunday.

"I don't really understand why our league started so early, but they did, and it was a really difficult situation for the clubs.

"Some of the clubs couldn't field a team without...look at Tottenham, who had so many players in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

"It was an impossible situation for their coaches really.”

England face Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, hoping to improve on their 2-1 defeat at Wembley last month, when the scoreline did not do Spain's dominance justice.

Spain then thrashed Croatia 6-0 and can seal top spot in Group 4 with a victory in Seville, while England are scrapping to avoid relegation.

"We know their technical ability," Southgate said. "But we have to cause them problems with the ball. We can't just defend for 90 minutes.

"We were more comfortable in the last 30 minutes at Wembley, but we have to do that earlier in the game, be brave enough to use the ball well, and cause them problems."

England have switched from a three to a four-man defence since the World Cup, in an attempt to exert more pressure higher up the pitch.

Spain have also changed tack under Luis Enrique, who has instilled a more direct, attacking approach since taking charge following the disappointing performances at the World Cup.

"Their style is a little bit different now, they've got a new coach, a top coach," Southgate said.

"Although the style and the philosophy is very similar, tactically it's a bit different. There is a bit more of a direct threat in the final third.

"It's as big a test as you can get in European, if not world football, at the moment."

Southgate confirmed Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will replace the suspended John Stones in defence. Jordan Henderson is also serving a ban.

'Genius' behind 'Teletubbies' in new go-to-sleep kids show

'Genius' behind 'Teletubbies' in new go-to-sleep kids show
source: AFP NEWS

AFP / NIKLAS HALLE'N "Teletubbies" creator Andrew Davenport is considered a legend in pre-school television

"Teletubbies" creator Andrew Davenport has come up with a new show "guaranteed to stop children climbing the walls", BBC bosses claimed Sunday.

Davenport, an actor and puppeteer known as the "J.K. Rowling of the under-fives", also wrote and made the worldwide hit "In the Night Garden".

The British public broadcaster believes that his new series called "Moon and Me" will transport the next generation of toddlers to the Land of Nod.

It got its world premiere Sunday at the MIPJunior children's entertainment market in Cannes, France. Davenport introduced the show by video link from Atlanta, Georgia, where he is rushing to finish the first series for the BBC's pre-school CBeebies channel.

Commissioning editor Michael Towner called Davenport a "genius" and said the show's calming combination of story and song is "guaranteed to stop children climbing the walls".

"If any of you didn't have a lump in your throat towards the end of that, you are not human and you shouldn't be working with children," he added, after the first work-in-progress episode was shown.

A mix of puppetry and stop-motion animation, "Moon and Me" turns on a doll called Peppianna who lives in a toy house with her five friends including Mr Onions -- who begins every sentence by saying "onions" -- Collywobble, Lilyplant and Lambkin.

Full of typically Davenport catchphrases such as "Tiddle toddle", the show also contains a magical character called Moon Boy that could double for its creator.

- Child observation project -

Towner described how Davenport -- a legend in pre-school television -- had turned up to his office in Salford with "his trademark aluminium wheelie case and proceeded to unpack books tied in ribbon and individually wrapped boxes containing the clay maquettes of all the characters.

"As we read through the script, we looked at each other and said, 'We have to have this!' But this being the BBC, we couldn't afford to fully fund it but we asked him to find some partners for us and he did."

The 50-episode show -- which has taken more than two and a half years to make -- will also be shown by Universal Kids in the US later this year.

Davenport, who left his home in London for rural Georgia so he could work "18-hour days on the show", said he wanted to create a "toyhouse story for contemporary times".

But before he wrote a single line, the former speech therapist spent months researching how small children interacted with toy houses.

"I worked with (psychologists at) the University of Sheffield to create a toyhouse play observation project. The house we were using was rigged with cameras and microphones so we could really get to see what it was like to be a toy subject to the play of a child.

"That threw up a whole load of interesting material that went into 'Moon and Me'," he added.

Davenport said the story "revolves around a doll called Peppianna who comes alive when the Moon shines on her toy house. When she wakes up she writes a letter to the Moon... but little does she know that on the Moon lives a character called Moon Baby who comes down to ring the doorbell on the toy house and brings his moon magic to bring the other toys in the house to life."

Towner said the series will "anchor the 'Bedtime Hour' on CBeebies", the sequence of yawn-inducing, eye-lid closing shows that helps hypnotise millions of British children off to bed at night.

'Shock not over' as Asian stocks extend slide

'Shock not over' as Asian stocks extend slide



AFP/File / BEHROUZ MEHRI Japan led Asian stocks lower

Asian stocks opened the week on the back foot Monday, with investors still in gloomy mood after several days of market turbulence sparked by trade rows and a spat over the US central bank.

Japanese equities led the way lower, with the benchmark Nikkei 225 shedding almost two percent, not helped by reports that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would later Monday announce a hike in sales tax.

"We have never seen a share price rise in the past after an announcement of a sales tax hike," noted Kyoko Amemiya, senior market strategist at SBI Securities.

Chinese stocks, which were the worst hit in last week's global rout, also opened lower, but only by 0.04 percent and the broader Shenzhen Composite Index was in the green.

Markets in Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea also drifted lower.

"We can't say the shock is over," said Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities.

Last week saw a broad-based sell-off in global equities, prompted by fears of higher US interest rates, continued worries over US-China trade and attacks by President Donald Trump on the Federal Reserve, which he called "crazy".

On Friday, the bulls attempted a fight-back but found it hard going in another seesaw session. Early European gains fizzled and the Dow Jones closed up 1.2 percent following late buying but it also dipped into the red for part of the session.

This week, traders are expected to focus on a raft of economic data and dozens of company results.

Turning to commodities, oil prices continued to soar as traders fretted over US relations with its ally and world's top oil producer Saudi Arabia.

Trump has warned of "severe punishment" if it is revealed that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Kingdom's consulate in Istanbul but Riyadh hit back immediately, saying it would retaliate.

Both Brent Crude and WTI oil prices surged, which was also a factor in declining stocks, analysts said.

On the foreign exchange markets, the pound was hit by further uncertainty over Brexit talks after last-ditch negotiations between London and Brussels failed to make headway on the vexed question of the Northern Irish border.

There were also reports that Prime Minister Theresa May could be the victim of a cabinet rebellion and that her coalition partner, the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), could vote down her budget, possibly triggering another election.

Sterling sank in Asian trade at the beginning of a make-and-break week for the British currency.

"There remains a huge amount to play for this week and sterling will likely be significantly higher or lower than it is now by the end of the week," said Ray Attrill, head of FX Strategy at National Australia Bank.

- Key figures around 0130 GMT -

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.8 percent at 22,293.67

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.5 percent at 25,683.59

Shanghai - Composite: FLAT at 2,605.91

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1550 from $1.1559 at Friday's close

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3110 from $1.3154 at Friday's close

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 112.08 from 112.18 yen at Friday's close

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 78 cents at $72.07 per barrel

Oil - Brent Crude: UP 77 cents at $81.45 per barrel

New York - Dow Jones: UP 1.2 percent at 25,339.99 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.2 percent at 6,995.91 (close)

burs-ric/jah
source: AFP

Knee fracture set to end injury-plagued Del Potro's season

Knee fracture set to end injury-plagued Del Potro's season
source: AFP

 AFP/File / Johannes EISELE Juan Martin del Potro has fractured his knee after a heavy fall in Shanghai

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro is set to miss the rest of the season after it was revealed Sunday the giant Argentine had fractured his knee at the Shanghai Masters.

"It's a very difficult moment. I feel very sad," said the 30-year-old world number four who is walking with his leg in a splint after doctors confirmed he had fractured the patella bone in his right knee.

"It's a hard blow which leaves me without any strength. It's very difficult for me to think about recovery again. I did not expect this to happen."

Del Potro, the US Open runner-up to Novak Djokovic this year, hobbled out of the Shanghai Masters last 16 against Borna Coric on Thursday after hurting his right knee in an awkward fall after losing his footing.

He had been set to complete his year at the elite eight-man ATP World Tour Finals in London from November 11 after qualifying for the season-ending showpiece for the first time since 2013.

Del Potro has been plagued by injuries since winning his only Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open at the age of 20.

A series of wrist injuries required four surgeries.

By the end of 2015, his ranking was at 581, he was deeply depressed and on the verge of quitting after having to sit out 10 Grand Slam events.

However, he had been rejuvenated in 2018, reaching a career-high world number three in August.

He defeated Roger Federer in this year's Indian Wells Masters final and was a key figure when Argentina won a first Davis Cup in 2016.

Del Potro also owns 10 wins over world number one players -- the most by anyone who has never reached the top ranking themselves.

Papalii gets surprise nod for All Blacks tour

Papalii gets surprise nod for All Blacks tour
source: AFP

AFP/File / CHRISTOPHE SIMON All Blacks squad against Australia in Japan and their tour involving matches against England, Ireland and Italy includes the return of senior players including hooker Dane Coles

The All Blacks named uncapped flanker Dalton Papalii on Monday in a 32-man squad for a Test against Australia in Japan and their tour involving matches against England, Ireland and Italy.

Papalii, who turned 21 last week, the only newcomer in the squad, gets his chance after Sam Cane fractured a vertebra in the All Blacks' win over South Africa earlier this month.

The young openside signed for Auckland this year and has enjoyed a strong domestic season, leading the competition tackle count with his team top of the ladder.

"He has played outstanding rugby this year and deserves his opportunity," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

The squad also included the return of a number of senior players, including hooker Dane Coles, lock Brodie Retallick, loose forward Liam Squire and prop Joe Moody.

The All Blacks will face Australia in Yokohama on October 27, England at Twickenham on November 10, Ireland in Dublin on November 17 and Italy in Rome on November 24.

Hansen also named a 19-man squad to gather ahead of the Test against Japan in Tokyo on November 3, a week after the match against the Wallabies.

"Having the extra group come to Japan will allow us to send the bulk of our main squad to London early to acclimatise," he said.

The squad for the Japan Test includes seven uncapped players and Hansen said it was an opportunity to build depth and knowledge of Japan ahead of next year's World Cup.

"We'll also be using the Japanese leg of our Tour to road test a few things ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup, as we will be using the same hotels and training facilities while we are there," he said.

New Zealand squad for Australia, England, Ireland and Italy Tests:

Forwards

Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Vaea Fifita, Dalton Papalii, Kieran Read (capt), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd.

Backs

TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith.

Additional squad for the Japan Test:

Forwards

Asafo Aumua, Liam Coltman, Tyrel Lomax, Reuben O'Neill, Tim Perry, Angus Ta'avao, Luke Romano, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Dillon Hunt, Luke Whitelock.

Backs

Mitchell Drummond, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, George Bridge, David Havili, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

British royals arrive on landmark trip Down Under

British royals arrive on landmark trip Down Under
source: AFP


 POOL/AFP/File / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS Prince Harry and Meghan are set to visit Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand on their first major trip abroad as a couple

Prince Harry and Meghan touched down in Sydney on Monday, kicking off a bumper Pacific tour that is the British royals' first major outing abroad as a couple.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a low-key arrival to a wet and wintery Australia after a weekend spent celebrating the marriage of their relative Princess Eugenie and following an overnight commercial flight with Qantas.

They were seen leaving the airport with staff, looking relaxed, as Meghan clutched a pair of purple binders and Harry carried a brown and green manbag.

Their more-than-two-week official visit will take in multiple stops in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand -- all parts of the Commonwealth, a group of predominantly former British colonies.

Queen Elizabeth II is still the head of state in Australia although there is significant support for the country becoming a republic.

Recent polls show Australians fairly evenly split on the issue, with only the slimmest of majorities in favour of ditching the British Queen and nominating an Australian head of state.

During the trip, the royals plan to pet koalas, watch soldiers perform the haka and attend the Invictus Games, a multi-sport tournament for military service personnel and veterans who have been wounded or suffered injury or illness that opens on Saturday 20 October.

The whole visit will be keenly watched by the British and Australian media.

Meghan, a photogenic US actress, married the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II in May, becoming the newest royal to attract media obsession in Britain and beyond.

The 37-year-old made waves recently by bucking protocol and closing her own car door.

- Koalas and joeys -

The couple will be accompanied by a staff of 10 and a substantially larger swarm of reporters from all the major British papers and TV broadcasters.

The official visit begins on Tuesday in Sydney, where they will be welcomed by Australia's Governor-General Peter Cosgrove -- the queen's official representative -- and his wife Lynne.

The royals will meet two koalas and their joeys at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

After sailing Sydney Harbour and visiting the famous Bondi Beach, meeting flying doctors, attending functions at the Invictus Games and meeting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, they jet off to Fiji on October 23.

Meghan will get a chance to speak at a UN women's empowerment in marketplaces event and meet some female vendors in the project in the Fiji capital Suva.

They will meet the local royals in both Fiji and Tonga, which are members of the Commonwealth.

The final leg coincides with the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in New Zealand -- the first country to give women the right to vote.

Meghan is expected to speak at a suffrage anniversary celebration in Wellington on October 28.

The couple will have a chance to watch members of the New Zealand defence force perform the haka -- the traditional warrior dance popularised globally by the nation's rugby team -- at a governor's reception earlier that afternoon.

The trip officially ends in New Zealand on October 31.

Meghan has previously visited New Zealand as a tourist in 2014. Prince Harry has been to all four countries, but on his own.

The couple's first trip abroad saw them dash off to Dublin shortly after their wedding.

In Canada, pot legalization poses health and safety challenges

In Canada, pot legalization poses health and safety challenges


 AFP/File / Lars Hagberg Warning label on bag of cannabis in Ontario

Canada will end its pot prohibition Wednesday with the goals of curbing the black market and use by youth, amid concerns around the public health and safety merits of legalization.

Public health officials contend that smoking cannabis is as harmful as tobacco, but welcome the opportunity legalization affords for open dialogue.

Police, meanwhile, are scrambling to prepare for a predicted rise in drug-impaired driving and are not yet ready to lay three new charges, which require blood tests within two hours of being pulled over to show above-limit levels of THC, the psychoactive agent in cannabis.

"As a doctor and as a father, I do not agree with the legalization of recreational cannabis," said Antonio Vigano, a medical marijuana specialist and research director at the Sante Cannabis clinic in Montreal, citing the risk of increased consumption among young people.

"There are health concerns," Gillian Connelly of the Ottawa Public Health Agency told AFP. "But legalization is creating an opportunity to have discussions about cannabis use, for example, parents starting a conversation with their kids about it."


 AFP / John SAEKI, Laurence CHU Cannabis use worldwide


"For decades, we've said: 'Just don't use,' but that hasn't worked," she said.

This failed messaging has helped to make Canadians among the highest per capita users of cannabis, with 4.6 million or one in eight having consumed pot this year (including 18 percent of Ottawa youth).

There are now hundreds of millions of dollars in funding available for education, and, Connelly said, "a concerted effort to get information out to people about the harms of cannabis."

"People will also have information about what they're consuming, with THC levels on the package, in order to make informed decisions about how much is okay for them to consume," she said.

- Driving while high -

The government sent a mailer to 14 million households outlining the basics, including health warnings and the need to keep cannabis away from children and pets.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving also partnered with Uber and pot grower Tweed in a campaign against high-driving.

Connelly noted a brief spike in hospitalizations after the US state of Colorado legalized cannabis in 2014, attributed to people not realizing its potency. THC has risen from an average of three percent in the 1980s to 15 percent today.


 AFP/File / Lars Hagberg Public health officials contend that smoking cannabis is as harmful as tobacco, but welcome the opportunity legalization affords for open dialogue

"Our message is to start low and go slow," she said.

Employers, meanwhile, are setting a wide range of restrictions on its use affecting work. The military, for example, has ordered soldiers not to use cannabis eight hours before a shift, while some police and airlines have announced bans.

Officials urged updating workplace policies, but acknowledged a patchwork of court decisions on employee drug screening has created challenges for employers.

- Teenage tokers -

In addition to legal gray zones, there is a dearth of scientific data on cannabis, which has made policy-setting harder.

This became apparent when officials dismissed doctors' concerns about pot's impact on developing brains under 25, and set the minimum age for consumption at 18 or 19 in line with the legal age for alcohol.


AFP/File / Chris Roussakis In addition to legal gray zones, there is a dearth of scientific data on cannabis, which has made policy-setting harder


A panel that recommended the framework for legalization to the government said the "current science is not definitive on a safe age for cannabis use."

It also determined that setting the bar at 25 would undercut efforts to eliminate the black market, which in turn would undermine providing a safer product to consumers.

Connelly said she hopes legalization will spur research. Many of the current policies around cannabis, she noted, are based on alcohol and tobacco.

For policing, corresponding consumption to impairment also remains hazy.

To get around this, the government set limits of blood drug concentrations at, or over 2 nanograms of THC but under 5 ng; 5 ng and over; and 2.5 ng combined with 50 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood, so prosecutors don't need to prove impairment.

"For people who drive, we know that the presence of THC is a risk for attention, concentration, judgement," said Vigano.

But most forces do not yet have dedicated staff for taking blood samples.

Officers are being trained to use alternative roadside saliva testers for detecting THC, approved in August.

But some forces, including the Ottawa Police Service, are opting not to use them over concerns about costs (Can$6,000 each), their effectiveness in the cold and their admissibility in court.

"It functions best at temperatures from 4 degrees to 40 degrees (Celsius). In winter, which can stretch from October to April in this part of Canada, it may present challenges," said Ottawa police Constable Amy Gagnon.

A Senate brief noted that drug-impaired driving cases take twice as long to litigate compared to alcohol-impaired driving cases, and are less likely to result in a guilty verdict.

Meanwhile, the government is hoping that undercutting traffickers on price will simply put them out of business.

But the proposed after-tax pricing is above the average Can$6.74 (US$5.16) per gram on the black market, according to Statistics Canada.

For Jean-Sebastien Fallu, an addiction specialist at the University of Montreal, the risks do not outweigh the virtues of legalization.

"Cannabis is not good for health, but prohibition is extremely harmful and worse than cannabis," Fallu said, citing the "catastrophic consequences" of "stigmatization, violence, crime (and) illicit economy."

source; AFP

https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/canada-pot-legalization-poses-health-and-safety-challenges-doc-19z4wq2

Fleeing electricity, Mexico Mennonites seek new home

Fleeing electricity, Mexico Mennonites seek new home



AFP / HERIKA MARTINEZ A Mennonite man rides a scooter in a cotton field in the Sabinal community in Mexico's Chihuahua State -- Mennonites do not use cars or any kind of mechanical mode of transportation

The desert of northern Mexico seemed so perfect when the Mennonites moved here 26 years ago: a place free from electricity, television or cars.

But then the government installed the first power lines.

And now, this deeply traditional, tight-knit community is divided between those who want to stay in Sabinal, their far-flung, dusty village, and those who soon will load their wagons, hitch up their horses and move to a new, even more remote home.

"When the power lines arrived, they decided to go," says Sabinal resident Enrique Friesen, 37, who for his part plans to stay, with his wife and eight children.

"They don't want electricity -- just horses. They say electricity is a sin."

The Mennonites of Mexico are the descendants of strictly conservative Protestants whose denominations emerged out of the 16th century Reformation in Europe.

Their ancestors fled persecution in Germany and the Netherlands for Russia, then Canada and finally Mexico.


 AFP / HERIKA MARTINEZ Mexico's Mennonites reject cell phones, television and cars -- using horse-drawn carriages for transportation


Today, the people of Sabinal live in the Chihuahuan desert almost like an isolated indigenous tribe -- except that their skin is white, their hair typically blond, and their eyes blue.

Men traditionally wear handmade overalls, while the women opt for long, flowing dresses.

Their native language is Low German. In a sign of their limited contact with the rest of Mexico, they often speak little Spanish.

They generally reject cell phones, television, cars and even rubber tires for their horse-drawn carriages.

Of the estimated 60,000 Mennonites in the state of Chihuahua, Sabinal's 1,500 residents are among the most cloistered.

But the arrival of electricity is bringing modernity -- and controversy -- to their door.


 AFP / HERIKA MARTINEZ Mennonite women wear conservative, loose-fitting dresses and cover their heads

Nearly a third of the village plans to move across Mexico to the southeastern state of Campeche, where another Mennonite community has already settled.

"They want to conserve the faith. They don't want change," says Isaac Redecop, who runs the local store.

Other Mennonites around the world "have already changed. They use cars, while we're still using horses," he told AFP.

"But as far as I can tell, we have more peace and quiet than they do."

- Reggaeton and Enrique Iglesias -

For those who want to stay, electricity is a blessing -- and one that is not necessarily prohibited by their faith.


AFP / HERIKA MARTINEZ For some Mennonites, electricity is allowed and can help with irrigating the fields -- no small task in the Chihuahuan desert


Besides the convenience of electric lights and fans, it helps them irrigate their fields -- no small task in the desert.

But those who want to leave say the outside world has already encroached far enough on their religion and culture.

Sabinal is four hours from the nearest city, Ciudad Juarez, on the border with the United States -- it is located down a series of dirt roads that wind through mountains, hills and pastures.

But outside influence has crept in, mainly through the farmhands the Mennonites hire from a nearby hamlet.

On Sundays, Mennonite teens with a rebellious streak can be found in the fields covertly listening to reggaeton and Enrique Iglesias -- music picked up from the workers -- through battery-powered speakers.

It is nearly impossible to totally isolate them from the world beyond -- especially since the Mennonites are hugely successful farmers.


AFP / HERIKA MARTINEZ A Mennonite man works at a cheese factory in Sabinal -- the community produces 1.5 tonnes of cheese every day

They make 1.5 tonnes a day of cheese, which has become popular in the surrounding area and draws a stream of customers to Sabinal.

"It's the only cheese around without chemicals. Customers don't want chemicals. This cheese is pure milk," says Redecop.

His store is one of a handful of businesses in town, alongside a doctor's office, a pharmacy, a feed shop and a hardware store.

Besides making cheese, the Mennonites also farm cotton, sorghum and vegetables, having tamed the desert with a vast system of wells.

When they moved here in 1992, they bought their land for $172 per hectare. Those who are leaving plan to sell it for $7,000 per hectare.

- 'Can't blame the tires' -

Sabinal's sprawling fields are dotted by houses adorned with colorful flowers.


AFP / HERIKA MARTINEZ Mennonite children play in Sabinal -- they go to school six months a year


Chickens and cows roam the yards, along with playing children who shout excitedly in Low German when they see a stranger arrive, then run and hide.

In a place where families have up to 17 kids, most of Sabinal's residents are children.

They go to school six months a year -- six years total for girls, seven for boys -- studying subjects such as reading, writing, math, Mennonite history and the Bible.

Their parents are apprehensive about the changes that technology could bring to a community that still prefers to fit its horse-drawn tractors and carriages with metal wheels.

"People say (electricity) is bad. They say there are bad things on television. But I don't think everything on television is bad," says Jacobo, an unmarried 19-year-old whose family plans to stay.

"They also say if people get rubber tires, they just use them to drive to town and buy liquor. But that's their own fault. You can't blame the tires."

source: afp

https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/fleeing-electricity-mexico-mennonites-seek-new-home-doc-19q8zc1

China purrs over white tiger triplets

China purrs over white tiger triplets


AFP / FRED DUFOUR The blue-eyed rare triplet cubs were born nearly three months ago at the Yunnan Wildlife Zoo

Three playful white Bengal tiger cubs are charming visitors as they clamber around their enclosure at a zoo in China.

The rare, blue-eyed triplets were born nearly three months ago at the Yunnan Wildlife Zoo in Kunming, and made their public debut in early October.

Three playful white Bengal tiger cubs are charming visitors as they clamber around their enclosure at a zoo in China.


AFP / FRED DUFOUR Breeders help the new mother feed the cubs and assist with looking after them


The rare, blue-eyed triplets were born nearly three months ago at the Yunnan Wildlife Zoo in Kunming, and made their public debut in early October.

"The oldest one -- the largest -- is very naughty and has a real appetite. He's the naughtiest. The youngest is like a baby, she's gentle. She never wins when fighting for food," zookeeper Hao Li said.


 AFP / FRED DUFOUR The zoo is home to 41 of this rare variety of white Bengal tiger

The cubs' busy mother is getting a helping hand keeping her youngsters from getting hungry, with keepers always ready to step in with a bottle.

The tigers' white fur is a genetic variation of the common orange Bengal tiger.


AFP / FRED DUFOUR There are currently more than 2,500 Bengal tigers outside captivity


The mutation seldom occurs in the wild, but the zoo is home to 41 cats of this rare white variety.

There are currently more than 2,500 Bengal tigers outside captivity, most of them in India, according to conservation group World Wildlife Fund.

 AFP / FRED DUFOUR A competition is being held to name the three newborn cubs

source: AFP

https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/china-purrs-over-white-tiger-triplets-doc-1a09wf1

Protecting nature the best way to keep planet cool: report

Protecting nature the best way to keep planet cool: report
AFP

AFP / Yuri KADOBNOV Restoring natural forest ecosystems, securing the land rights of local communities and revamping the global food system could cut greenhouse emissions 40 percent by mid-century

The best -- and fairest -- way to cap global warming is to empower indigenous forest peoples, reduce food waste and slash meat consumption, an alliance of 38 NGOs said Monday.

Restoring natural forest ecosystems, securing the land rights of local communities and revamping the global food system could cut greenhouse emissions 40 percent by mid-century and help humanity avoid climate catastrophe, they argued in a 50-page report based on recent science.

Approximately half of the reduced emissions would come from boosting the capacity of forests and wetlands to absorb CO2, and the other half from curtailing carbon-intensive forms of agriculture.

On current trends, Earth is on track to warm up an unlivable three or four degrees Celsius (5.4 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, far about the 1.5C climate-safe threshold endorsed last week by the UN in a major climate change assessment.


 AFP/File / Thomas SAMSON Two starkly different visions are emerging on how to beat back global warming, one calls for geoengineering and the aggressive use of technology, the other is based primarily on Earth's natural capacity to absorb CO2


In the wake of the UN report, two starkly different visions are emerging on how to beat back the existential threat of global warming.

One calls for geoengineering and the aggressive use of technology to draw excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, especially by burning biofuels and capturing the emitted CO2, a process known by its acronym, BECCS.

The other, favoured in the new "Missing Pathways to 1.5C" report, is based primarily on Earth's natural capacity to absorb CO2.

- Protecting the forests -

"This is a pragmatic blueprint for tackling the climate crisis while respecting human rights and protecting biodiversity," said Kelsey Perlman, forest and climate campaigner at UK-based NGO Fern.

"Decision makers must abandon their faith in unproven technological solutions and put restoring and protecting forests at the centre of climate strategy."

But how to do that remains a challenge: More than two decades of UN-led efforts to curb deforestation have largely failed, with the planet still losing a wooded area the size of Greece every year.

Deforestation -- responsible for about a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions -- intensifies global warming in two ways, reducing Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, and releasing huge amounts of the planet-warming gas into the air.

The report highlights research showing that native forest communities should play a key role.


AFP/File / CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN Deforestation -- responsible for about a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions -- intensifies global warming

"People who live in, and with, forests protect those lands," lead author Kate Dooley, a political scientist at the University of Melbourne, told AFP. "Recognising this is the greatest forest conservation success story in the last decade."

"We have to give these peoples not just land rights, but the resources to protect those lands," she added.

The report also tackles head-on the political hot potato of how to change human behaviour in ways that will reduce our carbon footprint -- cutting back on travel, using public transportation, switching to electric vehicles.

- Too much beef -

But it is revamping our diets that would have the biggest impact of all.


AFP/File / Christof STACHE A study in Nature calculated rich nations would have to eat 90 percent less meat by 2050 to sustainably accomodate a projected global population of 10 billion


"Even bigger emissions can come from producing and consuming less meat," especially beef, said Teresa Anderson, climate change policy officer for ActionAid International.

A study published in Nature last week calculated that rich nations would have to eat 90 percent less meat by 2050 to sustainably accomodate a projected global population of 10 billion people.

The report notes that only six countries -- The United States, Brazil, China, Canada, Argentina, Australia -- and the European Union produce and export the lion's share of beef, chicken and pork worldwide.

Livestock farming poses a double climate threat, driving the loss of forests to make way for grazing land and generating huge amounts of methane, which is 25 times more potent than CO2.

Reducing food waste -- estimated at more than 30 percent worldwide -- by half could cut CO2 pollution by half-a-billion tonnes, more than one percent of total emissions. It could also help feed some of the billion people who go to bed hungry every night, the report notes.

But hitting that target remains a deceptively difficult, especially in the developing world, experts say.

https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/protecting-nature-best-way-keep-planet-cool-report-doc-1a103z1