VENEZUELA: Nicolas Maduro wins the presidential election narrowly

 

The last will of Hugo Chavez has been met. His heir apparent, Nicolas Maduro, was elected Sunday, April 14, to succeed him as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Credited with 50.66% of the vote against the opposition leader Henrique Capriles (49.07%), Maduro won the presidential election by a narrow majority. The National Electoral Commission said results "irreversible" because 99% of the ballots were counted

.

"Today we can say that we have an electoral victory just legal, constitutional," he proclaimed Nicolas Maduro before a crowd of supporters gathered outside the presidential palace of Miraflores. "This is another victory, a tribute to our 'Comandante Hugo Chavez," continued the new president, 50, who achieves a score significantly lower than that of his mentor at the last election in October 2012 (55% of the vote). For its part, Henrique Capriles, refused to recognize the victory of Maduro and requested a recount.

Value in this election a referendum on Chavismo, Venezuelans have opted for the continuation of the socialist revolution. There is no doubt that the new president to the middle and the impressive mustache will have to respect the will left by his mentor, Jean Ortiz says, lecturer at the University of Pau refers to "plan for the country 2013-2019" presented by Hugo Chavez in June 2012. "This is the journey long planned to run the country," he says. This text is based on five main objectives: to guarantee the independence of the country, respect for national sovereignty, maintaining the country as a regional power, contribute to the establishment of a multipolar world and continue to build socialism the twenty-first century.

"Building a real economy"

Since the death of Hugo Chavez, on March 5, Interim President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006-2012) was committed to " , respect the will "of his mentor against" bourgeois "and" fascists. " Today elected Maduro, who defines himself as a worthy successor to Chavez, will be able to act and make a series of reforms, says Pascal Drouhaud, special cialist in Latin America. "A major challenge requires him build a real economy in the country," he says. As the new president inherits a Venezuela economically breathless with a barrel of crude blocked $ 100, a deficit of more than 15% of GDP and inflation record more 20% in 2012, according to official data.

Over the past 14 years in office Hugo Chavez (1999-2013), the Venezuelan oil revenues, holder of the largest oil reserves in the world, was mainly invested social programs. Since 1999, $ 550 billion have been committed on the 698 billion reported by oil exports, according to economists.

"The oil revenues structurally distorted the country," says Jean Ortiz. Today, Venezuela imports most of the products consumed by the population. "Agrarian reform now seems necessary because agriculture plays a very weak economy in the country," he adds. Since September 2012, shortages continue to complicate the lives of Venezuelans. According to statistics from the Central Bank, "the shortage index", which measures the missing products to cart base is 20%.

"After Chávez, it is the people"

However, the one who promised to be the "president of the poor" should not abandon all social programs, a symbol of the legacy of Chavez. Inspired by the Cuban model, these social tasks implemented in the education, health or housing, have helped reduce poverty significantly. It rose from 49.9% in 1999 to 27.8% in 2010 and extreme poverty was reduced from 21.7% to 10.7%, according to the Economic Commission UN for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

At the same time, the new president will have to "liberate" the Venezuela of "violence, crime and delinquency." The fight against insecurity remains one of the great failures of 14 years of chavismo in a country displays a record homicide rate in South America (55 per 100 000 in 2012 according to the government), nearly eight times higher than the world average. Maduro intends to propose a work plan for 79 municipalities focusing strongest evidence of crime. It intends to conduct another fight: "fight corruption wherever it is found." "I give my life […] if it is necessary," he said April 7.

To do this, it will build a new state, warns Jean Ortiz. "This is a huge project, but it is the only possible future for Venezuela," said the academic. Specifically, Maduro will build on local councils, "these local governments run by people who have often been overshadowed by the leadership of Chavez. "All Venezuelans keep saying that Chavez is irreplaceable, says Jean Ortiz. To make its mark, trade unionist and autodidact who gained confidence and depth throughout his campaign, has decided to rely on the doctrine of "popular power". "After Chávez, it is the people," likes to say the former bus driver who is distinguished by his direct style. "If not to be Chavez, Maduro has the advantage of playing the card of the group," concludes Jean Ortiz.

UNITED STATES: Mark Zuckerberg would like to get involved in politics

 

Mark Zuckerberg decided to throw in the U.S. political arena. According to several Anglo-Saxon media, the young billionaire Facebook founder and director participates in the creation of a Super Pac (committee to influence political decisions on certain topics) multi-business leaders in Silicon Valley.

To go from king of social networks master lobbyist, Mark Zuckerberg seek to equip the Super Pac an envelope of $ 50 million, according to the "Wall Street Journal" Tuesday 26 March. An amount that would be on track to meet with the support of leaders for the small world of new technologies such as Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn professional social network.

Contacted by several American media, Facebook declined to comment on the information. The "Wall Street Journal" as the U.S. site Politico information, believe that Mark Zuckerberg has formalized this initiative in the coming weeks.

A Super Pac exists, the United States, for one or more officially promote very specific themes, unlike lobbies trying to defend corporate interests. The initiative promoted by Mark Zuckerberg within this framework: the first mission of the new political committee is to advocate, support checks in favor of a reform of the procedure naturalization of foreigners.

A traditional workhorse in Silicon Valley. Sector companies seeking new technologies, in fact, constantly attracting foreign talent to stay on top of innovation, said the U.S. site Silicon Valley Business Journal. Brain quest available that may be hindered by the difficulty encountered by some foreigners to get a work visa.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and billionaire right?

According to the British newspaper "Daily Telegraph", which first reported the interest of Mark Zuckerberg for the field of possible policy reform immigration laws would be a first step. The idol of Silicon Valley and his fellow Super Pac would also reform the education system and strengthen support for research.

But, as shown by the presidential campaign of 2012, a Super Pac is often politically colored. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has received substantial financial support from several of them. Does this mean that if Mark Zuckerberg will unveil its political heart beats to the left or right?

Not necessarily because such a committee does not have to show affiliation to one of the two major American parties. Still advisors who have, according to the political website The Hill, was approached to help these entrepreneurs to make their way in Washington are rather arcane connotations right. Two of them, Jon Lerner and Rob Jesmer, are powerbrokers from the right wing of the Republican Party. The third, Joe Lockhart, looks rather to the left as it was one of those responsible for media relations for former President Bill Clinton.

The presence of a majority of advisors would come right, in fact, confirm that the affinities conservative we ready Mark Zuckerberg. In February 2013, the founder of Facebook was organized at his home in California for an evening fundraiser for Chris Christie, the Republican governor of the state of moderate New Jersey.

VATICAN: Pope Meeting between François unique and Benedict XVI in an atmosphere of "family"

 

Ten days after his election, Pope François met Saturday at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, Benedict XVI's predecessor, became "Pope emetic rite "in the wake of the waiver to the papal throne in late February.

The pontiff Argentina, aged 76, arrived shortly before 11:30 (10:30 GMT) by helicopter to the papal summer residence, near the lake of Albano, where he was greeted at the descent of the aircraft by Benedict XVI.  

The two men in white were hugged and then went to pray together in the chapel of the papal palace of the seventeenth century, before a private meeting of three quarters of an hour followed by lunch in pre presence of the two secretaries.

The atmosphere was "family," said the Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi.

When the pope and his predecessor went to the chapel to pray, Benedict XVI presented to Pope Francis kneelers at the altar, the place of honor reserved e to the pontiff, but he declined the offer, said Father Lombardi.

"We are brothers, we pray together," said Francis, faithful to its image of simplicity and humility. 

During their private meeting, the two men have probably talked about the challenges facing the Catholic Church, especially in the wake of the scandal "VatiLeaks" and whose acuity has led Benoy , t XVI, 85, to resign, saying that the state of his forces was no longer compatible with the exercise of its functions.

The last day of his pontificate, February 28, Benedict XVI is committed to evidence of "unconditional submission" to his successor.

He lived in Castel Gandolfo until April, the time to complete the repairs to the Mater Ecclesiae convent, located in the enclave Vatican, where he settled with books and orange. 

The waiver of a previous pontiff, a rare thing, was in December 1294, when Celestine V had decided to abandon the head of the Catholic Church, their silver medal win five months , s he took office, to find his life as a hermit. He died a year and a half later.

But nothing indicates that Celestin had then met his successor, Boniface VIII, which made this meeting in Castel Gandolfo a "first" in the history of the Church.

In 1415, Gregory XII had also resigned under pressure from the Council of Pisa, in order to end the Great Schism, but forced forced departure was more akin to a evidence that a voluntary surrender.

Reuters

CYPRUS: London airlifting one million euros for its staff in Cyprus

 

This is the story of the British aircraft that was worth a million. "An aircraft of the Royal Air Force took off for Cyprus this afternoon (…) in the context of exceptional measures to provide emergency loans to military personnel and their families" , said Tuesday, March 19, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

This decision was taken by surprise fear Cypriot banks running out of money. Nicosia, on the edge of bankruptcy, forceps negotiates the terms of its financial bailout with the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Cyprus does not digest the tax on bank deposits required in the famous rescue plan. Pending a final agreement and prevent stampedes at the counters, island banks are closed and will not reopen until Thursday, March 21.

The UK Department also contacted members of his staff to ask if they wanted their salary for the month of March and the following months will be paid into bank accounts in the UK, rather on bank accounts in Cyprus.

"We are determined to do everything possible to minimize the impact of the banking crisis in Cyprus on our citizens," added the spokesman.

Approximately 3,000 British troops are based in Cyprus, former colony and strategic point in the Mediterranean.

KOREAN PENINSULA: North Korea identifies the first target in the South

 

The leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un named the small South Korean island of Baengnyeong near the maritime border between North and South Yellow Sea, as ITS INTERNATIONAL re target in case of conflict with Seoul, the official press reported Tuesday North Korea. This small island with 5000 inhabitants is also home to many military units.

"Kim Jong-un visited the disputed border between north and south [Pyongyang disputes the maritime boundary between the two Koreas, drawn by the UN silver medal win , s the Korean War (1950-1953), ed]. He now leads a new challenge in this area where several islands are claimed by North Korea, "said Sébastien Falletti, FRANCE 24 correspondent in Seoul.

"Thermonuclear War" Pyongyang has also openly threatened the United States while Seoul and Washington Monday began joint military exercises. North Korea has raised the specter of a "thermonuclear war" and warned the United States that they would face a "preventive nuclear strike."

"The world will (…) how our army and people shatter manigancées collective punishment by the United States war and unrest and defend their dignity , and their nuclear status thrower satellites. These are not empty words, "warned a North Korean newspaper quoted by the weekly" Courrier International ".

But beyond the rhetoric of war, Pyongyang may be put out his threats? "Kim Jong-un turned up the pressure, at least in speech, and threatens the United States of catastrophic consequences. But if he takes action, there will be a direct replica of Washington. A replica that would be catastrophic for North Korea, the United States has a superior technology indisputable ", explains the FRANCE 24 correspondent.

"Breaking the back of your enemies"

Originally this explosive litigation, the successful launch of a rocket in December considered by Seoul and its allies as a ballistic missile, followed by a third I nuclear test in February, new sanctions passed Friday, March 8 by the Security Council of the UN.

In November 2010, Pyongyang had already bombed an island, that of Yeonpyeong, also close to the maritime border, killing four South Koreans. "Once the order given, you will break the back of demented enemies, cut their throats and thus show clearly what a real war," said Kim Jong-un, according to comments reported by the official news agency KCNA North Korea.

An official of the island under Kim Young-Gu, said shelters for civilians were ready to welcome the people and all villages were on alert. "There is not really a mass exodus of people panicked to the continent, but to be quite frank, it was a little scared," he told AFP.

With despatches

GOLF: Ryder Cup: Europe retains his title after a historic rise

AFP

Sunday, September 30, on the path of Medinah Country Club in Illinois, the United States, the European team has retained the Ryder Cup after an incredible comeback. 10-6 led by the Americans at the onset of the last day, the Europeans were able to reverse the situation. They have won six of the first eight meetings to finally win 14.5 points to 13.5. This is the first time in the history of the competition, which takes place every two years, the Old Continent was able to fill such a gap.

The German Martin Kaymer has raised the point of victory by winning against Steve Stricker with a step ahead. "It's indescribable, I was so nervous about both the last three holes. I love it. This is exceptional, "said the golfer.

In the final game of the day, the American champion Tiger Woods missed the opportunity to obtain equality before the Italian Francesco Molinari. The former world number one particular missed a putt on the 18th it was easy and last hole.

Tribute to Severiano Ballesteros

To retain their trophy, Europeans have shown a strong team spirit. Players have especially praised the Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros, who died of cancer in May 2011. During the meetings, they wore a white polo shirt with blue sleeves on the image of Ballesteros during his victory at St Andrews in 1984.

"We wanted to do it for Seve," said the Englishman Luke Donald. "I had no doubt that he was with me today, otherwise I would not have won any match," said teammate Spaniard Sergio Garcia.

The next edition of the Ryder Cup will be held in Scotland in 2014. France will host the competition in 2018 on the Gulf of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

FRANCE 24 with despatches

BANKS: Suspected tax fraud: French raid on the headquarters of UBS

AFP

The French headquarters of Swiss bank UBS in Paris was raided Wednesday in the investigation for "laundering tax fraud", the bank was suspected , have introduced a double accounting and facilitated the opening of undeclared accounts in Switzerland.

A dozen investigators from the national judicial customs (SNDJ) entered Wednesday morning in the premises of the bank with the judge Daïeff Guillaume Paris, in charge of the investigation, AFP a source close to the matter.

Two people were indicted in this case, a former leader of the UBS office in Lille and a framework UBS employee in Strasbourg. Several searches have been conducted in the premises of the bank in Strasbourg, Lyon and Bordeaux since late June.

A spokesman for the bank in Paris confirmed Wednesday that the "judge has actually visited the headquarters of UBS in Paris France as part of its investigation."

"We are cooperating fully with the authorities. The search is part of searches in other subsidiaries of UBS in France since April 2012, "said his side a spokesman for UBS in Switzerland AFP.

"As a group, we have an internal regulation which requires that the laws of the country are met. If employees have violated these laws, then they will be punished, "he added.

The first Swiss bank is suspected of having set up a dual accounting, designed to hide certain capital movements between France and Switzerland, and have enabled its Swiss business to solicit clients on French territory, in violation of the law. Denunciations of former employees

These facts have been particularly criticized by former employees. 

An anonymous note sent to the Prudential Supervisory Authority (ACP), seen by AFP, outlines the existence of "books of milk" between 2002 and 2007, a system designed to register new accounts undeclared Swiss made by salespeople.

She described the alleged role of responsible business in Switzerland and France and executives of UBS in France this double counting.

This system allowed not to leave a trace in the official tools while allowing the bank to calculate business operations for their year-end bonuses, according to this note. 

The judicial practices of the Swiss bank in France was opened in April for "banking or financial by unauthorized persons and tax evasion and laundering of funds obtained through an illegal solicitation, committed by an organized gang. "

Initially, a preliminary investigation was opened by the Paris prosecutor's office in March 2011 after transmission by the ACP in charge of banking supervision, a note on the practices commercial bank.

Meanwhile, another judicial inquiry opened in Paris in April for "obstructing the functioning of the committee on health, safety and working conditions (HSC)" and "harass Lement moral "at UBS, told AFP judicial source. Several officers had denounced the conditions of their departure from UBS.

In 2009, an agreement was reached with the United States to UBS reveals the names of 4,450 American clients whom he had offered to conceal funds to the IRS. The first Swiss bank had also paid a sum of $ 780 million, including a fine and back taxes.

(AFP)

FRANCE: Holland, heckled in the polls, made his return to the newspaper media 20 h

 

AFP – François Hollande, who beats records of popularity just four months after his election, will attempt Sunday night on TF1 to regain the French won by anxiety and doubt to the acceleration of the crisis.

The Head of State, who will answer questions from Claire Chazal have 25 minutes to convince his countrymen that he is the man of the situation, a leader, not this evil personality and hesitant to authority described by many critics and columnists.

Especially in the polls, all the lights turn red.

Poll after poll French morale plunges while their disillusionment with the ability of the head of state to keep its promises is growing. 

According to a survey published in Ifop in Le Journal du Dimanche, they are more than 48% believe it is his campaign pledges against 57% in August. According to another survey, BVA to Le Parisien, nearly six in ten French (59%) say they are "somewhat dissatisfied" with the beginnings of five years, while 40% consider themselves " , somewhat satisfied. " On May 31, the rate of satisfaction of François Hollande was 62%, 34% dissatisfaction.

So much anticipated tax measures and drastic budget that will inevitably be taken to ensure that France meets its European commitments, François Hollande, the last television interview e back to July 14, should "set the course without going into the details," said a relative.

"It is not for him to do, he is not to have a technician speech but for a speech strategist, is the government members that belong to do, "insists the same source.

Just his entourage he promises "probably an indication" on the government's fiscal intentions gnawing at the French. For the rest, it will be "clear roadmap of the government, the political agenda, with all measurements."

The president should not, however, escape to a question about the tax of 75% on income above 1 million, campaign promise that allowed him to bounce then Nicolas Sarkozy regained ground but, these days, seemed to be stuck in the maze tax.

The debate was revived Saturday by the revelation of a naturalization application filed in Brussels by the richest of the French, the head of the empire of luxury LVMH, Bernard Arnault. 

He can not escape an explanation on how to avoid rising "general and indiscriminate" tax, as it is committed Friday, while achieving the deficit reduction effort public "largest in 30 years."

Since 5 to 10 billion euros in taxes already voted and 10 billion in savings that the State intends to make its expenses, it remains to find 15-20000000000 tax increases in 2013.

Not a "cap over water"

François Hollande must also impose his style and readily acknowledges. "A style that is printed at the As," he observed in the confidences World published Saturday. President "normal" is looking for a balance between the "presidency haughty and rare" one, and François Mitterrand "maximum reactivity" of Nicolas Sarkozy.

"I do not want to be like the cap over the water," he said, claiming the right to "consistency" in action.

"In this period of rising prices, the social and rising unemployment, the chronology of French does not match that of the government action" recog he however.

Face "social suffering of the French" and "rising unemployment, it must redefine the course," he said Friday on Canal + one near the head of the state, Labour Minister Michel Sapin.

Mr. Holland will also whistle the end of recess after several government ministers between outbursts. According to a government official, "we can understand hiccups government on substantive issues, but not the quack of ego which is the mark of inexperience."

EUROZONE: Eurozone suspended announcements of the ECB

 

Financial Markets and European politicians hold their breath. This Thursday, Sept. 6, the European Central Bank (ECB) should reveal the decisions it will take to help countries in the euro zone hit by the crisis and save the monetary union. The political and economic actors expect particularly whether the ECB will buy the sovereign debt of countries in the euro area.

"The ECB is willing to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. And believe me, it will be enough, "said in July, in a speech scrutinized, the president of the institution, Mario Draghi, suggesting a se , series of strong measures.

This strength from a highly respected financial community had the immediate effect of calming the markets, at the same time borrowing rates in Spain and the & rsquo , Italy reached critical levels. The month of August, according to the predictions of many economic analysts, promised catastrophic market, finally took place without too much addicted.

Reassure the banks

Today, the Frankfurt institution should revise downward its growth forecasts for the euro area, there are many who wonder if the decisions of the ECB will be as strong as this that & rsquo , hope the markets. Among the measures foreshadowed: the acquisition of a number of debts incurred by the states in trouble, like what was done in May 2010 for Greece. The goal is to give banks assurance that their loans will be repaid and thus encourage them to lower borrowing rates they impose on states (more risky the loan is, the more expensive).

A quick fix? Not quite. Some countries, especially Germany, are strongly opposed to any buyback program sovereign bonds. She fears one hand, some countries in difficulty loosen fiscal and economic forces – although the ECB requires increased consolidation of public finances, in consideration for the redemption of debt – and, Moreover, this commitment causes of inflation across the euro area. The topic is so sensitive in Germany believe that the German newspaper "Bild", he almost caused the resignation of Jens Weidmann, the president of the very orthodox Bundesbank, the German central bank . Chancellor Angela Merkel was dissuaded, but tension remains high.

"Irrational Fears"

The outcry of Germany has also pushed Mario Draghi to leap to defend its policy through the press, which is unusual for him. Monetary policy "sometimes requires extraordinary measures," including "when markets are fragmented and influenced by irrational fears," he said in an article published August 29 in the German weekly "Die Zelt".

For now, markets and policy makers are forced to wait anxiously statements of the ECB. If they are below expectations, the most fragile countries in the euro zone could pay a high price. Italy and Spain, which has requested assistance from 100 billion euros to recapitalize its banks, are particularly vulnerable.

"Those who expect explicit details will be disappointed," said already Marco Valli, chief economist at UniCredit euro zone. The ECB may indeed not reveal the outline of a plan to buy back debt. She could wait before going into details, the German Constitutional Court to make its decisions on six complaints from members opposed to the ratification of the mechanism European stability (MES), two new European instruments to fight against the crisis. Its findings should be made public on September 12.

IRAN: Ban Ki-moon urges Iran progress "concrete" on nuclear

 

AFP – The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday urged Iran's leaders to take swift "concrete measures" to ease international concerns about their nuclear program and contribute to a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis.

Mr. Ban was received including the Guide of the Islamic Republic Ali Khamenei, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalil, on the eve of the opening of the 16th summit in Tehran Non-Aligned countries which he must attend.

According to his spokesman Martin Nesirky, M. Ban asked his interlocutors to "take concrete steps to address the concerns of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy) and prove that its nuclear program is peaceful purposes. "

The Secretary-General, however, that this issue could be settled that "a diplomatic and peaceful solution", then qu'Israëla threatened to conduct strikes against Iran.

Mr. Ban also stressed that "human rights in Iran remained a concern" and that "civil and political rights (the Iranians) must be respected" reported Mr. Nesirky.

He also condemned the remarks "offensive", "provocative" and "unacceptable" that Iranian leaders regularly call for the destruction of Israel.

Secretary General of the UN has finally asked Tehran to "use his influence" to convince the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad to "stop Emergency violence "in this country plagued for more than 17 months of conflict and create" conditions.

According to his spokesperson, Mr. Ban "believes that Iran, given its regional influence and its influence on Syria, may play an important role in regulation" of the Syrian crisis.

The U.S. State Department, which had expressed strong reservations about the trip Mr. Ban in Iran, once joked about this statement by claiming to be "agreement (…) to say that Iran has a role to play" if "it ro , is the break with the Assad regime to stop and to provide material aid, weapons and advisors. "

The United States and Israel have found that the presence of the Secretary General of the UN summit of Non-Aligned gave extra weight to a bishop ment widely exploited by Tehran to try to break its international isolation.

Mr. Ban said he wanted to go to Tehran to "convey the concerns and expectations of the international community."

But faced with critical calls and Secretary General of the UN, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that Tehran had no intention to acquire the weapon NUCLEAR , area, according to its official website. And accused the IAEA of trying to "sabotage" Iran's nuclear program at the instigation of the United States.

Reports UN agency does not exclude that Iran's nuclear activities have a military objective are the original six resolutions of the Security Council of the UN condemning tehe , ran, who do never considered.  

Ayatollah Khamenei also criticized the "domination" of the major nuclear powers, the United States in mind, the Security Council, and accused the UN of being "ineffective" to promote disarmament.

The Middle East, "the Zionist regime which Americans gave nuclear weapons is a serious threat to the region and the United Nations should take steps to address them" ,, he said.