GIBRALTAR – SPAIN: Fishing, new bone of contention between Gibraltar and Spain

 

Gibraltar, a British territory south of Spain, the major stumbling block in relations between London and Madrid, is again at the center of tensions. At the origin of the dispute, the decision of the British government to jettison 70 concrete blocks bristling with spikes designed to prevent the passage of trawlers and attract fish. Spanish fishermen have seen in the construction of this artificial barrier, which exists in various places on the Spanish coast, a sign of hostility from the "Rock" for them.

Before the British insult, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs therefore sounded "the end of recess." A series of restrictive measures, which we are assured Spanish side are unrelated to the concreting of the British enclave ensued.

Spanish replica

Controls at customs border by which moved every day thousands of British, were first reinforced, creating waiting queues several hours. The technique, quite legally, is well known to residents of Gibraltar during a diplomatic crisis. On Monday, the head of the government of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, has accused Spain of deliberately inflicting unnecessary for children queues, "the elderly and disabled persons, citizens of the European Union, in high temperatures "for revenge.

The zeal of the customs officers of the conflict is "a completely independent thing," insisted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel García Margallo, in an interview granted e Sunday newspaper "ABC". The Minister of People's Party, also added to his defense that Spain had a duty to firmly control "smuggling, money laundering and smuggling." It is well known, quipped "El País" Gibraltar "a den of pirates, a nest of smugglers and a haven for fraudsters."  

Threats on the Rock

The Spanish authorities have also banned the passage of Concrete customs and now are threatening a fee of 50 euros for entry and exit of each vehicle, to reduce congestion at the border … caused by the Spanish police.

Madrid also launched the idea of ​​strengthening tax audits, review the grant of 60,000 telephone lines and regulate the thriving trade in paris online, or to limit the air traffic.

Of "reminiscences" of francisme

Measures "disproportionate" indignant London who said "seriously concerned" about these tensions. "We want an explanation from [the Spanish government] about reports that it could take further action against Gibraltar", announced Monday a spokesman for David Cameron.

The tone is up a notch with the local government of Gibraltar compared the Spanish threat to "clear reminiscences policies and tactics developed against Gibraltar by the fascist Franco regime in the 1950s and 1960s. "

The Spanish opposition sees, for its part, in this case a perfect opportunity found by the government to distract and stifle political and financial scandal, the Bárcenas case in which the Rajoy government mired for weeks.

CINEMA: "Hijacking" Somali piracy seen by the Danish Film

 

To make a force of international news, attacks of Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean would one day be brought to the big screen. This fall, the United States, is expected "Captain Phillips", a film by Paul Greengrass with Tom Hanks and Catherine Keener in the title roles, which returns to the recent hijacking of a cargo U.S..

Outside Hollywood, Danish cinema has also discussed the issue with "Hijacking", panting and effective thriller Tobias Lindholm who, after receiving a warm welcome at the last Festival Venice, out Wednesday, July 10 in French theaters. 

Far from Hollywood guns

"Hijacking" back on two recently held hostage by Somali pirates on Danish oil and the film could have been lost in the water, sometimes disorders of the film "inspired by facts re , LIVE "in which more than a filmmaker could not avoid the wreck. But control and dexterity with which Tobias Lindholm directs his story – and plans held camera – allow him to avoid the many pitfalls of such .

The main highlight of this deeply human drama is in two characters: on one side, the ragged and bon vivant Mikkel (Pilou Asbaek), chef of the crew forced to play intermediate between pirates and employers, on the other, the austere Peter (Soren Malling), CEO of the Danish owner of the cargo company, which insists on not wanting to negotiate that & rsquo , with the attackers present on the ship. More than a meticulous reconstruction of a news story, "Hijacking" portrays two men brought, despite themselves, to manage an extreme emergency.

In fact, Tobias Lindholm is far from Hollywood guns. Here, no martial music, finely chopped editing, slow motion sequences heroic or breast tears with families of the hostages desperately waiting for news. The storming of the ship, which could ensure a great time sensational, is not even shown on the screen

.

Claustrophobia and intimate violence

The action scenes vitamin content, the Danish filmmaker rather claustrophobic anxiety of the hostages, cloistered in tiny cabins for months and Calvary subdued violence cold negotiations sanitized offices of Danish oil company.

Along the way, the film leaves its protagonists gradually shed their stereotypical traits to be in the public eye. Peter, for example, is not an uncompromising and ruthless boss with fine glasses. It is measured as a man whose sense of responsibility willingly push to pay any ransom to ensure the safe life for its employees.

Similarly, Omar (Abdihakin Asgar), the English spokesman for pirates, is more affable than actually threatening. In fact, Tobias Lindholm is careful to portray the attackers as bloodthirsty villains, and no hesitation to show in one of the few scenes of the film hope , trying to sing "Happy Birthday" with their hostages.

What good, after all?

But taking and well-crafted as it is, "Hijacking" ultimately not escape the question "why bother?" Neither pure entertainment or documentary – despite his relentless accuracy when it comes to restoring the facts – the film was not even the ambition to scrutinize, as brilliantly done Kathryn Bigelow "Zero Dark Thirty" the mecha , mechanisms leading to violence and moral sacrifice. 

In the press release of the film, Tobias Lindholm says "Somalis certainly will not agree with that, but the giant fridges sail off their country and I can understand why starving kids want to take it. Why the international community does it do anything? This is a terribly complicated problem. "

Essentially told the Danish point of view, the movie bears no little interest to the geopolitical issues that can lead to acts of piracy in this region. Film captivating and cleverly staged, "Hijacking" remains in the background, too to the surface to create an entire membership.

"Bloody Sunday" and "United 93", made, them, by Paul Greengrass, also followed this path of realistic reproduction of facts which, in spite of many qualities, let viewers a taste of too little. "Bloody Sunday" came back on the events of 30 January 1972 in Northern Ireland, when 14 protesters were killed by gunfire in the British army while "United 93" told the dice , tournement, September 11, the plane that crashed near Pittsburgh.

Hopefully his "Captain Phillips" fits into the no Kathryn Bigelow, which can not cease to admire the ability to overcome the constraints of strict reconstruction to better probe the complexity of the world.

The Brazil-England match will take place Sunday at the Maracana stadium

 

A "bureaucratic error" has failed to prevent the holding Sunday friendly football match Brazil-England at the Maracana, the legendary stadium in Rio de Janeiro, for safety reasons, officials of the State of Rio.

Two weeks before the start of the Confederations Cup, which should serve as a test for the World Cup-2014 in Brazil, a court in Rio took Thursday night the decision to ban the meeting. But this decision was canceled a few hours later, when the authorities of Rio showed that all the facilities were in good standing, said Friday the government of State in a statement. "The duty judge of the court of Rio de Janeiro has revoked the decision suspending the game," it is said.

The government has appealed the ban and presented documents "inspection miliary police proved that all safety conditions are in good standing at the Maracana," the statement which refers to "a bureaucratic error" to explain the confusion. At first, the judge had no evidence that the stage had taken the necessary steps to allow the holding of games or events in the stadium, explains the government. Selections from Brazil and England are already in Rio, where they train for the meeting to be held before 74,000 spectators.  

Missing technical reports

In announcing the ban on friendly, Gary Neville, assistant England coach Roy Hodgson, reacted with surprise and a very British sense of humor: "This match there? This Sunday? We will play on the beach, "is he laughed at a press conference.

The judge, who has decided to ban the stadium gave the right to the public prosecutor who said that "he could not be checked for the moment the stadium meets the minimum safety conditions necessary for holding matches and events. " The judgment required the submission of technical reports demonstrating that the stadium has the necessary security conditions to accommodate spectators. "Despite numerous requests from prosecutors, expert reports were not presented in their entirety and it is not for checking the time that the pre stage , presents the security requirements, "wrote the judge.

The ban on stage "does not make sense," believed to share the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). "The legal department said that all the expertise necessary have been made and they will be forwarded to the judge," the statement said CBF. "The stadium is 100% ready to host the Brazilian and ready fans for the Confederations Cup," said his part said the Secretary of S , State for Sport of the State of Rio Andre Lazaroni the Tupi radio. The first match of the Confederations Cup under Maracana would normally oppose Mexico to Italy on June 16

A legendary stage

The friendly match Brazil-England should mark the official opening of the Maracana stadium completely renovated Rio, which has already been placed under the supervision of the International Federation Football Association (FIFA) for the Confederations Cup.

Built for the World Cup in 1950, lost in the final by Brazil against Uruguay, it could hold 200,000 people, most standing in very precarious conditions. Its capacity was reduced to 78,639 seats, all seats, for reasons of comfort and safety.

The Maracana has been a first test at a third of capacity on April 28, after a total renovation which lasted two and a half years and cost almost $ 600 million , double the original estimate. It was expected to be completed in December, but the work has been much delayed. The vicinity of the stadium still offered Thursday in some places the spectacle of a site: dozens of workers wearing helmets, Concrete, metal fence … Inside the temple of Brazilian soccer, everything has been completely redone: lawn, stands, dressing rooms, sound system and giant screens.

With news

IVORY COAST – REPORT: The bodies of victims of the Ivorian crisis symbolically handed over to families

 

During the post-election crisis in Ivory Coast 2010-2011, which killed more than 3,000 deaths, according to the UN, many families have had no choice but to bury their dead in their yard or neighborhood, insecurity making travel impossible in a morgue or cemetery. On April 4, the government has launched a major campaign in Abidjan exhumations. Twenty graves have been opened, 40 bodies exhumed and identified 22.

Wednesday, May 22, almost two months after the beginning of the exhumation, the families of 22 victims identified were invited to a symbolic ceremony in the presence of body the Minister of Justice, Gnenema Mamadou Coulibaly. From across the country, and they want to start with their grief, like Gisele Detalbi. His son had been executed by militia; insecurity of the time had prevented from properly bury her child. "I spent two years with the body of my son buried behind my house. Today I had a relief but I am pained, really pained. My son died for nothing! "

Caused by the refusal of President Laurent Gbagbo to concede defeat in the presidential election of November 2010, the post-election crisis had ended with the arrest of former president in April 2011. On August 8, 2012, an Ivorian investigation demanded by his successor, Alassane Ouattara, had concluded that the armed forces that brought him to power have killed more than 700 people and those loyal to Laurent Gbagbo about twice.

Funeral too expensive

More than two years after the end of violence, slow justice is strongly criticized by human rights. But the exhumation campaign and the ceremony are a first concrete step for the relatives of victims. During a speech, Minister Mamadou Coulibaly Gnenema invited relatives of the victims to "dry [their] tears" and "assured them that everything will be to ensure that the truth appears and justice for those who have been so brutally torn from [their] condition. "

Most families are divided from the ceremony with flags, but without coffins, not having the means to pay for the funeral of their loved ones. This is a situation that is denounced Tatenda Diaby, president of the Collective of Victims of Côte d'Ivoire: "We absolutely must support measures to enable them to organize the funeral of their dignity missing relatives. "And to call a" major action of the government in their favor. "

Take root in San Diego

 

Ten years after the invasion led by the United States in Iraq, it remains difficult to assess the real consequences of this war. Beyond the number of civilian and military deaths, the lives of tens of thousands of people have been permanently affected by the conflict. This is particularly the case of 80,000 Iraqis who have fled their country to settle in the United States.

The web documentary "My Beloved Enemy" gives voice to the Iraqis and the Americans scarred by war.

This sixth and final episode follows the footsteps of Enaam Husein, her husband and their family, a month after their arrival in San Diego (California) from Iraq.

To rebuild their lives, Husein have a dream: to have a little brother or sister to their unique American Girl With a social worker, Enaam, who suffers from. fertility problems after two abortions performed in Iraq, got an appointment in a specialized clinic.

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.

CENTRAL: Bangui has a new government formed by rebels and opponents

 

Djotodia Michel, who took office on March 24 after the Central blitzkrieg rebels Seleka, announced Sunday the composition of the new interim government in which he assumes five ministries, including defense.

According to an official statement, the new team to prepare for elections within three years will be led by outgoing Prime Minister, Nicolas Tiangaye.

Saturday, the new strong man of Bangui had excluded any act of reprisal against his opponents and urged his compatriots who fled abroad to return home.

"I appeal to patriotic and fraternal our compatriots who chose exile, to return", said the former diplomat trained in the Soviet Union. 

"There will be no witch hunt because we need to promote tolerance, dialogue and forgiveness," he shouted to a crowd of thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered near the palace Presidential.

He also requested assistance from the international community, including France, the former colonial power which has a small military contingent RCA responsible for the protection of the French community.

The coup d'état against President François Bozizé was condemned by the international community. The African Union has suspended its ranks Central and sanctions taken against their new leaders, including Michel Djotodia.

REUTERS

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

DIPLOMACY: At the UN, Ahmadinejad denounces intimidation against Iran

 

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday accused the West and Israel of trying to "intimidate" his country "the means of nuclear weapons."

"The persistent threats wielded by the Zionists uncultivated resort to military action against our great nation clearly illustrates this bitter reality," he said from the rostrum of the Assembly e UN General.

"The arms race and the means intimidation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction by the hegemonic powers prevail," said Mr. Ahmadinejad. "Test of new generation of ultra-modern weapons and threatening to brandish in time became a new way to threaten nations to force them to accept the hegemony."

During his last speech before the Assembly, the United States and Israel boycotted Ahmadinejad has nevertheless refrained from engaging in its usual diatribes, favoring long considerations philosophical peace or justice.

President Barack Obama said Tuesday morning before the Assembly that the United States would do "what to do" to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb. Europeans considering new sanctions against Iran, and Israeli leaders have threatened to strike Iran's nuclear facilities.

The West and Israel suspect Iran of wanting to develop a bomb under cover of a civilian nuclear program, which Tehran denies.

This was the last speech of Ahmadinejad in the General Assembly because he must leave power in 2013, after two terms as president, the maximum allowed.

During speeches in the past at this very podium, including Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied the Holocaust and relayed conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, triggering the start of the hall and Western U.S. diplomats.

AFP