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

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.

FRANCE: French alleged jihadist arrested in Mali, another deported to France

 

They are now number two. French jihadist was recently captured in northern Mali, while another man with dual nationality, arrested in November in the center of the country was expelled on 5 March to France and placed in custody on Thursday.

The arrest is the latest result of taking a "half-dozen" jihadists after fierce fighting that pitted these days the French forces and Chadian Islamists in the massif of Adra Ifoghas in northern Mali, officials said Thursday night a source close to the case, confirming a report given by the French daily Liberation. 

The other jihadist alleged Franco-Malian nationality, was arrested on November 3 at Sévaré in the center of the country, the authorities in Bamako. Aziz Ibrahim Ouattara, 25, is suspected of trying to join jihadist groups operating in the region. At the time of his arrest, he traveled with the identification of a certain Dramé Khalifa. This has also been placed in custody Tuesday in the premises of the Central Directorate of Internal Intelligence (DCRI) in Levallois (Hauts-de-Seine), according to the ME I source.

The French Minister of Defence, who makes a surprise visit Thursday from Mali, confirmed Tuesday the expulsion of the latter to France. "We made a French prisoner who will be extradited to France in times to come," said Defence Minister on Europe 1. "This shows that there was the creation of a kind of chain terrorist war that could accommodate some young people in search of a destiny radical as some have to go before Afghanistan or Syria, "said Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Already indicted in 2010

The man was already known to the French police. In November 2010, he was indicted under suspicion of planned attack against the rector of the Paris Mosque, Boubakeur. During this investigation, nine people have been indicted.

The case of Aziz Ibrahim Ouattara was particularly interested investigators, because of stays abroad, particularly in Yemen and Pakistan, where apprentice terrorist sought to rally combat zones. Arrested in Egypt in the fall of 2010, he was sent to France and then remanded in custody before being released in July 2012 and placed under controlled and the judiciary.

Forbidden to leave the country, however, man is able to obtain a false identity and join the Mali through Portugal.

With despatches

FOOTBALL: Ligue 1: Lyon turns head, Montpellier finally wins

 

AFP – Lyon, with goals in Vercoutre, temporarily took the lead of the Championship of France by ending the unbeaten Valenciennes (3-2), while Montpellier was given a little air with his first win at Sochaux (3-1), Saturday, for the account of the fourth day.

OL, with 10 points, going so temporarily to Marseille (9 points), which may go up to his throne on success Sunday against Rennes.

After the setback in Valenciennes Gerland, Marseille is now the only team not to have conceded a goal this season in Ligue 1.

A Gerland, it was a special game. Lloris, who signed for Tottenham, came to do a lap of honor and farewell before the game. And his successor, Vercoutre, lived a very emotional evening. The former understudy, playing only his 63rd match of L1 in 32 years, committed an error of judgment on the first goal northerner, but had nothing to reproach himself on the second, showing even strong late in the game.

"It was a bit complicated these days, told Vercoutre, star of the day. I have not slept too well. I did not know, personally, what sauce I would be eaten. "

The first two goals were scored by Lyon Bastos and Gomis, two players who have had to leave the summer transfer window, according to the wishes of President Jean-Michel Aulas, in full austerity. The third goal of the OL, superb, was the work of Grenier, promising young Lyon, who also could go through an exchange of players with Nice. But coach Remi Garde was opposed and had to say Saturday that he had done.

Giuly first goal

Not to mention that aborted departures to Lyon, note the very good match Malbranque, a ghost, who despite his 32 years, has made a full match, in real boss.

The other event of the evening was the first victory of the season champion title in France, Montpellier, who occupied a position unworthy of his rank before that day: 18th with one small point. Montpellier is now 12th.

The inspiration called Belhanda, which led to a penalty and is responsible for sending the goals in Sochaux, rust machine. And Herrera, rookie offensive instructed to forget Giroud scored his second goal in L1. Cabella finished the work late in the game, after a score reduction Privat (3-1).

"We missed our start to the season, we still lacked something, we need to power up," said the micro BeInSport the side Montpellier Bedimo.

The situation is catastrophic for Sochaux, red lantern without any point. Martin's departure to Lille was not digested.

The beautiful story of Saturday's third place Lorient, who won 3-0 against Nancy, with, notably, the first goal of the season Giuly.  

Saint-Etienne, who had sprayed Brest (4-0) last weekend, went for a walk in Bastia (3-0) with a gem of a goal to toe Aubameyang, who smuggler was also decisive.

In other matches, Ajaccio beat Evian (2-0) defeated Brest Troyes on the wire (2-1) while Toulouse and Reims are neutralized (1-1).

Sunday is the game that everyone expects, Lille-Paris SG. With this question: PSG will he finally win this season after three draws, two non-profit?

Carlo Ancelotti can count on Ibrahimovic but not Thiago Silva, still injured.

Holland receives Samaras and aligns with the position of Merkel

 

REUTERS – François Hollande Saturday confirmed the Greek Prime Minister's desire to see Greece keep the single currency, urging Athens to the "credibility" and European Union to "it must" maintain the integrity of the euro area. After a one-hour interview with the Head of State at the Elysee Palace, Antonis Samaras made the maintenance of the single currency a matter of "pride" for his country, where hope should return, he said, otherwise threaten social cohesion.

François Hollande has reiterated that Greece should remain in the euro area while focusing on the efforts that the country must make to consolidate its fiscal position.  "We must ensure that the issue of Greece in the euro area does not arise because for me, it does not arise: Greece is in the eurozone and Greece must remain in the euro zone, "said the French president in the courtyard of the Elysee. "It must demonstrate the credibility of the program and the commitment of its leaders to go through while making sure that it is bearable for its people," said François Hollande, scoring his concern for social risk in Greece.  Eve in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel had also pleaded alongside Antonis Samaras for Greece in the euro, despite the doubts expressed by some of its citizens a year of elections in Germany. Facing its fifth year of recession, Greece would receive a reprieve to meet its budgetary commitments agreed under a second plan international aid of 130 billion euros. The eyes of François Hollande, the clock is ticking and Europe must move quickly after receiving the report on Greece by the troika – the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund – expected in mid-September.  Athens creditors will then decide if they unlock new aid tranche in October and they give more time to Greece for its re ; forms. "GREECE Y HAPPEN" DIT SAMARAS called Questions to be discussed at the Eurogroup meeting on 8 October and Luxembourg, before the EU summit on 18 and 19 October in Brussels. Once the report is submitted and confirmed commitments Greek, "Europe will do what it needs," stressed François Hollande. "It's been two and a half years that the question is asked. There are no more time to lose. There are commitments to reaffirm both sides, to make decisions and the sooner the better. "

French Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance Laurent Fabius and Pierre Moscovici, attended the meeting between Francois Hollande and Antonis Samaras, who saw for the first time. In his statement, the new Greek Prime Minister, elected on June 17, said the European Union had everything to gain by keeping his country in the euro. "Greece will succeed, it will remain in the euro area," he said. "And that Greece will be successful European success. We will show that Europe is able to overcome its difficulties and problems, united. "  "We will fulfill our goals and commitments," he said while emphasizing growth, "if all these efforts will lead to a race to the bottom". "Greece, the Greek people are a proud nation: we do not like to depend on others and take," he said. "We must restore hope because without hope we will lose social cohesion." After a relative lull in the markets this summer, the crisis in the euro zone back on front of the stage with renewed concern Greece but also in Spain, Italy and Portugal.  François Hollande will be next Thursday in Madrid to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Italy in early September for a meeting with the chairman, Mario Monti. Agitated in Germany and in other countries such as Finland and the Netherlands, the possibility of an outflow of Athens remains outside the euro in Paris. The French authorities consider that it would be a disaster for the Greeks, not to mention the risk of lead others along this path. "The integrity of the euro zone is the basis of the action that we must lead," said a source in Paris

.

SPACE: The robot Curiosity passes his first laps on Mars

 

AFP – Wednesday robot Curiosity has made his first trip to Mars, the perimeter of the area where it landed early August, named by NASA "Bradbury Landing "in tribute to the legendary American author of science fiction Ray Bradbury, who died last June.

"In his honor, we named the place Curiosity landed + + Landing Bradbury (Bradbury The landing zone)," said Michael Meyer, chief scientist of the Mars Exploration Program at , NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory since (JPL) in Pasadena, near Los Angeles. 

The announcement coincided with the first movement – a few meters – Curiosity on Mars, Wednesday successfully conducted as a prelude to his departure for the area Glenelg in the coming days.

Ray Bradbury, who would have turned 92 years old on Wednesday, "had already achieved immortality with hundreds of new and nearly 50 novels. His books have inspired us, the Martian Chronicles + + inspired Curiosity and open our minds to the possibility of a form of life on Mars, "he said.

Prior to the announcement, the JPL has released a video of Ray Bradbury among NASA scientists gathered at the occasion of the arrival in orbit around Mars probe Mariner 9 in November 1971.

The author of "Fahrenheit 451" it says, before an audience laughing: "I was hoping that these days, as we neared Mars and the dust cleared, we would open Martians standing with large signs that could be read: + Bradubury was right! + ". 

Away from the full potential of the mission

Profilique The author died in Los Angeles in early June, helped to popularize science fiction to the general public, and invented a life on Mars has captured the imagination many researchers and scientists.

"It was also a friend of JPL," said Pete Theisinger responsible for Curiosity mission, stating that the writer had visited last time the premises of JPL in 2009.

The Curiosity mission team also confirmed that the robot had turned its wheels for the first time Wednesday.

"Curiosity drove for the first time on Mars today, with success. We have a mobility system in perfect working on our robot, "said Matt Heverly, head of displacement Curiosity.

The robot, which had not changed since his arrival in the Gale Crater on the night of 5 to 6 August, advanced about four meters forward before Rotate to the right 90 degrees, then backtrack a few meters.

"This places the robot at about 6 meters from the place where it landed 16 days ago," said NASA.  

A photo taken by Curiosity from its new position clearly shows the traces of its wheels on the Martian soil, and the circular marks left by the retros "overhead crane" who die placed on the Red Planet.

Pete Theisinger welcomed the success of the mission jsuqu'ici, while remaining cautious thereafter. "We are in the 16th day of a two-year mission, we have not yet put our arms (articulated) on the ground and we have not tested our ability to recover samples, which is a key element of the scientific mission, "he said.

"So even if everything went well so far, we have checked two boxes of our minimum requirements: take off time (the Earth) and land on Mars . We are still far from reaching the full potential of this mission, "he concluded.

OLYMPICS: London Olympics: French-American duel in the pool and on the floor

 

AFP – On the first floor for basketball, then in the basin of the Aquatics Centre, there will be at the Blues Sunday menu OJ two huge pieces 'made in USA': the Dream Team N. 6 Kobe Bryant and Lebron James and the 4x100m relay Phelps et al.

For the opening of the basketball tournament for men London Olympics, the draw took out the grand prize: a game between the defending Olympic champions and the band at Tony Parker. The challenge will be up to the event for El Tri.

With five champions Beijing 2008 Olympic and five world champions in Istanbul in 2010, Team USA looks more like the real "Dream Team" of 1992, which celebrates the twentieth anniversary, as ; the sad troop of 2004, the only one who missed the gold.

If the French, European finalists in 2011, say they have "no fear" and repeat that Team USA is "not unbeatable," the balance heavily in favor American superheroes. A French victory would be one of the greatest achievements of these Games.

Similarly, a 4x100m relay victory in the blue water Sunday night at 10:00 p.m., facing Phelps, Lochte and co, would be a first: the French have never won this e ; evidence, which the Americans have come out victorious eight times at the Olympics, for only two losses.

Revenge

Problem: there will be that the American ogre to fight for the gold. According to all the tipsters, the Australians are the favorites of James Magnussen, "missile".

In case of EHEC the relay, the Blues will have another chance at a medal, a little before. Still in the water, with Camille Muffat. Best time of the year 400 freestyle, gold holds out his arms.

A follow too: the battle of Bolade Apithy, Men's Sabre, fencing, and that of Tony Estanguet, in canoe single, in the waters of the River Lee, for the slalom. Olympic champion in Sydney and Athens, Pau would get his due after an unsuccessful campaign in Beijing.

Another man will revenge tomorrow in mounting the ring, the boxer Norman Alexis Vastine want erase four years of frustration after his defeat in Beijing on an arbitral incomprehensible for an EM bronze medal with a bitter taste.

HEALTH: France remains cautious about the effectiveness of preventive anti-AIDS Truvada

 

Reinforced by the recommendation of a committee of experts, the FDA, the agency that monitors food and medicine in the United States, has authorized the marketing of Truvada on the ground improve ; Rican. Taking a daily basis, the blue pill is intended to reduce the risk of transmission of the AIDS virus in healthy subjects but the risk of contamination is important. Gilead Sciences, the U.S. laboratory that develops the anti-retroviral, indicates that this prophylactic treatment is part of a general prevention device that does not detract from the condom use and other preventive measures. In Europe, we welcome the arrival of this new preventive tool with great care.

"This is a pure history of money!"

If the majority of French associations to fight against AIDS is concerned about the rapid commercialization of such medication, Act Up, she makes no secret of his hostility. Interviewed by FRANCE 24, Hugh Fischer, prevention coordinator within the organization, denounced a race to the money for the benefit of U.S. laboratories. "Gilead Sciences wished at all costs be the first to market the drug for short take its competitors despite all the negative studies published on this subject. This is a story of pure cash! It should have more depth the experimental protocol before launching it on the market. "

Coincidence or coincidence, the marketing authorization comes at one week of the International Conference on AIDS held in Washington from July 22 to 27. A boon for the pharmaceutical company that will touch on this occasion and makers of the European market.

The possibility of loosening preventive practices

Beyond the financial windfall that the marketing of this drug is, associations are concerned about AIDS prevention so unanimous risk of loosening of use the male condom. While the latest figures for its use show a steady decline in its use among young people, it is feared that taking Truvada Stavros Dimas this trend.

For Sandrine Fournier, project manager for preventing gay association Sidaction, "everything is a matter of compliance," she says FRANCE 24. In theory, preventive treatment of Truvada is 90% effective. But the compliance and dosages the patient is paramount in successful treatment. Clinical trials conducted between 2007 and 2009 from healthy homosexual couples had resulted in a success rate of 44%. According to Hugh Fischer, "nobody is able to fully take medication. I'm positive, I take the Truvada combination therapy for my long time and it is very difficult to follow the treatment every day. "

Not until mid-2013 in France

Still in the trial in France, treatment is unlikely to be sold any time soon on this side of the Atlantic. It must first laboratory Gilead files an application for authorization to market with French drug agencies (MSNA) and European (EMA). According to Professor Jean-Francois Delfraissy, director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (IMMI), the drug should not make its appearance in the Hexagon before the end of the second half of 2013.

There remains the problem of financial support. The amount of Truvada in treatment for a patient varies from 12 000 to 14 000 dollars per year. According to Sandrine Fournier, "the case is also political. What French community will fund the cost of such treatment? "Prevention is expensive as Truvada may finally increase a little sick of the injustices of the under-die ; oped which are still not, at present, triple therapy for all.

AFGHANISTAN: Twenty-three people killed in a suicide bombing at a wedding Afghanistan

 

AFP – Some 23 people died and about 60 were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a wedding Saturday in Samangan province in northern Afghanistan , the presidency announced in a statement.

President Hamid Karzai, in this text has "strongly condemned" the suicide attack, committed at the beginning of the wedding of a daughter of an influential congressman, Ahmad Khan, who has himself been killed in the incident. The intelligence chief of Samangan was also killed in the facts.

The previous record, which came from Dr. samid Ahmad, Head of the Department of Public Health of Samangan Province, reported 15 killed and 60 wounded.

"Once again, the enemies of Afghanistan have killed innocent people and a member of the Jihad (against the Soviets, Ed), who by his efforts would bring unity in the country," continued President Karzai in a statement.

Uzbek in an ethnically divided state, Ahmad Khan was a warlord during the decades of conflict have devastated Afghanistan, before entering parliament last year. 

According to Lal Mohammad Ahmadzai, spokesman for the Afghan security forces in northern Afghanistan for the attack that left 22 dead and more than a hundred wounded, the bomber would have initiated ; his office when he gave a hug to Ahmad Khan.

The explosion occurred in the entrance of a palace wedding, where most Afghans organizing wedding celebrations, traditionally involving hundreds or thousands of people.

Turbans, shoes or clothes stained with blood could be seen from the entrance of this two-story building, with broken windows, a noted photographer of the AFP.

No group has claimed responsibility. Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman contacted by AFP, said "not aware" of an attack of its members in the north.