WORLD ATHLETICS: Stella Akakpo disqualified in the 4x100m relay, "This is my medal, it will stay with me"

 

Participating in his first World Championships, Stella Akakpo thought back to Moscow with beautiful memories. But this is a sport that is terribly disappointed arrival Monday, August 19 in Paris. Within hours, the French sprinter has experienced all the emotions, the most intense in the most cruel disappointments joy.

At age 19, the athlete believed to live on August 18 a real fairy tale in the 4×100 meters final. Last torchbearer of the France team, the young sprinter creates sensation on the finish line in coming second behind Jamaican. With teammates Celine Distel Bonnet, Ayodele Ikuesan and Myriam Soumare, then it celebrates the title of vice-champion of the world. Podium, photo shoot, interviews … The four French entitled to all honors two hours.

Preventable tweet

But arriving at their hotel, the dream collapses. The relay runners find that they are ultimately disqualified due to a handover-out area between Ayodele Ikuesan and Myriam Soumare. "We would be prepared to celebrate our medal Club France. We decided to look at our posts on the Internet from our loved ones and our families and that's where we were taught by a tweet from the IAAF [International Federation of athletics, Ed]. Nobody warned us. It was really hard, "said Stella Akakpo FRANCE 24.

On the finish line, the French had yet felt that there was second handover deadline: "In the beginning, it is true, we do not jump joy. But judges have validated the race several times. From the moment we got the medals, it was thought that no one could take us. " Aware of their technical fault, the relay runners do not dispute their outstanding relay area but are very angry against the behavior of the International Federation. "If it was another country, we would also claim brought [Britain recovered bronze after appeal judges, Ed ]. But then there is a way. Give medals and back is inhumane and unsporting. It's very hard to accept, "said the youngest of the France team, always very emotional.

"A beautiful, young team"

Despite this official and irrevocable decision of the IAAF, traffic sprinters finally returned home with their silver medals in their luggage. No official came up this claim and they do not intend to return. "This is mine, I keep it. It will stay with me. It is engraved with my name, I do not see the need to recover. Saw how they disqualified us, they could at least be kind enough to leave us. This is our only memory, "says Stella Akakpo.

The young woman did not hide his anger, but she also admits to having learned from this first major international competition. A promising future, the European junior champion over 100 meters tasted a few hours thrill of a global podium. Individual or relay, she hopes to recur: "We must take the positive side. It was a nice young team. All other countries know that the French are there now. "

PHILIPPINES: Philippines: serious collision between a ferry and a cargo

 

At least two people died and hundreds more missing after shipwreck in the Philippine archipelago a ferry. It sank off the coast of the port of Cebu, after a collision with a cargo ship, officials said Saturday.

Named Thomas Aquinas, the ship carrying 692 people. Two bodies were collected, 22 people were rescued and the fate of hundreds of people is unknown, according to a spokesman for the coast guard commander Armando Balillo.

Cause of crash unknown

The official identified the ship as the Sulpicio Express 7 and said it was not known for the moment, how many people were aboard the ship.

Immediately after the collision, the cause remains unknown for now, the authorities have launched a massive rescue mission.

"The Thomas Aquinas sank and we sent a patrol to marine vessels he joined the Coast Guard in the operation of search and rescue," said Lieutenant Gregory fabic, spokesman of the Philippine Navy. 

Rachel Capuno, a security official of the company that owns the ferry, said for his part, radio Cebu DYSS that the vessel was approaching the port when came into collision with the front cargo. "The impact was very strong," she said, adding that the ferry had sunk within thirty minutes after the collision.

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Murder of Trayvon Martin: George Zimmerman paid

 

It is a verdict that could revive tensions between the black and white communities in the United States. George Zimmerman was tried, Saturday, July 13, not guilty of the murder of Trayvon Martin, a black 17 year old shot and killed last year in Florida The jury of six women. – five white, one Hispanic – deliberated more than 16 hours before deciding to 22h (2h GMT Sunday, July 14).

"Mr. Zimmerman, I signed the judgment for the jury's verdict. Your electronic bracelet you will be removed at the exit of this room. And you have nothing to do with this court, "said Justice Deborah Nelson in a brief statement after the verdict was read.

George Zimmerman, which was punishable by life imprisonment, remained marble to the verdict before a smile of relief, while his parents hugged and his wife founded into tears. "I think the trial of George Zimmerman was outrageous," said his lawyer Don West. "I'm happy for George Zimmerman, but I'm also excited that the jury made sure that this tragedy does not turn to parody," he added.

Indignation

The verdict, however, sparked outrage among the dozens of people came to express their support for the victim's parents in court Sanford. However, they did not attend the hearing. Many protesters chanted: "No justice, no peace." "Although my heart is broken, my faith is intact. Together, we can ensure that this does not happen again, "he wrote his father by Tracy Martin on Twitter now.

The Hispanic and 29 years old original defendant said he was attacked by Trayvon Martin, who was unarmed at the time. For the floor, George Zimmerman, volunteer vigil in his neighborhood who believed himself invested with an official mission, was chased and shot without justification.

He could be convicted of murder without premeditation, but the jury has therefore retained no charges. "Today, justice has betrayed Trayvon Martin and his family," indignant Roslyn Brock, president of the National Association of Colored People, said in a statement.

"Despair"

"We immediately invited the Justice Department to conduct an investigation into civil rights violations committed against Trayvon Martin. This case has given new impetus to the movement to end racial profiling in the United States, "she adds.

"Avoid violence, it would lead to further tragedies. Find a way to build, not destroy you in this time of despair, "he wrote on his Pastor Jesse Jackson, civil rights activist, on Twitter.

It happened February 26, 2012 in Sanford has not been the subject of a brief in the local newspaper if the police had immediately proceeded to arrest George Zimmerman.

Believing that he had acted in self-defense, the police have arrested a month and a half after the death of Trayvon Martin, which gave place in large demonstrations across the country. 

No trouble reported at this time Barack Obama has even commented on this case, which led to the resignation of the police chief of Sanford and attracted the attention of the Department of Justice in this town of 54,000 souls nearby Disney World in Orlando.

Bernie the Rionda, the prosecutor handling the case, and his two deputies have expressed "disappointment" with the outcome of the trial. "But we accept it. We live in a great country with a great judicial system. It is not perfect, but it is the best in the world and we respect the jury's verdict, "he said.

According to the Seminole County Sheriff, no trouble was reported in Sanford, whose population is 30% black. The leaders of the defense committees Trayvon Martin had called for calm Friday, whatever the verdict. "If Zimmerman is convicted, he should be no jubilation inappropriate, because a young man lost his life," said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, activist civil rights. "If he is not convicted, we will avoid violence because it only leads to more tragedies," he asked.

According to FRANCE 24's correspondent in Washington, Philippe Gassot, there will still protests, "these protests that led Zimmerman to justice." , Politicians should also respond quickly Philippe Gassot remember the little phrase of Barack Obama, who had intervened in the case, stating that "Trayvon Martin could be one of his children."

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UNITED KINGDOM: Kate and William: the baby was worth 284 million euros

 

God save the baby. The birth of the first child of Prince William and his wife Kate, scheduled for July 13, will bring a nice windfall for the UK economy. In a study published Monday, June 17, the Centre for Retail Research (CRR – Center for Studies on retail sales) estimates the positive impact of 243 million pounds (or 284 million).

This time consumerist whip anticipated could be good for a British economy, with growth of 0.3% over the first three months of 2013, fight against a return to recession. For the British research institute report's author, the joy of his subjects majesty Queen Elizabeth II is, above all, result in an orgy of festive spending (87 million pounds, 101 million ) alcohol and food. "In true British tradition, celebrate the birth will primarily grow 4.8 million Britons toast to the health of the newborn and nearly three million bottles of champagne should be open on this occasion, "said the CRR.

The star stroller

Buying children's toys and souvenirs (80 million pounds – € 93.5 million), as well as the sale of books and DVDs dedicated to the royal couple and the birth (76 million Sterling – € 89 million) complete the spending spree announced.

Even if it is forecast that these numbers do not come out of nowhere. Royal events traditionally relate much to the British economy. The marriage of the royal couple had thus raised a whopping 530 million pounds of sales souvenirs, books and others.

The benefits can also be positive for some than for others. Thus all manufacturers of strollers hope that Kate and William will choose to ride their brand new baby. "The royal family that has adopted for their arrival [highly publicized, Ed] at Buckingham Palace will undoubtedly become the star of the sales this year," says Joshua Bamfield, Director of the Centre for Retail Research. On the subject, rumors are rife in the British popular press and Dutch brand Bugaboo now looks set to win the jackpot (and bell) of this birth.

EUROPE: Brussels limit the use of three pesticides to protect bees

 

Good news for bees. Three deadly pesticides for them, marketed by Bayer and Syngenta industry are in the viewfinder of the European Commission confirmed Friday, May 24 its decision to restrict their use for two years. "The restrictions will come into force on 1 December 2013 and will be reviewed at the latest within two years. They aim pesticides used in the treatment of plants, including cereals, attracting bees and pollinators, "the Commission said in a statement. Pesticides have been identified as one of several factors that may be responsible for the decline of bees.

These restrictions apply to the use of three neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) for seed treatment, soil application (granular) and treatment foliage plants, including cereals (with the exception of winter cereals), which attract bees.

A decision supported by 15 countries

Member States will have to remove or modify existing authorizations to comply with the restrictions of the European Union by 30 September 2013. They may authorize the use of existing stocks until 30 November at the latest, the Commission said, adding that "national authorities are responsible for compliance with restrictions."

The Commission decision was supported by fifteen countries, including France and Germany, in a vote late April. Eight, including the United Kingdom, Italy and Hungary, and four voted against, including Ireland, the current President of the EU abstained. "Last month, I promised to face many risks identified in the scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority, to do everything in my power to ensure the protection of our bee population, "said Tonio Borg, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, in a statement.

The remaining authorized uses will be reserved for professionals. Exceptions will be limited to the possibility of treating crops attractive to bees in greenhouses and in open fields only after flowering, the Commission said …… ..

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FRANCE: The CAC 40 is found for the first time it was before the European crisis

 

The Paris Bourse has passed the symbolic threshold of 4,000 points on Friday, still boosted by accommodative monetary policies of central banks around the world.

At 24:07, the CAC 40 index took 0.51% to 3999.50 points, after briefly traded above the 4,000 points level reached for the last time on July 7 2011, before the turmoil of the debt crisis in the eurozone.

The Paris index started the session in the red before recovering gradually in the absence of major economic news.

The German Dax and Dow Jones also

The CAC 40, however, is still far from its peak in September 2000, where he was approached 7,000 points. A few months after the collapse of the financial institution Lehman Brothers, it fell to 2,500 points in March 2009.

In recent weeks, the stock market rose almost continuously in the hope that central banks continue their accommodative monetary policy, given some reassuring economic indicators of the two sides of the Atlantic.

The Dax in Frankfurt, as the Dow and the broader S & P 500 in the United States have recently reached record highs.

"The markets are rising because the rates are very low everywhere and investors seeking yield, which causes them to take more risks," said Eric Turjeman, head of equities at Amundi management expertise .

AFP

UNITED STATES: The future looks bright for the gun lobby in the United States

 

"We are engaged in a cultural war." The first words of the new president of the pro-gun lobby NRA (Nationa Rifle Association), James Porter, hit minds, last week, while the United States is again open debate on the ownership of firearms. In his sights: U.S. President Barack Obama, at the origin of several legislative proposals to better regulate the arms trade.

This debate is back on center stage in December, after the killing of Newtown, Connecticut, during which twenty children were killed. Barack Obama has ordered the formation of a commission to propose a number of measures. Three texts were presented to the Senate. The first to ban assault rifles and automatic weapons, the second to limit the ability of shippers guns, and the third offering to impose stricter criminal record checks medical and buyers of weapons. All were retoqués by the Senate.

Several states have gone even further in the standoff with the government adopting diametrically opposed to the policy advocated by the White House legislation. South Dakota has voted in March, a bill to allow teachers to come armed in their schools. According to local officials, this new provision will come into force in July, should prevent similar to that of Newtown killings by enabling the supervisory staff to ensure the safety of children. These volunteer teachers receive the same training as that provided to the police.

Questionable logic

"Several states have the ambition to pass laws similar to what is done in the state of South Dakota, like Missouri or Oklahoma," said Stanislas de Saint-Hippolyte, corresponding FRANCE 24 in the United States. "Many cities and school districts have done, he says. In a small town in Georgia, for example, municipal authorities decided to mandate the presence of a gun in every house of the city in an emergency and in the absence a policeman, anyone can defend the security of the city if necessary. "

Questionable logic that the influential NRA – which has more than four million members – is far from foreign. "The NRA plays a huge role in how it shapes the views and the way he always push to have more weapons," said Stanislas de Saint-Hippolyte. "The logic of the NRA is to say: 'To protect our children against a villain who wants to harm them, there is nothing like a nice to have a gun at home." The weapons are part of the American universe. We must get away from the big cities to see it but when you go for example in South Dakota, it is well aware. "

The killing of Newtown caused a shock in the United States about the movement of weapons. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many citizens are in favor of tougher laws on the subject. But little by little, this public support waned. And others have turned to the NRA. Since the massacre, the association has even claimed to have saved a million more memberships. In the United States, between 30% and 50% of American households own a gun. In the country, there are 88.8 guns per 100 people. This is one of the highest rates in the world.

FRANCE: Legislative partial: UMP wins narrowly in front of the Oise FN

 

The UMP candidate Jean-François Mancel won on Sunday in the second partial legislative district of the Oise with 51.41% of the votes against 48.59% for the FN candidate Florence Italiani, a announced the prefecture of Oise.

The difference is less than 800 votes, 13,958 votes were collected by the incumbent against 13,190 for his rival National Front. Participation amounted to 35.30%, 30,190 of 85,536 registered voting.

The forbearance of 64.70% is slightly lower than in the first round, when it reached 67.21%.

This election was caused by the invalidation of the election of the Constitutional Council of 17 June 2012 won by Mr. Mancel, elected for the first time a member of the Oise in 1978 and re-elected without interruption since 2002.

The Constitutional Council had accepted the complaint of a leaflet distributed on the Friday before the second round and involving Sylvie Houssin, socialist opponent of Mr. Mancel, about a neighborhood project.

During the first round on 17 March, the PS candidate Ms. Houssin came in third position was eliminated, not having received 12.5% ​​of registered voters needed to be included in second round.

Socialist had not given voting instructions in favor of Mr. Mancel. But the PS had called on the evening of the first round "without hesitation to dam the National Front" in the second round.

AFP

DIPLOMACY: UN declaration "historic" on violence against women

 

Western and Muslim countries have overcome their deep divisions Friday to agree on a statement by the UN described as historic denouncing violence against women and sets a code of conduct to combat .

After nearly two weeks of talks in New York between the 193 member states of the UN, Iran, Libya, Sudan and other Muslim countries originally trè , s reluctant agreed to include this statement in a paragraph emphasizing that violence against women and girls could not be justified "by any custom, tradition or religious consideration."

For their part, Western countries, notably in Scandinavia, pushing the adoption of a vigorous made concessions on the terms of the rights of homosexuals and sexual rights.

Over 6.000 representatives of civil society participated since March 4 this 57th annual UN Commission on the Status of Women. Applause and cheers greeted the announcement of the adoption of the text late Friday night at the UN headquarters in New York.

Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women, described the meeting as "historic." Just after the UN announced that Ms. Bachelet left his post to resume his political career in Chile, where she was president.

During the negotiations, Iran, the Vatican and Russia were leagued in a conservative alliance, according to diplomats to try to sweeten the draft final declaration supported by United States, Canada and Europe, including Norway and Denmark. The impasse threatened until the last minute to derail the meeting, as was the case in 2003.

Conservative countries as opposed to that of forced sex to a woman by her husband or partner be considered rape and challenged references in the text to the right , abortion.

Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt said Friday that the text under discussion in the UN was contrary to Islam and lead to the "total forfeiture of society" and in case of adoption. 

"The Commission urges States strongly condemn all forms of violence against women and girls and refrain from invoking any custom, tradition or religious consideration to avoid their obligation to end" this violence, the declaration proclaims.

She adds that states must "pay particular attention to the abolition of discriminatory laws and practices against women and girls or perpetuating or consider acceptable violence in their respect. "

Countries should "treat and eradicate domestic violence a priority," says the text. 

"This is the type of language likely to cringe in Iran and other Muslim countries who advocate radical Islam," said a Western diplomat present at the meeting.

The conference was held in the context of mobilization after Taliban attack in October against a teenager Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai, struggling to promote the education of girls in her country, and gang rape a young Indian woman last December.

According to a World Bank report mentioned at the conference, women aged 15-44 years are more likely to die a violent death than malaria, AIDS or cancer combined.

AFP

In Cyprus, the EU is working on ways to help the Syrian opposition

 

The European Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Friday found themselves Cyprus to explore ways to assist the Syrian opposition to establish a political transition, while containing the humanitarian crisis.

Ministers were expected in the late morning (9:30 GMT) on the Mediterranean island, situated a hundred kilometers away from the Syrian coast. Syria, but also talks with Iran on the nuclear issue, are on the agenda of the informal meeting in a luxury resort in Paphos (West).

Europe, peak sanctions against the regime of Bashar Al-Assad calls for several months the Syrian president to cede power to a transitional government, a position that faces on the board of the UN Security veto from Russia and China, while the escalation of violence continued on the ground. 

Moscow remains adamant that while the Arab countries just called Damascus to stop "immediately" violence, Russian President Vladimir Putin, a faithful ally of the Syrian regime, Thursday asked Western and Arab nations "change their position" on Syria, denouncing the failure of their interventions in other countries such as Iraq.

In London, the French President François Hollande and the British Prime Minister David Cameron have instead called for "accelerating political transition" in Syria, helping the opposition to unite in a government that could be recognized as the representative of the Syrian people. 

London and Paris want to "do everything possible to cooperate with the elements of the Syrian opposition" by providing a "non-military aid" and means "non-lethal", a said Mr. Cameron.

Paris has such an intention to plead among its European partners to aid targeted areas "liberated", controlled by the revolutionary committees since the escape of authority s regime in Damascus.

Help them should also allow to try to contain the humanitarian disaster, while Turkey and Jordan believe soon no longer be able to cope with the flood of Syrian refugees.