The agency Fitch lowered the rating of Greece

AFP - The rating agency Fitch Ratings said Friday it lowered the rating to three notches from the long-term debt of Greece, Athens has denied a penalty as not taking into account its commitments to intensify recovery efforts economy.

This degradation, preceded in January by a notch down from the Greek notes, to "B +" cons "BB +" reflects "the extent of the challenge" facing the country to implement the tax reform agenda and Structural necessary to reduce its debt and deficit, Fitch said in a statement.

"Further austerity measures are needed to fulfill the objective of a deficit reaching 7.5% of GDP in 2011," partly because of lower tax revenues than expected, "she says.

The decision "does not take into account the additional commitments that the Greek government has already taken to achieve its budget target in 2011 and accelerate its privatization program," responded the Greek Ministry of Finance in a statement.

The ministry said that these new measures, including guidelines were unveiled in mid-April but that Greece had to strengthen and clarify under pressure from its creditors EU and IMF, should be announced shortly, usually in early next week.

The rating agency said its new note incorporates its expectations of new grant "substantial" from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund in the country.

This additional loan of 110 billion made in May 2011 is currently under discussion, given the likely inability to return the country to raise capital on schedule in 2012.

Fitch believes that such an extension would eliminate the prospect of a "soft restructuring or reshaping" of the Greek debt would amount to an agency by default.

The new Fitch degradation brought Greece into the speculative grade "countries that do little security for repayment," according to the classification established by the agency.

The rating of short-term debt was maintained at "B".The prospect of these two notes is "negative", which implies that the agency does not lower them further over the medium term.

The agency announced this degradation while long rates Greeks beat a new record on Friday, rising above 16.5%, after breaking the taboo until then prevailing in Europe about the prospect of a debt restructuring Hellenic .

If the option of a discount is excluded, the rescheduling is now posed, including the leader of the finance ministers of the eurozone, Jean-Claude Juncker, despite the firm opposition of the Bank European Central Bank (ECB).

Creditors of Greece, however, are unanimous in requiring it more austerity measures, as well as the acceleration and intensification of a privatization program meant to deflate the debt relating to the country 50 billion by 2015 .

Even before the sanction of the agency, the Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou, had highlighted its determination to follow these injunctions: "it is time to go faster, everything must be done and everything must be done now, "he said in Parliament Friday.

Fitch Ratings was the latest rating agency to tilt in January of Greece in the category of debt issuers "rotten" ("junk bonds"), saying that despite "significant progress" in the country to reduce its deficit public, it still faces "significant effort" to regain the confidence of borrowers.

DSK CASE: The Socialist Party became more cautious on the matter DSK

"In this case, we know there are a victim, but we do not yet know if the victim is the complainant or the accused," said Tuesday the leader of the Socialist deputies, Jean-Marc Ayrault. "The both have the same respect. We do not want to feel that we are either in the dropping of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is that we defend against the evidence," he said before the Socialist Group meeting in the National Assembly.

Also Tuesday, the first secretary of the Socialist Party (PS), Martine Aubry, said his side need to "wait for the facts" and "version of Dominique Strauss-Kahn."At a national office held at the Paris headquarters of the PS, she also asked to "respect the young woman" who accused him.

DSK promised to fire a nuclear

The prudence of these remarks contrasted with those of other socialists, such as Jean-Christophe Cambadelis, which evoked Monday innuendo conspiracy against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, indicted in New York for an alleged attempted rape of a maid, last Saturday.In a statement to the press, his lieutenant had launched from the steps of the Paris headquarters of the SP that the "nuclear fire" had actually been promised to the Director General of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which intended to get into the presidential campaign French.

Tuesday morning, they were still some to leap to defend whatever the polls placed in a better position to access the Elysee in 2012 and denouncing the images of their champion handcuffed. "This is killing media", denounced the former justice minister, the socialist Robert Badinter, on France Inter, who accuses U.S. authorities of having "wanted this exhibition."Socialist MP Jack Lang, for his part felt that it was "not unthinkable" that the judge who delivered on Monday remanded in custody had wanted "to pay for a French".

The PS side of the post-DSK

If Martine Aubry today called a "great restraint", because the scenarios of the post-Dominique Strauss-Kahn agitate the news.Already, since the indictment of DSK, the predecessor to Martine Aubry at the head of the PS, François Hollande, rose in the polls from outsider status to that of primary favorite socialist planned next fall.

According to RTL radio, declared candidate Segolene Royal was to meet Tuesday DSK to Paris to study the conditions of his joining - that belies the Royal entourage. Finally, Martine Aubry is pressed by his relatives to declare himself a candidate since the former secretary is bound by a "pact" with mutual withdrawal of Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

But the first secretary said that even if the lines move, the case does not change the DSK gives the PS."We're not changing anything to our schedule, characteristic of a party is to stay focused," she said Tuesday morning on France Info. As for his possible candidacy, she said that it is "not the time to talk."

COTE D'IVOIRE: Alassane Ouattara returns institution heads close to Gbagbo

AFP - The head of the Ivorian Alassane Ouattara ended Friday at the office of Presidents of Economic and Social Council and the Supreme Court, the Grand Chancellor of the order and two members of the Constitutional Court, relatives or supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo.

Mr Ouattara has terminated the functions of Laurent Dona Fologo to head the Council écononomique and social character of the third state in the order of protocol, according to a presidential statement issued Friday evening.

In March, in full post-election crisis arose from the disputed presidential November 2010, Mr.Fologo had stated: "We do not negotiate the outcome of an election, there is nothing to negotiate (...) What kind of compromise can be found after an election between someone who was elected (Ed. M . Gbagbo) and the other (Ed. Ouattara) who was not elected? ".

He was replaced by Marcel Zadi Kessy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Compagnie Ivorian Electricity (ICE)-Water Distribution Company of Côte d'Ivoire (Sodeci).

The Head of State also dismissed the chairman of the Supreme Court, Tia Kone, and Grand Chancellor of the National Order of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, General Issouf Kone.

Shortly after the April 11 arrest of Laurent Gbagbo, MM.Tia Kone and had all allegiance to Mr Ouattara. The first was replaced by the magistrate off hierarchy Mamadou Kone, and the second by Henriette Diabate Dagri-history professor.

Finally, two members of the Constitutional Council, Mr. Jacques Andre and Felix Daligou Monoko Tano Kouadio, who listed relatives of Laurent Gbagbo, sanctioned by the European Union, were also dismissed.

President Ouattara, who was sworn in on May 6 and May 21 will be invested in Yamoussoukro, also signed the order creating the Commission dialogue, truth and reconciliation, to be headed by former Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny.

Iran: Trial resumes for hikers in Tehran

The trial of two Americans detained in Iran in 2009 and accused of spying for Tehran would resume Wednesday, said Tuesday the U.S. State Department, which has demanded their release.

"Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer is almost two years in prison and it is time for them to find their families," said the spokesman of the State Department Mark Toner.

"We learned from our Swiss partner that Iranian authorities have confirmed the date of May 11 for the trial resumed," he said.

Switzerland looks after U.S. interests because the United States and Iran had diplomatic relations n'entretiennent.

Shane Bauer, Josh and Sarah Fattal Shourd were arrested July 31, 2009 near the border with Iraq. They say they were hiking in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan and they have crossed the border inadvertently.

Sarah Shourd was released in September against a deposit of $ 500,000. On Monday, the lawyer for the three Americans said that Tehran would likely Shourd did not resume his trial.

Under Iran's Islamic law, espionage can be punishable by death.

A boat of migrants ran aground off Lampedusa

AFP - A boat carrying 300 migrants ran aground as it approached the Italian port of Lampedusa and many passengers, including women and children were thrown overboard, said Sunday the Italian agency Ansa, quoting official sources.

Coast Guard launched a rescue operation and have recovered dozens of passengers who had jumped into the sea after the boat had hit rocks, they added the same source.

The ship was apparently going to Malta but was escorted by Coast Guard Malta to Lampedusa, it was still indicated.

Sunday, another boat with 800 migrants on board also arrived in Lampedusa.

Thousands of refugees coming from Libya and Tunisia in recent weeks have arrived in Lampedusa.Migrants from Libya were mostly workers from Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

A minority is made up of Tunisians.

The day before, Saturday, hundreds of refugees traveling to Libya and two boats had already landed on the island of Lampedusa.

655 people, including 82 women and 21 children were aboard the first boat and 187, including 19 women and one child on board the second boat fishing rusty and overloaded.

EURO ZONE - PORTUGAL: The aid approved by Brussels and the IMF is she a "good" plan?

Not 100, not 80, but 78 billion euros. After two weeks of negotiations, Portugal, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached an agreement Tuesday night on how the international aid plan. It will therefore ultimately less than what had been anticipated in financial markets.

Good news for the Portuguese government, which can boast of being the least helpful of the three countries have received international financial support. "It's a good plan", welcomed the Portuguese Socialist Prime Minister Jose Socrates.He even suggested that the terms negotiated in return for allowing his country to be better off than Ireland and Greece - the other two European states have been helped by the EU and the IMF. What is it exactly?

78 billion euros, is it thousands? The amount is released over three years, close to a few billion, forecasts the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker. On 24 March he said on France 24 expect a plan of international aid of about 75 billion if Portugal was in demand.

This envelope corresponds to approximately euro cents, the borrowing of Portugal anticipated by the European Union."In 2011, Lisbon has to repay 26 billion in debt coming due," had told France 24, March 24, Celine Antonin, an economist at the French Observatory of Economic Conditions (OFCE). The EU therefore expects that Portugal is obliged to repay 26 billion per year until 2013.

Is it really a "good plan", as said Jose Socrates? "It [the plan] is good because the compromise shows that the EU approves the austerity measures taken by lLisbonne," said France 24 Christophe Blot, an economist at the OFCE specialist and the EU.In short: the "potion" austerity that Portugal will have to drink to its population will be less bitter than the beverage Irish and Greek.

Indeed, Jose Socrates said Wednesday that there would be no decrease in the minimum wage, abandonment of the 13th and 14th month in the civil service, privatization or the Deposit and Consignment: all measures that Ireland and Greece had to be in pain. "Make no mistake, Portugal had already adopted several of these provisions - such as reducing the minimum wage," said Christophe Blot.

Are there counterparts requested in Portugal? Nothing new under the sun. As in "cases" Greek and Irish, EU and IMF require Portugal to slash their deficits.In 2010 it was 9.1% of GDP and should be reduced to 5.9% this year to 4.5% in 2012 and 3% in 2013. "It's about the same as Ireland and Greece, which means that the plan condemned Portugal to the recession in the coming years," said Christophe Blot: "It may be a good plan, but bad news for the Portuguese. " To achieve this, there is no recipe. Lisbon will prepare yet another austerity program with cuts in social spending and a likely tax increase.

Portuguese Prime Minister has however welcomed the calendar. He had indeed set targets for deficit reduction more stringent (4.6% of GDP in 2011, 3% in 2012 and 2% in 2013)."But at the time, it was essentially announcement effect to reassure financial markets and avoid having to apply for financial assistance to the European Union," says Christophe Blot. He said the compromise reached Tuesday night just to ask essentially targets more "realistic".

FOOTBALL: The French federation accused of racial discrimination by a journalistic investigation

Are there too many blacks and Arabs in the French football? That, in essence, the debate which would have appealed to the French Football Federation (FFF) in recent months, according to a survey published Thursday by the site Mediapart.

In the article, the three authors of the survey denounced the holding of hearings in camera on the subject since the end of 2010. These discussions have led to some troubling conclusions, according to Mediapart."For the highest level of French football, the case is heard: there are too many blacks, too many Arabs and not enough white on the land," have said several leaders of French football.

"Several leaders of the National Technical Directorate (DTN) of the French Football Federation (FFF), the coach of the Blues himself, Laurent Blanc, approved in the greatest secrecy, early 2011, the principle of discriminatory quotas informal in training centers and schools of football country, "develops this investigation.

"The 30% figure has even been suggested, January 18, 2011, by the technical director [Francis Blaquart] at a meeting of the DTN. 'But he did not let it be said, has been careful to said Mr.Blaquart "insists Mediapart, who claims to have obtained this information from several reliable sources.

"According to sources inside the FFF, outraged by the process, instructions have been given this direction in recent weeks in various centers responsible for training, including the French National Institute (INF) at Clairefontaine," continues the section.

FFF demented Mediapart ready to publish the evidence

Faced with Brulot published on the website, the FFF was quick to react.Philippe Tournon, Head of Press Service of the France team, told FRANCE 24 that Laurent Blanc was "deeply attached to freedom and [...] resistant to any form of discrimination" and that "[declined] formally being associated in any way to these stories of quotas. "

The Head of Press Office of the France team nevertheless acknowledged the holding of debates on dual nationality for some players trained by the French centers, while attacking an amalgam.

Fernand Duchossoy, president of the FFF, which has also denounced this amalgam, confirmed to AFP that a debate on a related topic was the agenda: "There is an observation, but it is not reflection. This one has plenty of players with dual nationality among youth and then some do not want to go for France. It is a choice, we must assume. "

Despite denials from the rain, the site Mediapart reaffirmed his serenity about the statements reported in its investigation. One of its authors, Fabrice Arfi, explained Thursday night broadcast on RMC: "We are very serene face of denials. We hold the evidence of what we say.And if the denials are too insistent, of course, we shall have to publish the evidence. "

"French football is racist"

The publication of the first part of this investigation has caused an earthquake in the world of French sport. Sports Minister Jouanno Chantal, who "[took] note" of the denial of the Federation, called on relevant authorities to "do it very quickly shed light on [these] allegations."

If the major players in French football still refusing to comment on the remarks relayed by Mediapart, some have followed suit of Internet media to denounce a more general situation.On RMC, Pape Diouf has rebounded on the publication of the article to castigate the state of French football, "French football is a reflection of its society. It is racist and excludes says the former chairman of the Olympique de Marseille. [...] I do not say that [these allegations] are true, but in any case, they fully reflect the reality of time and timing. "

The newspaper The team gathered for its part, the testimony of another symbol of diversity footballing Allen, the former central defender Lilian Thuram for France, who expressed his excitement to sports daily " I am so shocked that I do not know what to say. It is a world falling apart.But I do not want to be in the emotion to respond. I expect to have more elements. So I want to talk to people Mediapart. If this story is true, it does not stop there. "

The Federal Council, held on Friday, said the investigation Mediapart its agenda. The national technical director Francis Blaquart, one of the leaders openly referred to the article, will hold a press briefing following the meeting.

TERRORISM: AQIM releases video of four French nationals held hostage in the Sahel

Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has released a video Tuesday of four messages containing French hostages in Niger, begging Nicolas Sarkozy to withdraw French troops from Afghanistan, as the U.S. central monitoring Islamist websites (SITE).

Video 3 minutes and 36 seconds shows successive pictures of Peter Legrand, Daniel Larribe, Thierry and Marc Furrer Dol with armed men behind them.

They come in succession the same text and pronounce a few words by: "We implore the President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy to respond positively to the request of Al-Qaeda to withdraw French troops from Afghanistan. Because the French No have really no interest in the war in Afghanistan. "

The records date from 11, 12 or 13 April according to the claims of the hostages by appearing.

By last weekend, a source close to the current mediation had already repeated qu'Aqmi demanded the departure of French troops from Afghanistan in more than a ransom of 90 million euros made in March and rejected by the France.

In late September, two weeks after their abduction in the Sahel, Arlit (Niger), AQIM had posted a picture and an audio recording of the seven hostages - Areva employees and a subcontractor - including five French.

Since February 24, three of the hostages (one French, a Togolese and a Malagasy) have been released, which was interpreted by experts as an attempt to negotiate AQIM, which has pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden.

On several occasions, al-Qaeda has demanded the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan in exchange for the hostages' release.France has some 3,800 soldiers in the Afghan theater.

In November, in a recording broadcast on Qatar TV station Al-Jazeera, the head of AQIM, the Algerian Abdelmalek Droukdel, said: "(If you) want your citizens who are prisoners here are healthy and sound, then you should hurry up and withdraw your soldiers from Afghanistan according to a timetable that you make public. "

In an audio message, Osama bin Laden himself had warned in late October that France would not know security until it withdraws its troops from Afghanistan and would not put an end to its "injustice" to the against Muslims, citing in particular the law banning the full veil in public.On 21 January, in an audio message, the network leader had once linked the fate of French hostages to the withdrawal of French forces.

AQIM, which has stepped up kidnappings of Westerners in recent years, announced in July 2010 the implementation of humanitarian Germaneau Michel, whose body was never found.

Two young French, Antoine and Vincent Léocour Delory, abducted Jan. 7 in Niamey by kidnappers working for AQIM were killed the next day in Mali during a Franco-Nigerien military to free them.

Libya: The Libyan regime changes tactics in Misrata

Soldiers loyal to Muammar Gaddafi captured by insurgents in Misrata said Saturday that the army had received orders to withdraw from this port city in western Libya, besieged for nearly two months by government forces.

A rebel spokesman said the soldiers before fleeing, trapped corpses and buildings.

"We were told yesterday to withdraw," one soldier told Reuters, Khaled Dorman, transported with eleven others injured at the hospital in Misrata, 200 km east of Tripoli.

Another soldier, asked whether the government had lost control of Misrata, replied in the affirmative.

Contacted Misrata, Gemal Salem, spokesman of the insurgents, said by telephone that the forces of Muammar Gaddafi had left the city but stayed outside and be in position to bombard.

"Misrata is free, the Rebels have won.Some forces soldiers were killed Qaddafi and others are fleeing, "he said.

He added that the goal of insurgents Misrata was now come to the aid of other outbreaks of rebellion in Tripoli.

First attack drone "Predator"

The Libyan government admitted on Friday evening that the siege had been broken during the capture of the port by insurgents and that the airstrikes had contributed.

"The strategy of the Libyan army is to conduct surgery, but with air strikes, it does not work," said Vice-Foreign Minister Khalid Kaim.

"The situation will be alleviated in Misrata, tribes around Misrata and the rest of the inhabitants of Misrata take care of it, and the Libyan army," he told reporters in Tripoli.

Another spokesman for the rebels to Misrata, Abdelsalam, said that Gaddafi supporting tribes were a minority in the region.

"There are two small towns near Gaddafi Misrata. They represent less than one percent of the population in and around Misrata," he said.

"They know that when the Gaddafi regime fall, they fall with him," he added, saying that fear the government pays for them mercenaries posing as members of tribes.

Salem said that the rebels now raking Misrata and clear the streets.Before leaving, he said, forces Gaddafi trapped corpses, homes and cars.

"A man opened his refrigerator on his way home this morning after the departure of forces Gaddafi, and it exploded in his face. Same with the corpses. When the rebels are trying to raise a body, he explodes.Three people were killed because of this, and we deplore 15 wounded.

The Pentagon also announced that the U.S. had Libya on Saturday launched their first attack drone "Predator".

Conducted last month by the West under a UN mandate, the conventional air raids have not helped insurgents to take sufficient advantage and Admiral Mike Mullen, Chief of Staff Inter-American weapons, said Friday that the conflict threatens to enter a deadlock.

Strikes by HQ Gaddafi

On the night of Friday to Saturday, NATO conducted air strikes near Bab al Azizia, fortified headquarters of Gaddafi in Tripoli.

Moussa Ibrahim, spokesman for the government, said three people had been killed by a "powerful explosion" in a parking lot.

Reuters journalists have reported that the place was surrounded by walls and watchtowers occupied by soldiers. NATO strikes have left two large holes. The bombs have crossed the floor and a layer of reinforced concrete, reaching what appears to be an underground shelter.

Smoke was still one of the craters, with boxes of ammunition nearby.Ibrahim Moussa said that the place was no longer used and that the ammunition boxes were empty.

In addition, the agency Jana reported that the Libyan Prime Minister Al Baghdadi Al Mahmoudi, had Saturday with his Greek counterpart George Papandreou a telephone interview during which he reaffirmed Libya's commitment to UN resolutions.

He added that Libya was committed to the peace initiative of the African Union.

"The colonial aggression of the crusaders" - apparently referring to military operations against NATO forces Gaddafi - violate these resolutions, "said Mahmoud quoted by Jana.

"There was talk during the exchange of the role of Greece to stop these excesses," the agency said.

FRANCE: Nicolas Sarkozy defended the proposed bonus to employees

Reuters - A year after the presidential election, Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed its willingness to share with employees the resumption of dividends in defending its proposed special bonus for staff of all businesses across France.

When the government recently renewed the freezing point index of officials, he reiterated the need at the same time for the state to save money by reducing its workforce, including Education.

A symbolic shift in the Ardennes

To revive the topic of purchasing power, the head of state was symbolically chose the Ardennes, a region of old industry hard hit by the crisis when he mentioned the "France-suffering" and who "gets up early" in a speech marking the campaign that would bring him to the Elysee Palace in 2007."I asked the government to provide a device that will ensure that in the crisis, employees and the French workers have the feeling that reflects their efforts and there is more justice," Has he said to justify its proposed premium.

The terms of this bonus, criticized in advance by the social partners, will be known "in the days to come."

As previously announced, the companies that distribute dividends up will have to negotiate with unions to determine the amount.Budget Minister Francois Baroin, spoke of a magnitude of 1,000 euros.

"For small businesses, the government is prepared to tell all those who would pay an exceptional bonus of being exempt from social contributions," said Nicolas Sarkozy, adding: "Naturally, we do not require but encourage them .

He was speaking to employees of a smelter Vrigne aux Bois, near Charleville, which has weathered the crisis without reducing its workforce even if she has to manage a decline of 35% of its turnover in 2009.She now uses tax-free overtime to meet a workload whose level exceeds that of the pre-crisis.

"France that gets up early is good, but it would still have to have a decent wage"

"As we emerge from the crisis, I would not understand, I will not accept that we do not consider to give additional purchasing power to employees and workers," said Chief has yet to state.

He justified his initiative by the fact that the negotiations opened two years ago at his request by the social partners on the distribution of value "have not moved an inch."

"I assure you, I am not a socialist, I am not the left (but) my duty is to think consistently, sensibly and fairly. "

The CEO of the Ardennes Cast, Nicolas Grosdidier, told the press waiting to learn more about this premium to comment while suggesting that a group like his, which employs 800 people and identifies "best year net profit of 1.5% to 2% of sales (170 million euros), would struggle to pay it."France that gets up early is good but it would it be a living wage," said Nadine Baudion for its part, CFDT delegate, stressing that company employees were receiving the RSA ( social income of autonomy) in addition to their compensation.

Speaking later to the Department of Mayors meeting in Renwez, Nicolas Sarkozy stressed the need for France to reduce its deficits "to avoid it is in the situation in Portugal, Greece or the Ireland, and even today the United States, which are under the threat of lowering their ratings.

"I understand your objections, class closures, closures of post office.I ask you to think in French citizens. We need to make savings to avoid the tragedy of a country too much debt, "he said.

The educational community who are concerned about the impact on the coming year of continued non-replacement of staff on two retiring, he replied that the National Education has seen its numbers grow in recent years and that should now reform the organization.

"If it were enough to hire more teachers to solve every problem, there should be no problem in education," he said.

SYRIA: Bashar al-Assad announced the imminent abolition of emergency law

AFP - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Saturday that the emergency law, in force since 1963, would be abolished in a week maximum, in a speech before the new government broadcast on public television.

The abolition of emergency law, in force since 1962 and which substantially reduces civil liberties, is one of the main demands of protesters who are calling for a liberalization of the regime.

"The Legal Committee on the Emergency Law has developed a series of proposals for new legislation.These proposals will be submitted to the government that will enact laws (...) in a week maximum, "said Assad.

Faced with this unprecedented protest movement of the regime that began in mid-March, the authorities have shown their willingness to adopt reforms.

In late March, Mr. Assad was given until April 25 to a legal committee to draft new legislation to replace the emergency law.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: The gods of football they save Inter Milan and Tottenham?

Surely there are fans who would like the games provided on Wednesday night in London and Gelsenkirchen are relocated to Lourdes.

Players from Tottenham Hotspur will receive a boost from the sky if they want to rule out Real Madrid, winning 4-0 in Spain to go to the Supreme European title race. And denying the passage, Europe for possible displays 100% between the Galactic and Spanish rivals FC Barcelona in the semifinals.

"We have nothing to lose and much to gain.We must be confident that we can create the exploit, though it will be very hard, "admitted the Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, who appeared at a news conference wearing a T-shirt the likeness of Jesus. ... This means

To believe that would be a historic feat - no club has ever filled such a delay in the Champions League - Londoners will try to remember that they had the best attack of the competition before the quarter-finals. But without Peter Crouch sent off in the 15th minute in the first leg, it will be difficult to differentiate.

The people of Madrid are, themselves, on their guard. "Football can sometimes betray you. It is important not to allow him the opportunity to do so.We come to London to play seriously, "warned the coach of Real, Jose Mourinho.

"Eto'o motivated players ever"

In a state of grace, Inter Milan will try to be. The Italian club, the defending champion, travels on the lawn of Schalke 04 with a gap of three goals to close the Germans 2-5 in Lombardy having imposed last week.

But statistics suggest that there are so surprised tonight, it should instead take place in Gelsenkirchen at White Hart Lane Tottenham. In fact, 43 times in the history of the most prestigious European competition, teams were able to qualify, they had three goals down after the first leg.

And Schalke 04, it is still not the great Real. The German club recently joined for the first time this season the top 10 of his national championship and must deal with players young defense.

Opposite the club Lombard, even far from its level of last season which had seen pocketing three titles (Champions League, Championship and Italian Cup), can always count on the experience of players like Samuel Eto ' o. Already, the Cameroon striker has been a leader of men during the preparation of movement in the Ruhr. "It has motivated the players as ever," says his coach, Brazilian Leonardo. A guru, Eto'o? Surely ... especially if a miracle tonight!

NIGERIA: Three attacks threatens to disrupt the long-awaited legislative

AFP - Nigerians voted Saturday in connection with legislative and postponed twice already tainted by the deadly explosion of a bomb on Friday in a polling station at the beginning of a marathon before the presidential election on April 16.

Polling stations have opened in some areas as scheduled at 08:00 local time (0700 GMT) but in others, voting had not begun, noted journalists from AFP.

These elections take place in almost all districts of the country, had been postponed last Saturday April 4 and April 9, due to the absence of electoral materials and personnel in a large number of polling stations.The president was also postponed for a week to 16 April.

"I think today will be different. (Electoral Commission) is ready," said Fatai Awofolaju, an official election in Lagos.

In Lagos, the economic capital, Abuja, the administrative capital and Kano (North), the second city of the country, polls opened at 8:00 or shortly thereafter.In Bayelsa State which is from the President Goodluck Jonathan, they opened with 90 minutes delay.

A bombing and an armed attack put the ballot in danger

This election that is expected to test the ability of the country's most populous country with 160 million people to hold free elections, have already been disrupted by a bomb blast Friday at Suleija, some 45 km Abuja (center) in a polling station who was preparing the elections.

The initial assessment of 8 dead and 26 injured Saturday has risen to 11 killed and wounded and 38. The attack was not claimed. The vote in this constituency has been postponed.

Gunmen also attacked Friday in Shani, Borno state in north-east, a police station where election officials were responsible for the supervision of election materials, killing four people.

The previous elections in Nigeria were marred by fraud and violence.The NGO Human Rights Watch has already recorded 85 deaths in pre-election violence since November 2010.

President Goodluck Jonathan, presidential candidate, denounced a "heinous terrorist bombing" in Suleija and ordered increased security at the premises of the Electoral Commission throughout the country.

The borders were closed, traffic restrictions were imposed on vehicles and soldiers patrolled the strategic points.

The impact of the bombing was difficult to measure."What bomb?" We have no problem here, "commented Bode Oshowole Saturday, a printer 61, in a polling station in Lagos.

"They're trying to scare us but it does not," responded the head of another polling station. "Nigeria can not be turned into another Afghanistan or Iraq," said Nnamdi Ekweogu.

Dysfunctions delay the vote in 10% of precincts

In a little over 10% of precincts where the ballots could not be printed in time, the legislation will be held April 26, the date of elections of governors and assemblies of the 36 states of the federation.The postponement affects 15 out of 109 senatorial districts and 48 constituencies which elect the 360 ​​members in the House of Representatives.

"Several countries in Africa have been able to hold successful elections, and if we fail, we can not claim a leadership role or to discipline anyone for failure," he said Thursday Jonathan to a delegation of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), based in Washington, which supports democratic institutions and practices worldwide.

The NGO in Nigeria has sent more than 50 observers from more than 23 countries, working with 1700 Nigerian observers.

LIBYA: According to Alain Juppe, the situation in Misrata "can not continue"

The situation in Misrata in Libya, a city subject for several days at the firing forces of Muammar Gaddafi, "can not last," said Wednesday the French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, stating that he would inform the Secretary General of NATO.

"Misrata is in a situation that can not last and I'll talk in a few hours with the Secretary General of NATO," Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the minister to France Info radio.

The Libyan military leader of the rebels on Tuesday accused NATO of "letting people die of Misrata (west) under fire from forces of Muammar Gaddafi.

Recognizing that in Libya, "the risk of getting bogged down there," Alain Juppe said he did not return to the international coalition "to start reclaiming the land."

"We have formally requested that there be no collateral damage on civilians, it makes intervention more difficult because of Qaddafi's troops have understood things and tend to be closer to civilian populations," said he said.

"We support all our strength the National Transitional Council (opposition), it must also be organized. Finally the field all depend on them.We're here to protect civilians, not to start from the reconquest of the territory, "insisted the minister.

He reaffirmed that Libya was moving towards a political solution, implicitly recognizing that international military action is not sufficient to reach a departure from office of Muammar Gaddafi.

The latter regime is the target since February 15 of a popular uprising that turned into a civil war between insurgents and forces loyal to the leader.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Calm in a precarious Abidjan delivered to insecurity and looting

AFP - The battle of Abidjan was experiencing a lull on Sunday morning around the last bastions defended by followers of Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo out, holding their positions for more than three days, residents said, and AFP journalists.

In the Plateau (center), the Presidential Palace district, only a few sporadic shots of heavy weapons were heard off in the morning, while during part of Friday afternoon the firing had been very intense, it was found.

In the Cocody district (north), in a wide area including the presidential residence and state television RTI, "during the night by pulling it here and there, heavy and light weapons", reported a capita."But there was no real fighting, only sporadic gunfire.

Since their arrival in Abidjan on Thursday evening after a lightning offensive that has allowed them to conquer nearly all of the country, the forces of Alassane Ouattara, President recognized by the international community, attempting unsuccessfully to drive the pro-Gbagbo of their strongholds while Abidjan comes to violence and looting.

BURMA: The new strong man of civilian authority remains under the control of the military junta

The Burmese junta is dead, long live the Burmese junta? Few people are indeed stupid. While the military has handed over the keys to power Wednesday in Thein Sein, outgoing Prime Minister and now President of Parliament. He heads the new civilian government, supposedly the result of "7 Steps to a disciplined democracy". A program decided by the military junta shortly after the adoption of the new constitution in 2008 and peaked with disputed elections in November 2010.

Parliament, which is derived largely composed of retired military.But according to that constitution, the Association for Development and Solidarity, headed by Than Shwe, the junta leader since 1992, which controls the main levers of the country.

"There is no cause for celebration, the military junta turns into a dictatorship just civil," says FRANCE 24 Anna Roberts, director of Burma Campaign UK charity. The ceremony is only a "communication operation," said Anne Roberts, for giving a facelift to a dictatorship that has lasted nearly 50 years.

In 1962 the military took power following a coup. General Ne Win becomes the strongman of the junta that installed at all levels of public life.Nationalization of the economy and mass media, persecution of minorities and widespread corruption mark his twenty years of reign. 300 000 Indians fled the country during this period.

An authoritarian regime, a corrupt country

It is also the one who invented the little facelift midterm. Indeed, in 1974, Ne Win decided to resign ... to head a new civilian government largely modeled on the single party in the former USSR.

Than Shwe, who succeeded Ne Win in 1992, so which to keep. "In fact, it's one of those examples where the new dictator is worse than its predecessor," said Anna Roberts.General Than Shwe, which reinstates a military regime, appears to be a kind of paranoid despot as some call crazy influenced by his advisors, astrologers and others, like Anna Roberts, take "a great manipulator."

One thing is for sure. Than Shwe years have exacerbated the regime's authoritarian tendencies. In the late 1990s, the International Monetary Fund has described the country bankrupt state. Burma, along with Somalia, most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International and the International Organization estimates that nearly 800,000 people are subjected to forced labor.

The power cuts also definitely the people.Than Shwe moved in 2005, the capital 300 kilometers from Rangoon, where he built a city called Naypyidaw ("seat of kings"). The master of the junta also refused to speak to the foreign press and not meet with officials from other countries only on rare occasions. This life in an ivory tower became public during the flooding caused by a deadly cyclone in 2008. Than Shwe not only makes no public appearances but he refuses even to international aid. Like North Korea, the country is now officially cut off from the world.

Boundless hatred

Politically, the military junta does not want to hear about democracy, except in its sauce.Than Shwe is known, according to a biography of journalist and human rights Benedict Rogers ("Than Shwe: Burma unmask the tyrant", Ed), devote a boundless hatred for Aung San Suu Kyi. The very name of the opponent and Nobel peace in 1991 would rage. Since 1990 and the cancellation of elections won by the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, the power harasses his most famous opponent. It is officially free in his movements since July 2010 after years under house arrest and prison.

In 2007, the junta has also faced another test of democracy. A series of events in September, led by monks, demand more freedom.The military then crush these uprisings.

It was after this move that the authority has begun the process that culminated on Wednesday, the transfer of power to civilian authorities. "They hope that this gesture will push the international community to lift some economic sanctions," said Anna Roberts.

LIBYA: The insurgency took over the city of Brega and continues its westward offensive

The rebels have resumed Saturday Ajdabiya strategic towns in eastern and Brega in Libya, their first major victories since the start of the international military intervention against the forces of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi a week ago.

Strong military support international air cons pro-Qaddafi, the insurgents took control in quick lock Strategic Ajdabiya, 160 km south of Benghazi, a stronghold of the opposition, then the oil city of Brega 80 km further west, according to local journalists.

The forces of Colonel Qaddafi faced since February 15 in an insurgency that has unprecedented attempt to suppress the blood, have deserted their positions under cover of darkness, leaving the Rebels celebrate their reconquest Ajdabiyah drawing in the air and honking.

"The clashes were continuing Friday and then everything stopped around 23:30. And at midnight, the men went to Gaddafi," said one resident, Omar Bashi. "The rebels entered the city shortly after.It was time, we had only rice to eat for several days. "

The fighting, according to the rebellion, nine dead and nine wounded, while outside the city, the bodies of at least 21 fighters pro-Gaddafi were collected, according to medical sources. Other bodies, some charred or dismembered by bombs, still lay in the desert.

"Ajdabiya is 100% under the control of our forces and our forces go after Gaddafi Brega on the road," he said Saturday morning, a spokesman for the insurgents in Benghazi, Chamsiddin Abdoulmolah.

Late afternoon, the rebels claimed to have taken Brega, according to a reporter traveling with them.

"We are in the center of Brega.Gaddafi's forces have retreated and are now al-Bicher (30 km further west) and we move into this area, "said one rebel fighters, Abdelsalam al-Maadani.

Hitherto disorganized and inefficient, the insurgents took advantage of the coalition air support to resume the offensive.

The raids have "prepared the battlefield", and experienced officers and soldiers who joined the rebellion played a major role, "said Abdoulmolah.These soldiers have coordinated their attacks with the coalition, which came into action between the air strikes.

Asked about a Washington Post article claiming that the coalition was planning to send arms to the insurgents, one of their spokesman, Ahmed Khalifa, said that no deliveries had taken place at the moment but that these weapons would be welcome.

Meanwhile, the coalition has not released its pressure. It launched raids Friday night and into the night on the town of Zliten (west) and the Al-Wati (west).It also bombed a military site at Tajura, a suburb east of Tripoli, a target area on a daily basis.

President Barack Obama welcomed the developments, saying that the international mission in Libya was "targeted and being successful.""A humanitarian catastrophe has been averted and the lives of countless innocent civilians, men, women and children, were rescued."

According to an official of the Libyan Ministry of Health, the coalition raids killed at least 114 dead and 445 wounded from Sunday to Wednesday, mainly in Tripoli and its suburbs.

Despite his combative tone returns, the Gaddafi regime was willing to accept an African plan providing for the cessation of fighting and a dialogue for a "transition" democratic.

But at the same time, his forces are still trying to recapture the town of Misrata, rebel stronghold in the west, continuing their bombardment, according to a witness.Since Benghazi, the rebels have asked the international community to come to the aid of Misrata.

And the rebels have rejected the African initiative. "The only way to resolve this conflict is that Gaddafi and his son are brought to justice for crimes against humanity," said Khalifa. Mr.Gaddafi, in power for 42 years, maintains a defiant and refuses to go away.

Military intervention by the international coalition also wants policy, while the leader of the National Transitional Council reaffirmed the opposition grouping does not want to "foreign forces" on Libyan soil.

With the approach of a first meeting of the Contact Group in London on Tuesday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced "a Franco-British initiative" for a political solution. Italy has also announced it would present a plan during the summit.

The conduct of operations, NATO countries agreed to take immediate relay of the Coalition for the no-fly zone, but not for ground strikes.Negotiations should continue on Sunday that Nato will soon take all the operations in hand.

The Russian ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, whose country criticized the international response, said a ground invasion would be tantamount to occupation.

Find the events of Saturday, March 26 in Libya, Syria and elsewhere in the Arab world with our Liveblogging here.

Liveblogging: Follow live events in Libya and the Arab world

Latest Highlights in Libya:

In a statement released Tuesday, the Libyan leader said his country was "ready for battle, whether long or short," adding: "We will win this battle." The intervention of Western armies has grounded the Libyan planes and halted the advance of troops Gaddafi to Benghazi, a stronghold of insurgents. However, the rebels fail to gain ground. Paris, Washington and London have agreed that NATO could play a "key role" in the command of future operations in Libya. Relatives of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi came into contact with allies in Libya to find an exit to the conflict, said Tuesday the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on ABC.

If you want to follow the liveblogging from a smartphone, click here.

LIBYA: At the UN, French diplomacy against the Libyan equation

The approval by the Security Council of UN resolution 1973, Thursday, marks something of a return to the forefront of French diplomacy. On the antenna of FRANCE 24, Foreign Minister Alain Juppe reiterated that "France [works] to convince his partners" for "days, if not weeks."

The insistence of France vis-à-vis the international community has borne fruit.After the decision of the Security Council of UN, Libya announced Friday its intention to immediately comply with UN orders by putting "an end to all military operations" and observing "an immediate cease- fire ".

If this latest development is confirmed on the ground, it could be a proven success for French diplomacy.However, the positions of Paris supported for this procedure is complex to decipher.

Since the official recognition of the Libyan National Transitional Council (CNT) as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people (March 10), Paris has stepped up calls for military intervention.

Particularly, this position contrasts sharply with the attitude of French diplomacy at recent Arab uprisings - in Tunisia and Egypt.The Quai d'Orsay was then multiplied the blunders, from the point of discrediting the entire French diplomacy and deface Paris's position on these issues.

A position to assume

Reached by France24.com Eugene Rogan, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oxford, said that Paris had no other choice but to "continue its efforts" to address the problem Jamahiriya: "France has taken a very surprising recognizing a government instead of a state.It seems that from the time when President Sarkozy has legitimized the CNT, unpredictably, [...] France could not afford to be the only major countries not to recognize the regime of Gaddafi ".

Repeated calls from the Quai d'Orsay for an international consensus had finally paid off. But the question of whether early recognition of the CNT was part of an overall strategy to put pressure on the international community continue to arise.

For Eugene Rogan, it is likely that France was forced to assume its partners a hasty decision, "President Sarkozy is very unpredictable and can be very spontaneous.When he recognized the CNT, it seems he did not consult its partners in Europe and America. "

Nevertheless, "it is very difficult to know for what purpose France decided to recognize the CNT. "Maybe she had received assurances on the award of contracts in exchange for his support. If this is a tenable hypothesis, there is nothing to verify it. I do not see any other explanation, "he develops.

However, the image of French diplomacy ultra responsive, which would cleverly controlled his skid, is not unanimously shared.According to Jean Dufourcq, a researcher at the Ecole Militaire in Paris and former director of the Research Centre of the College of Defence of NATO, "France shares the idea that it must intervene when a population suffered an attack of its leader, especially if the process takes place in an area directly concerning. "

This strategic aspect, which aims to protect the Mediterranean against a threat of destabilization, is a major factor to decrypt the French position on the issue of Libya, said Jean Dufourcq, whose reasoning supports the thesis of a controlled strategy from the beginning by Paris. "Behind the scenes, it is likely that the project was on the table for a month.Since the establishment of a military process requires a lot of work beforehand. "

The hexagonal frontline diplomacy

Rest in obtaining approval of an intervention in Libya, France was left to the initiative of a major operation. For now, the Quai d'Orsay has limited interventions. The government spokesman Baroin confirmed Friday morning that military strikes would occur "within hours" and that the French military "will participate".

For Jean Dufourcq, this vagueness is part of Paris by a certain continuity: "We have just concluded the political stage of this operation. Now open the military aspect, namely the establishment of the process, says he said.If France did not rule on a specific schedule is that the UN is in a logic of 'surprise military'. If the humanitarian need is unquestionable, the strategy calls for hitting at the right time. "

As a prelude to the Council vote, Alain Juppe had evoked a quick response, saying it was "a matter of days, [...] may be a matter of hours." Since no information has filtered out about it.

Respect of staff and military means that each country involved could make available to the coalition, they have still not been disclosed.

JAPAN: The use of nuclear power challenged by the accident in Fukushima

While Japan is struggling to avoid a major nuclear accident, the anti-nuclear protest in Europe is growing and gaining political ground. Demonstrations against the atom have collected several thousand people this weekend in Germany, and a few hundred people in Paris and the United Kingdom. Monday, at a time when new explosions resounded in the Fukushima-Daiichi plant - the unit closest to the epicenter of the earthquake that devastated Japan March 11 and was severely damaged by the tsunami that s 'is followed - many governments do not hide their concern.

Worldwide, the problems occurred at the Fukushima plant caused a chain reaction. "The accident in Japan has changed the world.We must ask ourselves an industry that was previously considered safe, "has released a German radio Gunther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, before calling for a summit devoted to European nuclear safety.

Austria, it has required that tests be conducted on the European nuclear power plants to assess their resistance in case of earthquake. In the process, Germany has announced it does not ultimately lengthen the life of his own, going against a controversial decision it had taken last year.Switzerland, meanwhile, has suspended plans to renew its facilities, while India has ordered the audit of all its atomic plants.

The United Kingdom, which was considering him an important stimulus for its nuclear industry now seems to want to take time to reflect before embarking on such a project while in the United States, legislators have called for a moratorium on atomic energy.

A serious setback for the global nuclear industry

Finally in France, the second largest producer of nuclear energy worldwide, the government has reacted more lukewarm, excluding question his energy policy.The Environment Minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, had nice talk "very serious nuclear accident" and "high risk of catastrophe", she also advised to "avoid falling into the runaway at European Union ". Sunday night on RTL, Henri Guaino, special advisor to Nicolas Sarkozy, has even gone so far as to say that the accident at the Fukushima plant "should instead promote the French nuclear industry, which is characterized" by its concern security ".

Yet the Japanese crisis represents a serious setback for the global nuclear industry.Monday morning, concern has spread to stock markets, as evidenced in Paris, the fall in prices - 8% and 4% respectively - the French group Areva, the world's nuclear and EDF, the first nuclear electrician world. A fall that, officially, does not worry unduly Areva: "This is the law of the market, these reactions to hot", indicated in the day Monday a spokesman for the group. It is true that after the disasters at Three Mile Island in 1979 and Chernobyl in 1986, the global nuclear industry had finally overcome.

"A before and after Fukushima"

Within the French nuclear group, however, the atmosphere is not as serene sought to suggest."For the moment we are waiting," said a company employee who wishes to remain anonymous. It is a crossroads for nuclear. If the reactors [the central Fukushima] take, it help to demonstrate the robustness of the facilities and to demonstrate that risks are taken into account. But if it goes wrong, there may be an impact on the prospects for nuclear development and its commercial opportunities. Be that as it may, the psychological impact on people will be striking and is likely to revive debate on the acceptability of nuclear power. "

For anti-nuclear organizations and the European Green parties anyway, the debate is (re) started and the battle is just beginning."There will be a before and after Fukushima, as there was a before and after Chernobyl," said Xavier Rabilloud example, spokesman for the network Sortir du nucléaire. For him, the "requests for verification of nuclear states are made by a clear admission that the safety in nuclear power is an illusion and that no one can keep the population from nuclear accidents.

Liveblogging: Back on the events of Thursday in Libya and the Arab world

REUTERS - The cons-offensive Libyan forces to take over the city fell three weeks ago at the hands of insurgents hostile to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi continued Thursday as the West is still hesitating on how to support them.

The head of U.S. intelligence, James Clapper, has predicted that the forces Gaddafi, the better equipped than the rebels, would eventually prevail.Colonel Gaddafi is ready for a long struggle, he said, and nothing suggests that he relinquish power.

Saif al Islam Gaddafi's son, has confirmed that the time had come to launch a full military offensive against insurgents and negotiations with them were out of question.

France became the first Western power to recognize the National Council of Libya (NOC) in Benghazi proclaimed by the insurgents.London followed a similar line, calling the NOC a "valid interlocutor" with which he wished
"Working closely".

But EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, even if they have reaffirmed their desire to see Qaddafi from power, appeared divided on this issue.

The representative of European diplomacy, Catherine Ashton, said that one should not rush "of matter in the unilateral recognition of certain groups."

"From our perspective, any recognition should be conducted by the Arab League and discussed at the UN.This is not to be a unilateral decision, "said his spokesman.

Tanks, airplanes, ships bombard Ras Lanuf

Catherine Ashton, who attended a simultaneous meeting of defense ministers of NATO in the Belgian capital, also argues that any European initiative on
establishing a no-fly zone in Libya should be taken in close coordination with the UN and the Arab League.

The secretary general of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said any military operation, including the establishment of such a zone should meet three criteria: the need
demonstrable intervention, a clear mandate and support in the region.

The EU summit to be held Friday, still in Brussels, France would propose a strategic action plan to stop the murderous repression of the uprising in Libya, said one of the emissaries of the NLC received in the morning by the
President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Field, east of Tripoli, tanks, aircraft and ships bombed the Libyan insurgent positions in Ras Lanuf, which houses a major oil terminal, has reported
a rebel, citing several deaths.

The official TV announced that insurgents had been driven out of port and airport Es Sider, another oil terminal, 40 km west of Ras Lanuf.

Insurgents have also reported an airstrike on Mars el Brega, a third oil terminal, located 90 km east of Ras Lanuf, suggesting that the loyalists have not
only stopped the progression of anti-Gaddafi westward but regained ground towards their eastern strongholds.

Zaouïah surrounded on all sides

Even if the fighting around the oil terminals in the Gulf of Sirte rage, there is no indication that Gadhafi forces seeking to destroy their facilities.But oil prices nonetheless continue to soar.

The Libyan authorities repress the tanker ports because of the depletion of oil deposits due to supply disruptions because of fighting.

To the west, the loyalist forces encircled the town devastated Zaouiah, about fifty kilometers from the capital, where insurgents continue to resist despite the
deadly fighting in recent days.

"The government forces surround Zaouïah everywhere. We do not know who controls the center. It changes all the time.Battles are fought street by street, "reported an exile who has been in contact with a relative in
suburbs of the city.

The insurgents, carried far by the hope that they could enter their lead in Tripoli from their stronghold in Benghazi, now admit their difficulties in
holding their own against an opponent with a superior firepower.

The deadly weapons of Gaddafi

"Gadhafi could prevail. With planes, tanks, mortars and rockets. It would be nice that there is a no-fly zone," said an insurgent.

The U.S. Department of Defense said examine "a range" of military options, including such a zone.U.S. General Raymond Odierno said that in case of international consensus, the establishment of this zone would only take 48 hours.

But, noting, too, the need for a green light from the international community, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has ruled out any unilateral action by Washington, which it says could have "unpredictable consequences".

She also expressed the concern of the United States to the possible possession of chemical weapons by the Gaddafi regime, and other "things dreaded" it might have in his arsenal.

In Geneva, the Committee inernational of the Red Cross said that Libya was plunging into a civil war with mounting casualties.

The outgoing coalition won the legislative

REUTERS - The center-right coalition to power in Estonia, Country came in January in the euro area after a harsh recession, has largely won parliamentary elections Sunday.

After counting 97% of votes, the Reform Party of Prime Minister Andrus Ansip wins 33 seats out of 101 in the new parliament and its partner, the Union Pro Patria and Res Republica, gets 23, ensuring the coalition an absolute majority, with five more seats in the outgoing assembly.

Analysts expect that the small Baltic country of 1.3 million people stick to the austerity policy that allowed him in January to become the 17th member state of the euro-zone government debt the lowest in the EU.

The Centre Party, main opposition, has been affected by allegations that he solicited funds in Russia, great neighbor that Estonians generally viewed with suspicion. The party officials have denied those rumors.

The Social Democrats, meanwhile, had joined the government after the 2007 elections but the alliance was broken.

The government Ansip was a minority for some time, but defections on smaller parties had come to give it 51 seats in parliament.

Estonia has been facing one of the worst recessions in the EU, with its economy shrank by 14% in 2009.Only its Baltic neighbors, the
Latvia and Lithuania, have experienced worse in the EU.

The country has implemented austerity measures to redress public finances and adopt the euro.

Estonia remains one of the poorest countries of the Union, which she joined in 2004 as well as NATO. But its fiscal situation is sound. The European Commission predicts its total budget deficit of the public sector of 1.6% of GDP for 2011, which corresponds to the average of the euro area.

The state debt, projected at 9.5% of GDP this year will be by far the lowest in the euro zone where the average is in the field to 86.5% of GDP. The Government is committed to achieving a balanced budget by 2014.

Wikileaks: The Bradley Manning soldier accused of collusion with the enemy "

The American military justice has added 22 new charges against the soldier Bradley Manning, a former military intelligence analyst accused of pirating hundreds of thousands of federal documents that were found on Wikileaks.

Manning would illegally obtaining these records while serving in Iraq.He is held in Quantico, a basic body of U.S. Marines in Virginia.

In a statement, the military said Wednesday that the new charges against him include in particular the charges of aiding the enemy and participation in the unlawful disclosure of information on the Internet.

Bradley Manning, who is 23 years old, had already been prosecuted for such downloaded and sent to an unauthorized person confidential video of the attack in 2007 in Baghdad by a U.S. military helicopter.Ten
people were killed, including two employees of Reuters.

The army says it will not claim the death penalty against Manning, even if the charge of aiding the enemy is punishable by death. But the former analyst risk life imprisonment.

His trial was postponed time that a commission's decision on his mental state.

Julian Assange, the Australian founder of the website Wikileaks, has denied knowing Bradley Manning. He accuses the U.S. of using the detained soldier to build a case against him.

FRANCE: Nicolas Sarkozy addresses the French tonight's fate still uncertain MAM

The fate of Michèle Alliot-Marie is sealed by the tenors of the majority, leaving the government should intervene Sunday in a reshuffle to the extent uncertain, prior to a statement broadcast by Nicolas Sarkozy on the international situation.

"For MMA, it's done. The President has taken its decision, she goes" Saturday assured a tenor of the majority, confirming information obtained yesterday by the AFP to two ministers.

According to several sources, the head of French diplomacy would be replaced by the Defence Minister, Alain Juppe.This will, in a minister to resign "Sunday Morning", just after his return in the night from a trip to Kuwait.

"The anonymous sources who claim to make decisions in place of Ms Alliot-Marie bind none but themselves," responded the entourage of the Minister to AFP.

When questioned, the Elysee declined to respond. But in late afternoon, Sarkozy, after meeting with three former hostages of the Sahel at the Elysee Palace, received at La Lanterne in Versailles, Prime Minister Francois Fillon. The interview lasted an hour and a half, according to Matignon.The secretary general of the Elysee, Claude Gueant, was also present.

While France has been strongly criticized in recent weeks for its diplomatic policy, Mr.Sarkozy will also attempt to regain control of the reserved area of the Head of State during a televised address Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on the international situation.

Regarding his team, the Head of State is considering various scenarios, according to several government sources.

Circumscribe the redesign to the replacement of MMA? Or take the opportunity to make more extensive changes and try to give new impetus to his government, just three months after the big reshuffle in November and a little over a year of presidential elections?

"Mystery ... The ball will roll on the wheel throughout the weekend," said a tenor of the majority.

"I work. I am 100% mobilized as Minister of Foreign Affairs.I do not comment on rumors in Paris, "said Kuwait Alliot-Marie.

"Regardless of what happens when I landed in Paris," she added, however, as resigned to his dismissal.

According to ministers, the situation became untenable and "we must stop it" because "Michele Alliot-Marie was unscrewed and leads everyone." "The sequence of the French presidency of the G20 is important and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be prominent at the side of the head of state. But in his post, the action does not erase image "tarnished by the case to twists on holiday in Tunisia, said one of them.

To replace Mr.Juppe of Defense, several names were circulating this weekend, including the boss of UMP senators, Gerard Longuet, but also former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, or the interior minister, Brice Hortefeux, which could then give way to Beauvau Claude Gueant.

The reshuffle could also see the arrival of two or three secretaries of state - including liberals and centrists - repeatedly announced and postponed.New Center hoped Saturday that the realignment "will allow a rebalancing policy.

As for the companion of MMA, the Minister of Relations with Parliament, Patrick Ollier, his fate seems outstanding and not necessarily tied to that of his companion.

Campaigning Sunday for his fief cantonal Rueil-Malmaison (Hauts-de-Seine), he merely said he would "when the situation" arises.

24 IMAGES SECOND: Audio: Caesar seen by the editor of France 24

With 11 nominations at the 36th ceremony of Caesar, the film by Xavier Beauvois' Of Men and Gods "collect in advance the honors of the profession that brand again its distance from the box office by ignoring" Little Tissues "from Guillaume Canet and "Camping 2" Fabien Onteniente.

After a great year for cinema hexagonal (over 206 million cinema admissions, 35% for French films), appointments spend yet most beautiful successes of 2010, "Potiche" to "Tour "from" The Heartbreaker "to" The Ghost Writer "by Roman Polanski.

The Academy of Caesar accompanies the unexpected triumph of the film by Xavier Beauvois (more than 3 million viewers), already crowned by the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes, "Of Men and Gods," which recounts the fate of the monks of Tibehirine , abducted and murdered in Algeria in 1996, is quoted in ten categories.

It is proposed to Cesar for best film, best director, best original screenplay, best sound, picture editing, best costumes, sets, best actor Lambert Wilson and twice for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Michael Lonsdale and Olivier Rabourdin.

Nominees in major categories:

Best Film
"The Heartbreaker" by Pascal Chaumeil, "The Name of the people" by Michel Leclerc, "The Ghost Writer" by Roman Polanski; "Tour" Mathieu Amalric, "Of Men and Gods" by Xavier Beauvois; "Gainsbourg, life heroic "by Joann Sfar;" Mammuth "Benoit Delepine and Gustave Kervern.Dr. Nolan, "The Social Network" by David Fincher, "Invictus" by Clint Eastwood, "Bright Star" by Jane Campion; "Heartbeats" by Xavier Dolan, "In his eyes" by Juan Jose Campanella; "Illegal" d Olivier Masset Depasse.

Best First Film
Simon Werner disappeared "Fabrice Gobert," The Heartbreaker "by Pascal Chaumeil," Gainsbourg, heroic life "by Joann Sfar;" All That Glitters "Géraldine Nakache
"Turk's Head" by Pascal Elbe

A Caesar of honor will be awarded by the Academy to the American director Quentin Tarantino during the Feb. 25 ceremony will be broadcast live at 21:00 Clear Channel Canal +.

UGANDA: The outgoing President Yoweri Museveni about to be reelected

President Yoweri Museveni arrived Saturday at the head of the first official results of presidential and parliamentary elections in Uganda where the opposition accusing the government of having rigged.

Early Saturday afternoon, the outgoing head of state was credited with a very comfortable lead over his seven opponents, according to partial results of the election commission on a quarter of some 14 million subscribers.

Mr.Museveni got 2,432,864 votes or 71.38% of the votes cast, against 781,353 votes (22.92%) for Kizza Besigye, his main rival.

Both candidates eclipsed the other contenders, who share the crumbs (about 6%).

The election commission released as and when the results of the presidential election, since the counting center installed in a conference room at the National Stadium Namboole.

In the room, the brown uniforms of policemen on duty, assault rifles slung, white polo competed with agents of the electoral commission.

Meanwhile, in a secret location in Kampala, youth activists from the Coalition of Mr.Besigye also were busy compiling the votes under the leadership of party cadres, the candidate Besigye who still intends to announce its own results by the end of the day.

Fear of arrest, party activists slept in the building in recent days to avoid attracting attention.

Kizza Besigye, a former personal physician to Museveni during the years of rebellion (1981-1986) and a candidate for the third consecutive election, accused even before the election his former mentor and the party in power have swelled with voter lists ghosts or minors.

Mr.Museveni, 66 years including 25 as head of state of Uganda, has predicted a landslide victory Friday at "84%".

Building on the return of peace in the whole country - with the departure of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in northern countries - on a robust economic growth and the expected oil wealth with the Operating from 2012 major oil reserves, Mr.Museveni and his camp envisage anything other than victory in the first round.

His main rival has continued to denounce the regime's corruption and lack of economic opportunities for youth, explaining his view the "discouragement" of the population and make possible a popular uprising in Egypt.

At odds with the regime since 1999, Besigye, 54, has renounced publicly challenge the results in court, that judge beholden to power and has called on Ugandans to take to the streets to denounce the fraud, without however, launch a word of precise order so far.

The situation could be radicalized if Mr.Besigye put his plan into action, the announcement of results other than the election commission or organizing a demonstration without police permission to arrest the exhibitor.

As of Wednesday, Museveni threatened bluntly arrest and trial would challenge anyone in the street to the official results.

The electoral commission must announce the final results by Sunday 1400 GMT.

Without giving an estimate, its chairman Badru Kiggundu said to AFP that the participation rate "has increased since 2006" (69%), information that contrasts with the lack of enthusiasm shown by voters in many polling Voting in the capital and the provinces.

Meanwhile, Kampala was the second consecutive day patrolled by numerous military and crisscrossed by police in riot gear.

EGYPT: The army wants a revised constitution within 10 days

AFP - The military, in power in Egypt since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak announced Tuesday that it gave ten days at a commission of jurists that it has appointed to revise the Constitution.

"The commission must finish work later than ten days," the military said in a statement.

The committee members, lawyers, met for the first time on Tuesday before the head of the Supreme Council of the armed forces.

The commission is to amend sections 76, 77, 88, 93 and 189 and to cancel Article 179, said the supreme council of the armed forces in a statement read by a presenter on state television.

The Committee may decide to amend other items if it deems it necessary "to ensure democratic and transparent presidential and legislative elections" continued army.

Section 76 deals with very restrictive conditions of candidacy for the presidential election, section 77 places no limit on the number of presidential terms and 88 sets the mode of election monitoring.

Section 93 limits the possibilities of appeal after the parliamentary elections and Article 179 allows the president to order that civilians accused of terrorism are brought before a military tribunal.

Article 189 stipulates that only the last President of the Republic and President of Parliament may propose constitutional amendments.

ALGERIA: The Algerians will march to "change the system"

Follow the day's events in Algeria and Egypt on liveblogging from FRANCE 24.

AFP - Major security forces were deployed in Algeria in anticipation of events "to change the system" Saturday at 11:00 am (1000 GMT), the call of the National Coordination for Democracy and Change (CNDC) and could be encouraged by the departure of President Hosni Mubarak.

Several marches and rallies are planned across the country, but in Algiers, police, came in number-between 25,000 and 30,000 according to the press, were visible as early as Friday.

Police roadblocks set up at entrances to the capital since suicide bombings in April and December 2007, claimed by Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), were also strengthened.

A demonstration organized apparently it at the last minute to salute the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, before the head of the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD opposition) Friday in Algiers was stopped by a cordon of police activists who pushed in and made a dozen arrests.

The march of Algiers has not been authorized under a ban in force since 2001. The demonstrators nevertheless go to the Place de la Concorde (better known under its former name Place May 1st) at 11:00 to get to Martyrs' Square at the foot of the Casbah and the entrance of Bab el Oued , traditional theater of revolt.

In Oran, 430 km from Algiers, Wilaya denied permission to demonstrate. But the NCCD maintains its watchword, and calls for a gathering place November 1st in front of City Hall Thursday she was distributing leaflets still in this great city in western Algeria.

Other cities also intend to answer the call which, on the east coast, Boumerdes, Bejaia, then south-east of Algiers, Tizi Ouzou, the main town of Kabylie, and west, Tipaza, among others.

Finally, in the main town in eastern Algeria, Annaba, leaflets calling on citizens to participate in the march were intercepted by police in recent days. A police source described them as "demoralizing" and a threat to the safety of goods and people.

The CNDC was created on January 21 by opposition parties, civil society and autonomous unions in the wake of riots earlier this year that have killed 5 people and injured over 800.

Debates about the extradition of Julian Assange drag

AFP - The British justice, which examines the request for extradition of Julian Assange made by Sweden, agreed Tuesday to postpone Friday's statement from the two parties, the debates that took longer than expected.

The hearing before the court at Belmarsh in London, was expected to end late Tuesday afternoon, but the witnesses called by the defense was longer than expected.

The court opened on Monday will hear Friday from 10:30 to the conclusions of the defense and prosecution.

Sweden calls for the extradition of the founder of Wikileaks site to ask about the complaint of two women who accuse him of having forced to have unprotected sex.

Following these hearings, the court Belmarsh must decide on the admissibility of extradition. But in all likelihood, his decision should be taken under advisement.

ALGERIA: Rome confirmed the abduction of an Italian tourist in the south

The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed Friday in a statement, the kidnapping of an Italian tourist in southern Algeria and the Algerian authorities sought "not to take initiatives" that endanger its security.

"He was asked relevant Algerian counterparts do not take action (...) which can endanger the safety of the Italian citizen," said the Farnesina.

The ministry, "as in all cases of kidnapping of Italian citizens, will keep the reserve required on this matter so as not to interfere with research activities," he specified.

According to the ministry, citing the Algerian police, "February 2 at 18.30 south of the town of Djanet, 90 km from the border with Niger, an Italian tourist was allegedly abducted while she was with three Algerian making an excursion organized by a travel agency. "

"The kidnappers have released the suspected leaders and would away with an Italian citizen," he said.

According to the Algerian APS agency, the kidnappers have allowed their hostages to warn using their cell phone (Thuraya), head of the travel agent who arranged his trip to Djanet.This immediately raised the alarm.

In late September, after the kidnapping of seven hostages in northern Niger, Algeria, Mauritania, Niger and Mali had agreed to create a common information center in Algiers in the wake of the establishment a committee of staff common operational in Tamanrasset (southern Algeria).

But no information has ever been published on the activities of the military group Sahel.

TUNISIA: Concerns about the security situation in the country

The emergence of youth gangs armed prowlers in Tunis and the burning of a synagogue in Gabes reinforce fears of a descent into violence or destabilization attempts in Tunisia.

More than two weeks after the flight of President Zine Ben Ali under pressure from the street, January 14, the army had to intervene on Tuesday for gunmen to flee, as Tunisians suspected of working for the old power.

Large protests have continued in recent days in the country, the reshuffle made on Thursday by Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi who calmed the public.But acts of sabotage or intimidation were reported.

The spokesman of the Jewish community in Tunisia, one of the largest in North Africa, condemned the arson of a synagogue at Gabes in the south, on the night of Monday to Tuesday.

"I think those who have committed are seeking to create divisions between Jews and Muslims from Tunisia who live in peace for decades," said Peres Trabelsi.

Tunisian Jewish community is rarely the target of attacks. The last claimed by Al Qaeda, was in 2002 against the synagogue in Djerba Island.She had killed 21 people, including several German tourists.

Another indication of a deteriorating security, the military has had to fire warning shots to disperse gangs of armed youths who attacked two schools of Carthage, affluent suburb north-east of the capital , terrorizing students.

Monday already, young people with knives and clubs had spread fear through the streets of Kasserine, in the center of the country, burning buildings and harassing people, reports the news agency TAP.

Self-defense committees

Saturday in downtown Tunis, bands of youths had dispersed a gathering of women in Tunisia.They were hunted down on Avenue Habib Bourguiba by merchants organized in self-defense committees, also armed with knives and sticks.

Some traders believe that these bands are formed by former supporters of RCD, a former all-powerful party of President Ben Ali, or by young people paid to create chaos.

"We're here to try to reassure the public. We will protect," said a soldier in an armored vehicle positioned in front of a school in the capital.
Ben Ali, Minister of the Interior before taking power in 1987, had a vast network of police and informants who had not been dismantled since the "jasmine revolution".

Diplomatic sources, it is estimated that his presidential guard has been dispersed or eliminated, but a small number of his armed followers is probably still present in the country.

According to the head of a UN mission sent to the country, 147 people died and 510 others were injured in the uprising in Tunisia.

Bacre Waly Ndiaye said during a news conference that 72 more people died during riots that occurred in Tunisian prisons during these events, which began Dec. 17.

"The primary sector is to reform the security forces, who must work for the people, not against him," said the official Senegalese. "The security system must be central to the reform process. It is necessary to limit the role of the state police."

The interim government has promised to investigate the deaths and injuries occurred during the revolution and the eight members of the UN mission to provide assistance and advice.

The transition cabinet has also promised to recover assets of the family Ben Ali in Tunisia and abroad.

The EU froze the assets in Eastern Europe, former president and family.France has seized on Tuesday at Le Bourget airport a private plane belonging to the family of the deposed head of state.

Egypt: Hosni Mubarak dismissed the government under pressure from the street

At a brief speech broadcast on the night of Friday to Saturday by the Egyptian national television, President Hosni Mubarak announced the sacking of the government of Ahmed Nazif and announced the formation of a new cabinet on Saturday.

While the day was chaotic for power, the Head of State also dropped ballast and promised "further measures" to democracy, without giving further details.Hosni Mubarak has finally reaffirmed its determination to ensure the stability of the country, noting that the boundary between democracy and chaos was thin and that the difficulties should not be solved by violence.

Deadliest day in the Egyptian streets

The statements by Egyptian President intervene after a day of demonstrations - violently repressed - unprecedented in the country. The latest assessment shows that at least twenty dead in the different cities of Egypt, on Friday.Five people were killed and hundreds injured in Cairo to Suez, clashes with police left 13 dead and 75 wounded when six people and Alexandria regrets Mansoura two.

"The streets are delivered to the protesters. (...) It all civil society that manifests here in Cairo," says Karim Hakiki, a FRANCE 24 special correspondents in the Egyptian capital. On Friday, the fourth day of protests, hundreds of thousands of people were in the streets. The police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to try to disperse the protesters.

Protesters set fire to the headquarters of the National Democratic Party (NDP in power).Earlier in the day, two police stations in the capital were torched. In the evening, demonstrators and security forces continued to clash in the main streets of Cairo transformed into a battlefield, despite the introduction of a curfew in the evening. Young or old, protesters demanding the departure of President Hosni Mubarak.

The army in the streets of Cairo

The authority has appealed to the army to support police, overwhelmed by the protesters. Yigal Saadoun, also special envoy FRANCE 24 in Cairo, confirms "having seen the units in the Egyptian army at a short distance from Tahrir Square, where the movement began.""We saw military armored vehicles enter Cairo," he added.

The curfew was imposed in three major cities of Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria and Suez.

The opponent Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), took part in demonstrations. He said he was prepared to ensure the political transition in the event of departure of Hosni Mubarak. Since Thursday, it was forbidden to leave Cairo.Some sources report that it would be under house arrest.

Internet and telephone connections were still cut on Friday evening, while the international community, including the European Union and the United States, called Cairo to show "restraint" and respect the rights of Egyptians.

Find below the liveblogging by FRANCE24.com insisted Friday.

Four complaints against "Baby Doc" for crimes against humanity

Haitian journalist Michele Montas, a former spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and three others, filed suit Wednesday for crimes against humanity against former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier announced Montas told AFP.

"We have complaints of crimes against humanity before the government commissioner," Michele Montas said, adding that the case would be forwarded to a judge.

The other plaintiffs are two former political prisoners, Alix Fils-Aime and Claude Rosiers, imprisoned for 10 years during the dictatorship, and Nicole Magloire.

Michele Montas, whose late husband, journalist Jean Dominique, was intimidated and exiled under the Duvalier regime had itself been sent into exile after the destruction of Radio Haiti, where she worked, by the Duvalier family.

"We complained to false imprisonment, exile, destruction of private property, physical and moral torture, violation of civil and political rights," she listed, after meeting with the commissioner of the government (Attorney General) Augustus Aristides.

Others are preparing to file complaints against the former dictator income in Haiti Sunday after 25 years of exile in France and charged Tuesday for bribery, embezzlement and conspiracy, before being released on bail by Haitian justice.

"Baby Doc" under four complaints for crimes against humanity

Haitian journalist Michele Montas and three other activists Haitian human rights complaint filed on Wednesday, with the Haitian justice for crimes against humanity against Jean-Claude Duvalier, aka "Baby Doc", the ex- Haitian dictator who made a surprise return to Port-au-Prince last Sunday.

"I considered his comeback as a slap, Michele Montas told France24.com, reached by telephone in the Haitian capital.Many Haitians have been affected by the regime of Jean-Claude Duvalier ... He thought he could return to Haiti and get away with it! "

Michele Montas was a journalist at Radio Haiti-Inter in the first ten years of the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier (1971-1986). She and her husband - Jean Dominique, a prominent Haitian journalist murdered in 2000 - had to flee the country in November 1980 when they adopted a tone very critical of the government.They could not return until 1986, after the departure of Duvalier's son.

Asked about the "crime against humanity" which is the subject complaint, Ms. Montas said that "in the late 1980s, there were widespread raids activists in human rights and journalists. people were tortured, they took everything that moved. And Radio Haiti was destroyed. " Jean-Claude Duvalier became famous for the many atrocities that were committed under his regime, thousands of opponents are arbitrarily detained and tortured.Some were even murdered.

Tuesday night, "Baby Doc" has already been indicted by a Haitian court for criminal conspiracy, embezzlement and corruption in public administration.

Claude Rosiers, 11 years in prison Duvalier

Asked about the complaint by the special correspondent for FRANCE 24 in Port-au-Prince, Alexandra Fox, a lawyer Jean-Claude Duvalier has denounced "a fanciful action.Earlier, another adviser to the former dictator had explained that it would remain "forever" in Haiti, where he wanted to "play politics".

Furthermore Michele Montas, three other prominent Haitians have filed complaints against "Baby Doc" for crimes against humanity: the president of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (NCDDR), Alix Fils-Aime, the former political prisoner Claude roses, and feminist activist Nicole Magloire.

Under the title "The Triangle of Death" (2003), Claude Rosiers has published an account of his ten years in the jails of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier, between 1966 and 1977, when he was a Party activist People's National Liberation (PPLN), a Marxist party.

The four complaints will be heard by Judge John Carver, who is shortly to convene the complainants and especially examine the documentary evidence of the charges against Jean-Claude Duvalier.

"Widespread and systematic violations of fundamental rights"

Since the return of the former dictator in Haiti, many voices were raised to demand his arrest, including Amnesty International, the National Network of Human rights (RNDDH-Haiti), or the rights of the Ecumenical Centre Rights (ECHR) of Haiti.

Yesterday, Haitian France24 Observers demanded that "he be tried for his crimes."

In a statement released Wednesday morning, Amnesty International calls on what is brought to justice "a leader whose security services [were] engaged in widespread and systematic violations of fundamental rights" and the Haitian authorities to "investigate Jean-Claude Duvalier and other persons who may have been responsible for such crimes, some of which amount to crimes against humanity. "

France24.com joined Wednesday by Amnesty International says the International Criminal Court (ICC) can not be seized of the case Duvalier, the facts alleged against him being prior to its creation in 1998.

Hu Jintao conceded that there is "much to do" on human rights

AFP - Human Rights were invited Wednesday to the state visit of Hu Jintao to Washington, which saw the president and his Chinese counterpart, Barack Obama displayed the determination to overcome the "friction" commercial on the bottom of juicy contracts.

"China recognizes, but also respects the universality of human rights but at the same time we believe that we must take into account different national circumstances in terms of human rights," saidHu during a joint press conference with Bush.

"China is a developing country with a very large population and also a developing country which is undergoing crucial reforms," he added, while admitting, after being repeatedly asked by American journalists, that " much rest (has) to China "on it and promising to improve the situation.

For his part, Obama has ensured he was "very open" to signify to Mr. Hu's American views "on the universality of certain rights, freedom of expression, religion and association."He also wanted "dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama to resolve differences while preserving the religious identity of the Tibetan people," while hundreds of activists demonstrating in front of this because the White House.

However, the name of jailed Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace Liu Xiaobo was not pronounced during the press conference.

45 billion worth of contracts

Obama, who met Hu for the eighth time in two years and participated with him at a summit with leaders of major American companies, said he hoped the two countries could put behind them the "friction" of the past and "We remove the old stereotypes."

Mr.Hu, for his part promised that his country would boost its domestic demand and consumption, treating American companies duly registered in China on an equal footing, and praised the "bright future" of trade between the two countries.

Washington has also announced the signing of contracts in China valued at $ 45 billion with U.S. companies, including an order for 200 Boeing aircraft with a total value estimated at 19 billion responding to the desire to see Obama Americans enjoy more of the economic expansion of China, which could have been a double-digit growth in 2010, according to unofficial statistics.

The apple of discord currency, intellectual property, nuclear

At the press conference, Mr.Obama did not ignore the points of contention, as the undervaluation of the Chinese currency, again claiming an "adjustment". However, he praised the "flexibility of China's currency" and layout of Beijing in the fight against intellectual property theft.

But MM.Hu and Obama have also said their points of convergence, especially on nuclear issues of North Korea and Iran, saying the Chinese president also hoped for more cooperation between Chinese and American militaries.

Leaders must be found in the evening for a very formal state dinner, only the third in two years of President Obama.

Invited, on ABC, to say if the two giants of the early twenty-first century were friends or foes, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that "if we are rolling out the red carpet for President Hu, is that we feel that we can better answer this question, advancing. "

"My hope is that we have a normal relationship," she added, while the leader of the Democratic majority in the Senate and an ally of Mr. Obama, Harry Reid, left reflected the distrust of many Americans toward China in calling Hu a "dictator", before retracting.

Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide prepared to return home

Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide said on Wednesday ready to return home, three days after Jean-Claude Duvalier, aka "Baby Doc", has ended his exile, returning to Port-au-Prince to everyone's surprise.

Aristide, a former priest in exile in South Africa since 2004, has long claimed that he was ousted under pressure from the United States and France.

"Since my arrival forced on the African continent there are six and a half years, the Haitian people have stopped asking my return to Haiti," Aristide wrote in a statement sent to AFP.

"In my case, I'm ready.Again, I'm ready to go today, tomorrow, anytime, "he says.

This statement comes as the spokesman Jean-Claude Duvalier, Henri-Robert Sterlin said that the former dictator hoped to regain power.

Haiti is mired in a political crisis arising from the disputed first round of presidential elections on 28 November.

Aristide was the first Haitian president to be elected democratically.He was ousted in a revolt.

The purpose of his return, he assures, "is clear: to help serve my brothers and sisters in Haiti as a private citizen in the field of education."

"This return is also required for medical reasons: I have been strongly advised not to spend the next winter (Southern, ed), South Africa, for in six years I was operated eye six times," said yet Jean-Bertrand Aristide, 57.

On Tuesday, a lawyer based in the U.S. in contact with him indicated that the former president had asked to renew his Haitian passport, but that request was refused by the Haitian authorities.

"Aristide has the right to return to Haiti, but was forbidden," said Brian Concannon.