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.