Thursday 27 August 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

US will be isolated if it rejects Iran deal: UN envoy

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The United States will be isolated on the world stage and its influence diminished if Congress rejects the Iran nuclear deal, the US ambassador to the United Nations has warned.In an editorial published by Politico, Samantha Power argued that a no vote from Congress would make it more difficult for the United States to drum up support for sanctions and partner with like-minded countries to confront crises.If the United States rejects this deal, we would instantly isolate ourselves from countries that spent nearly two years working with American negotiators to hammer out its toughest provisions, Power wrote in a piece posted late Wednesday.We would go from a situation in which Iran is isolated to one in which the United States is isolated.The US Congress is due to vote next month on whether to endorse the deal reached in July between Iran and six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.The agreement would lift crippling UN sanctions against Tehran in exchange for curbs on Irans nuclear program.Power argued that rejecting the deal would undermine the USs ability to seek sanctions in other situations because it would convey an image of the United States as a superpower intent on inflicting pain for its own sake.The ambassador urged US senators and representatives to carefully consider the fallout of a no vote on US diplomacy.The price of our lonely walk away looks very high indeed, she said.Even if the Republican-dominated Congress passes a resolution against the deal, President Barack Obama could still veto that move, but the administration would like to avoid such a scenario.If Congress rejects the deal, we will project globally an America that is internally divided, unreliable, and dismissive of the views of those with whom we built Irans sanctions architecture in the first place, Power warned.

At least 30 die as boat with 200 migrants sinks off Libya

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TRIPOLI (AFP) - At least 30 people died Thursday when a boat carrying around 200 migrants bound for Europe sank in the Mediterranean off the coast of Libya, the countrys coast guard said.We have recovered 30 bodies so far and rescued dozens of people, with dozens more still missing after a boat carrying around 200 migrants sank off (the western port of) Zuwara, a coast guard official told AFP.The migrants so far accounted for were all of African origin, the official said, adding that rescue efforts were ongoing but would be intensified on Friday morning.We are working with very limited resources. Most of the boats we use are fishing boats that we borrow from their owners, he said.The sinking comes a day after at least 55 bodies were discovered on three overcrowded migrant boats, 52 of whom were found in the hold of one wooden vessel off Libyas coast.Wednesdays gruesome discovery was made by a Swedish coast guard vessel whose crew plucked hundreds of other migrants from the waters off the North African nation.People smugglers have taken advantage of the chaos gripping Libya since the 2011 uprising toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi to step up their lucrative business.But the Mediterranean crossing is treacherous, and more than 2,300 migrants and refugees have died trying to reach the European Union this year alone.

Saudi king to visit White House in September

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Saudi King Salman will meet with President Barack Obama early next month during his first visit to the United States since acceding the throne, the White House said Thursday.The president will host the king of Saudi Arabia at the White House on Friday, September 4th, Obamas spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters aboard Air Force One.The president and the king will discuss a range of issues and focus on ways to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, including counter-terrorism efforts, Earnest said, adding that regional matters such as the conflicts in Yemen and Syria were also on the agenda.This visit underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, Earnest said.The monarch, who acceded to the throne following the death of his half-brother Abdullah in January, pulled out of a Gulf leaders summit with Obama in May that had been intended to reassure countries concerned by Irans growing influence in the region.His absence was interpreted at the time as a sign of Riyadhs disapproval of the prospect of a historic nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that has since been agreed.A diplomat in Riyadh said Wednesday that the king would travel to Washington to attend a US-Saudi forum to be held on September 4-6.

Up to 50 dead in Austria as migrant crisis rages

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VIENNA (AFP) - Austrian police found the decomposing bodies of up to 50 migrants in an abandoned truck on Thursday, sparking a cross-border hunt for the people-smugglers responsible in the latest tragedy in the Europe-wide crisis.The grisly discovery on a motorway near the Slovakia and Hungary borders came as European leaders again met to try to find ways to handle the flow of tens of thousands of people seeking refuge in the European Union.Police said the vehicle -- which had the markings of a Slovakian poultry company and Hungarian number plates -- contained between 20 and 50 bodies.German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Austria for a summit with Balkan leaders, said she was shaken by the horrible news.This is a warning to us to tackle this migrants issue quickly and in a European spirit, which means in a spirit of solidarity, and to find solutions, Merkel said.This year over 2,300 men, women and children have drowned in the Mediterranean after rickety boats operated by people-smugglers capsized, but the latest tragedy brought home how dangerous the land journey is too.Today is a dark day... This tragedy affects us all deeply, Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner told a press conference. Human traffickers are criminals. Anyone still thinking that theyre kind helpers cannot be helped, the minister said.Police said more details including the number of dead would be given on Friday morning. The lorry, which police said was leaking decomposing body fluids, was taken elsewhere for the bodies to be removed.Hungary, which has received more than 100,000 migrants this year including a record 3,000 on Wednesday alone, said it would join the Austrian investigation.The tragic event shows how the EUs migration policy has failed, Hungarys ruling party Fidesz said.Instead of the current unregulated border-crossing, controlled border-crossing and border defence is needed to avoid such cases happening.European leaders have come under fire for failing to tackle the arrival of several hundred thousand migrants this year, many fleeing hotspots such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.The western Balkans has become a major route for migrants and refugees trying to cross over into EU member state Hungary. Most then try to make it to wealthier European countries like Germany and Sweden.Speaking at the Vienna meeting, Serbias Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said outside money provided so far was insufficient to handle the large numbers.I have to be very direct here. Please understand, we are bearing the brunt of the problem, Dacic said.This was echoed by his counterpart from Macedonia, which last week declared a state of emergency and shut its border with Greece for three days after being unable to cope.Unless we have a European answer to this issue, none of us should be under any illusion that this will be solved, Nikola Poposki said.Reiterating his call for a reform of the Dublin Accords to distribute refugees fairly within the EU, Germanys Foreign Minister Frank Steinmeier said Berlin would contribute one million euros ($1.1 million) to help.But with large numbers of people from the western Balkans among the migrants, he also called on governments there to make clear to their citizens that their chances of obtaining asylum in Germany are virtually non-existent. Alarmed by the growing humanitarian disaster, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has urged countries in Europe and elsewhere to prove their compassion and do much more to bring an end to the crisis.UN refugee chief Antonio Guterres and French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve called for the urgent creation of more so-called hotspots -- processing centres to sort refugees fleeing war from economic migrants who are simply in search of a better life.Hamstrung by a lack of a coherent European response, governments have at times taken contradictory approaches to the problem.While Hungarys right-wing government is building a 175-kilometre (110-mile) razor-wire barrier to keep migrants out, a Czech minister has called for the passport-free Schengen zone to be closed with the help of NATO troops.Romania also said Thursday that the authorities would as a precautionary measure reinforce security at its border with Serbia. Romania is in the EU but not in Schengen.Meanwhile Germany, which is preparing to receive a record 800,000 asylum-seekers this year, has eased the application procedure for Syrians fleeing the brutal civil war. But Berlins largesse has not been welcomed by everyone at home, particularly in the east where a spate of attacks has targeted refugee centres.On a visit to a migrant shelter in the eastern town of Heidenau, Merkel was greeted by about 200 protesters, some booing and shouting traitor, traitor and we are the mob.However, the German leader vowed: There will be no tolerance of those who question the dignity of other people.

Palestinians want their flag raised at UN

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The Palestinians on Thursday asked the United Nations to allow their flag to be raised at the world body ahead of next months meeting of heads of state.The move comes as the Palestinians seek to bolster their bid for statehood despite fierce opposition from Israel.A draft resolution was presented to the General Assembly requesting that the flags of the state of Palestine and the Holy See be hoisted alongside those of the 193 member states.The Vatican and the Palestinians both have non-member observer status at the United Nations.The resolution, co-sponsored by 21 countries including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, could come up for a vote before September 15.The Israeli mission to the United Nations did not respond to requests for comment.The General Assembly upgraded the status of the Palestinians to that of non-member observer state in 2012. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are among the world leaders who will travel to UN headquarters as of September 25 for an anti-poverty summit and the annual General Assembly debate.Pope Francis is to make a much-anticipated address on September 25. The Vatican has officially recognized Palestine as a state.

Tennis: Djokovic on Nadal collision course at US Open

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NEW YORK (AFP) - World number one Novak Djokovic and 14-time major champion Rafael Nadal are on a US Open quarter-final collision course following Thursdays draw at Arthur Ashe Stadium.And Britains Andy Murray, who opens against Australias tour bad boy Nick Kyrgios, might have to get past French Open winner Stan Wawrinka and 17-time major winner Roger Federer just to get a crack at Djokovic in the final on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.The paths will be filled with qualifiers ahead of Mondays start of the years final Grand Slam event in New York, where Djokovics only title came in 2011.The 28-year-old Serbian star owns nine Grand Slam titles and seeks his third of the year after a third career win at Wimbledon and a fifth trophy at the Australian Open.Djokovic has tasted defeat four times in the US Open final, losing to Federer in 2007, Nadal in 2010 and 2013 and Murray in 2012.Nadal leads Djokovic 22-20 in their all-time rivalry, but Djokovic won their most recent meeting at the French Open quarter-finals.Defending champion Marin Cilic, who beat Japans Kei Nishikori in a final of surprise packets last year, likes Djokovic to claim the crown once again this time.I would still put Novak at the top of the list, even though Andy has shown his tennis has gone up and he is motivated, Croatian ninth seed Cilic said. And Roger is a guy who will always be a contender. His win at Cincinnati was great to see.And I hope there are a few guys lower in the draw who are going to make it interesting.Djokovic, who opens against Brazils Joao Souza, has a good path to the last eight while Nadal opens against Croatian teen Borna Coric, who beat the Spaniard last year in at Basel, and might have to oust big-serving 10th seed Milos Raonic of Canada in the round of 16.Fourth seed Nishikori, denied the chance last year to become the first Asian man to win a Grand Slam singles crown, could face a rematch with Cilic in the quarter-finals. He beat Cilic at Washington in their first meeting since last years final on the way to taking the title in the US capital this month.Second seed Federer, who last won a Slam in 2012 at Wimbledon and last won at the US Open in 2008, opens against Argentinas Leonardo Mayer and could meet US number one John Isner in the fourth round. Frances Richard Gasquet or Czech Tomas Berdych could await in the quarter-finals.Murray is 3-0 all time against Kyrgios, the 20-year-old Aussie handed a suspended ban and fine this week for his lurid verbal attack on Wawrinka at the Montreal Masters.World number 37 Kyrgios triggered widespread revulsion for his on-court taunt that fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis had had a fling with WTA professional Donna Vekic, reportedly Wawrinkas girlfriend.

Tennis: Serena could face Venus in US Open quarters, Sharapova in semi

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NEW YORK (AFP) - World number one Serena Williams, trying to complete a calendar-year Grand Slam at the US Open, could face sister Venus in the quarter-finals and Maria Sharapova in the semi-finals.The draw conducted Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium set the path for Williams to try and make more tennis history as she seeks a 22nd career Grand Slam singles crown to match the Open Era record total of Steffi Graf.Williams will open against Russias Vitalia Diatchenko and could face Croatian Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the second round.Polands Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded 15th, is a possible round of 16 foe for Williams, with her elder sister or Swiss teen Belinda Bencic -- who beat Williams in the Toronto semi-finals earlier this month -- possible quarter-final opponents.Sharapova is in Williams half of the draw as well with Romanias second-seeded Simona Halep or Danish fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki her highest-rated potential finals foes.

Football: Messi, Sasic voted UEFA's best players of 2014-2015

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PARIS (AFP) - Lionel Messi was Thursday voted UEFAs best player in Europe for 2014-2015 with Germanys Celia Sasic winning the womens award.The Argentina star, who won the Champions League, Spains La Liga and Spanish Cup with Barcelona, claimed the award for the second time ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez.I am happy to win the award. I thank all my teammates because they deserve part of it. I depend a lot on the team like everyone else, the 28-year-old said.Messi also won in 2010-2011 and succeeds Real Madrid rival Ronaldo who won last year.FFC Frankfurts Sasic, 27, was voted the best womens player ahead of Frances Amandine Henry and fellow German Dzsenifer Marozsan.Sasic, who retired last month, was the top scorer in the Champions League which Frankfurt won, the Bundesliga and at the Womens World Cup in Canada where she won the Golden Boot award.

Football: Champions League draw smiles on Barca, Man Utd

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MONACO (AFP) - Reigning champions Barcelona and returning giants Manchester United were dealt favourable hands in the Champions League draw in Monaco on Thursday.Barcas quest to become the first team to retain the European crown began smoothly as Lionel Messi and company were paired with Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and BATE Borisov in Group E.United grace the competition after a years absence and coach Louis van Gaal, who said he preferred to watch a United reserve side in action than proceedings from the Principality, will be more than happy with the three-time winners Group B sparring partners PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg.Great games coming up against Eindhoven, Moscow and Wolfsburg UCLdraw mufc tweeted new Old Trafford recruit Bastian Schweinsteiger.Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho returns to FC Porto, the club he guided to the continental crown in 2004, with this duo joined by Dynamo Kiev and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Group G.And there will have been groans emanating from north London with Arsenal pitted against five-time titleholders and old foes Bayern Munich -- Olympiakos and Dinamo Zagreb completing Group F.Bayern and Arsenal have met twice in the last-16 in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 with the German giants winning on both occasions.I think were favourites along with Arsenal, ventured Bayern director Matthias Sammer.Bayerns World Cup winning defender Jerome Boateng added: We have to be happy, it could have been worse. Im pleased that weve already had this opponent (Arsenal) many times before.Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain and their Qatari backers are desperate to add a European crown to their trophy sideboard.But the quarter-finalists in the last three seasons have a tricky time ahead after being lumped in with ten-time continental kings Real Madrid.But the French champions took the news on the chin - even taking a dig at Real on Twitter, posting a photo of Antonie Komboaure with the caption PSG-Real. Remember? in reference to the players last minute goal to knock Real out of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 1992-93.PSG coach Laurent Blanc commented: We can consider ourselves and Real as the favouritesAlso in the Group A mix are Malmo - the birthplace of PSG talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the side who sent Celtic crashing out of the play-offs on Tuesday - and Shakhtar Donetsk.It will be fun for Zlatan to come back home, Malmo assistant coach Olof Persson said.I think he will be welcomed the way he always is when he comes home -- like the king of Malmo that he is.Real director Emilio Butragueno noted PSGs progress into serious players on the European stage.PSG have grown a lot in recent years, they have signed many good players and have always got stronger. They dont just have a good starting XI but a very strong squad, so it will be very difficult, he forecast.He added: We need to finish first in the group because we know that the knockout rounds are very dangerous. We will see the calendar and prepare well. In the Champions League it is not just a bad night that punishes you, but just a bad 15 minutes.Group C features debutants Astana, one of three first-timers in the competition, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and two-time winners Benfica.Another newcomer, Borussia Moenchengladbach, are set for a Champions League baptism of fire against last seasons finalists Juventus, Manchester City, and Europa League titleholders Sevilla in Group D.Juve chief executive Beppe Marotta: Were aiming to get out of the group although theres no soft teams in there.City captain Vincent Kompany tweeted: Good games against great teams, happy with that.Gent, the third team to be entering uncharted waters, can look forward to trips to Zenit St Petersburg, Valencia -- one of a record five Spanish sides -- and Lyon in Group H.The first round gets underway on September 15 and concludes next May at Milans San Siro which last held the final in 2001, with Bayern Munich beating Valencia on penalties.

Athletics: Bolt beats Gatlin for fourth world 200m gold

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BEIJING (AFP) - Jamaicas Usain Bolt easily outstripped American rival Justin Gatlin to claim his fourth consecutive world 200m title on Thursday and complete a rousing sprint double in Beijing.Bolt clocked a world-leading 19.55 seconds to beat Gatlin by nearly two-tenths, thumbing his chest as he crossed the line to add the 200m to his 100m title at the world championships.The clear victory extends Bolts domination of sprinting which stretches back to when he took the world by storm at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, also at the Birds Nest stadium.Gatlin, who has served two doping bans and finished just one-hundredth of a second behind Bolt in Sundays 100m, clocked 19.74sec, with South African Anaso Jobodwana taking bronze with a national record of 19.87sec.The victory meant Bolt has now remarkably won 11 of the last 12 individual Olympic and world sprint titles dating back to Beijing 2008, his only blip coming after a false start in the 100m at the 2011 worlds in Daegu.There was no doubt, said Bolt, who has had pelvic problems this season and did not consider an attempt on his own world record of 19.19sec, set in 2009.I knew I wasnt in the shape for a world record. But when it comes to the 200m, I am a different person, I was beaten there only once.My four world championships gold medals in the 200m, this is a big deal, a great accomplishment.There was drama after the race, however, as a shoeless Bolt was downed by a cameraman on a Segway electric scooter who had strayed too close to the Jamaican.The cameraman mounted a fixed railing and slipped backwards, shooting the Segway from under him into Bolts heels and making the newly-minted champion fall backwards.Bolt got up gingerly and limped away before continuing his victory lap.Gatlin, meanwhile, said his age had showed in the race.I feel tired. Going through three 100s and three 200s is taxing on the body, he said.Im the oldest person in the field and am still running and running pretty well. To be able to run 9.74sec is a really good showing.I gave it all I could give.Huge cheers greeted Bolt, wearing lycra shorts and singlet in the green, gold and black colours of Jamaica and placed in lane six, with Gatlin on his inside in lane four.Applause also rang out for Gatlin, in a red one-piece suit, as the stadium comperes built up a boxing-match atmosphere at the packed Birds Nest.The American, as in the 100m, suffered from a slower start than Bolt, who shot out of his blocks. Gatlin, a renowned fast starter who hasnt lost over 200m since 2013 and has set personal best of 19.57sec this season, looked threatening coming off the bend.But sandwiched between Britains Zharnel Hughes and Jobodwana, Bolt, in fult tilt after an electrifying bend, responded by moving into his famed drive phase, unleashing the full power from his long legs.Unlike the 100m, when it came down to one-hundredth of a second to separate Bolt from Gatlin, there was a clear gap this time.And Bolt knew it, thumbing himself in the chest as he crossed the line to complete a double many thought was in doubt when he missed six weeks of competitive action with pelvic pain.Gatlin, in the form of his life at the age of 33, previously won world 200m gold in Helsinki before testing positive for testosterone and serving a doping ban between 2006-2010, an enforced rest he credits with extending his career.Athletics has been mired in doping controversies, but Bolt, one of track and fields most tested stars, again stepped up to the mark to boost the sports credibility and also cement his legendary status.

Boxing: Mayweather insists Berto will be his last foe

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Outspoken welterweight king Floyd Mayweather insists his September 12 showdown with Andre Berto will be his last bout.Nobody knows what the future holds, but right now, Im cool and comfortable and having no second thoughts at all about retirement, Mayweather said at an open workout in Las Vegas on Wednesday.I had a good career, I won every world title, but boxing is wear and tear on the body.Its time to hang em up. Im looking forward to working with some up-and-coming kids, going on walks and taking vacations.Its a vision of retirement few who have watched his career can really picture for the ultra-competitive American, who will be trying to equal Rocky Marcianos legendary record of 49-0.A chance to go to 50-0 could prove irresistible, as could the chance to inaugurate the MGM Grands new 20,000-seat arena in Las Vegas next year.But for now the 38-year-old Mayweather says hes glad his success gives him the chance to decide when to quit the ring -- a choice many in the sport are denied.Ive truly been blessed, he said. Ive taken my time, kept my eye on the prize and done what Ive had to do, he said. So Im able to make a choice when to retire. Most fighters really couldnt.Boxing has always been work to me, a job, he said. If I could say anything to a youngster taking up boxing it would be to be smart and not take a lot of punches.Its called the sweet science for a reason. Hit and not be hit, make a lot of money without taking a lot of punishment. Thats what its about.That slick defensive style has made Mayweather a target for some critics, as his choice of 40-1 underdog Berto for the bout touted as his last.Berto can fight, Mayweather said of the former welterweight world champion, who battled a severe shoulder injury two years ago but returned to knock out Josesito Lopez in March.Hes hungry. He comes to wage a war. There is never a dull moment when he fights, so I expect a hell of a fight out of him, Mayweather said of Berto, who brings a record of 30-3 with 23 knockouts to the fight. Well see how it all plays out.Mayweather said the reaction to his superfight with Manny Pacquiao in May showed hed be criticized no matter who he fought.My last fight, all you guys put Pacquiao on a pedestal and look what happened, he said. I went in there and did what I needed to do, which is win.This fight, no matter who the opponent, somebody would have something critical or negative to say. Some people are never satisfied.But Im satisfied.

Golf: De la Riva sinks last-hole eagle for Czech lead

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PRAGUE (AFP) - Spains Eduardo de la Riva hit a sensational 18th hole eagle to earn a share of the lead after the first round of the Czech Masters on Thursday.The 33-year-old joined playing partner Renato Paratore at the top of the leaderboard with birdies on the tenth, 11th and 12th holes heading for the last.At the 18th, de la Riva holed his long-range approach at the last to finish the opening day on seven under par 65.It is very good to finish with a two on a par four, especially on this 18th hole which is very difficult, said the Spaniard.I didnt have to take a putt on the 18th, so it is a very good finish. It is perfection.Paratore, 18, carded seven birdies on his way to a 65, his best score on the European Tour to date.The Italian very nearly shot a hole in one at the 16th.Today I played really solid from the tee to the green and on the back nine I putted really well, said Paratore.Matt Fitzpatrick, Sam Hutsby, Pelle Edberg and Thomas Pieters are all a further shot behind.

Cycling: Chaves claims Vuelta sixth stage, recovers lead

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SIERRA DE CAZORLA (AFP) - Colombias Esteban Chaves regained the lead of Spains Vuelta by claiming his second victory of the race in Thursdays sixth stage.Chaves attacked for the line with just over two kilometres left on the 200.3km ride from Cordoba to Sierra de Cazorla to take victory from Irelands Dan Martin and overnight leader Tom Dumoulin of the Netherlands in a time of 4hr 46min 16sec.The Orica-GreenEdge rider now holds a 10 second advantage over Dumoulin with Martin 33 seconds back in third.Chris Froome and the Movistar duo of Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde all finished with the same time 11 seconds back.Froome, who is aiming to become just the third man to win the Tour de France and the Vuelta in the same year, is now 55 seconds behind Chaves in seventh.Valverde remains fifth, 49 seconds back, with Quintana in ninth a further eight seconds behind. We have already done big things in winning two stages, said Chaves when asked if he could rival the likes of Froome and Quintana for the overall victory.We need to enjoy this moment and have our feet on the ground. There are still a lot of stages to go and very tough stages at that. I need to thank the team who have done incredible work. All the team are having a great tour. Yesterday, Caleb (Ewan) won too so we are all very happy in the team.Chaves, 25, had claimed his first Grand Tour victory on Sundays second stage and held the leaders red jersey until Wednesday when Dumoulin edged ahead by a second.However, his desire to recoup the lead was clear to see as he left the race favourites in his wake on the tough category three climb to the finish.After a fast-paced opening 75km a breakaway group of six was eventually formed, but they were never allowed to gain much ground on the peloton with their biggest lead restricted to under five minutes.Britains Steve Cummings then tried to replicate his victory on stage 14 of the Tour de France earlier this year as he attacked on his own with 11km to go.Yet, Cummings didnt have the legs for the final steep climb to the finish and was easily caught by Chaves as he sped away from the chasing pack to victory.Dumoulin tried to respond to maintain the red jersey, but could only manage third as he was passed by Martin in the final few metres.Fridays 191.1km seventh stage from Jodar to La Aplujarra could also provoke significant changes in the general classification with a category one climb to the finish.

MERS virus kills 19 in week in Saudi: ministry

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RIYADH (AFP) - Deaths from the MERS coronavirus have surged in Saudi Arabia ahead of the hajj pilgrimage, with 19 fatalities recorded in a week, according to health ministry statistics.A total of 502 people have died in the kingdom since the virus first appeared in 2012, according to updated figures posted on the ministrys website, including 19, all Saudis, since last Thursday.The number of MERS infections has also surged to 1,171 cases, the website said.A surge in infections forced health authorities to shut the emergency ward at a main hospital in Riyadh last week, after at least 46 people, including medical staff, contracted the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.Saudi Arabia, preparing to host more than two million Muslims from all over the world next month for the annual hajj to Islams holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, is the country worst hit by the coronavirus. MERS is considered a deadlier but less infectious cousin of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus that appeared in Asia in 2003 and killed hundreds of people, mostly in China.Its symptoms can include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. There are no approved vaccines against MERS, which is believed to originate in camels.

Oil prices jump more than 10% on strong US data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - World oil prices surged more than 10 percent Thursday after strong US economic growth data lifted confidence about the worlds biggest economy and petroleum user.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in October jumped $3.96 to $42.56 a barrel.European benchmark Brent oil for October delivery gained $4.42 at $47.56 a barrel in London.Both WTI and Brent closed up 10.3 percent from Wednesdays settlements.US prices had been at or near six-and-a-half year lows all week, with WTI closing below $40 on Monday for the first time since 2009 and staying there through Wednesday.The rally came after the Commerce Department reported the US economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the second quarter, much above the initial appraisal of a 2.3 percent gain.The more robust April-June growth mainly reflected higher investment, state and local government spending, and consumer spending than was reported in the initial estimate.The data is really waking people up over the fact that were a growing country and demand is going to get better here, said Carl Larry of Frost & Sullivan.Were probably underpricing crude as it is, Larry said.Were seeing a lot of demand here, economic growth has been strong. Were seeing lots of numbers showing signs of positive reaction.The strong US economic figures also added momentum to a global stock market rally that lifted bourses that have lost trillions of dollars in value in a rout over the last week or so.Analysts said the oil contract also benefited from technical factors after recent trades left the commodity in an oversold state and lingering below the psychologically important $40 a barrel level. Buyers who had backed off from trying to catch the prior dynamic decline are now stepping back in, said Tim Evans, analyst at Citi Futures, who described the dynamic as a long-awaited technical correction to the upside.
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