Thursday 3 March 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

'Visible' progress in Syria ceasefire as civilian deaths fall

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BEIRUT (AFP) - The UNs Syria envoy said Thursday that visible progress was being made on the countrys landmark ceasefire, after a sharp drop was reported in the number of civilians dying every day.France and Britain said further efforts were needed, calling on Russia to halt attacks on moderate rebel groups in Syria as the country suffered an hours-long nationwide blackout, evidence of the damage nearly five years of war has inflicted.World powers have thrown their weight behind the ceasefire agreement as a way to bring an end to the complex war, starting with renewed peace talks in Geneva set for March 9. Peace envoy Staffan de Mistura on Thursday said the truce, now in its sixth day, had made visible progress.The level of violence in the country is being greatly reduced. Ask the Syrian people, De Mistura told reporters in Geneva, adding that the situation remained fragile.He spoke before entering a meeting of the UN-backed international task force co-chaired by Moscow and Washington that is overseeing the truce.In general, the cessation has been holding, he said, while acknowledging that there are still a number of places where fighting has continued, including in parts of Damascus and Homs.One of the clearest signs that the truce is largely holding has been a drastically lower civilian death toll. In the five days since the ceasefire took effect, a total of 73 civilians were killed across the country, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The monitoring group said 49 of the civilians were killed in areas controlled by the Islamic State jihadist group, which along with Al-Qaedas local affiliate are not included in the truce.Observatory head Abdel Rahman said the five-day toll represented a huge drop, comparing it to the 63 civilians killed on Friday alone, before the cessation of hostilities. On Thursday, activists and AFP correspondents reported one of the quietest days so far. In Aleppo, local vegetable markets and parks were teeming with grinning families enjoying the calm, an AFP correspondent said.And in Daraya, a rebel-held town near Damascus, activist Shadi Matar said children could finally enjoy a full day of school.Before the truce, students would start at 6:00 am before the barrel bombs start, and the school day would only last two hours, he told AFP.Now, students are going to class for a full five hours, from 7:00 am until noon, he said. But in a reminder of the toll the war has taken on infrastructure, Syria was hit by an hours-long nationwide power cut on Thursday.Syrian state television said power was slowly returning to parts of the country after the widespread blackout began at 1100 GMT, without specifying the cause. Citing a source within the electricity ministry, the station said the outage could last until midnight in some areas. Syrias government and the opposition -- and their respective backers -- have traded accusations over ceasefire breaches.The head of the main opposition grouping, the High Negotiations Committee, said on Thursday the truce would be on the verge of collapse if world powers did not do more to stop violations. Riad Hijab said the regime and its allies had committed more than 100 breaches over the past five days. On Thursday, French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron called on Russia and the Syrian regime to immediately stop attacks on the moderate opposition. Hollande, Cameron, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss the truce on Friday in a conference call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Downing Street said.Tomorrow is an opportunity for the leaders of the UK, France and Germany to come together... and make very clear to President Putin that we need this ceasefire to hold, to be a lasting one and to open the way for a real political transition, Camerons spokeswoman told reporters.Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Cameron said the ceasefire was an important step forward, imperfect as it is, as it opened the way to the prospect of political negotiations.

Romney lambasts Trump as unfit for presidency

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Republican 2012 White House nominee Mitt Romney excoriated Donald Trump as unfit to be president Thursday, in a brutally personal attack that showed party panic at the billionaires frontrunner status.Baldly stating that Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud, Romney said his partys leading White House candidate has neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president.Romney offered a litany of pejorative descriptions of Trump, painting him as greedy, dishonest, vulgar, reckless, bullying and misogynistic, with policies that would prompt a recession and spook allies.Romneys stem-winder is highly unusual in a party that usually swears by Ronald Reagans 11th commandment -- Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.But it is another sign that Trumps shock electoral success has provoked panic among the Republican grandees.Romney heavily lost the 2012 election to incumbent president Barack Obama, a point that Trump was keen to point out on Twitter.I am the only one who can beat Hillary Clinton. I am not a Mitt Romney, who doesnt know how to win. he wrote.Why did Mitt Romney BEG me for my endorsement four years ago? he added.Many believe Trumps racially tinged rhetoric and unorthodox past will lead the party to electoral oblivion.Romney warned that if we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished.His comments were endorsed by the partys 2008 presidential nominee John McCain, who also criticized Trumps uninformed and indeed dangerous statements on national security issues.But it is far from clear such interventions will stop Trumps meteoric rise.The real estate mogul has defied expectations in winning nine of the 15 state-wide primary contests held so far, garnering more than three million votes.Using seemingly unlimited free media coverage, Trump has tapped into deeply felt grassroots anger at the party leadership.The Republican mainstream has failed to coalesce around one candidate, leaving Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and John Kasich to split the non-Trump vote.Romney was quick to nix suggestions he would use the speech to back a rival or throw his hat into the ring.I am not here to announce my candidacy for office, he said. I am not going to endorse a candidate today.Diplomatically, Romney listed Cruz, Rubio, and Kasich and said one of these men should be our nominee.Members of Romneys inner circle have been among Trumps most vocal critics, openly urging all candidates to stay in the race and deny Trump the 1,237 delegates needed to win.They hope that would prompt the party convention in July to consider another candidate.That is a long shot, and there are increasing signs that some establishment Republicans are willing to back Trump.Conservative New Jersey governor Chris Christie recently endorsed Trump, and a trickle of party strategists have argued its time to coalesce behind and train fire on likely Democratic nominee Clinton.Trump has recently moved to fuel that trend, making the case he can unify and grow the party.I think well be more inclusive and more unified. I think well be a much bigger party. I think were going to win in November, Trump said in Florida after victories on Super Tuesday.

World's costliest train station opens in NY at 9/11 site

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The worlds most expensive train station opened Thursday in New York, nearly $2 billion over budget and years behind schedule, but the European architect who designed it called it a gift of love to the city.The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, which is expected eventually to serve more than 200,000 commuters daily, is built next to the site of the Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.Santiago Calatrava, the Spanish-Swiss architect who unveiled his ambitious design 12 years ago, removed a barrier at the entrance of the Oculus, a giant oval hall with walls of steel ribs and glass.This is a great moment. This is a gift for all New Yorkers, he said of the opening to rail commuters.I hope the New Yorkers embrace it like we do and that they see the message of love to them, he added.The building has become a major source of controversy -- for its daring aesthetic, for spiraling drastically off budget and for closing seven years behind schedule.Intially budgeted at $2 billion, it ended up costing $3.85 billion, according to a spokesperson in Calatravas office. That would make it the most expensive station in the world.Calatrava said he hoped Americas financial and entertainment capital would enjoy a building that he hoped would become a big civic monument like Grand Central -- one of New Yorks most beloved landmarks.The building has an elliptical shape, reaching for the sky like the wings of a bird. The space measures 350 feet (107 meters) long by 115 feet (35 meters) at its widest point.Calatrava thanked the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which commissioned the project and paid for the huge edifice with taxpayers dollars.Thursday was only a partial opening -- with a giant shopping and restaurant plaza not due to be up and running until August.The center connects the PATH commuter rail to New Jersey with New York subway lines and provides indoor pedestrian access to the Trade Center towers.The Port Authority admitted in a 2008 report that the original cost estimate was too low to begin with but stressed the advantages the transit hub would afford the city.It said that when completed, the hub will serve 250,000 visitors or shoppers as well as more than 200,000 commuters each day, making it the third-largest transportation center in the city, behind Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station.

Indian student arrested for sedition released from jail

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NEW DELHI (AFP) - An Indian student leader walked out of prison Thursday, nearly three weeks after he was arrested on a controversial sedition charge that sparked major protests and a nationwide debate over free speech.Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on February 12 over a rally at Delhis prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at which anti-India slogans were chanted.He had been in custody in the capitals Tihar jail since February 17.Kumar received a heros welcome on his return to JNU, where he addressed a gathering of hundreds of students and faculty members late Thursday.The struggle is long. The more you try to suppress us, the higher we will rise, Kumar said as the crowds erupted in cheers.We are not asking for freedom from India, but asking for freedom in India.On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court granted Kumar six months interim bail while the police investigate the case, directing him not to participate in anti-national activities. The student union leader denies he was among those chanting the slogans at the rally, held to mark the 2013 hanging of Kashmiri separatist Mohammed Afzal Guru over a deadly attack on the Indian parliament.Two other students, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, are accused of being among the organisers of the JNU event and have been arrested on the same sedition charge as Kumar.The Delhi High Courts order listed some of the slogans shouted at the February 9 event, including Our war will continue until India is destroyed and Death to the Indian army.They are enjoying this freedom (of speech) only because our borders are guarded by our armed and paramilitary forces, Judge Pratibha Rani said.I consider this as a kind of infection from which such students are suffering, which needs to be controlled/cured before it becomes an epidemic.A Delhi government report published Thursday said while no witness or video evidence could be found implicating Kumar, the role of other students at the rally must be investigated further. Kumars arrest sparked a major row over freedom of expression in India, bringing thousands of students, teachers and activists onto the streets.Some rights campaigners say the Hindu nationalist government is using a British-era sedition law to clamp down on dissent.Sedition carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, although convictions are rare.

Over 90,000 people have fled fighting in Sudan's Darfur

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - More than 90,000 people have fled an upsurge of fighting over the past six weeks in Sudans troubled Darfur region, the African Union and United Nations said Thursday.Expressing deep concern, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and African Union Commission chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma called on Khartoum to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.They also urged the Sudanese government to grant peacekeepers from the joint AU-UN mission access to the displaced in Darfur.The United Nations is seeking to verify reports that an additional 50,000 people have been driven from their homes in central Darfur, but the government has denied the UNAMID mission access to that area.The clashes between government forces and rebel fighters in Jebel Marra, in the heart of Darfur, erupted on January 15.Sudans army has been trying to crush rebels of Abdulwahid Nurs faction of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA-AW) in Jebel Marra.The chairperson and the secretary-general call on the government to fully cooperate with UNAMID to facilitate its freedom of movement, as well as that of the humanitarian actors, in their continued efforts to protect and provide assistance to the civilian population affected by the fighting, said a joint statement from Ban and Dlamini-Zuma.About 63,000 civilians -- most of them women and children -- have taken refuge at a base at Sortoni in North Darfur run by UNAMID peacekeepers.More than 300,000 people have been killed in the Darfur conflict since 2003 and there are some 2.6 million displaced, according to the UN.

From 'Bhai' to 'Sahib', Mustafa Kamal takes on Altaf Hussain

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – After years of absence from the political scenario, former Mayor of Karachi and leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Mustafa Kamal, along with close aide and party co-worker Anees Qaimkhani, finally broke his silence on Thursday in a press conference that stirred up quite a controversy in the politics of the country. The former Mayor took on MQM and spoke out against its party chief Altaf Hussain, lambasting him for his “deception” and state detrimental politics.Kamal also announced the formation of a new political party. The two leaders also displayed their party’s new emblem which turned out to be Pakistan’s national flag.Coming out of his exile, the former Mayor blasted the MQM chief during the press conference with a tirade of shocking revelations. Kamal said everyone including people, party members and establishment knew that MQM leadership had connections with the Indian top intelligence agency RAW. He said Altaf Hussain has become sahib (boss) from bhai (brother), adding that he doesn’t care about anyone.“Altaf Hussain doesn’t care about anyone but himself”, he said.He accused the MQM chief of being a dirty politician and revealed that the Hussain used be intoxicated during his speeches and used to hurl abuses.Kamal added that the MQM’s head used to make statements without any basis for which they had to apologize or protest in favour of it the next day.The former mayor asked why can’t MQM chief come clean to party’s followers just like he did to the Scotland Yard.Mustafa Kamal told reporters that today s press conference is based on three points. He said he will reveal that why he and Anees Qaimkhani quit Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) left Pakistan in 2013. Why he is in Pakistan now and what will he do now.I had been a senator for a few months when I left my position, usually those who leave the MQM are kicked out but we left of our own accord, he said.In a talk during the program “Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath” made further startling revelations that has stirred up a storm in the country’s politics.Rehman MalikKamaln revealed that the former Minister for Interior Rehman Malik had repeatedly requested the British government not to raise the cases against MQM chief Altaf Hussain. Kamal stated that Malik had told the British government that democracy in Pakistan would be endangered if anything happened to the MQM chief.He stated that Malik used to dictate MQM’s press releases after extensive meetings with Hussain.The former Mayor further revealed that after the raids in London, the MQM chief and Tariq Mir had confirmed the rumours of relations with the Indian Research and Analysis (RAW) intelligence agency for the past 20 years and going to India, during the interviews with Scotland Yard.Kamal stated that all these details were conveyed to them by Malik and MQM leaders Mir and Mohammad Anwar during briefings.MQM workers descent into crimeTalking about these former MQM members, the ex-Mayor broke down into tears as the emotions got the best of him.He blamed MQM chief Altaf Hussain for the young party workers’ descent into criminal activities. He stated that the party workers including Saulat Mirza, Ajmal Pahari and those who murdered MQM leader Dr. Imran Farooq, had not been born as killers but were converted into assassins.Kamal also declared the MQM chief responsible for the current situation of Mohajirs.Forms new partyKamal announced the formation of a new political party. He also announced the aims and objectives of his new party along with its charter which is based on 3 key points of transfer of pwer to lower levels, development of National Urban Plan and a A presidential system of government.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)Recalling some glimpses from the past, he said: When the 2013 elections arrived, the Urdu-speaking citizens of Karachi casted more than 850,000 votes in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf‘s favour. But the MQM, due to its organisational structure, was the only party to bounce back while remaining in government for five years.Despite poor governance and performance between 2008 and 2013, the MQM was able to bag two more seats in the National Assembly in last elections.He said: I thought the PTI was stealing almost a million votes from MQM s strongholds.The party ended coalition with the PPP four times and rejoined it laterm, he added.After PTI achieved success during the 2013 elections, Altaf sahab and the MQM instead of apologising, began verbally attacking PTI women activists at Teen Talwar, he said.Kamal said despite repeated requests, Altaf Hussain did not listen to advice by party leaders.WATCH VIDEO

Mustafa Kamal announces formation of new political party

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Former Mayor Karachi and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) former leader on Thursday announced the formation of a new political party. Kamal announced the new development during a press conference in Karachi along with his close aide and MQM leader Anees Qaimkhani.The two leaders also displayed their party’s new emblem which turned out to be Pakistan’s national flag.Speaking during the press conference, the ex-Mayor stated that they were not here to break the country but instead to unite it.Kamal also announced the aims and objectives of his new party. The charter of the party is based on 3 key points:1.) Powers should be shifted to the lower levels2.) National Urban Plan should be formulated, new cities should be developed3.) A presidential system of government should be implemented in the countryKamal stated that they will gather the nation on single platform. He stated that every citizen should get his fundamental rights.He added that they will work for prosperity while remaining within the country.WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Zardari's scheduled New York press conference cancelled: Rehman Malik

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Former Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Friday informed that Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) co-chairman and former President Asif Ali Zardari’s press conference scheduled for today (Friday) has been cancelled. Malik stated that the press conference was cancelled on the advice of Zardari’s physicians.The former Minister for Interior announced these developments during an exclusive talk with Dunya News.Malik stated that the dismissal of the conference did not have any links to an earlier controversial press conference by former Mayor Karachi and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Mustafa Kamal.Speaking on Kamal’s press conference and his allegations against Malik, the former Interior Minsiter also hurled back allegations saying the ex-Mayor was working on RAW’s agenda.Malik further stated that Kamal had demanded an expensive plot from him during Interior Minsitry tenure. He added that he had also quashed Kamal’s desire of becoming a Governor due to which he is agitated and now wants to take personal revenge from me.In a press conference earlier, the former Mayor revealed that Rehman Malik had repeatedly requested the British government not to raise the cases against MQM chief Altaf Hussain. Kamal stated that Malik had told the British government that democracy in Pakistan would be endangered if anything happened to the MQM chief.He further stated that Malik used to dictate MQM’s press releases after extensive meetings with Hussain.

Tennis: Djokovic, Murray target Davis Cup quarter-final showdown

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PARIS (AFP) - Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray can set up a Davis Cup quarter-final blockbuster if they successfully pilot Serbia and defending champions Great Britain through the first round this weekend.However, the worlds top two players will go into their home clashes against Kazakhstan and Japan respectively with question marks over their fitness and match sharpness.World number one Djokovic saw his streak of 17 successive finals come to an end in Dubai last week when an eye infection forced a quarter-final retirement.Djokovic led Serbia to the 2010 Davis Cup title and is scheduled to play on all three days in Belgrade against the Kazakhs, starting Friday when he faces Aleksandr Nedovyesov, the world 200, in the opening singles.World number 23 Viktor Troicki will then tackle Kazakhstans top player, Mikhail Kukushkin, the world 79.I am fit to play and I am glad to be able to say it because I was a bit skeptical the first few days after arriving from Dubai, said 11-time major winner Djokovic.This eye infection occurred to me for the first time in my life. The training went very well and hopefully I will be able to play at my best on Friday.Murray, meanwhile, hasnt hit a ball in anger since losing to Djokovic in the Australian Open final almost five weeks ago.The 28-year-old took February off after his wife Kim gave birth to their first child, Sophia.Murray led Great Britain to their first Davis Cup title in 79 years last November.I never thought we would be able to do it but then when we did it was like why not, why cant we do it again this year? he said.Murray faces Californian-born Taro Daniel in Fridays opener with Japans top player, Kei Nishikori, the world number six, taking on Dan Evans.Should Serbia and Britain emerge victorious, they will clash in the UK from July 15-17 for a place in the semi-finals.In Melbourne, former world number one and two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt makes his bow as Australia captain and could even be drafted into action against the United States after Nick Kyrgios was ruled out through injury.Its a match-up between the tournaments two most successful nations but the US won the last of their 32 titles in 2007. Australia captured their 28th and most recent crown in 2003.Hewitt, 35, replaced Kyrgios in the squad despite having retired as a player after the Australian Open. But the veteran did not name himself in Fridays singles or Saturdays doubles, instead preferring to use 77th-ranked Sam Groth.Groth will open the tie on grass at Kooyong against big-serving American John Isner, ranked 11, while Australias top-ranked Bernard Tomic faces world number 24 Jack Sock.The winner of the tie will take on either last years runners-up Belgium or 2005 champions Croatia who meet in Liege.Switzerland, the champions in 2014, go to Pesaro to face Italy without Roger Federer, who is recovering from knee surgery, and the resting Stan Wawrinka.Instead their hopes will be spearheaded by 34-year-old Marco Chiudinelli whose ranking is a lowly 146.The winner of that tie will face either Poland or Argentina who are playing in Gdansk.The Poles are in the World Group for the first time while Argentina, runners-up three times since 2006, are in the elite section for a 15th consecutive year.The South Americans will be favourites to progress with two players -- Leonardo Mayer and Guido Pella both in the top 50. Polands top singles player is Michal Przysiezny who is ranked 318 backed up by Hubert Hurkacy, ranked 602.Yannick Noah begins his second spell in charge of nine-time champions France in the Caribbean where Guadeloupe hosts the tie against Canada.Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon will play singles Friday against Frank Dancevic, ranked at 245, and Vasek Pospisil respectively.Canadas hopes were hit after world number 13 Milos Raonic withdrew with an adductor injury. For France or Canada, a quarter-final with either Germany or the Czech Republic, the 2012 and 2013 champions, awaits.

Tennis: Injured Sharapova out of Indian Wells

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - World number seven Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from next weeks BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after failing to recover from a troublesome forearm injury, it was confirmed Thursday.The Russian star said in a statement issued by tournament chiefs she had pulled out in an effort to return to full fitness.I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this years BNP Paribas Open, said Sharapova. I have been focused on healing my left forearm injury and tried to get my body to be 100% ready to play this event, as it is one of my favorite events on the WTA and so close to my home in LA.I know the tournament will be a great success this year and I will be anxious to return next year and hopefully many years after.Sharapova has not played since exiting the Australian Open in the quarter-finals in January.Her withdrawal from Indian Wells is the third time this year she has withdrawn from a tournament because of her forearm injury, having also missed tournaments in Brisbane and Doha.Mariana Duque-Marino moves into the main draw for Indian Wells following Sharapovas absence.This years tournament takes place from March 7-20.

Tennis: Baghdatis takes Borg's Davis Cup record

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PARIS (AFP) - Cypruss Marcos Baghdatis snatched Bjorn Borgs long-standing record for the longest winning streak in Davis Cup singles on Thursday when he notched up his 34th victory in a row.Baghdatis, 30, reached the landmark by beating Andorras Jean-Baptiste Poux-Gautier in a Europe Zone Group III event being held in Estonia.The Cypriot went past Borgs mark of 33 straight singles victories, which was set from 1973-1980, in his 41st tie in the competition having made his debut in 2000.Hes done it @marcosbaghdatis d. Poux-Gautier to win his 34th consecutive DavisCup rubber, breaking Borgs record, tweeted the Davis Cup organisers.Borg at least has the consolation of knowing that he led Sweden to the 1975 Davis Cup title, an achievement unlikely to be celebrated by Baghdatis.

Football: Messi hat-trick steers Barca to unbeaten 35-game record

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MADRID (AFP) - Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona took another step towards the La Liga title and set a new Spanish football record of 35 games unbeaten in the process with a 5-1 win at nine-man Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.Two goals in as many minutes midway through the first-half killed the game as a contest as Ivan Rakitic and Messi netted before Diego Llorente saw a straight red card for a high challenge on Rakitic.Messi completed his hat-trick either side of Manuchos consolation for Rayo.Luis Suarez also missed a penalty after Manuel Iturra was also sent-off for the hosts before Arda Turan rounded off the scoring with his first Barca goal.Barca now lead Atletico Madrid by eight points with Real Madrid a further four points adrift in third with 11 games remaining.We played very well and when we are at this level in terms of attitude and intensity, it is very hard for the opponents, said Barca boss Luis Enrique.Rayo were unbeaten in their seven league games themselves and forced Barca keeper Claudio Bravo into a smart early save as the Chilean international flew to his right to turn away Adrian Embarbas drive. However, Rayos high defensive line was offering plenty of encouragement to the European champions and it seemed only a matter of time before Barca took advantage as Carlos made a good save at his near post to deny Messi.The opener arrived in unusual fashion for Barca, though, as an aimless ball punted into the box was dropped by Carlos and Rakitic was on hand to sweep into an empty netThe visitors second two minutes later was straight out of the Barca textbook, though, as a brilliant one-two between Neymar and Messi freed the Argentine to slot home from close range.Llorente let Rayos frustration boil over three minutes before the break when he lunged in studs up on Rakitic and was rightly shown a straight red card.Messi piled on further punishment for the hosts when he casually rolled the ball home after Suarez had smashed against the post soon after the restart.Rayo showed some resistence as Manucho nodded home his fourth goal in three game from Bebes knockdown.Yet, the hosts momentum was short-lived as they were reduced to nine men when Iturra chopped down Sergio Busquets inside the area after Neymars free-kick had come back off the crossbar.Messi passed up the chance to seal his hat-trick to help Suarez in his battle with Cristiano Ronaldo to be La Ligas top scorer. However, Barcas awful record from the spot this season continued as Carlos made amends for his earlier error with a fine save.The five-time World Player of the Year had to wait just three minutes more to get his third of the night as Messi sauntered through on goal before slotting past the advancing Carlos.And Turan rounded off a perfect evening for Luis Enriques men when he headed home from Jeremy Mathieus cross five minutes from time.Rayo are now just above the drop zone on goal difference as Granada struck twice in the final 20 minutes through Youssef El Arabi and Isaac Success to beat Sporting Gijon 2-0.Real Betis also eased their relegation fears as they took advantage of an Espanyol side ravaged by gastroenteritis to win 3-0.

Golf: Fraser, Piercy share lead at Doral

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MIAMI (AFP) - Jordan Spieth won the battle of the Big Three but it was Scott Piercy and Marcus Fraser atop the leaderboard after the first round of the Cadillac Championship at Doral here on Thursday.The focus as the elite World Golf Championships event teed off was firmly on the marquee group of Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy -- the top three players in the world rankings who are grouped together for the first two rounds.World number one Spieth had five birdies in his three-under-par 69 that left him three shots off the lead.Third-ranked McIlroy signed for a 71 that ended on a sour note with a double-bogey five at the par-three ninth -- where he was in the water off the tee.World number two Day settled for an even-par 72 that included four birdies and four bogeys.He was upstaged by fellow Aussie Fraser, winner of the Maybak Championship in Malaysia a fortnight ago.Fraser had seven birdies and was in sole possession of the lead before his only bogey of the day at his penultimate hole, the par-five eighth, dropped him into a tie for the lead with Americas Piercy, who had rolled in eight birdies en route to a six-under 66.The leading duo were one shot in front of five-time major champion Phil Mickelson.Former world number one Adam Scott of Australia, who won his first title in nearly two years at the Honda Classic in Los Angeles on Sunday, headlined a group sharing fourth on 68 that also included Englands Danny Willett, Jason Dufner and Charley Hoffman.Spieth was joined on 69 by Bubba Watson and Jimmy Walker.

Formula One: Raikkonen ups testing pace for Ferrari

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BARCELONA (AFP) - Finlands Kimi Raikkonen registered the fastest time in Formula One testing so far this season on the third day of the second test in Barcelona.Raikkonen beat teammate Sebastian Vettels previous best time from last week on ultrasoft tyres in 1min 22.765sec.Even more encouragingly for Ferrari, Raikkonen even beat the best time posted so far by dominant world champions Mercedes on the soft tyre compound.German Nico Hulkenberg was second quickest as Force India continued to show good pre-season pace with Dutch teenager Max Verstappen third for Toro Rosso.Mercedes again refused to show their real speed on the penultimate day of testing before the opening race weekend of the season in Australia on March 20.Nico Rosberg posted another 80 laps in fourth fastest on the medium tyres.

Mustafa Kamal blames Altaf for MQM workers' descent into crime

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Former Mayor Karachi and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) leader Mustafa Kamal on Thursday directly blamed MQM chief Altaf Hussain for the young party workers’ descent into criminal activities. He stated that the party workers including Saulat Mirza, Ajmal Pahari and those who murdered MQM leader Dr. Imran Farooq, had not been born as killers but were converted into assassins.The former Mayor of Karachi broke his silence after a prolonged absence from politics during a press conference. Talking about these former MQM members, the ex-Mayor broke down into tears as the emotions got the best of him.Addressing the MQM chief, Kamal inquired if Hussain had ever thought that killers of Dr. Imran Farooq had been born as terrorists from their mother’s womb or ever even wondered that they might also have a mother.Kamal also declared the MQM chief responsible for the current situation of Mohajirs.He added that as the city’s Mayor, he had spent Rs. 300 billion on Karachi but not a single case of corruption could be proved against him by anyone.WATCH VIDEO BELOW
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