Friday, 30 September 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Syria regime advances in Aleppo, MSF decries 'bloodbath'

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BEIRUT (AFP) - Syrian regime forces advanced in the battleground city of Aleppo Friday, backed by a Russian air campaign that a monitor said has killed more than 3,800 civilians in the past year.The Doctors Without Borders (MSF) charity accused Syrias government and its ally Moscow of provoking a bloodbath in the city, saying the eastern rebel-held portion had become a giant kill box.Syrias army was advancing on two Aleppo fronts, as talks between key players Washington and Moscow -- which back opposing sides in the war -- appeared close to collapse.Damascuss bid to recapture all of the divided northern city prompted the UN to warn of a humanitarian catastrophe.UN chief Ban Ki-moon announced he is setting up an internal board of inquiry to investigate the September 19 bombing of an aid convoy in Syria that killed 18 people.The UN panel will report to Ban, who will decide what further steps to take, a UN statement said.US officials have said Russian planes attacked the 31-truck convoy bringing aid to a town west of Aleppo. Moscow has denied the accusation.Just over a week after Syrias army announced an operation to recapture all Aleppo, it was advancing both in northern and central Aleppo Friday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor and state media.In the north, it recaptured the Handarat former Palestinian refugee camp, as well as the old Kindi hospital, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.Rebels had held the hospital since 2013, and capturing it allows government forces to threaten the opposition-held Heluk and Haydariyeh neighbourhoods.The Observatory said at least 15 people, including two children, were killed in strikes on Heluk and other eastern districts Friday.In central Aleppo, meanwhile, fierce clashes shook the Suleiman al-Halabi neighbourhood, divided by the frontline separating the rebel-held east and regime-held west.The army is seeking to capture the opposition-held sector of the district and advance to the main water supply station for the government-controlled part of Aleppo which is in the neighbourhood.State television said 15 civilians had been killed and 40 wounded by rocket fire into the government-held part of Suleiman al-Halabi and neighbouring Midan district.Since the army operation began, Damascus and Moscow have pounded east Aleppo with air strikes, barrel bomb attacks and artillery fire, killing at least 216 people, including more than 40 children, according to the Observatory.The assault has levelled apartment blocks and put hospitals out of service, creating a humanitarian catastrophe in opposition areas besieged for most of the past two months.It has been some of the worst violence since the March 2011 beginning of Syrias conflict, which has killed more than 300,000 people and displaced over half the population.Outside Damascus, meanwhile, air raids on several rebel-held towns in the Eastern Ghouta region killed at least 17 people including eight children, the Observatory said.On Thursday, US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Washington was on the verge of suspending talks with Russia on Syria because of the Aleppo assault.Moscow, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, began a military campaign to bolster his forces in September 2015 that has so far killed more than 9,300 people, the Britain-based Observatory says.That figure includes 3,804 civilians and more than 5,500 jihadists and rebels, it says, adding that at least 20,000 civilians have been wounded.The Observatory says it determines what planes carried out raids according to their type, location, flight patterns and the munitions involved.We do not consider as reliable the information... coming from this organisation, which is based in the United Kingdom, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.Kerrys Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday accused Washington of protecting a jihadist group in its effort to overthrow Assads regime.Lavrov told the BBC that Washington had vowed, under a failed truce deal, to take as a priority an obligation to separate the opposition from the former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front, once known as Al-Nusra Front, but that it had not done so.We have more and more reasons to believe that from the very beginning the plan was to spare Nusra and to keep it just in case for Plan B or stage two when it would be time to change the regime, Lavrov said.Moscow said Thursday it would continue its campaign, despite Washingtons threat and international concern about Aleppo.Bombs are raining from Syria-led coalition planes and the whole of east Aleppo has become a giant kill box, MSF director of operations Xisco Villalonga said in a statement on Friday.The Syrian government must stop the indiscriminate bombing, and Russia as an indispensable political and military ally of Syria has the responsibility to exert the pressure to stop this, he said.

Kerry laments lack of Syria options in leaked audio

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Secretary of State John Kerry is frustrated that his diplomatic efforts to end Syrias civil war were not backed up by US military force, according to a recording leaked Friday.In the audio released by the New York Times, Kerry is heard lamenting to a group of Syrian civilians last week in New York that his call for US action against Bashar al-Assads government fell on deaf ears.I think youre looking at three people, four people in the administration who have all argued for use of force, and I lost the argument, he tells the group.Ive argued for the use of force ... but things evolved into a different process.State Department spokesman John Kirby did not deny that the recording -- made at a private meeting in a diplomatic mission on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly -- is authentic. While we will decline to comment on a private conversation, Secretary Kerry was grateful for the chance to meet with this group of Syrians, to hear their concerns first hand and to express our continued focus on ending this civil war, he said.It has been widely reported that Kerry pushed President Barack Obama to take a more robust path in Syria, to give teeth to international efforts to force Assad aside and end a civil war now heading into its sixth year.But Washingtons top diplomat has been careful to present a united front with the White House in public, even as he attempts to work with Moscow to rein in Assads forces and build space for a political dialogue.In August 2013, after Assad had been accused of firing chemical weapons at civilians, Kerry gave a ferocious speech that was seen as prefiguring a retaliatory US military strike -- only for Obama to back down only hours later.Kerry refers to the speech incident in Fridays leaked recording, but blames the US Congress for refusing to vote to authorize the US military to take action against Assad.At last weeks meeting, the Syrians -- sympathizers with the rebellion against Assad -- expressed frustration that US efforts in their country are focused on fighting the Islamic State group and not on Assad or his allies.Instead, on September 9, Kerry agreed with Assads ally Moscow that there should be a ceasefire between the regime and the US-backed rebels. The truce came into force on September 12 but fell apart after a week.Russia and the United States are now blaming each other for the breakdown and Assads Russian-backed forces have launched an assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.Look, I get it, Kerry tells the incredulous Syrians. A lot of us wish there was an enforcement mechanism right now. A lot of us have been fighting for one, but we dont have one right now and thats set, he warned.Were trying to pursue the diplomacy, and I understand its frustrating. You have nobody more frustrated than we are.

Bulgaria bans full-face Islamic veil

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SOFIA (AFP) - Bulgaria banned on Friday face-covering Islamic veils in public, joining a small number of EU countries as debate rages across Europe about religious freedoms.Parliament approved the law that bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face, referring to the burqa or the more common niqab.Infringements carry fines of 200 leva (103 euros, $114), rising to 1,500 leva for repeated offences.Bulgarias mostly centuries-old Muslim community, dating back to conversions during Ottoman times, makes up around 13 percent of the population, mostly in the Turkish minority.Muslim women in Bulgaria have generally worn just a simple scarf to cover their hair.But recently there has been a small rise in the number of women wearing the niqab among ultra-conservative Muslim communities of the Roma minority.The often impoverished and marginalised Roma make up just under 10 percent of Bulgarias population, around a third of whom are Muslim. Several Bulgarian towns had already banned the niqab at local level.The legislation was approved despite opposition from the MDL Turkish minority party which accused the other parties of sowing religious intolerance.Rights group Amnesty International strongly criticised the ban. This law is part of a disturbing trend of intolerance, xenophobia and racism in Bulgaria, the groups Europe director John Dalhuisen said in a statement.France and Belgium have both banned the burqa or niqab and Switzerlands lower house this week narrowly approved a draft bill on a nationwide ban. In August Germanys interior minister came out in favour of a partial ban.France was also this summer embroiled in a row over bans on the burkini, a full-body Islamic swimsuit, in resorts around the Riviera. A poll published earlier this month showed Britons to be strongly in favour of a burqa ban.

Drone strike kills 2 Qaeda suspects in Yemen

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ADEN (AFP) - A drone strike has killed two suspected members of Al-Qaeda in central Yemen, a local government official said on Friday.The official said the two men were lying under a tree in Rada, Bayda province, on Thursday when they were hit by an air strike.Washington is the only government to operate drones over Yemen, but the United States only sporadically releases statements on its long-running bombing campaign against the countrys powerful Al-Qaeda branch.On Wednesday, it acknowledged conducting drone strikes against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) last week, killing four members of the group -- two of them in Bayda.The United States considers Al-Qaedas Yemen-based franchise AQAP to be its most dangerous.US Central Command continues to protect the US, its allies and partners from these threats by denying Yemen as a haven for AQAP, Army Major Josh Jacques, US Central Command spokesman, has said.AQAP and the Islamic State (IS) group have exploited a power vacuum created by the conflict between the government and Iran-backed Huthi rebels to expand their presence in Yemen, especially in the south and southeast.In main southern city Aden, where the government has its headquarters, gunmen killed an intelligence officer as he left Friday prayers, a security official said.The source said the attackers were believed to be IS militants, adding that the killing came a day after an airport officer was wounded when a bomb planted in his car exploded in the city.IS group later published photos claiming both attacks, according to SITE Intelligence Group. Yemeni government and security officials frequently come under attack from jihadists in the south, who have also carried out deadly bombings against troops.A Saudi-led Arab military coalition that backs the government against the Huthis and their allies has also turned its sights on jihadists, targeting them with air strikes.More than 6,600 people, including civilians, have been killed in the Yemeni conflict since the coalition began its air campaign in March 2015, the UN says.

UN chief offers to meditate over Kashmir tensions

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UNITED NATIONS, United States (AFP) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday offered to act as mediator between India and Pakistan to defuse rising tensions over disputed Kashmir.The offer came after Pakistans ambassador met with the UN chief and urged him to personally intervene, while India said it did not want to aggravate the situation.Ban called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, a statement from his spokesman said.The UN chief said India and Pakistan should address differences through diplomacy and dialogue, and offered to mediate.His good offices are available, if accepted by both sides, the UN spokesman said.Tensions between the two arch rivals have been boiling since the Indian government accused Pakistan-based militants of launching an assault on an army base in Kashmir earlier this month that killed 18 soldiers.India on Thursday said it had carried out surgical strikes several kilometers (miles) inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on what they called terrorist targets.This is a dangerous moment for the region, Pakistans Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told AFP after meeting with Ban at UN headquarters in New York.The time has come for bold intervention by him if we are to avoid a crisis, because we can see a crisis building up.Lodhi accused India of creating conditions that pose a threat to regional and international peace and security.UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric earlier said the UN chief would welcome all proposals or initiatives aimed at de-escalation.Ban is following the situation with great concern, said Dujarric, citing the escalating rhetoric between the two countries and the increased tensions along the line of control separating Kashmir between Pakistani- and Indian-controlled areas.A UN military observer mission (UNMOGIP) is looking into reports of ceasefire violations along the line of control and will report to Ban, he added.UNMOGIP has not directly observed any firing across the line of control related to the latest incident, he added.In a statement to AFP Indias mission to the United Nations said India has no desire to aggravate the situation, and that our response was a measured counter-terrorist strike.It was focused in terms of targets and geographical space, the mission said. It is reflective of our desire to respond proportionately to clear and imminent threat posed by terrorists in that instance.With our objectives having been met that effort has since ceased.The Pakistani ambassador said she had suggested to Ban that plans for a visit to India and Pakistan expected in November could be brought forward to avert a crisis.Lodhi also met this week with the current Security Council president, New Zealand Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, to ask that the top UN body keep a close eye on developments.India and Pakistan have fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain seven decades ago, two of them over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

All mega projects in Karachi would start in October: CM Sindh

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah said on Friday that 18 mega projects worth Rs 10 billion would start in Karachi in the month of October, reported Dunya News.CM said that they know about condition of Karachi very well and in six months they would have a proper system to get rid of the garbage. In South and Korangi, a Chinese company was given contract for getting rid of garbage.Murad Ali Shah also said that Manzoor would work with all traders’ associations and he would provide the funds needed for it.

Imran Khan cannot become PM, no matter what he does: PML-N leaders

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LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders criticised Imran Khan on Friday for his speech in Raiwind against government, reported Dunya News.Punjabs law minister Rana Sanaullah said that Imran Khan spoke the language of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Lahore rejected him.Member National Assembly (MNA) Talal Chaudhry said that Imran Khan was not giving warnings to government, but supreme court.Daniyal Aziz said that Imran Khan was already exposed as he was doing negative politics whereas Muhammad Zubair said that Imran Khan cannot become Prime Minister (PM), no matter what he does.

Policeman martyred by target killers: case filed against investigative officer

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – The case of the policeman being martyred by the target killers, was filed against the investigative officer on Friday, reported Dunya News.The investigative officer, Wasif Jokhio was charged for being careless, lenient and assisting the target killers in escaping as the target killers snatched the weapons from policemen and started firing. Police officials also told that the statements of eye witnessed were also recorded.

Karachi: Two Lyari gang war accused killed in police encounter

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KARACHI: According to details, police conducted an operation in Kalakot area of Karachi on Friday during which two Lyari gang war accused, belonging to Baba Ladla group, were killed, Dunya News reported.Police sources said that the killed accused were involved in cracker attacks and murder of 30 people. Police also recovered arms and explosive material from their possession.On the other hand, police carried out search operation in different parts of the city and arrested at least 44 suspects, including two accused. Police sources said that search operations were conducted in Malir, Ghazi Goth, Shah Faisal, Guzri and Ittehad Town on intelligence reports that criminal elements are present in these areas.Sources further said that arms were recovered from two arrested accused. The arrested persons were shifted to police station for further investigation.

Death toll in Shahdara cylinder blast reaches 10

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LAHORE (Dunya News) - Seven more victims of the Shahdara cylinder blast, which took place four days ago, succumb to their injuries at the Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, raising the death toll of ten.According to details, a cylinder blast at an LPG filling shop in Yousuf Park area of Shahdara four days ago had wounded 18 people, including women and children.The victims were shifted to Mayo Hospital where seven more victims, including two-year-old Salman, six-year-old Asifa, Bilal, Rafiq, Tasawwar, Salim, Saeed and Ijaz, succumbed to their wounds. Three of the victims, Zahid, Wasim and Zain, died of their injuries earlier.

Tennis: On form Kvitova reaches Wuhan final

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WUHAN (AFP) - Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova dropped just three games to dismiss Simona Halep in two sets in the semi-finals at the Wuhan Open Friday.The Czech displayed the tennis that once saw her two match wins from ascending to world number one as she beat Halep 6-1, 6-2 to reach her second final at the $2.6 million hard court event in China.The Romanian fourth seed denied Kvitova her first match point with an unusual backhand volley, taking the second set to 5-2, but was unable to swing the momentum of the game in her favour.I tried, but (it) was too late to change something at 6-1, 5-1. Its a bit too late with someone that is playing this way, Halep told reporters after the match.Despite the loss, by reaching the Wuhan semi-finals Halep has booked her spot in the year-ending eight-player WTA Finals for the third consecutive year.Kvitovas return to form in China comes after a choppy year that began with her splitting from coach of seven years David Kotyza and has seen her slip to 16 in the world rankings -- her lowest spot since 2011.She made a series of early round exits this season, failing to get beyond the fourth round at any of the Grand Slams, until a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics appeared to turn the tide for the 26-year-old.From the time (Rio) I felt better as well mentally, and the confidence was there. I played great matches in Rio. I think that helped me for the tournaments after Rio, Kvitova said after the semi-final win. Kvitova will meet Dominika Cibulkova in the finals on Saturday, after the Slovak rallied from one set down to beat double Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.Rain delays meant that Cibulkova has spent more than six hours on court in the last two days, playing both a fourth round and quarter final match on Thursday -- and claiming the scalp of US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova en route.Her strong run at Wuhan marks an impressive return for the 27-year-old who missed four months of the season in 2015 after having surgery on her left foot.A left calf injury also forced her to withdraw from the Rio Olympics.Its never easy to come back after injury, especially when your ranking drops, said Cibulkova after the match.But she has reached five finals this year and the quarter finals at Wimbledon, and is now just points away from qualifying for the year finale in Singapore for the first time.Im a good player, I can beat top players. But I was missing consistency in my game. This is the first year that Im really consistent playing the whole year, the Slovak said.Meanwhile, 31-year-old Kuznetsova -- who reached world number two in 2007 -- is enjoying a late-career resurgence and reaching the semi-finals at Wuhan will likely see her reach her highest ranking in six years when next weeks leaderboard is released.I lost little bit my way when I got broken in second set because I felt like I was on top of the game after I won first set, Kuznetsova told reporters after the match.

Football: Lukaku, Benteke strike as Everton, Palace draw

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LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Goals by Belgian international strikers Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke saw Everton and Crystal Palace draw 1-1 in their Premier League clash on Friday.Lukaku struck with his fifth of the season in the first-half before Benteke, who endured a disappointing spell at Liverpool before moving to Palace in the summer, levelled with a superb header in the second-half.The draw was enough for Everton to put an end to a two-match losing run in all competitions and lift them up to third whilst Palace -- who have not lost at Goodison since 2005 -- remain seventh after extending their unbeaten run to four games. Everton manager Ronald Koeman was satisfied with the outcome.Its a good point in the end. We defended set plays and second balls well against a difficult team, the 53-year-old Dutchman told Sky Sports. The team performance was outstanding, although wed like to create more opportunities.Weve had a good start to the season. The position in the table is not everything at the moment and we need to improve, but were doing a good job.His Palace counterpart Alan Pardew was proud of the manner his players refused to be overwhelemd by early Everton dominance.They took the lead but we wouldnt lie down and we did really well in the second half, he said.Everton made a bright start to the match forcing Palace to concede several corners in quick succession with Yannick Bolasie torturing his former team-mates with some deft footwork down the left flank.However, it took till the 19th minute for the hosts to force a save from Palace keeper Steve Mandanda, Lukaku firing straight at him. Lukaku, though, broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, curling a pearler of a free-kick over the Palace wall, leaving Mandanda rooted to the spot for his fifth of the season.The free-kick had been awarded in controversial circumstances as there was a suspicion Everton defender Phil Jagielka handled the ball before Palaces veteran captain Damien Delaney raised his boot too high in the challenge. Four minutes into the second-half Palace were level as Benteke produced a superb header, from Joel Wards cross, to beat Maarten Stekelenburg for his third of the campaign.Everton stormed back almost immediately and a wonderful piece of skill by Bolasie teed up Idrissa Gueye but he fluffed his lines as Martin Kelly blocked his goalbound shot.The visitors thought they had taken the lead when Delaney, making his 600th league appearance, had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside although the scorer did not appear to be in an offside position.A pulsating match then saw Gareth Barrys flicked header cleared off the line by Palace defender Jason Puncheon. Palace came back at Everton and James Tomkins was presented with a great chance but his header was gathered by Stekelenburg.

Golf: US blanks Europe in emotional Ryder Cup start

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CHASKA (AFP) - The United States whitewashed Europe 4-0 in Fridays opening alternate shot foursomes session at the Ryder Cup, the first time in 41 years the Americans blanked their rivals to start the team golf showdown.Not since a 1975 squad captained by Arnold Palmer, who died last Sunday at age 87, had the Americans dominated an opening session as they did at Hazeltine, never trailing to win two matches and coming from behind in two more with impressive late fightbacks.A dream start, US captain Davis Love said of his players. The guys have really come together. It has been an emotional couple of weeks with Arnolds passing.Theres a long way to go. Theres a lot more points out there.A US squad that was outscored 7-1 in foursomes in 2014 swept an opening session for only the third time ever against Europe, having also gone 4-0 in 1947.It bodes well for Americas chances to snap a three-Cup losing skid and end domination that has seen Europe win eight of the past 10 Cups.Their guys fought better than we did and 4-0 is a worthy result for how they played, Europe captain Darren Clarke said.Its not an ideal start but we have come back from starts worse than this in the past. Its a big hole weve dug but they are keen to get back out there.Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed never trailed in downing Olympic champion Justin Rose of England and British Open champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden 3 and 2 in the opening matchup of two duos that went undefeated in 2014.It was a tight match. They made a few putts and we couldnt quite buy one, Rose said. There were a lot of double breaking putts. They are tough to read because youve got to be spot on.Reed, known for his fiery style, sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-5 16th to close out the match, his fists pumping as the crowd roared.It was a lot of fun to be part of that match, Reed said. I live for those kind of moments. It just gets me going. I didnt want to miss my chance.Third-ranked Rory McIlroy and Englands Andy Sullivan twice seized 2-up leads over Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler, but the US duo won four of the last five holes for a 1-up victory.I felt more pressure than any Ryder Cup, said Mickelson, who matched a record with his 11th Cup appearance. I didnt play the way I wanted off the tee. We showed a lot of heart those last four holes to win.Mickelson parred to win the 15th and Fowler birdied the 16th to square the match. Sullivan found water off the par-3 17th tee while the US duo birdied to retake the lead for good.To finally get my first full point is great, Fowler said.PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker and two-time major winner Zach Johnson lost the second hole to Spains Sergio Gercia and Germanys Martin Kaymer with a par and could not square the match until the 12th hole, but they won that and the next four in a 4 and 2 romp. Walker birdied 13 and 14 and Johnson took 16 to end the match, then downplayed the US sweep.Lot of talent on both teams, he said. A lot of matches left. It is not like we were that far off. It is not rocket science. It is just getting back to the basics.US spectators screaming in support helped.It was quite the crowd, Walker said. I wasnt prepared for it. It was quite intense early. Nothing in golf is like this.US Open winner Dustin Johnson and American Matt Kuchar led from the first hole in routing Englands Lee Westwood and Belgian Thomas Pieters 5 and 4.Any time we made a shot they put one in on top of us, Pieters said.The way DJ hits the ball, I just try not to mess him up, Kuchar said.Four afternoon four-ball matches will follow with Saturday featuring four more foursomes and four-ball matches ahead of Sundays concluding 12 singles matches.Europe needs 14 points to retain the trophy while the Americans need 14 1/2 points to take the Cup for the first time since 2008.

Boxing: Fury fights for future after cocaine test claim

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LONDON (AFP) - Tyson Fury was fighting for his boxing future on Friday after a media report said he had tested positive for cocaine and faced being stripped of his heavyweight title belts.The 28-year-old Briton had been due to defend the WBA and WBO world titles against former champion Wladimir Klitschko in Manchester on October 29, but the bout was called off abruptly last week for a second time, for unspecified medical reasons.A spokesman for Furys promoters Hennessy Sports declined to discuss the cocaine claims, which were made by US-based broadcaster ESPN, which said that the troubled Fury tested positive after giving a random urine sample on September 22.Contacted by Press Association Sport, the spokesman said the beleaguered Fury camp would not be making a statement.ESPN reported Fury was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which is based in Las Vegas, as part of the routine agreed by both fighters before the fight.One attempt at a rematch with the Ukrainian Klitschko, scheduled to take place on July 9, had already been abandoned because of an apparent ankle injury sustained by the controversial British fighter. Contacted for comment regarding Fury, VADA, which specialises in testing competitors from boxing and mixed martial arts, said it does not release results of samples unless at an athletes request.Providing the test was taken on an out-of-competition basis, Fury stands to face no sanctions such as a ban. But he risks losing his belts due to inactivity, ESPN said, having failed to make a title defence this year.If confirmed, the cocaine claim would be the latest in a series of damning episodes for the British boxer.After his ankle injury it then emerged that UK-Anti Doping (UKAD) had charged the champion over a urine sample taken in February 2015, and his cousin Hughie with a doping offence.It was alleged the sample -- taken nine months before Tyson Furys defeat of Klitschko to take his belts -- contained traces of the banned substance nandrolone. Fury was provisionally suspended, but that ban has since been lifted and his legal team had said they would be suing UKAD over the allegations. His hearing will be held in November.

Golf: Willett heckled during opening round of Ryder Cup

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CHASKA (AFP) - Reigning Masters champion Danny Willett teed off at the Ryder Cup Friday to a stream of catcalls from hecklers upset over his brothers insults to American golf fans.There was a chorus of boos from US fans when he was introduced on the first tee. Others yelled mash potatoes and buy you a hotdog followed by chants of his brother Peters name.Englishman Willett did his best to tune out the background noise as he played a four-ball match with Team Europe partner Martin Kaymer against the US duo of Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka.Despite the jeers and boos coming from the jammed grandstand, Willett calmly stepped up to the opening tee box and blasted his first drive down the middle of the fairway.He then silenced the crowd around the green when he drained a 30-foot putt on his first hole for an opening birdie.The controversy began when Pete Willett called US golf fans fat, stupid, greedy, classless bastards and a baying mob of imbeciles in an article on a European golf website.The 28-year-old Danny Willett apologized for his brothers rant after learning about it on Wednesday.Willetts wife, Nicole, followed her husband around the course Friday from inside the ropes and didnt like some of what she was hearing.She declined to speak about the matter, saying I am rather upset.Not all US supporters were out to jeer Willett on Friday. A group of fans wearing hockey jerseys and Viking horns made a point of telling the grandstand hecklers to keep quiet and on the third tee another American spectator yelled We love you Danny.Willett is making his Ryder Cup debut after capturing his first major crown at the Masters, aided by a back-nine collapse from leader Jordan Spieth.Willett, who also won at Dubai in February, was the first European in 17 years to win at Augusta National.
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Thursday, 29 September 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

US closely watching escalation in Pak-India tensions

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WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - State Department spokesperson John Kirby while briefing the newsmen in Washington on Thursday said that the US is closely watching escalation in Pak-India tensions after Indian troops reportedly fired across the LoC in Kashmir.We’re following the situation closely. We also understand that the Pakistani and Indian militaries have been in communication. We believe that continued communication is obviously important to reduce tensions, John Kirby said.Answering a question John Kirby said that US expressed concerns regarding the danger that terrorism poses to the region and added that we all know that terrorism knows no border.“We continue to urge actions to combat and delegitimize terrorist groups like LeT and the Haqqani Network, Jaish-e-Mohammad”, Kirby said.He further said that US Secretary of State John Kerry had spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on September 27 and condemned terrorism in all its forms and also cautioned against any escalation in tensions.He said that our message to both Pakistan and India has been the same, in terms of encouraging them to increase communication to deal with this threat of terrorism and to avoid steps that escalate the tensions.

India trying to 'provoke crisis with Pakistan': Maleeha

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistans Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi while giving an interview to and Arab TV said that India was trying to provoke crisis with Pakistan in an attempt to divert attention from the Kashmir issue.Maleeha Lodhi said Indian forces have killed more than 100 Kashmiris while over 150 lost their eye sight due to use of pellet guns by the Indian army.The Indus Treaty threat and boycott of SAARC is all aimed at deflecting attention from Indias grave violation of human rights in the Held Kashmir, Maleeha Lodhi said.My country has exercised maximum restraint in the face of what happened in the early hours of Thursday, she said before confirming that an Indian soldier, trying to cross the border, has been captured by Pakistan.She said two of our soldiers died in Indian cross border fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir on Thursday.We think Indias action is hugely irresponsible and we think the international community should urge restraint upon India.Pakistan is showing maximum restraint but there are limits to our restraint if India continues with provocations, Lodhi said. Right now our effort is just to tell everyone this is whats happened so far, watch this space because its a very dangerous space.She said there had already been ominous signs of unusual movement along the border with movements of troops and tanks and credible reports of Indian evacuations of some areas.

Karachi: 44 detained during police, Rangers operation

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Crackdown against criminal elements continues in Karachi as police and Rangers arrested 44 persons during operation in different parts of the city on Thursday, Dunya News reported.According to details, police carried out operation in Boat Basin, Liquatabad, Sharifabad and Maripur areas on tip-off that criminal elements are present in these areas and apprehended at least 37 suspects.The arrested persons were shifted to police station for further investigation.Police also arrested four accused during separate operations in New Karachi and Nazimabad areas and recovered arms and motorcycles from their possession.On the other hand, Rangers personnel conducted a raid at the office of a private agency and arrested three persons. The arrested persons were sifted to some undisclosed location for further investigation.

Multan: Major terror bid foiled, four terrorists arrested

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MULTAN (Dunya News) - Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has foiled a major terrorism bid in Multan on Thursday and arrested four terrorists, Dunya News reported.According to details, the CTD personnel raided a house near Railway Station and apprehended four terrorists. The CTD also recovered a large quantity of arms, including eight hand grenades, from the terrorists.The CTD sources said that the arrested terrorists were planning to carry out terror attacks. Maps of the sensitive installations were also recovered from them.The CTD sources further informed that the arrested terrorists Yasir and Usman belonged to Lahore, Saeed Khan from Waziristan and Irshad from Sheikhupura.

One more patient diagnosed with Congo virus in Multan

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MULTAN (Dunya News) – According to details, Noor Bibi from Kohlu, Balochistan was admitted in the Nishtar Hospital Multan on suspicion of carrying Congo virus, Dunya News reported.Noor Bibi’s blood samples were sent to laboratory for test and found positive for the disease. She was shifted to isolation ward for further treatment.Congo fever is a tick-borne viral disease which is mainly transferred to humans from pets. Its symptoms include fever, flu, bloody urine, vomiting and nose bleeding.

Sick Balotelli scores again for Nice

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KRASNODAR, Russia (AFP) - Mario Balotelli opened his Europa League account for Nice on Thursday before keeling over sick as Nice went into half-time of their at Krasnodar in Russia at 2-1 down.Trailing after strikes from Fedor Smolov on 22 minutes and Joaozinho, 11 minutes later, the 26-year-old Balotelli slipped as he struck a curling shot home in the 43rd minute before bending over to cough and retch.It was Balotellis fifth goal in four games for Nice after twice bagging braces in Ligue 1 wins over Marseille and Monaco.The Italian striker, having been in some distress, was replaced at half-timeNice lost their first Europa League Group I game 1-0 to Schalke 04.

Isinbayeva confident of winning top Russian post

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MOSCOW (AFP) - Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva, who retired last month after the blanket ban on Russian athletes from the Rio Games, said Thursday she expects to be elected head of the countrys disgraced athletics body.We have to act together. Together, we must defend our country, its honour and dignity, and then everything will be possible, the 34-year-old was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency TASS.The vote to appoint the next president of the Russian athletics federation (ARAF) will take place on December 9 and, according to local media, current boss Dmitry Shlyakhtin, elected in January, will not run after failing to lift the IAAF ban on Russian athletes in Rio over state-run doping.On Wednesday Isinbayeva, believed to be the frontrunner for the post, said: Ive made a decision I should lead our athletic federation and restore its foothold in the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Clinton hits Trump over Cuba embargo 'violation'

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CHICAGO (AFP) - Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump Thursday of breaking the law by violating the US trade embargo with Cuba, slamming her rival as dishonest and willing to put his interests before the country.Clinton said Trumps business interests in Cuba in the 1990s appear to violate US law, certainly flout American foreign policy, as she accused him of misleading American voters.Newsweek earlier reported that Trump hotel and casino executives spent $68,000 while trying to get a foothold in Cuba during a trip in 1998.That was well before the United States loosened its decades-old embargo and when expenditures in the Caribbean country were illegal without US government approval.A former Trump executive who spoke to Newsweek on condition of anonymity said the company did not obtain a government license for its spending before the trip.The issue plays into Clintons main line of attack against her Republican rival.Her campaign has framed the election as an existential moment for the republic: a choice between Clintons safe pair of hands and the latent authoritarianism of an erratic and duplicitous mogul.The issue could also cause Trump problems in the swing state of Florida -- where anti-communist Cuban Americans make up a vocal slice of the electorate.Polls show the Democrat and Republican nominees running virtually neck-and-neck there.This adds to the long list of actions and statements that raise doubts about his temperament and qualification to be president and commander in chief, said Clinton.She accused Trump of continuing to stonewall the American voters on his taxes and business interests before they cast their votes, early or on November 8.Facing questions about the report, Trumps campaign manager Kellyanne Conway all but acknowledged that his company violated the embargo.As I understand from the story, they paid money in 1998, she said on the ABC show The View.However, Trump ultimately decided not to invest there, she added, saying the real estate billionaire has remained very critical of Cuba and the Castro regime.Newsweek reported that the company did not spend the money directly, opting instead to funnel the funds through a consulting firm -- Seven Arrows Investment and Development Corp -- with Trumps knowledge to make it appear as if the spending were part of a charitable effort.Instituted in the early 1960s, the trade embargo was designed to starve Fidel Castros regime of US currency. Despite the recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, the embargo remains largely in place today.Floridas Republican US Senator and onetime presidential candidate Marco Rubio, whose parents fled Cuba, said he was deeply concerned about the report.I hope the Trump campaign is going to come forward and answer some questions about this, he told ABCs Capital Games podcast.It was a violation of American law if thats how it happened.

Pogba's agent reveals he was wanted by Chelsea last year

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MILAN (AFP) - Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was targeted by Jose Mourinho for Chelsea last year but was blocked by an agreement between his agent and Juventus, the Frenchmans agent Mino Raiola said Thursday.Pogba, who left United for free to join Juventus in 2012 at the age of 18, returned to Old Trafford in a world record 105m euro deal earlier this summer.But Raiola told Rai Sport: Paul could have left (Juventus) last year because (Jose) Mourinho - then at Chelsea - really wanted him.But Juventus and I had agreement: win the league title and the Champions League, then he can go.Juventus claimed a record-equalling fifth consecutive Serie A title last season but their progress in the Champions League was ended at the quarter-finals stage by Bayern Munich.Raiola, meanwhile, said Pogba can expect a present from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis because his transfer to United prepared the way for Juve to buy striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for 90m euros.He added: De Laurentiis should be giving Paul a present, because without his departure Juventus would never have bought Higuain, and he would never have been able to bank all that money.Meanwhile, Raiola accused Inter Milans former owner Erick Thohir of not developing the Serie A giants before selling them on to Chinese owners.Indonesian businessman Thohir, who owns Major Soccer League club DC United, was part of a consortium that bought a 70% stake in Inter for a reported 250m euros in October 2013, before selling the club in June to Chinas Suning Holdings Group.He sold a 68.55% stake to Suning for a reported 270m euros but retained 31.05% and the club presidency.Since Suning took over, the Nerazzurri -- treble winners under Jose Mourinho in 2010 -- have emerged as potential title rivals to five-times consecutive champions Juventus. Ahead of this weekends fixtures Inter sit third at four points behind leaders Juventus.While Inter attracted Chinese interest because they were the first European club to visit China 38 years ago, Raiola labelled Thohirs 2013 takeover false.Thohir didnt serve Italian football well. I never believed in his project, it was false, Raiola, who also represents Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, told Rai Sport.He came, he fixed Inter up a little bit then he listed the company (on the Asian stock exchange). But there was no need for an Indonesian to do that, an Italian could have done the same.During Thohirs time in charge, Inters transfer market activity was limited because the club had breached UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations in 2015.The club was fined and also had to scratch key players from their Europa League squad list.Thohir, meanwhile, insisted that most new players would be coming through the clubs youth system.Thohir sold Inter to the Suning group in June, whose chairman and owner is Zhang Jindong.While Thohir remains president in name, Zhangs son Steven Zhang is now on the board, five of whose members are Chinese.AC Milan are also on the verge of Chinese ownership, having received a 100m euros down payment ahead of a full, 740m euro takeover by the end of the year.According to the outspoken Raiola, another Serie A club should be in Chinese hands.He called on Romas American president James Pallotta to underline his intentions for the capital club -- or sell it to Chinese owners.Pallottas much-heralded plans for a new, all-purpose stadium have yet to be fully approved and Roma made no big-name signings in the close season.

Tennis: 'Confident' Halep books place in WTA Finals

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WUHAN (AFP) - World number five Simona Halep downed Madison Keys in the quarter finals of the Wuhan Open Thursday to book her place in the elite season-end WTA Final for the third consecutive year.Big serving Keys took an early lead in the first set, breaking the Romanians serve twice, but was unable to maintain the momentum as Halep equalled and then took the set 6-4.Halep -- who turned 25 this week -- dropped just two games to take the second set and confirm her place in the eight-player season finale in Singapore.Only world number one Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams have so far qualified for the highly lucrative tournament, and the field remains wide open for the remaining five spots.Its amazing to be qualified again for Singapore three years in a row. Its a good thing. It gives me confidence, Halep told reporters after the quarter final match.In a similar style to Kerber, Halep plays off the strength of big hitters like Williams and Keys, who is often cast as the American veterans successor.She can hit very strong. She can miss some easy balls, the Romanian said of her quarter final opponent.I dont (have) big shots, but I have speed on the court... I like to take the ball fast. So when I do that, I think I can play at the highest level, she added.With Williams having taken only one Grand Slam title this year and slipped from her long-held number one spot in the rankings, Halep said earlier this week that she feels she now has a shot at the top.Every Grand Slam was another winner, Kerber two times this year. I feel now (it) is more open. I feel that I have (a) bigger chance, said the Romanian, who ended last season as world number two but is yet to win a Slam.Halep will meet two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals after she ended a strong run by Briton Johanna Konta in straight sets.Meanwhile, Russias Svetlana Kuznetsova squashed Agnieszka Radwanskas hopes of qualifying for Singapore this week when she came from a set down to set up a semi-final meet with Dominika Cibulkova.

Tennis: Berdych wins to advance in Shenzhen

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BEIJING (AFP) - Top seed and world number 9 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic battled Mikhail Kukushkin to prevail 7-6(7), 7-6(4) and advance at the Shenzhen Open Thursday. The 31-year-old Czech blasted 16 aces to overpower his Kazakh opponent in two sets and secure his quarter-final berth.Fourth-seed Bernard Tomic of Australia won a two-hour duel with American qualifier Ryan Harrison, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. The 23-year-old right hander hit only 10 aces to Harrisons 20, but held off the Americans challenge, saving three break points to book a clash with Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci in the quarter finals. It was their second head-to-head clash in an ATP competition, with Tomic winning their last meeting in 2012. For his part the 28-year-old Bellucci notched a two-set victory over Italys Thomas Fabbiano, knocking down 13 aces to the Italians five, to advance to the quarter finals.

Football: Fit-again Ronaldo back in Portugal squad

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LISBON (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Portugal squad Thursday after recovering from a knee injury that wrecked his Euro 2016 final and is expected to start in the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and the Faroe Islands.The European champions need the Real Madrid forward to start firing immediately after they suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Switzerland earlier this month to sit bottom of Group B after one game.This group is stronger of course with Cristiano Ronaldo in it, but also because all the other players have had more playing time (since the early season loss), coach Fernando Santos said.Ronaldo, 31, missed the beginning of the La Liga season after two months out but scored minutes after returning to action.However, he was left fuming last weekend after Real coach Zinedine Zidane subbed him for the final 20 minutes of the 2-2 Spanish league draw at Las Palmas.Key midfielders Renato Sanches of Bayern Munich and Andre Gomes of Barcelona, as well as goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (Lyon), all return after they were forced to pull out of the Switzerland clash with injury.Portugal host Andorra on October 7 and travel to the Faroe Islands three days later.

Football: Ibrahimovic gets Man Utd moving in Europa League

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MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed in a 69th-minute winner as Manchester United got their Europa League campaign off the ground with a laboured 1-0 home win over Zorya Luhansk on Thursday.Beaten 1-0 at Feyenoord in their Group A opener, Jose Mourinhos side struggled to break down their unadventurous Ukrainian opponents until the introduction from the bench of Wayne Rooney.The England captains mishit shot was headed in by Ibrahimovic to leave United a point behind group leaders Fenerbahce, who visit Old Trafford on October 20.It was difficult, said Mourinho. We had our chances in the first half. We could have scored and it would have been a different match. But we didnt.They kept organised and had plenty of players behind the ball, but with players ready to do something on the counter-attack. It was difficult and we needed to win.One week, three defeats. One week, three victories. But I was not depressed by the defeats and I am not over the moon with three wins.It was a far from fluent United performance, but it maintained their upturn in form following the recent run of three straight defeats that had destroyed their early-season momentum.Zorya, UEFA group-phase debutants, became Uniteds 100th continental opponents and they threatened to create a sensation when Zeljko Ljubenovic ballooned over from Ivan Petriaks cut-back.In the main, though, they sat back, packing men behind the ball in a 4-5-1 formation, and United struggled to play through them.Ibrahimovic had a shot deflected wide by Dmytro Grechyshkin, but as in last Saturdays 4-1 win over league champions Leicester City, the hosts looked most threatening from corners in the first half.With Daley Blind rested, Juan Mata took over set-piece duties.From one of the Spaniards deliveries, Paul Pogba flicked on and Marcus Rashford rattled a shot against the bar, the ball bouncing down a foot short of the line.From another, Marouane Fellaini headed into the ground and over. In between, Mata headed off-target from a Pogba cross and Jesse Lingard saw a header blocked by Rafael Forster.Just as he had in the first half, Ljubenovic set Uniteds hearts fluttering early in the second when he narrowly failed to make contact with a cross from Olexandr Karavaev.Indeed, it was the visitors who registered the matchs first shot on target, substitute Paulinho obliging United goalkeeper Sergio Romero to leap to his left and palm the ball behind.Mourinho turned to Rooney, who had started on the bench for the second game running, and within two minutes the United captain had played a part -- albeit an unintentional one -- in the decisive goal.Released by Mata, Timothy-Fosu Mensah cut the ball back from the byline on the right towards Rooney.The United number 10 miscued his volley, directing the ball into the ground and away from goal, but Ibrahimovic rose at the back post to nod a close-range header over the line.It was the Swedes sixth goal in 10 United appearances.Rooney teed up Fellaini to volley wide from a corner and Ibrahimovic called visiting goalkeeper Oleksii Shevchenko into action with a late free-kick.But the outcome would have been quite different had Paulinho not missed his kick from Mykyta Kamenyukas cross at the other end.I was very happy with my guys performance, said beaten manager Yuriy Vernydub, whose side are currently second in the Ukrainian Premier League.We played at the same level as Manchester United. In my eyes the game was a draw, because the goal was a bit of a silly one.

Dollar's movements split on forex market

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar fell slightly against the euro on currency markets on Thursday but gained against the yen and the pound.Analysts pointed to rising crude prices but falling stock markets as countervailing pressures on the greenback.Toward 2100 GMT, a euro was worth $1.1223, up from $1.1217 on Wednesday. But the dollar rose to 101.04 yen, up from 100.70, and the pound fell to $1.2968, down from $1.3022.Deutsche Banks share price lost 7 percent on Thursday following reports that hedge funds had withdrawn money from the bank. Partly as a result, US stocks finished in negative territory, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing more than 1 percent.US equities are down and I think the dollar lost of a bit of ground because of that, said Nick Bennenbroek of Wells Fargo.However, oil futures have gained 7 percent in New York since members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reached an agreement to cut production.A sustained rise in crude oil is marginally positive for the dollar as it could signal an improvement in the global financial market backdrop that has long been a concern for Fed officials, Omer Esiner of Commonwealth Foreign Exchange wrote in a client note.2100 GMT Thursday WednesdayEUR/USD 1.1223 1.1217EUR/JPY 113.40 112.96EUR/CHF 1.0844 1.0894EUR/GBP 0.8654 0.8614USD/JPY 101.04 100.70USD/CHF 0.9662 0.9712GBP/USD 1.2968 1.3022

Saudi warns of 'disastrous consequences' over US 9/11 law

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RIYADH (AFP) - Saudi Arabia on Thursday warned of disastrous consequences from a United States law allowing 9/11 victims to sue the kingdom.A foreign ministry source called on the US Congress to take the necessary measures to counter the disastrous and dangerous consequences of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) on relations between states.The unnamed spokesman, cited by the official Saudi Press Agency, said the law is a source of great worry.Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to override President Barack Obamas veto of the act.JASTA allows attack survivors and relatives of terrorism victims to pursue cases against foreign governments in US federal court and to demand compensation if such governments are proven to bear some responsibility for attacks on US soil.This law weakens the immunity of states, and will have a negative impact on all countries including the United States, the Saudi spokesman said, expressing hope that wisdom will prevail.In opposing the law, Obama said it would harm US interests by undermining the principle of sovereign immunity, opening up the US to private lawsuits over its military missions abroad.
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Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Turkey set to extend state of emergency, 32,000 jailed

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ISTANBUL (AFP) - Turkeys top national security body on Wednesday called for an extension of the controversial state of emergency imposed after the July 15 coup that has already seen 32,000 suspects placed under arrest in an unprecedented crackdown.The National Security Council (MGK) said after a meeting in Ankara chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at his presidential palace that the emergency should be extended to ensure the protection of our democracy, rule of law, rights and freedoms of our citizens.The state of emergency has provided the legal framework for the biggest crackdown in Turkeys modern history but also raised alarm among its partners in the European Union and United States.Erdogan declared the three-month state of emergency on July 20 less than a week after the failed coup, meaning it had been due to expire in mid October.The statement by the MGK makes the announcement of the new state of emergency a formality but did not say whether the next period should also last three months.Activists have accused Ankara of eroding the rule of law with the emergency, but the authorities say the measures are needed to tackle supporters of the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who it blames for the coup. Gulen denies the charges. Separately, the council also recommended that July 15 should in future years be marked as Turkeys annual Day of Democracy and Freedoms, the statement said.The coup was defeated when citizens poured into the streets in a show of support for Erdogan and faced down the rogue elements in the army seeking to oust him.Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told NTV television that 70,000 people had been investigated after the attempted putsch on July 15, 32,000 of them remanded in custody. Bozdag said that there could be new arrests but gave no no indication as to when trials might start.The trials of tens of thousands of people will be the biggest legal process in Turkeys history and are set to put the system under enormous pressure.It is not entirely clear how the trials will be carried out, Bozdag acknowledged.Bozdag said trials would take place in cities across the country and not in one single venue. But he indicated that in some places, purpose-build facilities would need to be set up.While the minister said Istanbul already had sufficient capacity for its trials, a special venue was needed for Ankara and work was taking place on a trial venue at Sincan outside the capital.Turkey has already granted some 38,000 convicts early release in an apparent bid to create more space in cramped jails for the coup suspects.Turkish media reports say the authorities plan to build 174 new prisons over the next five years, which would increase the countrys current prison capacity of less than 200,000 by another 100,000.The purge after the coup has touched every sector in Turkey with those arrested ranging from top former generals to journalists and pastry magnates.Youth and Sports Minister Akif Cagatay Kilic told the Anadolu news agency Wednesday that 322 people had been suspended from his ministry on suspicion of being affiliated to Gulen.Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied that he was linked to the coup in any way. Bozdag said Turkey has asked Washington to place Gulen under arrest while the US authorities consider Ankaras extradition request, with an answer expected in the next day or two.The defeat of the coup prompted a wave of solidarity in Turkey, which had seen governments directly ousted on three occasions by the military since 1960.But amid signs that the unity is beginning to crumble, the leader of the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) on Wednesday made his most severe criticism yet of the crackdown.Kemal Kilicdaroglu said the CHP was against the state of emergency which he said had affected one million victims across Turkey.He claimed teachers had lost their jobs simply for being union members, soldiers jailed as they followed orders on the night of the coup and cited the case of a police officer detained for sending money through a Gulen-linked bank.We must defend justice... I will resist this persecution, Kilicdaroglu said in a televised speech from the city of Tokat.

US to send 600 more troops to Iraq for Mosul offensive

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ALBUQUERQUE (AFP) - The United States will send about 600 extra troops to Iraq to train local forces for an offensive on the Islamic State group stronghold of Mosul, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Wednesday.IS seized Mosul along with other areas in June 2014, but the countrys forces have since regained significant ground from the jihadists and are readying for a drive to retake Iraqs second-largest city.These (US) forces will be primarily to enable Iraqi security forces, and also peshmerga, in the operations to isolate and collapse ISILs control over Mosul, Carter told reporters on a work trip to New Mexico, using an IS acronym. Peshmerga are Kurdish fighters.Also to protect and expand Iraqi security forces gains elsewhere in Iraq, he added.The US forces will head to Qayyarah, a strategically vital air base 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Mosul that will help funnel supplies and troops toward the city, as well as to other locations including the joint Iraqi-US Al Asad air base.They notably will beef up flight capabilities at Al Asad for night operations and operations in low visibility, such as poor weather.A US-led coalition is carrying out air strikes against IS in Iraq, and Washington has already authorized the deployment of more than 4,600 military personnel to the country.Most are in advisory or training roles, working with Iraqi and peshmerga forces, but some American troops have fought IS on the ground, and three members of the US military have been killed by the jihadists in Iraq.Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis office indicated it had requested a final increase in the number of American trainers and advisers to support Iraqi troops in the northern city.The statement from Abadis office noted that US forces are helping Iraq in its battle against the jihadists. But their presence remains extremely politically sensitive due to the nine-year war the United States fought in the country.The statement said the number of trainers and advisers would start to be reduced as soon as Mosul is retaken from IS, and also asserted that no American troops had fought alongside Iraqi troops.In reality, American special forces have fought IS alongside Iraqi Kurdish forces on several occasions that have been made public, and likely in other operations that have not come to light.Carter said the additional US forces would be tasked with training Iraqis, gathering intelligence and providing logistical support for the Mosul push.But I need to make clear... American forces combating ISIL in Iraq are in harms way... no one should be in any doubt about that, Carter said.How long they will stay is up to the Iraqis, Carter insisted.We are certainly to continue to help the Iraqi security forces in whatever measure and manner they wish to consolidate the control over their country after theyve recaptured this last major ISIL center, he said.According to Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis, the new deployment is for 615 troops. That would bring total US forces in Iraq to 5,262.The actual number would be higher than that because the tally does not include certain assignments.The troops will move very soon, Davis said.Carter expects the Mosul offensive to begin in the coming weeks, but stressed the decision was an Iraqi one.IS has had two years to reinforce its defenses in Mosul, and observers are expecting a difficult fight amid a civilian population.We are prepared for whatever happens there, Carter said.The United Nations warned that military operations there could cause as many as a million people to be displaced.Last week, US President Barack Obama said US-backed Iraqi troops could be in a position fairly rapidly to liberate Mosul, though he warned this is going to be hard, this is going to be challenging.Separately, the US military concluded Tuesday that a rocket fired this month at the Qayyarah air base, which houses hundreds of US troops, contained no mustard agent, as initially suspected.In neighboring Syria, hundreds of US forces are deployed alongside Kurdish and rebel fighters to battle IS, which is also facing air raids by the international coalition.The Pentagon has expressed concern IS fighters could use mustard gas to defend Mosul.Even after Mosul is retaken, the war against IS will be far from over.The jihadists are likely to revert to insurgent tactics, such as bombings of civilians and hit-and-run attacks on security forces, following the demise of their so-called state in Iraq.

German police shoot dead knife-wielding refugee

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BERLIN (AFP) - German police shot dead a knife-wielding Iraqi in a refugee shelter who was attacking a Pakistani he suspected of having sexually abused his young daughter, police said Wednesday.The 29-year-old Iraqi died after being hit by several police bullets late Tuesday in the asylum seekers shelter in the central Berlin district of Moabit.Police were called to the shelter after the 27-year-old Pakistani man allegedly sexually abused an eight-year-old girl in a nearby park, BZ daily reported.When police detained the suspect and led him away in handcuffs, the girls father lunged at him with a knife, yelling you wont survive this, according to witnesses.He was cut down by several police bullets and died hours later in hospital. The alleged sexual attacker remained uninjured. The girl and her mother were undergoing counselling.Police did not immediately release the personal details of those involved.An internal police enquiry was launched, a routine step after deadly shots have been fired, while the police union warned against condemning the officers involved.The officers had to prevent an act of vigilante justice and a situation that was life-threatening for them, said the unions Berlin chief Bodo Pfalzgraf.He reiterated a union demand that police be equipped with electric stun guns, saying police dont want to kill but are forced to if the government doesnt give them other operational means.Germany last year took in one million asylum seekers, around half of them from war-torn Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, housing them in hostels, sports gyms, army barracks and other facilities nationwide.

Currencies steady as Yellen confirms Fed eyeing December

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Major currencies were steady despite a tentative OPEC deal in Algiers to curb output that sent oil prices up more than 5 percent and strongly boosted stock markets.Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellens reiteration to Congress that most of the Feds policymaking board expect a rate rise by December also failed to move the US currency.At 2100 GMT the dollar was unchanged from Tuesday at $1.1217 per euro, and a bit higher against the yen at 100.70 yen.The British pound meanwhile edged higher on the dollar, to $1.3022.The main beneficiary of the oil price move was producer Canada, whose currency jumped 1.1 percent to Can$1.3089 per US dollar.

Karachi: 9 accused arrested during police operation

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Crackdown against criminal elements in Karachi continues and nine accused, including three drug peddlers, were apprehended during police operation in different parts of the city on Wednesday, Dunya News reported.Officials from SITE Police Station and Super Market police arrested six accused during separate operations. Police sources said that the arrested accused were wanted in several cases of robberies. Police also recovered arms and narcotics from the arrested persons.Police also conducted an operation in Baldia Town and arrested four accused. Police also recovered two TT pistols and two motorcycles from them.Separately, two accused were taken into custody by police in injured condition after an encounter in Liaquatabad and Paposh areas. Police also recovered arms and a stolen motorcycle from arrested accused.

Karachi: Two accused of gang war killed in Rangers operation in Sango Lain

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KARACHI (Dunya News) - Two accused were killed whereas two fled, as Rangers conducted operation in Karachis area Sango Lain on Thursday night, reported Dunya News.Rangers conducted raid after getting information about the presence of gang war accused Yousaf Pathan. There was an exchange of firing between Rangers and accused, in which Naeem Lahoi and Zeeshan were killed. Arms and explosives were also recovered from accused.Spokesperson of Rangers also told that Naeem Lahoi was involved in murder, kidnappings and extortion activities. There was bounty of Rs. 500,000 on Naeems head.

Pak-China bond of friendship bound to grow stronger: Shahbaz

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Chief Minister Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, on Wednesday said that Pak-China bond of friendship bound to grow stronger and deeper with each passing day, Dunya News reported.He was addressing a reception held at the Chief Minister House to celebrate 65th anniversary of Pakistan China bilateral relations. CM Shahbaz also cut a cake along with the Consul General of China.Shahbaz Sharif further said that China is the second biggest economic power of the world and its development is because of the hardworking and committed people of China.Shahbaz Sharif also paid rich tribute to the Chinese leader Mao Zedong for the great services he rendered for the people of China.

Lahore: Farmers end sit-in after successful negotiations with govt

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LAHORE (Dunya News) - LAHORE (Dunya News) - The protesting farmers ended their 27-hour sit-in in Lahore on late Wednesday night after successful negotiations between Kissan Ittehad with government, Dunya News reported.Leader of the Kissan Ittehad, Rizwan Iqbal, while briefing the media said that government has accepted three of their five demands after which they ended the sit-in.Earlier in the day, people faced hardships as the Mall Road in Lahore was blocked due to farmers sit-in in front of Punjab Assembly. Traffic flow in city also remained disturbed due to farmers protest.

Rohri: 10 injured in pickup, trailer collision

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ROHRI (Dunya News) – At least 10 people were injured when a pickup collided with a trailer at the National Highway near Rohri on Wednesday, Dunya News reported.According to details, a pickup with labourers onboard collided head-on with a trailer coming from opposite side at the National Highway near Rohri, injuring 10 people, including two women.Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured to Rohri Hospital for treatment. The injured people belonged to Kolhi community of Umar Kot and Tharparkar.

Multan: 4 hospitalized after eating unhygienic food

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MULTAN (Dunya News) – According to details, condition of four persons in Khuni Bridge area of Multan deteriorated after eating unhygienic food, Dunya News reported.The affected persons were shifted to the Emergency Ward of the Nishtar Hospital where doctors said condition of 8-year-old Laiba in critical.According to heirs of the affected persons, a lizard fell in the food during cooking which was consumed by the family members after which their condition deteriorated.

Football: Messi-less Barca fight back to down Gladbach

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MONCHENGLADBACH (AFP) - Barcelona proved they can win away in Europe even without Lionel Messi as they posted a 2-1 comeback victory at Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday.Thorgan Hazard -- the younger brother of Chelsea midfielder Eden -- gave Gladbach a shock, yet deserved first-half lead.But goals in the final 25 minutes, from Arda Turan and Gerard Pique, sealed Barcelonas second Group C win after their 7-0 hammering of Celtic at the Camp Nou a fortnight ago.They put in a huge effort in the first-half, but overall I think we were better and it is a deserved result, said match-winner Pique.Gladbach winger Patrick Herrmann admitted it was hard to put the brakes on the Spanish giants.We did brilliantly to go 1-0 up, but Barcelona are such a quality side -- you have to stay focused for the entire 90 minutes, he said. If you dont, they take full advantage. We wanted to win the game and it was a close-run affair in the end, but not the result we wanted.With Messi out due to a groin injury, Barca coach Luis Enrique opted to start Spain international Paco Alcacer in the superstars place alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez.But as Gladbach coach Andre Schubert had predicted in the pre-match press conference, the hosts refused to be overawed by their illustrious opponents.Neymar and Suarez were rarely allowed more than a split-second on the ball.Gladbach had the better of the opening exchanges at Borussia Park and fulley merited their lead.Referee Damir Skomina missed a handball in the area when the ball clipped Gerard Piques arm from Hazards cross in the first five minutes, but then Gladbach took the lead with their first dangerous attack.Raffael dispossessed Sergio Busquets and broke into the Barca half before feeding Mahmoud Dahoud, who timed his pass into the box perfectly, flicking the ball into Hazards path.The midfielder stabbed his shot past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on 34 minutes, to the delight of the home fans and Enriques horror.It was clearly not the homecoming ter Stegen had envisaged, having left Gladbach in 2014 for Barca after 18 years with the Bundesliga club.Gladbach managed to disrupt Barcelonas game until just after the hour mark.Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer was subduing Neymar while Dahoud was the creative spark in midfield.Turan came on for Ivan Rakitic on the hour mark and it proved to be an inspired switch as he scored five minutes later.Neymar finally shook off Kramer to float a pass over the top of the Gladbach defence.Turan won the foot race to the ball and drilled his shot past Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer on 65 minutesThe winning goal came just nine minutes later.Neymars corner was deflected into the path of Suarez, who was unmarked in the area.He slammed in a powerful shot, which was blocked by Sommer, but Pique was on hand to tap home the loose ball from close range, to Enriques delight.

Football: Dembele at double as Celtic check Man City charge

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GLASGOW (AFP) - Manchester City failed to win for the first time under Pep Guardiola as Mousa Dembele-inspired Celtic claimed a 3-3 draw in a pulsating Champions League encounter on Wednesday.City had won their first 10 games of the season and were bidding to equal Tottenham Hotspurs English record of 11 successive victories at the start of a campaign from 1960.But instead they had to come from behind three times at a raucous Celtic Park as Brendan Rodgerss side partially atoned for their 7-0 battering by Barcelona with a superbly committed display.Dembeles close-range opener put the Scottish champions ahead in the third minute and after Fernandinho swiftly levelled, Raheem Sterlings own goal restored the hosts advantage.Sterling, Rodgerss former protege at Liverpool, equalised and although Dembeles smart volley put Celtic in front again, Nolito earned Guardiolas men a share of the spoils.City fall two points below Group C leaders Barcelona ahead of their double-header with Guardiolas former club starting next month, while Celtic are a point above bottom club Borussia Moenchengladbach.After their humbling by Barcelona, Rodgers had vowed Celtic would be less passive than at Camp Nou and his players heeded his call with an all-out assault on the City rearguard.Swirling rain and the roars of the Celtic faithful turned Parkhead into a cauldron and within three minutes of kick-off the bewildered visitors were behind.Ex-City winger Scott Sinclairs free-kick was volleyed across goal by the unmarked James Forrest and centre-back Erik Sviatchenkos flying header struck Dembeles chest and bounced into the net.Dembele, the 20-year-old French striker signed from Fulham in June, looked to have been offside, but the goal stood and City were behind for the first time this season.After Claudio Bravo had been obliged to parry a close-range Dembele effort, City levelled in the 12th minute when Fernandinho brilliantly controlled Aleksandar Kolarovs shot and found the bottom-right corner.The teams exchanged chances, Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic bending a free-kick just wide and Nolito curling a shot straight at Craig Gordon, before the home side re-took the lead.Driving at Citys retreating back four, Rogic found overlapping left-back Kieran Tierney, whose cross was deflected in at the near post by the sliding Sterling for a cruel own goal.But back came City again and after Sergio Aguero had seen a header bounce across the face of goal, Sterling atoned with a stylish 28th-minute equaliser.After robbing Scott Brown, David Silva had the ball knocked back to him by Aguero and freed Sterling, whose feint sent Gordon to ground and allowed him to tuck the ball away with his right foot.Belatedly, City were in the ascendancy and twice before half-time they went close to going ahead through Nicolas Otamendi and Ilkay Gundogan.Celtic, however, needed just two minutes to move in front again in the second half.Kolarov completely miscued his attempt to clear Tierneys cross and Dembele neatly controlled the ball on his thigh before hooking home an acrobatic volley for his 19th goal of 2016.But after Nolito and Gundogan had been denied by Gordon, City drew level again eight minutes later, Nolito tucking the ball in after Aguero, released by Silva, had been thwarted by Gordon.City finished the stronger of the two sides, Fernandinho sending a 20-yard effort whistling narrowly over and Gordon repelling Gundogans shot, but Celtic held on for a boisterously celebrated point.

Football: Cavani grabs brace as PSG coast in Bulgaria

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RAZGRAD (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain recovered from a slow start to canter to a 3-1 win at Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League on Wednesday night and keep pace with Arsenal at the top of Group A.Edinson Cavani scored a brace after Blaise Matuidi had cancelled out Natanael Pimientas surprise opener for the Bulgarians.But the French champions, who drew at home to Arsenal in their opening group encounter, dominated the second half and could easily have inflicted a much heavier defeat on the Bulgarian minnows, who are playing in the Champions League group stage for only the second time.PSG could have been off to a dream start but Cavanis snap shot from just outside the area curled agonisingly beyond the corner of post and bar.Ludogorets wasted a three-on-one counter-attack but nonetheless took the lead on the quarter hour as Natanael curled home a free-kick from a tight angle.Alphonse Areola in the PSG goal was unsighted as his wall in front of him disintegrated, with Cavani the chief culprit.PSG were struggling to create anything, although Lucas dragged a shot wide from distance.But five minutes before the break, inspirational midfielder Marco Verratti managed to unlock the Bulgarians defence, threading the ball through for Matuidi -- who had just about stayed onside -- to stroke home the equaliser.Cavani was having a typically industrious and wayward night and started the second half by screwing a shot well beyond the upright.Moments later, Angel Di Maria spun on a sixpence on the edge of the box but fired just past the woodwork before then aiming a tame effort straight at goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov.PSG were ratcheting up the pressure with chances aplenty testing the Ludogorets back line, but Di Maria proved wasteful again with a cross-cum-shot that neither troubled Stoyanov nor gave Cavani a chance to convert at the back post.Yet those two did combine to give PSG the lead on 56 minutes with Cavani flicking home Di Marias free-kick with his head.Almost immediately, though, the Parisians gave away a penalty as Thiago Motta bizarrely threw himself in kamikaze NFL-style blocking fashion across Marcelinho to deny the Brazilian-born player a clear goal-scoring chance.Areola made amends by saving Cosmin Motis spot-kick.And PSG went straight up the other end where the livewire Cavani got across a ponderous Moti to convert Lucass cross.Cavani and Matuidi squandered good chances before Stoyanov made a sprawling save to beat out a Di Maria free-kick, but by then the match was long over as a contest.

Football: Walcott at the double as rampant Arsenal down Basel

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LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal showed why the Football Association can only dream of hiring Arsene Wenger to take charge of England as Theo Walcotts double inspired a swaggering 2-0 victory over Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday.The FAs decision to part ways with disgraced England manager Sam Allardyce on Tuesday triggered reports that Gunners boss Wenger is the governing bodys top choice to become the national teams next permanent coach.But Wenger admitted several years ago he had ignored the FAs overtures once before and, on the evidence of Arsenals burgeoning revival this season, the poisoned chalice of managing England is extremely unlikely to be a tempting prospect.Coming five days after a 3-0 defeat of Chelsea that Wenger described as almost perfect, another sublime display showed why the Arsenal fans who called for the Frenchman to quit during a turbulent last 18 months should be grateful he decided to stick around for a 20th year with the Gunners.Walcott netted twice in the first half at the Emirates Stadium to leave Arsenal, now unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, with four points from their first two Group A matches.Yet those simple facts dont do justice to the total mastery Arsenal displayed in a spell-binding first half.Id like to congratulate the team on their performance. The first half was top, top quality, like we produced against Chelsea, Wenger said. We had pace, technical quality and movement. My only regret is we didnt take all our chances.Wengers team could have scored in the opening moments when Nacho Monreals stinging strike forced Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik into action.It took only seven minutes for Arsenal to go ahead as they ripped through the Basel defence in a swaggering move that showed the confidence flowing through Wengers men at present.Santi Cazorla lofted a deft high pass towards Alexis Sanchez, who timed his run perfectly to escape Basels offside trap and advanced into the penalty area before looking up to see Walcott arrowing towards goal.Sanchezs cross arrived with laser-guided precision and England winger Walcott, showing the renewed desire which has saved a career in danger of imploding, powered between two Basel defenders to bury his header past Vaclik from close-range.When Arsenal are at their best, there are few teams in Europe who are such elegant assassins and it was a typically rapier thrust that inflicted the fatal wound on Basel.Once again it was Sanchez and Walcott who put Basel to the sword, exchanging passes at dizzying speed.Walcott picked out Sanchez, then raced onto his return ball and, from 12 yards out, drilled low into the far corner for his fifth goal of the season.Arsenal were so dominant that every attack carried fresh menace for the Swiss side, who found themselves chasing their tails again when Hector Bellerin, Walcott and then Cazorla, with a sumptuous reverse pass, teed up Sanchez for a shot that lacked the power to beat Vaclik.Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka must have felt a pang of sympathy for his brother Taulant Xhaka, who was a bewildered bystander in Basels defence as the Gunners swept forward time and again.The scoreline wouldnt have flattered Wengers rampant side if they had been five goals ahead by half-time.Bellerin saw his shot blocked by the over-worked Vaclik, who also denied Sanchez, while Mesut Ozil fired into the side-netting in an endless tidal wave of Arsenal pressure.Alex Iwobi was narrowly off-target from the edge of the area early in the second half and, not long after, Sanchez should have done better than poke Walcotts inviting cross wide from a good position.David Ospina, again preferred to Petr Cech as Arsenals European goalkeeper, was finally called into action to tip over Birkir Bjarnasons long-range effort.But as Arsenal cruised to victory, Wenger was able to relax on the bench, with thoughts of filling Allardyces shoes surely far from his mind.

Football: Atletico inflict more pain on Ancelotti's Bayern

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MADRID (AFP) - Atletico Madrid haunted Bayern Munich once more as Yannick Carrasco inflicted Carlo Ancelottis first defeat as coach of the German giants with a 1-0 win at the Vicente Calderon in the Champions League on Wednesday.The Spaniards eliminated Bayern on away goals in the semi-finals of last seasons Champions League and there was to be no revenge for the five-time European champions as Carrasco drove the ball in off the inside of the post 10 minutes before half-time.Thomas Mueller had Bayerns best effort, but was denied by a sensational save from Jan Oblak early on as the German champions failed to score on Spanish soil for the fourth consecutive trip.And Atletico could even afford the luxury of missing a penalty seven minutes from time when Antoine Griezmann rattled the bar from the spot.Victory takes Atletico top of Group D with six points from their opening two games. Bayern remain second on three points with FC Rostov and PSV Eindhoven on one each after a 2-2 draw in Russia.Atletico coach Diego Simeone opted for Fernando Torres up front instead of Kevin Gameiro and the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker had an early claim for a penalty waved away when his shirt appeared to be pulled as he cut inside Javi Martinez.Bayerns first serious attempt on goal was their best as Mueller smashed a volley goalwards on 14 minutes that was brilliantly beaten away by Oblak.Not to be outdone, Bayern stopper Manuel Neuer produced a great save of his own as he got down low to his left to turn Carrascos first effort of the night to safety.Torres missed a glorious chance to open the scoring when he somehow turned Kokes corner against the post from point-blank range with the goal gaping.And the former Spanish international was off target with another decent chance moments later as he fired into the side-netting from a narrow angle.However, Atletico finally went in front when Griezmann collected a loose ball and freed Carrasco on the left. The Belgian strode forward before unleashing a powerful effort in off the far post.Bayern took a long time to muster a response as Ancelotti brought on Arjen Robben and the on-form Joshua Kimmich.Neuer parried another powerful low effort from Carrasco to keep Bayern in the game midway through the second half.The visitors finally began to threaten in the final 15 minutes as Robert Lewandowskis glancing header flew inches wide of the far post.Robben then drove a shot just wide from the edge of the box.However, it was the hosts who had the best chance to extend their advantage when Arturo Vidal cynically chopped down Filipe Luis inside the area.Griezmann stepped up to take it, but just as in their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in May, he smashed his spot-kick against the bar to give Bayern a lifeline.Ancelottis men had one final chance to rescue a point, but Robbens header drifted harmlessly over as Atletico held on to secure another major European scalp under Simeone.
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