Friday 20 January 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Govt was supposed to do what we are doing: Mustafa Kamal

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KARACHI (Dunya News) - Pak Sarzameen Partys (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal said on Friday that government was supposed to do what they are doing, reported Dunya News.He said that people are realising their mistakes and joining his party. He said that people are saying criminals are joining him but it is appreciable that wrongdoers are coming to his party and apologising.PSP president Anis Qaimkhani responded to Kunwar Naveed Jameels notice and said that it could increase their problems if he did not take the notice back.PSP leaders also said that their rally on 29 January would be even more successful. Mustafa said that they would wake up the rulers with the power of people.

Gujranwala: Man kills brother-in-law over dispute

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GUJRANWALA (Dunya News) - Man killed his elder sisters husband at the wedding of his younger sister in Gujranwala on Friday, reported Dunya News.The incident took place in a wedding hall near Model town police station. A man named Salman killed Faisal, a father of two daughters. Faisal died on the spot whereas Salman fled from the scene with his companions.According to police, Faisals in-laws agreed with everything he said, which resulted in a dispute between him and Salman.

Violence mars anti-Trump protests in Washington

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Masked, black-clad protesters carrying anarchist flags smashed windows, lit fires and scuffled with riot police Friday in downtown Washington, blocks from the parade in honor of newly sworn-in President Donald Trump.Washington police arrested at least 217 people for acts of vandalism committed on the fringe of peaceful citywide demonstrations against Trumps inauguration.Just before the parade started, clashes broke out between 400 to 500 stone-throwing protesters and riot police, who responded with tear gas -- the second violent flare-up in the space of a few hours.As Trumps motorcade wound its way up Pennsylvania Avenue in the parade to the White House, protesters just a few blocks away set a parked limousine on fire after smashing its windows.An AFP reporter saw National Guardsmen donning helmets and bullet-proof vests, as protesters blocked traffic and set trash cans ablaze -- chanting Not my president and We resist President Trump.Earlier, masked youths emerged from crowds of peaceful protesters to kick over trash cans and smash windows of stores, a bank and a fast food outlet.City police chief Peter Newsham said at least 217 people were arrested and would be held overnight before appearing in front of a judge.The charge is rioting, he told reporters.Our intention going into this event was to make zero arrests, and unfortunately they forced our hand.Newsham said six officers were injured mainly by thrown objects, but that all the injuries were minor.Meanwhile, prominent white supremacist Richard Spencer was sucker-punched in the street while giving an interview to journalists, according to footage of the incident circulating online.No serious damage, Spencer said on Twitter. I can take a punch.As the 70-year-old Trump, his supporters and top dignitaries gathered on the National Mall for the swearing-in ceremony, throngs of his opponents also converged on the US capital.Most of the noisy protests -- including those by an array of anti-racist, anti-war, feminist, LGBT, pro-immigration and marijuana legalization groups -- were peaceful.But the protesters were intent on being heard -- massing at the citys Navy Memorial Plaza, along the parade route, and letting out a deafening roar as the presidential limousine known as The Beast drove by. Not my president Not my president they yelled, as the pro-Trump crowd in bleachers across the street chanted USA USAProtesters along the route waved banners reading: Try to deserve this office, Obama cares, Trump scares, or Make America Sane Again. Another group unfurled a giant banner reading Shame outside the Trump Hotel -- right near the spot where the president briefly stepped out of his limo to walk the parade route.Newsham attributed the sporadic outbreaks of violence to a small group that wanted to disrupt the inauguration. We have significant damage in a number of blocks in our city, he said, while adding: Its a very, very small percentage of those folks who came here to peacefully assemble in our city.Black-clad groups with anarchist and anti-fascist banners could be seen moving quickly on the outskirts of the main protests.Marchers, some red-eyed from pepper spray, chanted: No deportation, no KKK, no fascist USASeveral demonstrators were carrying batons and other weapons, police said, while at least one protester was hurt and was seen receiving treatment for a head wound.The front windows of businesses including a Starbucks and a Bank of America were smashed to pieces.The majority of protests in the city were peaceful -- whether people came to register anger, dissent or dismay at Trumps election victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.Groups of Trump supporters passed by the protests on the way to hail their hero, and some insults were thrown, but the two sides kept largely apart.One sign showing a smiling image of Russian President Vladimir Putin read: Putins pick is nyet my president.A 27-year-old financial worker from Tampa Bay in Florida, who did not want to give his name for fear of retaliation by his employer, said he was fearful for the future.There is nothing to hope for except for grassroots efforts to oppose him, he told AFP.Protesters said they feared Trump would be an extremist president, taking a hardline approach on everything from immigration to gutting public services. Its a sad day to be an American, said 26-year-old Washington resident Colin Hernandez.Public interest lawyer Renee Steinhagen, 61, came down from New York to join the protests.This is a simple act of resistance. Its better than staying at home, she said.John Zangas, a longtime DC resident, said it felt like the city was under siege given the number of police on the streets.This should be a momentous occasion, not one where flash-bang (noise grenades) and tear gas are deployed against citizens, Zangas said.

Karachi: 5 accused nabbed in police operation

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Police crackdown against criminal elements under National Action Plan (NAP) continues in Karachi as five more accused were arrested on Friday during operation in different parts of the city, Dunya News reported.According to details, police conducted an operation in Madina Colony and arrested two drug peddlers. Police also recovered large quantity of drugs from their possession.Police also conducted an operation in Zaman Town area of Korangi and arrested three accused in injured condition after an encounter. According to SP Landhi Rao Asif, three TT pistols were recovered from arrested accused.On the other hand, an activist of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)-London died mysteriously in Landhi Jail. Body of the dead MQM-London worker was shifted to Civil Hospital. The MQM-London sources said that the dead activist was from Unit 88 of Bagh Korangi area.

Kamrul takes two to rock New Zealand

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CHRISTCHURCH (AFP) - Bangladesh quick Kamrul Islam took two wickets in three balls, including Kane Williamson, to derail a solid start by New Zealand on the second morning of the second Test in Christchurch on Saturday.New Zealand were 70-2 at lunch in reply to Bangladeshs 289, with opener Tom Lathan, backing up from a career best 177 in the first Test, not out 38 and Ross Taylor on 10. Latham and Jeet Raval made a bright start to the New Zealand innings pushing the total to 45 when Kamrul was brought into the attack and immediately reshaped proceedings. With his second ball he bowled Raval for 16 and two balls later sent Kane Williamson back to the pavilion.Raval had been dropped twice in slips and avoided being run out by a poorly directed throw before he engineered his own downfall when he dragged a short Kamrul delivery on to his stumps. Williamson, fresh from leading New Zealand home with an unbeaten century in the first Test, took two off the first ball he faced then poked at a wide second delivery which was edged to wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan. Taylor faced 11 balls before getting off the mark and was under constant pressure from the rejuvenated Bangladesh fieldsmen who appealed at every opportunity.Only 26 runs were scored in the final 12 overs of the session. When the New Zealand innings opened at the start of day two, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed shared the new ball with spinner Mehedi Hasan who found immediate turn. For four overs Mehedi tied the New Zealand openers down, conceding only three runs, but he was withdrawn from the attack when Raval took 10 runs off his fifth over.

Golf: Mickelson charges but Swafford leads at Challenge

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Phil Mickelson fired a six-under par 66, including an eagle and a holed-out bunker shot, and leaped into contention after Fridays second round of the US PGA CareerBuilder Challenge.The 46-year-old US left-hander, playing his first event since October following two sports hernia surgeries, made six birdies, two bogeys and an eagle to move four strokes back of leader Hudson Swafford, who fired his second consecutive 65 to stand on 14-under 130 after 36 holes.I feel like Im improving quite a lot from when I started (practicing) last Saturday, Mickelson said. Im hitting more and more good shots each day and fewer bad ones.New Zealands Danny Lee and American Dominic Bozzelli, a US PGA rookie, shared second on 131, one stroke ahead of Americans Brendan Steele and Brian Harman.Mickelson, who won the tournament in 2002 and 2004, was on 134 alongside Englands Greg Owen and Scotsman Martin Laird in a share of sixth at the California desert event, which uses three courses before making a cut after 54 holes.It has been a fun few days, Mickelson said. The courses give you a chance to get away with a few shots. I made a lot more good shots today than I did yesterday.Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, has not won since taking his fifth major title, and the 42nd of his career, at the 2013 British Open.Starting on the back nine of the Nicklaus Tournament course, Mickelson eagled the par-5 11th with a 10-foot putt and birdied 14 before his lone stumbles of the day, bogeys at the 16th and par-3 17th. He found greenside bunkers on each, unable to escape the sand with his second shot at 17.Mickelson answered by sinking a 10-foot birdie putt at 18 and then holed a stunning bunker shot to birdie the first hole.Heavy rain hit the course but Mickelson responded by running off three birdies in a row, closing the streak with a 15-foot birdie putt at the sixth.It was really hard in these conditions, Mickelson said. I actually made some birdies in these conditions. The (days) back nine I played some really good golf.Swafford, also playing the Nicklaus layout starting on the 10th tee, birdied three of his first five holes, then the 18th and first back to back and the par-5 fourth and seventh holes as well.Very solid, very patient, Swafford said. Hit a lot of good quality iron shots, hit a lot of good putts, gave myself a lot of chances.World number 204 Swafford, seeking his first PGA victory, also opened on 130 after 36 holes last week in Hawaii on his way to a share of 13th.Just really focusing on rhythm with everything I do. Its really kind of coming together, Swafford said. I havent been in bad position off the tee, which is really key, and the putter feels good in my hands.

Turkey says not 'realistic' to exclude Assad from Syria deal

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BEIRUT (AFP) - A senior Turkish official said Friday it was no longer realistic to insist on a solution to the Syria conflict excluding President Bashar al-Assad, just three days before new peace talks.Turkey acknowledged last year that Assad remains an important actor in Syria but the remarks were the first in which Ankara has openly envisaged a deal which does not include his ouster.We have to be pragmatic, realistic. The facts on the ground have changed dramatically, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek told a panel on Syria at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Turkey can no longer insist on a settlement without Assad. It is not realistic.Simseks comments come as Turkey, a vocal critic of the regime in Damascus, sponsors talks in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Monday, together with key Assad allies Russia and Iran to shore up a ceasefire in the war battered country.Turkey has backed Syrian opposition rebels fighting against Assad since the complex conflict began with anti-government demonstrations in March 2011, even saying previously that his days were numbered.Simsek appeared to reflect a policy shift away from Turkeys long-held position of being against Assad having any role when the conflict ends, though he still blamed him for the wars carnage. As far as our position on Assad is concerned, we think that the suffering of Syrian people and tragedies clearly... the blame is squarely on Assad, Simsek said.Turkey recently hosted talks between Russia, which backs Damascus with military support, and Syrian opposition fighters. Russia and Turkey have become closer after repairing ties last summer that had frayed following the downing of a Russian war plane on the Syrian border in November 2015.Ankara and Moscow brokered a ceasefire between Assads forces and rebel groups in late December, but violence has again escalated across the country, particularly around the capital. At Davos, Simsek said there had to be a beginning in Astana to make sure the conflict stops.For now at least the fighting has stopped, it is very, very critical because that is the beginning of anything else, he added.The process is to make sure that we translate the current lull into a more lasting ceasefire initially, and then of course talk about more mundane stuff, settling the conflict.In an unprecedented incursion in August last year, Turkey waged a military operation against Islamic State (IS) jihadists and also Kurdish militia to back up pro-Ankara rebels. There has so far been no indication of clashes with Assads forces or that Turkey plans any offensive against regime-held territory.Russia has generally steered clear of sharp criticism of the Turkish offensive. And officials in Ankara dismiss talk of any secret bargain with Moscow over Syria.Five Turkish soldiers were killed in an attack in northern Syria blamed on IS jihadists, local media reported Friday, quoting the Turkish military.Another nine soldiers were wounded in the bombing in Al-Bab, where Turkish-backed rebels have suffered heavy casualties in a weeks-long bid to retake the town from IS, the private Dogan news agency said.Meanwhile, the Kremlin said destruction by IS jihadists at Syrias ancient city of Palmyra was disturbing.What is happening (in Palmyra) is a real tragedy from the point of view of cultural and historical heritage, President Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow. Barbaric actions of the terrorists are continuing.IS recaptured Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from government forces on December 11 and the new devastation reportedly occurred earlier this month.

US strike killed over 100 Al-Qaeda fighters in Syria: Pentagon

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - A US strike has killed more than 100 Al-Qaeda fighters at a training camp in northwestern Syria, the Pentagon said Friday.The air strike occurred Thursday at a camp in Idlib province that had been operational since 2013, Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. The removal of this training camp disrupts training operations and discourages hardline Islamist and Syrian opposition groups from joining or cooperating with Al-Qaeda on the battlefield, Davis said.US plane and drone strikes have killed more than 150 Qaeda fighters since January 1, Davis said, including Mohammad Habib Boussadoun al-Tunisi, an external operations leader in Syria.These strikes, conducted in quick succession, degrade al-Qaedas capabilities, weaken their resolve and cause confusion in their ranks, Davis said.A US-led coalition is striking Islamic State group targets in Syria. But it has also hit Qaeda leaders and operatives from other groups including the Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, which has renamed itself Fatah al-Sham.

Astana talks on Syria must not sideline UN: Security Council

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Friday expressed support for peace talks on Syria hosted by Russia, Turkey and Iran next week, but stressed they must not serve to sideline UN-led negotiations.During a closed-door meeting, the council discussed the talks opening Monday in the Kazakh capital of Astana after the United Nations decided to send envoy Staffan de Mistura to the meeting.Swedens ambassador and council president Olof Skoog said the Astana talks could help shore up a ceasefire and represent an important stepping stone coming back to UN-led talks in Geneva thereafter.Western powers have for weeks questioned the purpose of the Astana talks and raised concern that they could open up a new track of negotiations to end the nearly six-year war in Syria.That concern may have been there, Skoog said about sidelining the UN-led process, but he added that the council was united in its position that the Kazakh talks must be in sync with the UN-led negotiations.The United Nations is working to bring the Syrian government and the rebels to the table in Geneva on February 8.The UN-led talks have broken down over disagreements on ensuring a transition in Damascus that would lead to Syrian President Bashar al-Assads exit from power.Turkey, which backs rebel forces, for the first time conceded that a peace deal that excludes Assad from power might not be possible. Turkey can no longer insist on a settlement without Assad. It is not realistic, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek told a panel on Syria at the World Economic Forum in Davos.Assad told Japanese television that he hoped the rebels attending the Astana talks will agree to lay down their arms in exchange for an amnesty deal.Turkey and Russia, which supports Assad, brokered a ceasefire on December 30, but clashes have continued while deliveries of humanitarian aid remain blocked.The war in Syria has killed more than 310,000 people and forced millions to flee their homes.

Gambia's Jammeh agrees to go, but exile terms not reached

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BANJUL (AFP) - Gambias Yahya Jammeh agreed in principle to hand over power to President Adama Barrow on Friday, Mauritanian and Guinean sources said, but differences remained before a full deal could be reached.Mauritanias President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Guineas Alpha Conde held several hours of talks with Jammeh in which they agreed he should step aside but not how and where he would live out his exile.Troops from five African nations were stationed on the tiny nations borders in the event the last-ditch talks fell through, as it was confirmed Conde would stay into Saturday to iron out remaining disagreements.Jammeh has refused to recognise his defeat in presidential elections last month, and would be offered asylum in the country of his choice, Conde advisor Kiridi Bangoura said earlier in the day.Jammeh has accepted he will leave power. The discussions revolve around where he will live in exile and the conditions around that, a Mauritanian source close to the delegation in Banjul told AFP.A highly-placed Guinean source said the country of exile had to be far enough away to stop Jammeh interfering in his countrys affairs.The three men met at Jammehs seat of power, State House, and halted to observe Friday prayers together at a nearby mosque.The Guinean source mentioned Equatorial Guinea as a possible option, while diplomats discussed the possibility of Morocco.Jammeh has rejected President Adama Barrows December 1 election win, despite huge pressure from regional powers and the UN, sparking a major crisis and sending Gambians and tourists -- vital for the tiny countrys economy -- fleeing.Isatou Touray, a top official in Barrows coalition told AFP there was no deal yet but added: I think he has to go, because he is compelled.Barrow, who was sworn in at The Gambias embassy in Dakar on Thursday, remained in Senegal awaiting the outcome of the talks, with hopes of taking over from Jammeh as soon as his safety could be guaranteed.A Banjul-based diplomatic source told AFP the final deal would be a joint statement between Barrow and Jammeh, but cautioned the mercurial strongman could quite easily change his mind.That source spoke of a three-day grace period for Jammeh with foreign troops on standby until he definitively quits the country.Barrow hailed a victory of the Gambian nation and demanded loyalty from his armed forces at his inauguration on Thursday.An imminent military operation, dubbed operation Restore Democracy, was suspended late Thursday to allow the final push to convince Jammeh to leave after 22 years at the helm of the former British colony.As white flags reportedly flew from Gambian army posts in the countryside, sources suggested there was a gradual acceptance of Barrow, even among units known for loyalty to Jammeh.A diplomatic source said a faction had switched sides among the elite Republican Guards who assure Jammehs personal protection, following meetings among themselves at their Bakau barracks close to Banjul.Gambias army chief Ousman Badjie said foreign troops would be welcomed with a cup of tea rather than gunfire if they intervene to ensure Jammeh stands down.Why should we fight?, said Badjie, a former Jammeh loyalist.This is a political misunderstanding. There is no military solution to a political problem, let me tell you. We are not fools. I love my soldiers. I love the Gambian people. Nobody is going to be hurt here.Soldiers were told by Barrow in his inauguration speech they would be considered rebel elements if they remained armed on the streets.Police chief Yankuba Sonko and customs boss Momat Cham also swore allegiance to Barrow, a government source who asked not to be identified told AFP.After a string of ministerial resignations this week, Jammeh however appeared determined to stand his ground to the last, announcing he was dissolving the government and taking over.The President of the Republic of The Gambia Sheikh Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh Babili Mansa has dissolved his cabinet today, a statement said. The office of the President oversees all ministries.The uncertainty continued to push Gambians to flee the country and the United Nations refugee agency said around 45,000 had left so far, more than 75 percent of them children, mostly accompanied by women.They are staying with family members, host families or in hotels. Some families are hosting up to 40 to 50 people and will soon need support as they may quickly run out of resources, a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report said.

Pakistan on road to rapid progress: PM Nawaz

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LONDON (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said on Friday that economy in Pakistan is improving very rapidly despite numerous internal and external obstacles, Dunya News reported.He was speaking to media outside his London residence on his return from Switzerland after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos.The Prime Minister declined to comment on Panama Leaks issue and said that the Supreme Court is currently hearing the case and it is inappropriate to comment on the issue.PM Nawaz also condemned attack on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) London president Zubair Gull and said that he has rendered unforgettable services for Pakistan and democracy. The Prime Minister said that he will meet Zubair Gull during his stay in London and vowed to launch a full scale inquiry into the cowardly attack on him.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan after two-day stay in London.

Muzaffarabad: 6 die as car plunges into ravine

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MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) – At least six members of a family were killed when a car they were traveling in fell into a ravine in Chinari area near Muzaffarabad on Friday, Dunya News reported. The ill-fated car was going from Chakothi to Muzaffarabad.Resident of the area reached the spot and recovered dead bodies from the vehicles. The deceased were identified as Yasir Sadiq his brother Aniq Sadiq and sister Naureen Sadiq. Yasir Sadiq’s wife, son and a cousin also died in the accident.A 12-year-old boy Hanan miraculously survived the crash and was rushed to the District Hospital Hatiyan Bala.

Football: Lewandowski's late strike seals Bayern's win

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BERLIN (AFP) - Robert Lewandowskis 91st-minute strike snatched victory for Bayern Munich in their 2-1 comeback win at Freiburg in sub-zero temperatures on Friday as the Bundesliga resumed after the winter break.Lewandowski, last seasons top scorer in Germany, showed his class with two superb strikes at Freiburgs sold-out Schwarzwald Stadion.Having volleyed Bayern level in the first-half, to cancel out Freiburgs shock early lead, the Poland hot-shot chested the ball down, flicked it off his left foot and fired home off his right for the late winner.The victory leaves Bayern six points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig, who host Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.Freiburg, who stunned Bayern with a shock 2-1 defeat when the sides last met at the Schwarzwald Stadion in May 2015, took an early lead on four minutes.The thermometer showed minus six degrees Celsius (21.2 Fahrenheit) in the stadium, but Freiburg were on fire in the opening exchanges.Bayern defender Mats Hummels mis-hit clearance fell to Freiburgs Italian Vincenzo Grifo, who played Janik Haberer into the area.The attacking midfielder produced a stunning finish to beat Bayerns Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as his shot flew into the far corner.Freiburg enjoyed a string of half chances as Bayern looked far from sure of themselves.The Bavarian giants, who are chasing their fifth straight German league title, drew level when Lewandowski showed his class.Having been denied at close range when Freiburg captain Mike Frantz blocked his shot on 35 minutes, Lewandowski was not to be denied.He volleyed home home the resulting corner from Douglas Costa as Bayern went into the break at 1-1.Nevertheless, Bayern stars Thomas Mueller and captain Philipp Lahm trudged off clearly unhappy with the first-half performance.Things did not improve for Bayern in the second-half as Freiburg defended doggedly and tried to catch the guests on the break.Bayerns Costa was booked just three minutes after the interval for bringing down Freiburgs midfielder Maximilian Philipp.Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti brought on winger Franck Ribery and wing-back Juan Bernat to inject some pace on the flanks for the final 20 minutes.There were some nervous looks in the Bayern defence on 74 minutes when Haberer went down in the tackle after Hummels challenge.But referee Manuel Graefe spotted the goal-scorer had gone to ground and booked Haberer.It was Riberys cross which led to Lewandowskis winner and the Poland international showed a world-class finish for his 14th league goal of the season to deny mid-table Freiburg a point.He is still two goals behind Borussia Dortmunds Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the leagues top scorer, who has 16 so far this season.

Children saved in Italy avalanche hotel miracle

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PENNE (AFP) - A woman and four children were pulled alive Friday from the ruins of an Italian hotel and five other survivors were located under the snow, two days after the building was buried under an avalanche.The rescues mean all four children known to have been in the Rigopiano hotel when it was hit by a wall of snow on Wednesday have been saved.It also means that an entire family of four survived the disaster in what some described as a miracle.But not all the news was good: two bodies have been recovered so far, while at least 13 people remain unaccounted for.Giampiero Parete had feared the worst after he avoided being swamped by the avalanche because he had gone to the family car to get his wifes headache tablets.As soon as I got out I felt this wind and then this deafening noise of trees cracking, trunks cascading down the hillside, said Parete, who was rescued himself Thursday.But his wife Adriana and their son Gianfilipo, 7, were found on Friday morning and guided to safety. Just after nightfall it was announced six-year-old Ludovica had also been rescued.The news came at the end of a day of painstaking efforts to find signs of life amid the snow-covered remains of the three-storey spa hotel located on the eastern lower slopes of Monte Gran Sasso, the highest peak in central Italy.Another five survivors were still under the rubble with at least one of them injured.We are in vocal contact with those survivors we are still trying to rescue. We have sent a video probe down and have seen them but there is not enough space to get anything to them, no food, water or blankets, said Italian firefighters spokesman Luca Cari.Most of the guests were waiting to leave when the avalanche struck late Wednesday afternoon.They had decided to leave after earthquakes in the region earlier in the day but the heavy snow blocked roads and delayed their transport.Adriana and her son Gianfilipo were among a group of six people found in an air pocket on Friday morning.Marco Bini, one of the officers who reached them, said the rescue team had been alerted to their possible location when they detected smoke from fires the group had lit to keep warmThey were all in reasonable health, if very cold, he said. The fire will have been using up the oxygen so we were lucky to find them.Their faces said it all, it was like they had been reborn.A video released by firefighters showed the Paretes son emerging from a snow tunnel into the daylight to cheers and friendly hair ruffles from firemen.At least 25 people were thought to have been in the hotel when it was hit by a massive wall of snow, although the total could have been as high as 34.Scores of mountain police, firefighters and other emergency personnel were deployed at the hotel Friday.Progress was agonisingly slow, with rescuers wary of triggering further movements in the snow piled up on top of the masonry.The first rescuers to reach the hotel trekked for more than eight kilometres (nearly five miles) through two-metre-high snow to get there around 4:00 am on Thursday.They got there just in time to prevent Parete and fellow survivor Fabio Salzetta from succumbing to hypothermia.Parete said he and his family had been among guests who wanted to leave hours before the avalanche.Wed paid the bill and were waiting for a snowplough to clear the road, he said.My wife told me she had a headache so I went to the car to get some pills for her.Then the hotel collapsed under this enormous wave of snow and half the mountain. My car was the only thing that escaped, by a few centimetres.Survivors were taken to hospital in Pescara down on the nearby Adriatic coast.Tullio Spina, director of the hospitals emergency department, said some were in relatively good health because they had been dressed and ready to leave when the avalanche struck.The luck they had was that they had warm clothes on them, ski suits, which protected them. They were also not under snow and were protected from the cold because they were still inside the collapsed, insulated building. Thats why the hypothermia was not severe, he added.

Tennis: Serena, Nadal set sights on week two

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Serena Williams will attempt to join sister Venus in the Australian Open last 16 on Saturday, as Rafael Nadal looks to show whos boss against exciting young gun Alexander Zverev.The American 22-time Grand Slam winner faces compatriot Nicole Gibbs as she tries to keep up her momentum towards the tournament second week, after two comfortable wins so far.Williams, who lost last years final to Angelique Kerber, said she had been trying to channel positive thoughts as she targets a seventh Australian title, which would give her an Open-era record 23rd major.I know that being Serena on the court is in a way being calm, which is in my name, but always having that fire as well, she said, explaining her approach.I think, most of all, being confident.If Williams gets past Gibbs, the second seed will next play either 16th seed Barbora Strycova or 21st seed Caroline Garcia.Another veteran gunning for more Grand Slam glory is Spains Nadal, who is attempting to improve on an injury-riddled 2016.The 14-time Grand Slam winners comeback will be given a testing examination by top-rated Zverev, who is hoping to join older brother Mischa in the last 16.He is of the best players of the world, without a doubt, today, Nadal said of the German teen.His potential is so, so high. I know I have a very tough match, and I know I need to play my best if I want to have chances.If the German beats the 2009 champion, the Zverevs would become just the third pair of brothers to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam in the Open era.Gene and Sandy Mayer at 1979 Wimbledon, and Emilio and Javier Sanchez at the US Open in 1991 were the others.Giant-killer Denis Istomin is back in action, keen to build on his stunning upset of six-time Australian champion Novak Djokovic in the last round.He faces Pablo Carreno Busta, seeded 30, on an outside court, with the winner due to meet either Richard Gasquet or Grigor Dimitrov, who play in the evening on Rod Laver Arena.The Zverevs are two of three Germans to reach the third round, along with Philipp Kohlschreiber who takes on sixth seed Gael Monfils on Margaret Court Arena.In an intriguing womens match, Britains ninth-seeded Johanna Konta meets former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, with both players in fine touch.It will be an incredibly tough one. Every round so far has been, said Konta, who made the semi-finals last year.US Open finalist and fifth seed Karolina Pliskova has a late match on Margaret Court Arena against Latvian Jelena Ostapenko, while sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova is up against Ekaterina Makarova.
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