FRANCE: Dominique Strauss-Kahn is charged with "sexual assault" in New York

The Director General of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the French Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been formally charged Sunday with sexual assault and attempted rape a few hours after being arrested at the airport in New York, officials said Source police.

Strauss-Kahn, known as "DSK", Socialist candidate preferred by the French presidential polls for 2012, "has been charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement and one of attempted rape on a young person 32 year old woman in a hotel room in New York, "Ryan told reporters Sesa, a spokesman for police in Harlem (north of Manhattan).

Mr.Strauss-Kahn, 62, was still detained at the police station in Harlem, where he was taken in the afternoon of Saturday, after being arrested while preparing to leave for Europe.

It should be referred to the prosecutor in the day Sunday, and should remain at the police station in Harlem by then, it was clear from the same source.

INTERNET: Syria Goes to War against Facebook

Served to suppress the popular uprising that opposes the regime of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian leadership does not forget all the social media front. These days, Damascus has decided to launch an attack on Facebook.The "crime" of the famous social network? Having closed last Friday, the page electronic Syrian Army that supports the Syrian president without having informed his leaders when it had over 60,000 fans, reported Tuesday the Arabic version of the American CNN news site.

A few hours later, the ax fell on a clone of this page of pro-Bashar created by "sympathizers" in the words of the Syrian government daily Al-Thawra.

Earlier this week, the newspaper also accused Facebook of "supporting the alleged Syrian revolution."In short: Damascus suspected site of playing a double game, recalling in passing that the pages of the opposition continued, they, on their merry path digital.

If leaders of the social network have always kept to stand at the recent events that have affected the Arab world, it must be noted, however, he allowed the protesters to organize the Egyptian and Tunisian easier. Remains that Facebook is not accustomed to close the pages and do not typically occur in cases of flagrant and repeated violations against its rules.Contacted by FRANCE 24, the company declined to respond.

Call to spam

The directors of the famous Egyptian Facebook page "We are all Khaled Said", which was particularly illustrated in the uprising against the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak, advance, them, the following explanation for the closure of page E-Syrian Army: they ensure that its officers have violated the code of conduct on Facebook.

"We are all Khaled Said" reproduced well, a message posted on the "wall" of the electronic page of the Syrian Army to its members explaining the procedure for "spam" (flood of spam) - which is prohibited - Facebook groups calling for revolution in Syria.

But Internet Syrian lend, themselves, to Facebook noblest motives. The social network would react to the information of the British daily "The Telegraph" that in recent days, opponents of Syria were tortured to reveal their access codes to Facebook, they say.

Much refute accusations that Damascus.The daily Al-Thawra "said, meanwhile, that" those responsible for the electronic page of the Syrian army preparing to launch an offensive that Facebook will remember "to avenge the alleged bias of the social network.

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Third day of fighting on the border between Thailand and Cambodia

Fighting with heavy weapons broke out Sunday morning for the third consecutive day between Cambodian and Thai troops at the disputed border between the two countries, hours after the UN call for a cease-fire.

According to a Cambodian military official, the clashes resumed around 10:00 local time (0300 GMT) around a disputed group of temples.

A Thai official has confirmed new incidents."Cambodia opened fire first," he added.

As usual, the two neighbors blame the cause of clashes that killed six soldiers and four Cambodian Thai since Friday.

The gunfire was clearly audible 20 km away fighting the Cambodian side, where villagers were evacuated found shelter in schools and temples, according to an AFP photographer.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the two neighbors to "take immediate steps to implement a cease-fire effective and verifiable," said a spokesman.

Cambodia and Thailand have clashed several times in recent years in the jungle near the ancient temples located on a border that has never been fully demarcated, partly because of mines left by decades of civil war in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh on Saturday accused the Thai army have used "heavy weapons containing poison gas," that the Thai authorities have denied.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit him Sunday accused its neighbor of wanting to "internationalize" the conflict.

Cambodia calls since the latest fighting in February mediation to resolve the border disputes, but Bangkok urges bilateral talks.

After these clashes, the two countries had given their agreement to send observers to the border, after mediation organized by the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) in February.

But since the Thai military said that these observers were not welcome and they were never deployed.

The fighting of February 4 to 7, which had ten dead, including civilians, were held in more than 100 km further east, near the Khmer temple of Preah Vihear.

These ruins of the eleventh century, whose classification by UNESCO in 2008 had rekindled tensions within the sovereignty of Cambodia by a ruling of the International Court of Justice in 1962.

But the Thais its main access control, and both countries claim an area of ​​4.6 km2 below the building that has not been delineated.

SAUDI ARABIA: Violent repression of a Shiite demonstration in the eastern United

AFP - Three Shiite demonstrators were injured Thursday in eastern Saudi Arabia by gunfire from police attempting to disperse a rally, according to a witness on the eve of a call for protests in the kingdom.

The shootings have occurred, while between 600 and 800 people, including women, demonstrating in Al-Qatif to demand the release of nine prisoners Shiite, said the witness, who requested anonymity.

"While walking in the heart of the city was completed, the soldiers started shooting at demonstrators, and three of them were injured," he added.

The three injured men were hospitalized but their injuries were "moderate," the source said, that the shooting lasted about 10 minutes.

These incidents occurred on the eve of a call to protest launched on Facebook.

The call claims that "the leader and members of the Majlis al-Shura (consultative council appointed) be elected", "the release of political prisoners" and "freedom of speech and assembly" in the kingdom.

Saudi officials have stated several times in recent days that the demonstrations were banned in the kingdom and that the police were authorized to intervene to enforce the law.

In Riyadh, the situation was normal on Thursday but police patrols were more numerous than usual, residents said.

In Washington, Deputy Adviser for National Security President Barack Obama, Ben Rhodes, said the U.S. closely monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia, one of its main allies in the Middle East, and defended " universal values ​​"such as the right to protest.

The prospect of turmoil in the heart of the world's largest exporter of crude oil has contributed to nervousness in the oil market.Brent Thursday evolved around $ 114 a barrel.

"The attention is focused on the crisis in the Middle East, while demonstrations potential for + the + day of rage Friday in Saudi Arabia could push crude prices, with Brent who could brush against the new $ 120 barrel, "he told AFP analyst Sokou Myrto.

The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, had told reporters Wednesday the "rejection of any interference in internal affairs" of his country.

"Reform can not be done through demonstrations," he said, adding that "dialogue" was the best way for citizens to make their voices heard.

Following appeals on Facebook, a few hundred people had already expressed last week in eastern Arabia, where Shiites are concentrated, demanding the release of a cleric.

This dignitary, Sheikh Toufic al-Aamer, was released on March 6 and 26 Shiites arrested during demonstrations last week have been released in recent days.

Inmates whose demonstrators demanded the release Thursday are nine people arrested in 1996 after the assassination of anti-American Khobar in eastern kingdom.

The Shiites are concentrated especially in the eastern province, rich in oil, make up about 10% of the population of Saudi Arabia.The community complains of marginalization in a country ruled by Wahhabism, a puritanical Sunni doctrine.

AFRICAN CINEMA: Diary: Opening of the 22nd edition of Fespaco

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Arriving on a flying

Epic. When traveling to an African destination, we know that the journey will not be trivial. So when we boarded in Paris yesterday morning, towards Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to cover the largest film festival on the continent, Fespaco, we were prepared for a great adventure.

The flight was very nice with all the cream of African cinema on board such Dora Bouchoucha, director and producer of Tunisia, Missa Hébié, Burkinabe filmmaker ... My English colleague, Leela Jacinto, had never come in black Africa, and for her it was a real discovery.I am from Senegal, experienced in this type of travel, thought he had seen others.

Cassandras often castigate African airlines to their lack of organization and management of hazardous passengers. What was not my surprise to discover that traveling with Air France, the luggage could never happen. But that is what happened, my suitcase remained at the airport in Paris! First contact with the ground in Burkina total confusion. Fortunately, the legendary warmth and friendliness of Burkina Faso make you quickly forget what kind of inconvenience.Even the customs officers sympathize, some even offer to lend you a toilet, or even to stay at home (very friendly!).

The Independence hotel gave us a warm welcome. As the nerve center of Fespaco, we come across every festival. Some of them welcomed us for coverage FRANCE 24 events in the Maghreb and the Middle East.The jury of the festival, Dora Bouchoucha, says that thanks to the work of our chain that many of his countrymen have seen pictures of this historic uprising that led to the downfall of the regime of Ben Ali, January 14.

Today, festivities begin with, culminating in the opening ceremony of the festival in the stadium August 4

Sunday, February 27, 2011

In search of the precious badge ...

Upon awakening the morning of the opening of the festival, we were cheered up and determined to get our precious card: press accreditation gives access to all projections.Again, the African adventure has kept its promises.

Two young volunteers of the festival, many working for Fespaco, indicated on signs at the entrance of the hotel, change the place of withdrawal impromptu press kits and accreditation.

The direction Liptako an administrative building guarded by security guards. A hotel taxi fares tourism practitioner with a large margin during the festival period, is not knowing the place. Finally, we arrive at Liptako and after a quarter of an hour long queue, we eventually call the manager, posted among the fifteen persons entrusted to the withdrawal of accreditation.We ask him if he needs our press card or our identity card so that we can recover our precious sesame. "I need the badges!" He replied. "But wait, we have just to remove them," rétorquons us in charge. "Ah ... but this is not ladies," cried he with the utmost relaxation.

Thus, under the astonished gaze of Leela Jacinto, my alter ego speaking, we rapidly engulf in a taxi towards the center of Fespaco.From there, assisted by another volunteer, we succeed in dodging the dense crowd massed around and inside the imposing building ocher style post-colonial place to find the withdrawal of the international press.

Again, the kindness of Burkina Faso has been a great comfort. Badges in hand, we finally leave the premises. On the steps, we meet Michel Ouédraogo, Deputy General Fespaco. In an advanced state of nervousness, just a few hours of opening, it does not wish to answer our questions ... But appointment is made for the next day.

MADAGASCAR: Back from exile compromise Marc Ravalomanana

AFP - Former President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana was prevented from returning to Antananarivo on Saturday after being denied boarding at Johannesburg airport by an airline citing an order from the Malagasy civil aviation, was a journalist the AFP.

"I'm going to Madagascar for the sake of peace, not war, why does blocking me is here now?" Said the press Ravalomanana, visibly angry after the airline Airlink signified to him the refusal boarding at the airport OR Tambo.

A company employee showed him a letter from the Civil Aviation Authority Malagasy saying: "Marc Ravalomanana is persona non grata in Madagascar.Also to preserve public order, do not take on board ".

In Madagascar, at the airport Antanananarivo, several thousand supporters of Marc Ravalomanana had gathered Saturday morning in anticipation of the arrival of former president who had announced his return home today after two years of exile.

The Malagasy regime in place Rajoelina had estimated that his return was announced a "big bluff" and warned it would stop immediately deposed president if he continued to return.

LIBYA: In Benghazi, the police dispersed a rally against the government

AFP - The Libyan police forcibly dispersed the night from Tuesday to Wednesday a sit-in against the power in Benghazi (east), and hundreds of supporters of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi soon after marched in several cities, it was learned from sources.

Family members of prisoners killed in 1996 in a shootout in the prison of Abu Slim in Tripoli, gathered outside a police station in Benghazi to demand the release of their coordinator, the lawyer Fethi Tarbel, the newspaper reported Online Al-Manara.

Ms. Tarbell, whose reasons for arrest are unknown, was released under pressure from families, according to the newspaper's website Qurina near Seif Al-Islam, son of Colonel Gaddafi.

But the crowd did not move out and others joined the protest, prompting the police to disperse them by force, according to the website Libya al-Youm.

The demonstrators chanted slogans against the regime: "Benghazi wake up is the day you were waiting for" the blood of martyrs is not shed in vain, "or" the people want to bring down corruption, "according these media.

Soon after, hundreds of demonstrators marched pro-regime in Benghazi, the second largest city, 1,000 km east of Tripoli, but also in Sirte (east), Sebha (south) and Tripoli, according to images state television.

Since 4:00 local time (0200 GMT), the channel al-Jamahiriya broadcast live images of protesters marching on foot and in cars, waving flags and pictures of Colonel Qaddafi and chanting slogans in praise of the Guide of the Libyan revolution and cons channel Al-Jazeera accused by the regime to incite rebellion in Arab individuals.

The string "al-Jazeera despicable, we do not want anything other than our leader," chanted the demonstrators particular.

These events occur on the eve of the "day of anger" Libyan scheduled for Thursday, according to appeals on Facebook.

Under the slogan "Revolt of February 17, 2011: to make a day of anger in Libya," a Facebook group, which calls for an uprising against the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, has risen from 4,400 members Monday at 9600 Wednesday morning.

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), at least 1,200 prisoners were killed by police during a shootout in the prison of Abu Salim in 1996, under circumstances that remain unclear.

In recent years their families, much of which originated in Benghazi, continues to claim that light and justice are made on the massacre.

EGYPT: The army promised a "peaceful transition" towards "an elected civilian power"

The army, custodian of power after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak promised on Saturday a "peaceful transition" towards "an elected civilian power" and pledged to respect international treaties signed by Egypt, whose agreements peace with Israel.

Tens of thousands of Egyptians continued into the evening to celebrate the fall of the rais, the day before fallen under pressure from the street after three decades in power, on Tahrir Square in Cairo, the epicenter of the revolt launched on 25 January.

The supreme council of the armed forces, an instance of military leaders who took control of the country, announced that the government appointed by Mr.Mubarak a few days before his departure remain in place to manage the current business.

Egypt "will remain committed to all its regional and international treaties," he said.Egypt is with Jordan, the only Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel.

The Jewish State, which did not hide his fears in recent days in Cairo to see emerge a new power hostile to the agreement, welcomed these "assurances", adding that the treaty was "a cornerstone for peace and stability throughout the Middle East. "

The army has also committed to a "peaceful transition of power" who "prepare the ground for an elected civilian authority to build a free democratic state," said the council in the text read by a soldier on TV State, without giving a timetable.

The U.S. president, Barack Obama, praised in the evening that promise a return to civilian rule and respect for international obligations of Egypt.

"This government and the governors will continue to work until a new government is formed," added the council, headed by Defence Minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, 75, the new strongman of the country.

The government held its first meeting Sunday since the resignation of Mr. Mubarak, the agency Mena.

In the evening, tens of thousands of people were still gathered in Tahrir Square.In a friendly atmosphere, they listened to a group sing Arabic folk music and patriotic songs.

Earlier, many volunteers, armed with brooms and bags, had engaged in cleaning the place."Yesterday I showed today, I'm building," proclaimed sheets taped to their clothes.

The Army has cleared barricades and barbed wire around the square and cranes removed the carcasses of burned cars, reminders of the violent clashes between police and demonstrators, and between pro-and anti-Mubarak, during the revolt killed at least 300 deaths, according to UN and Human Rights Watch.

A Ismailiya, a large town on the Suez Canal, hundreds of police in protest against corruption in their ranks.

But 600 prisoners escaped Saturday from a prison in Cairo after the riots, according to security services who report several casualties.

On the Judiciary, the Attorney General has banned the former Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif and the current Minister of Information Anas el-Fekkai leave the country "in light of complaints filed against them," Mena reported , without elaborating on what they were accused. Public television has announced shortly after the resignation of Mr. Fekkai.

Despite the euphoria and uncertainty, life resumed its course. The curfew has been eased: it will begin at midnight instead of 20:00 (1800 GMT) and lasted until 6:00 am (0400 GMT). The Cairo Stock Exchange, closed since Jan. 27, should reopen Wednesday, said on state television.

The announcement of the resignation of Mr.Mubarak intervened in the 18th day of the uprising, while over a million people demonstrating against the rais through Egypt, a country of more than 80 million people. According to his party, he left Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh (Sinai), where he has a residence.

Saudi Arabia, who had supported Mr.Mubarak during the revolt, Saturday welcomed the "peaceful transition", and the organization of Islamic Conference has "welcomed" the Egyptians and urged other Arab and Muslim leaders to accelerate their reforms.

Beyond Egypt, the announcement of the fall of the regime has caused an explosion of joy in many countries of the region, especially in Tunis, where a similar protest movement had driven President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali four weeks earlier.

In Yemen, thousands of young people demonstrated on Saturday in Sana'a to call for resignation of President Ali Abdallah Saleh, and Gaza, close to 2,000 students of the Islamist movement Hamas celebrated the fall of Mr. Mubarak.A thousand Israeli Arabs have also marched in Nazareth (northern Israel).

KOREA: Talks between the two Koreas ended in failure

The talks between senior military officers South and North Korea have ended abruptly Wednesday without reaching an agreement, when the delegation from Pyongyang walked out of the meeting, said the South Korean Ministry of Defense.

This meeting between the two neighbors was the first since the deadly bombing in November from an island in South Korea by forces from Pyongyang, which had heightened tensions between the two neighbors.

The delegation from North Korea crossed the border ten minutes after leaving the negotiating table, taking place since yesterday in a border village in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), told AFP spokesman department.

"They did not even try to discuss a future meeting of this kind.Given the current situation, we can say that the talks have failed, "he added.

No official explanation was advanced to explain this sudden departure, according to the spokesman.

An official with the Ministry of Defence, quoted by Yonhap news agency, attributed the failure of the meeting to "differences over the agenda."

According to another official, quoted by YTN television, the atmosphere "was pretty emotional."

South Korea demanded during the meeting that the North apologizes and pledges to punish those responsible for two serious incidents in 2010: the sinking of a corvette South Korean who killed 46 people and the bombing November 23 (4 people including 2 soldiers).

Pyongyang denies being behind the sinking, as acknowledged by an international investigation.As for the bombing, it was undertaken in retaliation for the South Korean military exercises in which shells were fired into the waters of North Korea, said North.

Pyongyang wanted the meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday should make a commitment to "stop all military action could be interpreted as a provocation by the other party".

These talks were also to set the date, place and agenda of an upcoming meeting with high-level contacts, probably the Ministers of Defence.

Wednesday morning, Seoul announced it had agreed to open talks with Pyongyang on the meetings of families separated since the Korean War (1950-1953), under the auspices of the Red Cross.

But Seoul bound these discussions, proposed by Pyongyang, the conclusion of military talks this Wednesday.

EGYPT - EXCLUSIVE: Mohamed el-Baradei: "It is time that Mubarak parte"

As thousands of demonstrators gathered again on Saturday morning in Cairo and a new government must be designated in the day, the opponent Mohamed el-Baradei called, in an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, the departure of President Hosni Mubarak.

"I will continue to participate [events] to ensure that the Mubarak regime to leave," says FRANCE 24 this Saturday the former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), returned Thursday in Egypt.

A speech "meaningless"

One who is ordinarily resident in Vienna, Austria, said he was ready when he left for Cairo to drive the transition in the event of departure of President Mubarak.

"Friday night we were hoping qu'Hosni Mubarak would decide to leave, but at the last minute it became a meaningless speech, which was a big disappointment for the Egyptians," said Mohamed el-Baradei.

"Hosni Mubarak does not clearly understood the message that emanated from the Egyptian people," says Mohamed el-Baradei. His only response was to form a new government, it was almost an insult to the intelligence of the people. People know although he too is responsible for directing all aspects of the country, it offered no political or economic reform. "

The former head of the IAEA believes that this scheme, which he describes as "dictatorial", has "failed on the economic and political.""We need a fresh start with a free, democratic," he said. We will need a transition period. "

"When a system behaves with such meanness, and opens the water cannon at anyone who won the Nobel Peace Prize, this indicates that it is the beginning of the end for this regime and is time he left, "he added, referring to the events of yesterday in Cairo in which he participated.

"The army did not used to confront the Egyptians"

Mohamed el-Baradei said he hoped that new events "even broader" take place this Saturday. "The police no longer on the streets, the army has taken over," he adds. Traditionally, the army did not used to confront the Egyptians.I hope qu'Hosni Mubarak will get the message before things become very serious. "

During the night, U.S. President Barack Obama for his part called Hosni Mubarak to "keep its promises to work for democracy" and to undertake economic and political reforms. A message found "extremely disappointing" by the opponent.

"The United States said they would work with the Egyptian people and government, then it must make a choice," says Mohamed El-Baradei. It is an authoritarian government and the people suffer hardships for 58 years.Although I have great respect for Barack Obama, assign the task to implement economic reforms and policies to a man who is the head of an authoritarian system and in power for 30 years is a paradox. The first real change to democracy would be to assign this task to a Democrat. "

Although Egyptian officials security said Friday that Mohamed el-Baradei was under house arrest, it has so much going forward. "There are no troops stationed in front of me says it Saturday morning. At least I do not think I'll check it out in my house. I do not know to what extent it correct.In my opinion, it is primarily a message to deter people from participating in peaceful demonstrations. "

BELGIUM: "We want a government!" 30,000 demonstrators chanted in Brussels

AFP - More than 30,000 Belgians took part Sunday in Brussels in a march of "shame" to expose the unprecedented political crisis lasting record that threatens the unity of the country, due to differences between Flemish and Francophone, and ask formation of a government.

This is the first time since the Belgian parliamentary elections of 13 June 2010, ordinary citizens are expressing their exasperation with massively to the current impasse.

They were responding to a call via the Internet popularized five young Flanders and Brussels, three students and two employees, claiming no political affiliation even if one of them is the son of Minister of Justice, a Flemish Christian Democrat .Their motto: a march of "shame" for the kingdom.

"A beard for Belgium"

"What we want? We want a government," chanted the protesters, often young, the 224th day of the crisis which saw the country deprived of effective government, a record in Europe.

Many demonstrators wore also on Sunday a placard with the slogan "Divide? Not in our name!" Slogan of a meeting of artists and intellectuals held in Brussels on Friday evening, which caused a stir.

The participants, mixed Flemish and Francophone, have denounced the line defended by the Nationalist party emerged as the winner of legislative independence, the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), which contributes to the current political stalemate.

The tone of humor, speaking Geluck Philippe, the famous designer of the "Cat", is called a "revolution of mussels and fries," the Belgian national dish, along the lines of "jasmine revolution" Tunisian .

Other successful slogan, "A beard for Belgium" could be read on stickers flown Sunday some 34,000 demonstrators (by police), following a call from the Belgian actor Benoît Poelvoorde no longer to shave until the denouement of the crisis.

A text divides the Flemish majority

"We want a solution.Not this trench warfare between political parties, "said one protester Flemish, Christopher, 27, researcher in sociology from the University of Antwerp (Flanders, north).

For him, Sunday's protest reflects "the beginning of a rift between Flemings," since the right Flemish - N-VA and the Christian Democrats VCT - dismissed on January 6 a draft agreement prepared by a socialist Flemish with a mission of conciliation.

This text was instead supported by the Flemish and Francophone left participant for more than seven months in the endless negotiations in September

Single incident of the gathering on Sunday, five Flemish extremists were detained by police when they tried to destroy tracts for demonstrators.

One of the organizers of the march, Vandereecken Simon, a graphic designer for 23 years, welcomed a success "has exceeded our expectations."

"Our politicians will have to react after such a mobilization. Otherwise, we'll see what steps to take," he told AFP.

Belgium has been administered since 2010 by a firm responsible for caretaker absence of agreement on a new reform of its institutions.

The Francophone Wallonia and Brussels want to limit the autonomy demanded by the Flemish reinforced (60% of the estimated 11 million Belgians), particularly in tax matters, lest it be the beginning of the end for the country.