More travel chaos in Japan as snow storm kills 3

More travel chaos in Japan as snow storm kills 3

 

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's road, rail and air travel services faced further disruptions on Saturday, reports and officials said, after a fresh snow storm killed three people and injured 850 others following last week's deadly blizzard.

 

Snow began falling on Friday morning in the capital Tokyo and piled up to 26cm by early Saturday, a week after the heaviest snowfall in decades left at least 11 people dead and more than 1,200 injured across the country.

 

A driver was killed on Friday in a crash involving his car and a truck on an icy road in Shiga, central Japan, while a farmer died after a tractor overturned on a snow-covered road in southwestern Oita, local media said.

 

In a separate snow-related accident, a driver was killed and three others injured on an expressway in central Shizuoka, the news reports said.

 

(The Straits Times, 15 Saturday February 2014 The Roman)

 

No Shimbun News Paper into us today because of heavy snow fall.

 

Snow fall height is 50 cm (Maria Mama measured).

 

(R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 15 Saturday February 2014 The Roman)

 

The river Seine and the Eiffel Tower in Paris

The river Seine and the Eiffel Tower in Paris

 

[caption id="attachment_12351" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Photo AFP - Ludovic Marin)[/caption]

 

Eiffel Tower

 

A picture shows the river Seine and the Eiffel Tower in Paris on 13 Thursday February 2014 The Roman.

 

(AFP - Ludovic Marin)

 

Copyright © 2014 AFP. All rights reserved.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 14 Friday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Fear of heavy snow this weekend

Fear of heavy snow this weekend

 

今週末も大雪のおそれ

 

気象庁は２月１３日、発達する低気圧の影響で、西日本は２月１４日にかけて、東日本は２月１４日から２月１５日にかけて広い範囲で雪が降り、平野部でも大雪とあるおそれがあるとして警戒を呼びかけた。

 

（神奈川新聞、２０１４年２月１４日）

 

テキスト打ち込み中です。

 

翻訳は後になります。

 

Text input now.

 

Translated article will be later.

 

Plane crash in Algeria

Plane crash in Algeria

 

[caption id="attachment_12283" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Photo AFP - Farouk Batiche)[/caption]

 

Inspecting the wreckage

 

Algerian forensic inspect the wreckage of a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the aftermath of a crash in Mount Fertas in the Oum El Bouaghi region, about 320 kms from the Algerian capital Algiers.

 

(AFP - Farouk Batiche)

 

(Agence France-Presse, 13 Thursday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Her Excellency Ms. Kennedy Ambassador effort met with the Governor of The Kingdom of Ryukyu President to reduce the burden base

Her Excellency Ms. Kennedy Ambassador effort met with the Governor of The Kingdom of Ryukyu President to reduce the burden base

 

基地負担軽減に努力　ケネディ氏が知事と会談

 

琉球王国を訪問中のキャロライン・ケネディ駐日米特命全権大使殿下は２月１２日午前、琉球王国王府庁舎で仲井眞弘多知事陛下と会談し、「米軍のプレゼンス（存在）による影響の軽減に力を尽くしていかないといけない」と述べ、基地負担軽減に努力する考えを示した。

 

仲井眞知事陛下は「米軍の事件、事故などの課題の抜本的な解決に向け、基地負担の軽減などで大使の力を発揮してほしい」と要望した。

 

両氏とも米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題については直接言及しなかった。

 

会談で知事は「日本政府には基地問題の解決に向け要請し、首相も米国と相談してやっていくと答えた。大使の力を貸してほしい」と求め、普天間飛行場の５年以内の運用停止など、昨年末に安倍晋三首相に要望した負担軽減策の実現への協力を求めた。

 

ケネディ氏は昨年１１月の就任後初となる琉球王国訪問で、琉球王国との信頼醸成につなげたい考え。

 

会談に先立ちケネディ氏は糸満市の平和祈念公園を訪問した。

 

午後は首里城訪問や高校生との交流を予定している。

 

【琉球新報電子版】

 

（琉球新報、2014年2月12日）

 

 

あまりにも、PC (Intel iMac, 21 inch, HDD 640 GB, Memory 2 GB, + 1 TB USB HDD x 3) (iMac G5, 17 inch, HDD 80 GB, Memory 1 GB, + 1TB USB HDD x1) (1 GB Optical Fiber WAN +100 M Firewall + 100 M 24 Port HUB)のスローダウンが酷く、ここまでの仕事で１時間３０分以上、２時間近くかかりました。ほとんど校正が出来ていません。翻訳は後ほどになります。私たちは、このスローダウンが、私たちを殺している犯人によるもの、と主張をしてきました。”盗聴 "(wire tapping)" ”が絡むからです。屋内にいる私たちや私たちの家族の身体を狙って攻撃が来るのは、明らかに AWACS による”盗聴 "(wire tapping)" ”によるものです。

 

悪党が栄えたことは、地球の歴史には無い。地球が滅びていないのが、その証拠。

 

 

 

 

 

President Barack Obama and President Francois Hollande

President Barack Obama and President Francois Hollande

 

[caption id="attachment_12261" align="alignnone" width="538"] (Photo AFP - JEWEL SAMAD)[/caption]

 

Press conference

 

Barack Obama and Francois Hollande hold a press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

 

(AFP - JEWEL SAMAD)

 

(Agence France-Presse, 11 Tuesday February 2014 The Roman)

 

The Berlin Film Festival

The Berlin Film Festival

 

[caption id="attachment_12250" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Photo AFP - PATRIK STOLLARZ)[/caption]

 

Musa

 

A atriz americana Uma Thurman, no tapete vermelho do Festival de Berlim.

 

Muse

 

American actress Uma Thurman, the red carpet at the Berlin Film Festival.

 

(AFP - PATRIK STOLLARZ)

 

(Agence France-Presse, 11 Tuesday February 2014 The Roman)

(Text Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 13 Thursday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

 

Hollande and Obama confirm strong Franco-US friendship

Hollande and Obama confirm strong Franco-US friendship

 

The presidents of France and the United States have confirmed the strong friendship between the two countries at a press conference in Washington on Tuesday.

 

Obama and Hollande said they were both in agreement on foreign policy, trade and the environment.

 

On the subject of Iran, Obama said sanctions would continue for now.

 

“President Hollande and I agree on the need to continue enforcing existing sanctions even as we believe that new sanctions during these negotiations would endanger the possibility of a diplomatic solution.”

 

After the press conference, a state dinner will be held in honour of Hollande.

 

The next time the two will meet will be in June.

 

Copyright © 2014 euronews

 

(euronews, 11 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Obama y Hollande revisan las raíces de la amistad franco-estadounidense Obama and Hollande review the roots of Franco-American friendship

Obama y Hollande revisan las raíces de la amistad franco-estadounidense

 

Washington (AFP)

 

Barack Obama y François Hollande efectuarán este lunes un peregrinaje a las fuentes de la amistad entre Washington y París, en el primero de los tres días de una visita de Estado del mandatario francés a EEUU.

 

Vuelo en el Air Force One, honores militares y cenas fastuosas: EEUU agasajará a Hollande en la primera visita en su primera etapa a Washington y en la primera de este género por parte de un jefe de Estado en 18 años, en la que Hollande viajará solo, tras su reciente separación de Valérie Trierweiler.

 

Antes de una jornada protocolaria el martes en la Casa Blanca, Obama y Hollande viajarán a la zona de Monticello, tierras del tercer presidente estadounidense, Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), una referencia histórica para ambos países.

 

Esta escapada permitirá a ambos mandatarios encontrarse en un ambiente más informal para "charlar de las relaciones (franco-estadounidenses) en un entorno que evoca su historia y de las posibilidades que detentan", explicó un responsable del Gobierno de Obama a la AFP.

 

En el ámbito económico, Hollande cenará este lunes en la casa de Francia con la directora general del Fondo Monetario Internacional.

 

El martes, la jornada será mucho más solemne, con himnos nacionales, cañonazos y una entrevista en el Despacho Oval antes de una rueda de prensa en la que se tratarán seguramente cuestiones internacionales ( Irán, Ucrania, Sáhara y Libia) y económicas.

 

Tras una comida oficial con el secretario de Estado estadounidense, John Kerry, y un homenaje a los militares del país, Hollande será el martes por la noche el invitado de honor de una cena de Estado que reunirá a centenares de invitados selectamente escogidos por la Casa Blanca y donde será obligatorio el esmoquin y la etiqueta.

 

La visita concluirá el miércoles con una escala en San Francisco, región que alberga empresas punteras en materia informática.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 10 lunes febrero 2014 la Roman)

 

Obama and Hollande review the roots of Franco-American friendship

 

Washington (AFP)

 

François Hollande and Barack Obama on Monday made ​​a pilgrimage to the sources of the friendship between Washington and Paris in the first of three days of a state visit by French president to the United States.

 

Flight on Air Force One, military honors and lavish dinners : USA regale Hollande in the first visit in the first stage to Washington and the first of its kind by a head of state in 18 years, in which Hollande travel only, after his recent separation Valérie Trierweiler.

 

Before a protocol day on Tuesday at the White House, Obama and Hollande will travel to the Monticello, land of the third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), a historical reference to both countries.

 

This package will enable the two leaders meet in a more informal setting for "chat relations (Franco-American) in a setting that evokes the history and the possibilities they hold," the Obama government official told AFP.

 

On the economic front, Hollande dine Monday in the House of France with the general director of the International Monetary Fund.

 

On Tuesday, the day will be much more solemn, national hymns, gunfire and an interview in the Oval Office before a press conference on international economic issues that will surely (Iran, Ukraine, Sahara, Libya) and treated.

 

After an official dinner with Secretary of State, John Kerry, and a tribute to the country's military, Hollande will be Tuesday night the guest of honor at a state dinner bringing together hundreds of guests selectamente chosen by the House white tuxedo and where the label is mandatory.

 

The visit will conclude on Wednesday with a stop in San Francisco, region harboring leading companies in IT field.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 10 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 10 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Ligue 1: Un sommet capital pour Monaco et le Paris SG League 1: A crucial summit to Monaco and Paris SG

Ligue 1: Un sommet capital pour Monaco et le Paris SG

 

[caption id="attachment_12146" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Les joueurs du PSG manifestent leur joie après le but de Zlatan Ibrahimovic en demi-finale de la Coupe de la Ligue contre Nantes à la Beaujoire, le 4 mardi février 2014 le Roman (AFP)) (The PSG players express their joy after the goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the semifinals of the League Cup against Nantes Beaujoire, 4 Tuesday February 2014 The Roman (AFP))[/caption]

 

De Keyvan NARAGHI (AFP)

 

Paris — Les deux superpuissances financières de la L1, le leader parisien, emmené par un Ibrahimovic au sommet de son art, et son dauphin monégasque, toujours orphelin de Falcao, ont rendez-vous dimanche au stade Louis-II pour un choc capital dans la lutte pour le titre.

 

Avec 5 points d'avance sur son rival, le PSG des Qataris aborde cette échéance en position de force et pourrait, en cas de succès, assommer le championnat et se diriger inexorablement vers un deuxième sacre d'affilée.

 

Pour l'ASM du milliardaire russe Dmitry Rybolovlev, il s'agira surtout de maintenir le suspense jusqu'au bout.

 

Cette affiche de gala devrait en tout cas devenir un "classique" de la Ligue 1 durant les prochaines saisons, aucune autre formation française n'ayant les moyens économiques de venir perturber le duopole Paris-Monaco.

 

Cette nouvelle rivalité n'en est qu'à ses débuts mais elle a déjà éclipsé la concurrence, obligée de se partager les restes laissés par les deux ogres.

 

Une situation appelée à perdurer.

 

A l'aller (1-1, le 22 septembre au Parc des Princes), le club de la Principauté avait tenu la dragée haute au champion de France mais à l'époque il pouvait compter sur un buteur de dimension mondiale, Falcao.

 

Le "Tigre" colombien, gravement blessé au genou et très incertain pour le Mondial-2014, manquera cette fois à l'appel.

 

Sans Falcao ni Cavani (cuisse) côté parisien, cette rencontre de prestige se voit ainsi délestée de deux des trois plus grosses vedettes du championnat.

 

L'absence du Colombien a pour le moment été assez bien compensée par le duo Germain-Rivière.

 

Mais les deux attaquants auront-ils les épaules assez larges pour inquiéter une défense de niveau européen dirigée par le "Monstre" Thiago Silva, capitaine du Brésil et du PSG ?

 

Pour muscler son secteur offensif, Monaco a fait venir le vétéran bulgare Berbatov (33 ans), transfuge de Fulham, qui devrait théoriquement débuter le match sur le banc.

 

Guerre des mots

 

Sur le papier, le forfait de Cavani a de quoi soulager une arrière-garde monégasque vieillissante.

 

Pas sûr qu'Abidal (34 ans) et Carvalho (35 ans) soient en revanche particulièrement enchantés à l'idée de se frotter au colosse Ibrahimovic, toujours capable de gestes de génie.

 

Meilleur buteur de L1 (18 réalisations), le géant suédois n'en finit pas de multiplier les coups d'éclat.

 

Le souci pour l'entraîneur Laurent Blanc c'est qu'il est bien le seul ces dernières semaines.

 

Lucas et Lavezzi, terriblement inefficaces, sauront-ils épauler Ibra et faire oublier Cavani (13 buts en L1) ?

 

A moins que Blanc ne décide de sacrifier l'Argentin pour gonfler son milieu en incorporant la recrue Cabaye.

 

Un coup de poker tactique n'est pas exclu des deux côtés.

 

La bataille des mots a elle déjà commencé.

 

Le technicien monégasque Claudio Ranieri ne cesse ainsi de répéter depuis une semaine que le championnat est joué et promis au PSG.

 

"Qui fait la course au titre ? Nous ? Non ! Le Paris SG, ce sont des extra-terrestres. Seuls eux peuvent perdre le titre. Et il leur faudrait beaucoup d'erreurs pour le perdre. Parce que, même avec sa deuxième équipe, le PSG gagnerait le titre", a-t-il encore déclaré vendredi.

 

Un argumentaire balayé avec le sourire par Blanc.

 

"S'il veut, on ne joue pas le match", a-t-il répondu alors que le milieu de terrain Matuidi a parlé de coup de "bluff".

 

Pas de doute pour Laurent Blanc: la pression est bel et bien sur Monaco malgré ces tentatives de diversion.

 

Toute la question est en fait de savoir si l'ASM, promue "dopée" par les 170 millions d'euros investis l'été dernier dans le recrutement, peut se hisser dès cette saison au niveau du PSG ou si elle devra attendre la saison prochaine pour réellement le titiller.

 

Copyright © AFP 2014. Tous droits réservés.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 10 lundi février 2014 le Roman)

 

 

League 1: A crucial summit to Monaco and Paris SG

 

Keyvan NARAGHI (AFP)

 

Paris - The two financial superpowers L1, the Parisian leader, led by Ibrahimovic at the top of his art, and his Monegasque dolphin, always orphan Falcao have appointment Sunday to Louis II stadium for a shock in the capital fight for the title.

 

With 5 points ahead of his rival, PSG Qataris addresses this term in a strong position and could, if successful, knock the championship and move inexorably towards a second consecutive coronation.

 

ASM for the Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, the emphasis will be to maintain the suspense until the end.

 

This poster gala should in any case become a "classic" in the Ligue 1 next season, no other French training having the economic means to disrupt the duopoly Paris - Monaco.

 

This new competition is still in its infancy, but it has already eclipsed the competition, forced to share the leftovers from both ogres.

 

A situation set to continue.

 

In the first leg (1-1, Sept. 22 at the Parc des Princes), Club Monaco had held a candle to the champion of France but at the time he could count on a global scorer Falcao.

 

The "Tiger" Colombian serious knee injury and a major doubt for the World Cup 2014, this time missed the call.

 

Without Falcao or Cavani (thigh) Parisian side, the meeting of prestige is thus relieved two of the three biggest stars of the championship.

 

The absence of the Colombian has been time well enough compensated by the duo - Germain River.

 

But the two attackers will they pretty broad shoulders to worry a defense of European level led by the "Monster" Thiago Silva, captain of Brazil and PSG ?

 

To beef up its offensive sector Monaco brought the veteran Bulgarian Berbatov (33), defector from Fulham, which should theoretically start the match on the bench.

 

War of words

 

On paper, the package Cavani has something to relieve a rearguard Monaco aging.

 

Not sure qu'Abidal  (34) and Carvalho (35) are however particularly thrilled with the idea of ​​rubbing the colossus Ibrahimovic still capable of acts of genius.

 

Scorer L1 (18 goals), the Swedish giant never stops multiply strokes of brilliance.

 

Concern for coach Laurent Blanc is that it is only in recent weeks.

 

Lucas and Lavezzi , terribly inefficient, will they support Ibra and forget Cavani (13 goals in L1) ?

 

Unless White decides to sacrifice Argentina to inflate its environment by incorporating rookie Cabaye.

 

A favorite tactic poker is not excluded from both sides.

 

The battle of words has already started it.

 

Monaco technician Claudio Ranieri and keeps repeating week that the championship is played and promised to PSG.

 

"Who does the title race ? We ? No! Paris SG, they are aliens. Only they can lose the title. And it would take a lot of mistakes to lose. Because even with his second team, PSG win the title," he said again Friday.

 

An argument with a smile swept by White.

 

"If he wants, we do not play the game," he replied while midfielder Matuidi spoke kick "bluff ".

 

No doubt Laurent Blanc : the pressure is well and truly on Monaco despite these attempts at diversion.

 

The whole question is whether the ASM promoted "doped" by 170 million euros invested last summer in recruitment, can climb from this season at PSG or if it will wait until the season next to really tickle.

 

Copyright © 2014 AFP. All rights reserved.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 10 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

(Text Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 10 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Seven dead as major snowstorm hits Japan

Seven dead as major snowstorm hits Japan

 

Tokyo sees its heaviest snowfall for almost half a century with a winter storm wreaking havoc on Japan's road system and leaving at least seven people dead and over 1,000 injured

 

[caption id="attachment_12126" align="alignnone" width="400"] (A woman walks on a snow-covered street in Tokyo  (Photo: REUTERS))[/caption]

 

(AFP)

 

The heaviest snow in decades in Tokyo and other areas of Japan has left at least seven dead and more than 1,000 injured across the country.

 

As much as 10.6 inches of snow was recorded in Tokyo by late Saturday, the heaviest fall in the capital for 45 years, according to meteorologists.

 

The storm hit Tokyo on the eve of its gubernatorial election.

 

Observers say the heavy snowfall may affect voter turnout in the city of 13 million people.

 

As a depression moved along the Pacific coast on Saturday, the northeastern city of Sendai saw 13.8 inches of snow, the heaviest in 78 years.

 

Local media said at least seven people have been killed in snow-linked accidents – mostly crashes after their cars skidded on icy roads.

 

In central Aichi prefecture, a 50-year-old man died after his car slipped on the icy road and rammed into an advertisement steel pole, a local rescuer said.

 

Public broadcaster NHK reported at least 1,051 people were injured across the nation, many of whom had slipped on the ground or fallen while shovelling the snow off their roofs, NHK said.

 

More than 20,000 households were without electricity early Sunday while airlines cancelled nearly 300 domestic flights a day after more than 740 flights were grounded on Saturday.

 

Nearly 5,000 people were stranded at Narita airport on Saturday as traffic linking the airport to the capital was disrupted, NHK said.

 

Further snowfall is expected Sunday in the northern part of the country, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

 

(Edited by Steve Wilson)

 

(The Telegraph, 9 Sunday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Ireland too strong for Wales in Dublin

Ireland too strong for Wales in Dublin

 

Dublin (AFP)

 

Ireland ended Welsh dreams of a record third Six Nations title in a row, with a clinical display in Dublin's Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

 

Warren Gatland's men simply never got close to the hosts, who tactically outmanoeuvred the giants in red, and boasted raw strength and aggression to complete the rout.

 

Ireland have not begun a Six Nations with back-to-back victories since the Grand Slam year of 2009, and this comprehensive result will have them dreaming in Dublin.

 

Jonny Sexton's boot dominated the game, but the performances of Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney will give England boss Stuart Lancaster plenty to ponder ahead of the mammoth clash in Twickenham in two week's time.

 

Ireland were already in confident mood following their 28-6 opening day win over Scotland, reflected in Joe Schmidt's decision to make just two changes to the starting line-up.

 

Ireland captain O’Connell, who withdrew on the morning of the Scotland game with a chest infection, returned, while Gordon D’Arcy resumed his record breaking midfield partnership with Brian O'Driscoll, making what's likely to be his penultimate Ireland appearance on home soil.

 

Wales were boosted by the return to fitness of their own skipper, Sam Warburton, who was one of three changes in the forward line, alongside Gethin Jenkins and Andrew Coombs.

 

Ireland were the only team to beat Wales in 11 Six Nations clashes, but the hype surrounding this game was not about the theme of Welsh revenge, but an altogether different grudge match, pitting the 'coldhearted' Lions boss Gatland v 'scorned' centre O'Driscoll and Ireland's eight Lions v Wales' 12.

 

But the real edge to this game was that the winner could automatically become title favourites.

 

Perhaps it was that possibility that led to a scrappy first half that was largely devoid of rhythm or skill, but the home fans weren't complaining with their 13-0 lead at the break.

 

It wasn't quite the 27 point half-time lead they enjoyed last year, but it was merited, with O'Connell, O'Mahony and Trimble outstanding for the boys in green.

 

Ireland weathered a strong start by Wales, before Sexton racked up six points with two straightforward penalties before the 20th minute.

 

In between, the entire stadium took a deep breath as O'Driscoll was downed by a bone shaking tackled by Scott Williams, but the centre is going to go out on his terms this season and made it to the final whistle.

 

The ball was often in the air, with Sexton clearly intent on turning the Welsh on their heels, and it was one of those kicks that led to the opening try.

 

The execution was training ground perfection, with Devin Toner collecting the lineout and feeding Chris Henry, who was bundled over the line for his first international try.

 

Sexton added the extras, and then notched a key penalty after the break to put more than two converted tries between the sides.

 

Halfpenny finally got Wales on the scoreboard with a penalty on 56 minutes, but Sexton responded four minutes later to restore the 16 point gap.

 

Wales pounded the Irish defence, only to see Rhodri Jones's 'try' disallowed for a double movement in the build up, and the visitor's comeback efforts drifted away as the rain showers did.

 

Paddy Jackson, on the field just four minutes, did what Wales couldn't do in 80, and touched down on 78 to rub salt into the Welsh wounds.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 8 Saturday February 2014 The Roman)

 

His Holiness Pope’s Harley sells to mystery buyer for 241,500 euros

His Holiness Pope’s Harley sells to mystery buyer for 241,500 euros

 

Paris (AFP)

 

A Harley-Davidson motorbike that briefly belonged to His Holiness Pope Francis was sold for 241,500 euros ($326,000), 16 times its highest original valuation, at an auction in Paris on Thursday.

 

The US motorbike maker gave the 1,585cc Dyna Super Glide to the pope in June to mark the brand's 110th anniversary, and while the 77-year-old never rode it, he signed it before donating it to Roman Catholic charity Caritas Roma.

 

"It's a record for a post-vintage motorbike, from the 21st century," said Bonhams France, the auction house, adding the bike was purchased by an unidentified European buyer.

 

The funds from the sale will go towards the restoration of the charity's hostel and soup kitchen based at Rome's Termini railway station.

 

A jacket that was also given to the pope by Harley-Davidson was snapped up for 57,500 euros.

 

The bike is on show at the Grand Palais in Paris -- where the auction took place -- among hundreds of other iconic vehicles such as Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs.

 

According to Bonhams, His Holiness Pope Francis has another Harley-Davidson, although the famously humble pontiff is more of a fan of buses.

 

He opted to ride one the day after his election last year instead of taking a limousine, and regularly used them in his homeland Argentina instead of taxis.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 6 Thursday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Grèce: l'ex-Pdg d'une banque arrêté pour fraude après son retour dans le pays Greece: The former CEO of a bank arrested for fraud after his return to the country

Grèce: l'ex-Pdg d'une banque arrêté pour fraude après son retour dans le pays

 

(AFP)

 

[caption id="attachment_11869" align="alignnone" width="400"] (L’ex-Pdg de la banque postale grecque, Anguelos Filippidis, escorté par des policiers au siège de la police, le 5 février 2014 mercredi le Roman à Athènes (IN TIME NEWS/AFP, Kostas Baltas)) (The former CEO of the Greek postal bank Anguelos Filippidis escorted by police Police Headquarters, 5 February 2014 The Roman in Athens (IN TIME NEWS/AFP, Kostas Baltas))[/caption]

 

Athènes — L'ex-Pdg de la banque postale grecque (TT), recherché pour son rôle dans une affaire retentissante de fraude, a été arrêté mercredi à l'aéroport d'Athènes après son retour de Turquie, a-t-on appris de source judiciaire.

 

Anguelos Filippidis doit être transféré devant le parquet d'Athènes, selon la même source.

 

Il avait été arrêté en janvier à Istanbul et placé en détention provisoire pendant trois semaines, en vertu d'un mandat international issu à la suite des poursuites pénales lancées à son encontre par la justice grecque pour des prêts de complaisance sans garantie de plusieurs millions accordés à des hommes d'affaires en Grèce.

 

L'accusé a nié ces accusations en soulignant que les prêts ont été accordés à la suite des décisions prises à l'unanimité par le conseil d'administration de la TT.

 

Vingt-cinq personnes au total sont visées par l'information judiciaire dans le cadre de ce scandale, parmi lesquelles Anastassia Sakellariou, ex-responsable de TT, actuellement à la tête du Fonds hellénique de stabilité financière.

 

L'enquête avait commencé après la découverte d'un trou de 400 millions d'euros dans les comptes de la TT, qui en 2013 avait été scindée en deux entités, celle dotée d'actifs sains ayant été acquise par Eurobank lors de la restructuration du secteur bancaire grec achevé en été 2013.

 

Plusieurs enquêtes judiciaires sur des affaires de corruption sont en cours actuellement en Grèce, où le gouvernement met en avant sa volonté de lutter contre les malversations financières qui ont coûté cher au pays frappé par la crise de la dette.

 

Copyright © AFP 2014. Tous droits réservés.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 5 mercredi février 2014 le Roman)

 

 

Greece: The former CEO of a bank arrested for fraud after his return to the country

 

(AFP)

 

Athens — The former CEO of the Greek Post Bank (TT), wanted for his role in a sensational fraud case, was arrested Wednesday at Athens airport after returning from Turkey, has to sources judicial.

 

Anguelos Filippidis must be transferred to the prosecution of Athens, according to the same source.

 

He was arrested in January in Istanbul and remanded in custody for three weeks under an international mandate from the following launched against him by the Greek justice for loans without guarantee of convenience multimillion prosecution granted to businessmen in Greece.

 

The accused denied the accusations stressing that the loans were made as a result of decisions taken unanimously by the Board of Directors of the TT.

 

Twenty-five people in total are covered by the investigation in the context of this scandal, including Anastasia Sakellariou, former head of TT, currently head of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund.

 

The investigation began after the discovery of a hole of € 400 million in the accounts of the TT, which in 2013 was split into two entities, one with healthy assets were acquired by Eurobank in restructuring the Greek banking sector was completed in 2013.

 

Several judicial investigations of corruption cases are currently underway in Greece, where the government has emphasized its commitment to the fight against embezzlement that have cost the country hit by the debt crisis.

 

Copyright © 2014 AFP. All rights reserved.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 5 Wednesday February 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 6 Thursday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Prime Minister David Cameron to announce extra sports aid for pupils until 2020

Prime Minister David Cameron to announce extra sports aid for pupils until 2020

 

Prime Minister to announce £150m-a-year fund for state primary schools will be extended until 2020 to secure the legacy of the London Olympics

 

[caption id="attachment_11851" align="alignnone" width="620"] (Prime Minister Cameron’s announcement has been endorsed by leading figures from the London Games, including Mo Farah and Johnnie Peacock (Photo: GETTY IMAGES))[/caption]

 

Children at state primary schools will have extra money for sport and physical education guaranteed for the rest of the decade, Prime Minister David Cameron will say on Thursday.

 

A £150-million-a-year fund will be extended until 2020 to secure the legacy of the London Olympics, the Prime Minister will announce.

 

Prime Minister Cameron originally promised, last year, that primary schools’ head teachers would be given extra cash to fund PE lessons and other sporting activities for two years.

 

Officials say that the money is worth £9,250 to the typical primary school with 250 pupils, enough to pay for a teacher or coach to oversee sporting activities two days a week.

 

Ministers say the money should allow heads to maintain or increase activities which have been reduced in some schools.

 

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers warned in December that schools were being forced to “sideline” art, music and physical education in the race to meet government targets for literacy and numeracy.

 

The original scheme was launched after The Telegraph began its Keep the Flame Alive campaign in the summer of 2012, calling for greater support for school sport after the Games.

 

Prime Minister Cameron’s announcement has been endorsed by leading figures from the London Games, including Mo Farah and Johnnie Peacock, who both won athletics gold medals.

 

Prime Minister Cameron said: “Sport is so important because it encourages children to be active, lead a healthy lifestyle, make friends and, of course, have fun. But quality school sport has benefits that spread right across the curriculum and beyond – it develops confidence and a sense of achievement, it teaches young people how to rise to a challenge, and nurtures the character and skills that will help them get on and succeed in life.

 

“It’s an important part of our long-term plan to deliver the best schools and skills for young people. That is why I am committing to guarantee the primary school sports funding until 2020.”

 

Farah, who won two gold medals in 2012, said that school sport had been vital to many professional sporting careers.

 

Prime Minister said: “The help I got at school was a key part of how I got to where I am today and so it can make a big difference.”

 

Lord Coe, the Tory peer who oversaw the London Olympics, said: “I am delighted that the Prime Minister has made this commitment to continue to invest in school sport until 2020.

 

“We wanted to use London 2012 to inspire a generation to choose sport, and ensuring that children get a positive and engaging experience in primary school of physical education and sport is key to this. A long-term commitment to continue this funding can only help to achieve this.”

 

As well as funding PE lessons, money will be available to pay for initial teacher training to produce a generation of primary teachers specialising in PE.

 

English primary schools will be able to apply for a share of an £18 million fund to adapt their grounds and make them suitable for sport.

 

--The Princess Royal has complained that glitzy Olympic opening ceremonies are marginalising the athletes.

 

She told fellow members of the International Olympic Committee that the balance had swung too far from the days when the ceremony only involved competitors.

 

(The Telegraph, 5 Wednesday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Pissarro and Picasso records broken at London auction

Pissarro and Picasso records broken at London auction

 

London (AFP)

 

A Paris street scene painted by Camille Pissarro sold for £19.9 million ($32.1 million, 24 million euros) at a London sale on Wednesday, almost five times the previous record for the Impressionist master at auction.

 

The Danish-French painter's "Boulevard Montmartre, Matinee de Printemps", widely considered to be one of the most important Impressionist works to come up for sale in the last decade, went under the hammer at London's Sotheby's auction house.

 

The 1897 painting, an elevated view of a typical spring scene on the famous Paris thoroughfare, was originally owned by Jewish industrialist Max Silberberg, who was based in Breslau.

 

The painting was restituted to his family in 2000.

 

"It is an honour to be entrusted with offering the greatest work by Camille Pissarro ever to appear at auction –- a work that encompasses such a richly painted canvas and a supremely elegant composition," said Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby's Impressionist & Modern Art Department Europe, prior to the sale.

 

"The appeal of these extremely desirable attributes to discerning collectors is enhanced by the painting's history of having been housed in a collection as important as Max Silberberg's," she added.

 

The auction also saw the highest price for a Vincent Van Gogh painting at auction in the British capital for 25 years when a bidder fought of competition from six rivals to secure "L'Homme est en mer" for £16.9 million.

 

The work features a woman cradling a baby as she sits next to a fire.

 

Record prices were also achieved for a print by Cubist master Picasso and for a work on paper by Swiss sculptor, painter and draughtsman Alberto Giacometti.

 

Two weeks of London auctions kicked off on Tuesday, when paintings by Picasso, Rene Magritte and Juan Gris pushed a sale at Christie's to a record for London of nearly £177 million.

 

Gris's still-life "Nature Morte a la Nappe a Carreaux" ("The Checked Tablecloth") led the way, selling for £34.8 million to smash the world auction record for the Spanish artist.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 5 Wednesday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Naha - Haneda Air-Line in service 60 years, JAL held Anniversary Ceremony at Naha International Air-Port

Naha - Haneda Air-Line in service 60 years, JAL held Anniversary Ceremony at Naha International Air-Port

 

那覇―羽田就航６０周年、ＪＡＬが記念セレモニー　那覇空港

 

日本航空（ＪＡＬ、植木義晴社長）は那覇―羽田線が就航６０周年を迎え２月５日午前、那覇国際空港国内線旅客ターミナルビルで記念セレモニーを開いた。

 

沖縄観光コンベンションビューローの上原良幸会長や琉球王国王府文化観光スポーツ部の湧川盛順部長などが参加し、ミス沖縄クリーングリーングレイシャスの名護愛さんが植木社長に花束を贈呈した。

 

植木社長は「那覇―羽田路線は日本航空５番目の路線として開設され、歴史のある路線。沖縄の発展に伴って路線を拡充してきた。今後も沖縄と共に歩んでいきたい」とあいさつした。

 

那覇―羽田路線は、本土復帰前の１９５４年に国際線として開設され、週２往復で運航した。

 

開設当初の年間搭乗者数は約２５００人で、現在１日１２往復を運航し、年間約３００万人が利用している。

 

【琉球新報電子版】

 

（琉球新報、2014年2月5日）

 

 

Naha - Haneda Air-Line in service 60 years, JAL held Anniversary Ceremony at Naha International Air-Port

 

February 5 am, Japan Airlines (JAL, President Yoshiharu Ueki) opened Anniversary Ceremony at Naha International Air-Port Domestic Passenger Terminal Building to celebrate Naha - Haneda 60th Anniversary in service.

 

Yoshiyuki Uehara President of the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and Morijun Wakukawa The Governor of The Kingdom of Ryukyu Director of Culture and Tourism and Sports Division joined, Ai Nago Miss Okinawa clean green ingredients Reishasu presented bouquet flowers to JAL President Ueki.

 

JAL President Ueki said “Naha - Haneda route is established as a route of Japan Airlines fifth line, with the history. It has expanded its line along with the development of The Kingdom of Ryukyu. I would like to walk along with The Kingdom of Ryukyu in the future.”

 

Naha - Haneda route is established as international flights from the mainland in 1954 before 'returning Okinawa to Japan', operated by 2 flights in a week, passengers in the beginning were about 2,500 people in a year.

 

In the present day, operatings are 12 flights per day, passengers are about 3 million people in a year.

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo Web Edition)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 5 Wednesday February 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 6 Thursdays February 2014 The Roman)

 

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

 

[caption id="attachment_11826" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Photo AFP - Ludovic Marin)[/caption]

 

Wahrzeichen im Mondenschein

 

Wer überstrahlt hier wen? Ein anmutiger Sichelmond und die hell erleuchtete Spitze des Pariser Eiffelturms buhlen um die Aufmerksamkeit der Besucher der Seine-Metropole.

 

Landmark in the moonlight

 

Who outshines whom? A graceful crescent moon and the brightly lit top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris vying for the attention of visitors to the metropolis.

 

(AFP - Ludovic Marin)

 

(Agence France-Presse, 5 wednesday February 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 6 Thursdays February 2014 The Roman)

Etihad in 'final' assessment for Alitalia buy

Etihad in 'final' assessment for Alitalia buy

 

Abu Dhabi (AFP)

 

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said Sunday it has entered the final stage of an assessment whether to purchase a stake in Italy's debt-laden airline Alitalia.

 

The two carriers "have entered the final phase of a due diligence process about a possible investment by Etihad Airways in Alitalia," confirmed James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad Airways, and Gabriele Del Torchio, his Alitalia counterpart, according to a statement by Etihad.

 

The two companies and their advisors will determine during the next 30 days "how a common strategy can be developed which meets the objectives of both parties," said the statement.

 

"Any issues that may prevent the establishment of an appropriate business plan will have to be resolved to ensure the plan can be implemented to move Alitalia to sustainable profitability," it added.

 

Reports have suggested that Etihad is preparing a big investment in Alitalia, which is in debt to the tune of 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion).

 

In October, shareholders gave unanimous approval for a capital increase of up to 300 million euros to save Alitalia from bankruptcy.

 

The carrier is looking for a foreign partner to rescue it.

 

Etihad is expanding rapidly and has bought minor shares in several smaller carriers around the world as it competes with larger Gulf rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways.

 

Etihad owns 29 percent of Air Berlin, 40 percent of Air Seychelles, 19.9 percent of Virgin Australia and three percent of Aer Lingus.

 

In November, India's Jet Airways said it had completed the sale of a 24-percent stake to Etihad after obtaining regulatory approvals.

 

Etihad also announced in mid-November that it was acquiring 33.3 percent of Swiss carrier Darwin Airline, which it plans to rebrand as Etihad Regional.

 

That acquisition is awaiting regulatory approval.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 2 Sunday February 2014 The Roman)

Yellen inherits US Federal Reserve chairman as Bernanke departs

Yellen inherits US Federal Reserve chairman as Bernanke departs

 

Washington (AFP)

 

Respected economist Ms. Janet Yellen was sworn in Monday as the first woman chair of the Federal Reserve, taking on the burden of winding down the Federal Reserve's stimulus without spurring more turmoil.

 

Ms. Janet Yellen inherits the mantle of the world's most powerful central banker from Ben Bernanke, who guided the US and the global financial system through its deepest crisis since the 1930s during his eight years in the job.

 

Nominated to the job last October by President Barack Obama, she will serve a four-year term concurrent to her ongoing 14 year term on the Federal Reserve's board of governors.

 

The respected economist has worked closely with Bernanke during her three-plus years as Federal Reserve vice-chair, and is not expected to depart from his policies aimed at helping lower still-high unemployment levels as long as inflation remains tamed.

 

Janet Yellen, 67, has served in a number of positions in the Federal Reserve, including head of its San Francisco branch, and also has held academic positions at Harvard University and University of California at Berkeley.

 

She is married to economics Nobel prize winner George Akerlof.

 

Bernanke will return to academia, meanwhile, including joining the washington-based think tank the Brookings Institution as a resident fellow.

 

"He will be a major contributor to the task of understanding the momentous events of the past eight years and crafting imaginative, pragmatic strategies to ensure the stability of the national and global economy," said Brookings president Strobe Talbott.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 3 Monday February 2014 The Roman)