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Lee Carsley Food and drink Roy Hodgson Folk music Laws of football US foreign policy
Friday, September 30, 2011
Jonathan pledges to tackle polio
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has told philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that he is determined to eradicate polio within two years.
|||Abuja - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan told philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Thursday that he was determined to eradicate polio within two years after the crippling disease re-emerged earlier this year.
Cases of polio, which has been largely controlled only after years of effort and vaccination programmes, increased this year as officials apparently let down their guard and turned their attention to other problems.
“I can assure you that we will work very hard on polio with the objective of eradicating it in the next 24 months,” Jonathan told Gates.
He said he would set up a special government task force to work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to achieve that goal.
The foundation said Nigeria's efforts to eradicate the crippling but preventable disease peaked in 2009 and 2010 but this year, “attention to polio waned”.
Polio has now re-emerged with over 30 cases reported in six northern states.
Thirty-six powerful Nigerian state governors on Thursday signed a statement re-confirming their February 2009 commitment to the eradication of polio.
They stated their commitment to providing “active leadership” in the activities, including routine immunisation, aimed at eradicating the disease.
They confirmed their pledge to reach at least 90 percent of children with polio vaccine with the goal of wiping out polio from the country and improve routine immunisation.
In the statement signed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the chairperson of the governors' forum, Rotimi Amaechi, they pledged to allocate additional financial and human resources to the anti-polio campaigns.
Gates on Thursday later expressed confidence that polio can be stopped in Nigeria and commended the country's leaders for redoubling their resolve to help finish polio once and for all, the Foundation said in a statement
“I am encouraged that President Jonathan and leaders throughout the country have reaffirmed their commitment to make Nigeria polio free, and to contribute to making the world free of this crippling disease once and for all,” he said.
“Their renewed leadership can stop the resurgence in polio cases we have seen this year,” the Foundation quoted him as saying.
“Nigeria should be proud of its tremendous success in the fight against polio, but we are at a crossroads and the stakes are high,” said Gates. “If there is polio anywhere, there is a risk of polio everywhere.”
Gates also said that his foundation is a committed partner in the fight against polio eradication.
This is Gates's third visit to Nigeria in three years. During the trips he met political, traditional leaders and representatives of non-governmental agencies.
Nigeria is one of four countries along with India, Pakistan and Afghanistan where polio was never totally eradicated in a global health campaign.
The United Nations has blamed the resurgence of polio in Nigeria to a fall-off in vaccination rates, with some people suspicious of the programme.
The disease once crippled and killed children worldwide until a concerted eradication campaign was started in 1988. - Sapa-AFP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/jonathan-pledges-to-tackle-polio-1.1147686
Opera Egypt Florida Global climate talks John Barnes Butterflies
Surprise Catch of Bluefin Tuna in Icelandic Waters
The crew of Baldvin Nj�lsson GK from Gardur were stunned to discover 12 bluefin tunas in their mid-water trawl while fishing for mackerel 50 nautical miles east of Dj�pivogur, southeast Iceland, earlier this month.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382740
Mervyn King Consumer affairs International criminal court Annuities Iain Chambers Peter Beagrie
Gaddafi spokesman captured - NTC
Muammar Gaddafi's spokesman Mussa Ibrahim was captured outside Sirte, field commanders from the new regime told AFP.
|||Sirte -
Muammar Gaddafi's spokesman Mussa Ibrahim was captured on Thursday outside of the former Libyan strongman's hometown of Sirte, field commanders from the new regime told AFP.
“Misrata fighters contacted us and gave us the information that Mussa Ibrahim has been captured,” said Mustafa bin Dardef, of the National Transitional Council's Zintan Brigade.
Another commander, Mohammed al-Marimi, said: “Mussa Ibrahim was captured while driving outside Sirte by fighters from Misrata.”
He said there were reports that Ibrahim was dressed as a woman, but that he could not immediately confirm that. - Sapa-AFP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/gaddafi-spokesman-captured-ntc-1.1147613
Qatar Redrow David Lynch Mervyn King Consumer affairs International criminal court
Del Bosque keeps faith in Torres
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has included Fernando Torres in his squad for matches against Czech Republic and Scotland.
|||Madrid – Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has kept faith with Chelsea striker Fernando Torres for the Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Czech Republic and Scotland.
Torres did not make the matchday squad for Spain's previous match and his place was under threat from in-form Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, who has scored six goals this season.
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol returns to the squad after injury. The 33-year-old defender hasn't played for the national team since a 4-0 friendly loss to Portugal on November 17 last year.
The only uncapped player in the 23-man squad is Valencia defender Jordi Alba.
Spain, which has already qualified for Euro 2012, plays at the Czech Republic on October 7 and hosts Scotland on October 12. – Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/del-bosque-keeps-faith-in-torres-1.1148255
Scotland Aston villa Discrimination at work Wigan Athletic Awards and prizes Animals
Chinese Taught in Icelandic Elementary Schools
Last school year 23 pupils in Icelandic elementary schools studied Chinese, which has not been taught before at compulsory school level in Iceland since Statistics Iceland began collecting data on foreign language studies in 1999.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382658
United Kingdom Qatar Redrow David Lynch Mervyn King Consumer affairs
Thursday, September 29, 2011
United stay on course
Supersport United returned to the top of the Premiership log after holding Moroka Swallows to a draw at Dobsonville Stadium.
|||Johannesburg - Former three-time champions Supersport United returned to the top of the Absa Premiership log after they held Moroka Swallows to a 1-1 draw at Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night.
Gavin Hunt's charges drew first blood when Glen Salmon struck in the first half, while Swallows got their equaliser from a deflected Macbeth Sibaya shot in the second period.
Right from the start it was evident that United were keen to sweep Gordon Igesund's charges off their feet, but they came across a gritty Swallows outfit on the night.
The visitors eventually broke through when Salmon connected with a shot from Dipsy Selolwane, intended for goal, before beating Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia with a well taken back heel in the 15th minute.
Joseph Makhanya had come close to opening his account early for the Birds, but his fierce shot went centimetres over the bar.
Half an hour later Makhanya was in the picture again, beating Tebogo Langerman for pace, but once more his attempt missed the target.
Swallows pushed forward and United keeper Ronwen Williams did well to save a Bennett Chenene shot in the 36th minute.
Chenene added to the Birds' frustration when he failed to beat Williams in a one-on-one situation before the break.
There was drama again in the 63rd minute when SuperSport captain Morgan Gould was sent off for an early shower after a second bookable offence.
Swallows were eventually rewarded when Macbeth Sibaya's goalbound shot was deflected into the net by Mario Booysen in the 76th minute, much to the delight of the few home fans in attendance.
After the equaliser, the Birds had their opponents against the ropes as the contest faded to a dull finish. - Sapa
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/united-stay-on-course-1.1146757
Oscars Peter Crouch Short breaks Sepp Blatter Mikel Arteta Ukraine
Census row sparks riots in Mauritania
Demonstrators threw rocks and set fire to cars in Nouakchott during a protest against a government census which critics say discriminates against black citizens.
|||Nouakchott - Demonstrators threw rocks and set fire to cars in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott on Thursday during a protest against a government census which critics say discriminates against blacks.
The riot followed similar protests in the south of the country on Tuesday in which a man was killed when police fired live rounds and teargas grenades.
A Reuters reporter saw one car in flames and said hundreds of protesters were on the capital's streets. Several youths were throwing rocks as groups of police in riot gear arrived, arresting some of the demonstrators.
Protesters say many black people have been excluded from the census after being asked questions about their origin, raising the risk that they will not be eligible for new biometric identity cards due to be introduced shortly.
“This census is solely aimed at depriving black Mauritanians of their citizenship,” said Abdul Birane Wane, leader of the protest movement.
Mauritania, a poor, mostly desert nation struggling with a growing presence of al-Qaeda-linked militants, has a long history of tension between Arabs and blacks, who make up a large minority of of its population and have long complained of being treated as second-class citizens. - Reuters
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/census-row-sparks-riots-in-mauritania-1.1147684
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No celebrations for Wenger
There will be no celebrations to mark Arsene Wenger's 15th anniversary as Arsenal manager on Saturday, just a north London derby at Tottenham the following day.
|||London – There will be no celebrations to mark Arsene Wenger's 15th anniversary as Arsenal manager on Saturday, just a north London derby at Tottenham the following day.
The Frenchman is not in a celebratory mood after seeing his team win just twice in its six Premier League matches this season.
“There is plenty not to be happy about,” Wenger said. “I never look back and I am not an anniversary fan. In top-level sport you have to see what comes next and try to focus on that.”
The former Monaco and Nagoya Grampus Eight manager has won the Premier League title three times, but with Arsenal failing to win a major trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, the pressure on him has been mounting.
With fans' memories fading of how Wenger has revolutionised the setup at Arsenal and the unbeaten league campaign in 2003-04, there have even been calls for the 61-year-old manager to be fired.
“We all have trust in the manager and we now need to go and show the people that they are wrong,” midfielder Alex Song said.
Arsenal goes into the derby 13th in the standings, while Tottenham is sixth although just two points ahead.
Morale has been raised at Arsenal by a run of three wins: over Olympiakos in the Champions League, Bolton in the Premier League and Shrewsbury in the League Cup.
“I think we have a good opportunity to show we can do something in the league this year,” Song said. “That is why we are motivated to go there and get something positive.”
Tottenham has bounced back from its own poor start - successive losses -by winning twice and drawing once.
Key to the revival has been former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has scored three in three games since joining on loan from Manchester City.
“In the big games he will want to show he is not 'dead,'“ Song said. “Everyone put him down when he went to Manchester City but I am very happy for him. We know Adebayor is a very good player.”
As long as he keeps his cool. He enraged Arsenal fans by pleading for a move to Manchester City and then performing an outrageous goal celebration when playing against his old club in 2009.
“There is always aggravation when players leave clubs but he will get on and hopefully play well,” Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said.
Manchester rivals United and City are leading the way this season, unbeaten and separated only by goal difference at the top.
But both had difficult midweek matches in the Champions League.
United hosts Norwich on Saturday fresh from a 3-3 draw against Basel that left it with just two draws in the group stage so far.
City heads to nearby Blackburn on Saturday with more serious issues after striker Carlos Tevez was suspended for apparently refusing to come off the bench in Tuesday's 2-0 loss at Bayern Munich.
“We need to try to help Carlos,” said Pablo Zabaleta, a teammate for City and Argentina. “He has been a really important player for us in the last two years but maybe this season he has had more games on the bench.
“Sometimes that is difficult, and more so for strikers, who need to play, need to score, need to feel confidence.”
Just two other teams remain unbeaten after six matches: fourth-place Newcastle, who are at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, and Aston Villa, who are eighth and hosts Wigan.
Also Saturday, Liverpool is at Everton for the Merseyside derby and Sunderland hosts West Bromwich Albion.
On Sunday, bottom-place Bolton hosts Chelsea, Fulham takes on Queens Park Rangers in a west London derby and Swansea faces Stoke. – Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/no-celebrations-for-wenger-1.1147478
Food and drink Roy Hodgson Folk music Laws of football US foreign policy St Petersburg
UNESCO Recognizes Iceland?s Katla Geopark
UNESCO recently added nine geoparks out of 16 applicants to its Global Network of National Geoparks, including Katla Geopark in the region surrounding M�rdalsj�kull glacier in south Iceland, which covers the volcano Katla.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382695
Liza Minnelli Alastair Cook Housing market Dennis Bergkamg Noel Coward North and Central America
Cycling, Singing Fundraiser Completes Iceland Trip
Daniel Hutton from England has just completed his seven-week, 3,000-kilometer trip around Iceland. He cycled and sung to raise funds for Lj�sid, a rehabilitation and support center for cancer patients and their families in Iceland, and The Carers? Resource in Harrogate.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382657
Energy industry Fulham Human rights Sweden Green politics Energy
Afghanistan summit in Oslo
Norway has quietly gathered representatives from India, Iran, Pakistan, the US and several other nations to take part in�talks in Oslo, Norway on the situation in Afghanistan.(Photo: Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr St�re)
Source: http://www.norwaypost.no/news/afghanistan-summit-in-oslo-25772.html
Lisa Allardice Xabi Alonso Borrowing & debt The X Factor Cobham Craig Bellamy
Danes to Film Story by Hallgr�mur Helgason
The Danish film producer Miso Film has acquired the rights to film Icelandic author Hallgr�mur Helgason?s novel 10 r�d til ad haetta ad drepa f�lk og byrja ad vaska upp (?10 Pieces of Advice on How to Stop Killing People and Start Doing the Dishes?).Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382521
Women Economic growth (GDP) CVs Sam Allardyce Rob Brydon BBC1
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
?If a shark takes me, blame me, not the shark?
The man who was attacked by a shark off Fish Hoek beach had often been warned of the dangers, according to a witness.
|||The man who was attacked by a shark off Fish Hoek in Cape Town was in a critical condition on Wednesday night after losing both his legs in a shark attack.
Witnesses said the man, named as Michael Cohen, had gone swimming despite warnings that a shark was circling close to the beach.
The 43-year-old is said to have swum regularly at Fish Hoek beach, notorious for great white shark sightings, even telling fellow beachgoers: “If a shark takes me, then blame me, not the shark.''
Witnesses said he parked his car and then walked right past a flag indicating that the beach was closed. At least two people warned him that a shark had been seen, but he strode into the water anyway.
Tracy Sassen, a former South African surfing champion, watched as Cohen was taken by the four-metre shark only a few metresfrom the beach.
“I saw two swimmers in the sea, even though the beach was closed,” she said. “I saw a burst of water and thought it was a seal taking a fish or something. Then people started rushing into the sea and pulling this guy out of the water. He was moaning and crying and pleading with them, ‘Please help me, please help me’.
“He was very white and in shock. Half of one leg was missing and the ankle on the other leg was badly bitten.”
Monwabisi Sikweyiya, one of the shark-spotters who guards the bay each day, helped drag Cohen from the water and used his own shorts and belt as tourniquets.
He said of the victim: “He was very interested in sharks and respected them, but never took any notice of our warnings.
“We warned him often that he was taking a risk, but he always said ‘If a shark takes me, then blame me, not the shark’.”
The shark remained in the bay for some time after the attack and the beach will remain closed indefinitely. Sharks have claimed a number of swimmers and surfers there in recent years.
Last night Cohen was expected to undergo at least six hours of surgery in Cape Town for “very serious injuries”. It is believed the keen swimmer, who is single, was born in Canada but holds a British passport and spent several years living in the UK before moving to South Africa. The latest incident comes just weeks after British honeymooner Ian Redmond, 30, was killed by a shark as his bride watched him snorkelling in the Seychelles. - Daily Mail
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/if-a-shark-takes-me-blame-me-not-the-shark-1.1146909
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Pulis not stoked with schedule
Stoke manager Tony Pulis says his club should not have to keep playing away games in the Premier League following Europa League dates.
|||STOKE, United Kingdom – Stoke manager Tony Pulis says his club should not have to keep playing away games in the Premier League following Europa League dates, just days after Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blamed television schedules for creating “ridiculous situations” for teams playing in Europe.
Ferguson says the money coming from broadcasters means they are calling the tune on match schedules but Pulis is aggrieved at the way his team appears to have to travel round after midweek European action.
He said Wednesday he found it “unbelievable” his side may have as many as eight away games following European matches, having already endured three.
“Television revenue has been of enormous value to football clubs in England,” Pulis said ahead of Stoke's meeting with Turkey's Besiktas on Thursday which will precede a Sunday trip to Swansea.
“But I also think there should be a chance for clubs, if they are in Europe, to sit down with the Premier League, the Football Association and the television companies and arrange the fixtures in a way that will help those clubs.
“If we are representing England, you'd expect the English FA to do their damnedest to give you the best opportunity to do well, not only domestically, but in Europe.
“I think there has to be a change somewhere along the line where you actually sit down before the fixtures come out,” Pulis said.
“We know the dates that are given by Uefa early enough, so is there any chance we can work to a system where we are not playing six away games (after each of their Europa League Group E matches)?
“In fact it's eight, because we played two away games after two of our qualifying games, which is an unbelievable statistic.” – Sapa-AFP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/pulis-not-stoked-with-schedule-1.1146547
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London Royal Opera House in Cinema in Iceland
Icelandic entertainment company Sena will offer live broadcast from operas and ballets in cooperation with the Royal Opera House in London this winter. The first show will be the opera Faust by Charles Gounod on September 28.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382520
Horse racing BBC Entertainment South Korea Employment law Liverpool
Reykjav�k Club Icelandic Champion in Football
Reykjav�k club KR earned its 25th Icelandic Championship title in football by beating Fylkir, also from Reykjav�k, 3-2 last night. KR actually won the first ever Icelandic Championship in 1912 and the Iceland Cup earlier this season.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382566
Rob Brydon BBC1 Middle East Property Vladimir Putin Russell Brand
Egypt convicts Mubarak's info minister
An Egyptian court has convicted Mubarak's powerful information minister on corruption charges and sentenced him to 7 years in prison.
|||Cairo - An Egyptian court has convicted Hosni Mubarak's powerful information minister on corruption charges and sentenced him to seven years in prison.
Anas al-Fiqqi's conviction on Wednesday is the latest by an Egyptian court of former regime figures. Those already convicted and sentenced include the former interior and tourism ministers, as well as former ruling party stalwart and steel magnate Ahmed Ezz.
Former state television chief, Osama el-Sheikh, was sentenced to five years in the same case as al-Fiqqi's.
Mubarak himself is on trial on charges that he ordered the use of deadly force against protesters in the 18-day uprising that toppled him in February. His two sons, businessman Alaa and one-time heir apparent Gamal, are also on trial on corruption charges. - Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/egypt-convicts-mubarak-s-info-minister-1.1146544
European Union Royal Bank of Scotland Beach holidays Electronic music Carlos Tevez Oscars
Salmon prices lowest in eight years
Norwegian salmon farmers are at present exporting their fish at a loss. It is eight years since the price on salmon was as low as it is now, NRK reports.
Source: http://www.norwaypost.no/fisheries-and-fish-farming/salmon-prices-lowest-in-eight-years-25766.html
Liverpool US military Motoring Guantánamo Bay TV ratings Paul Myners
Guinea blitz leaves two dead
Two people were killed when Guinea security forces wielding truncheons and teargas grenades cracked down on an opposition protest in Conakry.
|||Conakry - Two people were killed when Guinea security forces wielding truncheons and teargas grenades cracked down on an opposition protest in the capital on Tuesday, hospital sources said.
Tensions are rising in the West African state ahead of a parliamentary election that the opposition says is being rigged in advance by President Alpha Conde.
A doctor at Conakry's Donka Hospital told reporters on condition of anonymity that the hospital had received two corpses - one apparently stabbed to death and the other apparently beaten to death.
Leading opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo, who had organised the rally, said three people had been killed and that security forces had used live rounds.
“We have collected bullet casings, but the clearest proof is the dead bodies,” Diallo told reporters. “I'm being told now of three dead, but I am waiting for the Red Cross and the country's medical services to give me a full report.”
Residents said violence had broken out in the late morning in the Conakry suburbs of Bambeto and Bomboli, strongholds of the opposition and inhabited mostly by members of Diallo's Peul ethnicity - a group that has long complained of being denied political power despite being Guinea's largest ethnicity.
“There were youths on the hilltops throwing rocks. The security forces fired back with tear gas, which triggered general panic,” Souleymane Bah, a resident of Bambeto, said.
Diallo, who narrowly lost a presidential election last November to Conde, has said the government is tampering with voter rolls to win a majority. He has also accused Conde of installing an ally as head of the electoral commission.
Guinea's military, which has been implicated in past massacres of opposition protesters, ordered its soldiers to remain off the streets on Tuesday, leaving security to the national guard and police.
Guinea Security Minister Mamadouba Toto Camara called on Guineans to “respect the authority of the state” and said police had the right to supervise the rally. - Reuters
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/guinea-blitz-leaves-two-dead-1.1145918
St Lucia Pakistan cricket betting scandal Inflation Kazakhmys Blackburn Rovers Asia
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
EU lifts sanctions on Gbagbo-era figures
The EU has lifted more sanctions slapped on associates of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo this year.
|||Brussels - The European Union has lifted more sanctions slapped on associates of former president Laurent Gbagbo this year to end a damaging standoff in Ivory Coast.
Notable among those struck off a list of Ivorians targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban is Paul Yao N'Dre, the head of the Constitutional Council who originally proclaimed Gbagbo winner of a November poll against Alasanne Ouattara, the internationally recognised winner of the election.
Also de-listed from EU sanctions in the bloc's Official Journal is pro-Gbagbo businessman Roland Dagher.
The 27-nation EU began to lift sanctions against Ivorian individuals and businesses when Ouattara finally took power as president in April following post-poll unrest from December.
After Gbagbo refused to admit defeat and hand over power to Ouattara, the crisis culminated in weeks of warfare. Gbagbo was captured and is now under house arrest in the north of the country.
Two oil firms have also been removed from the list, the Societe Ivoirienne de Raffinage and Societe Nationale d'Operations Petrolieres de la Cote d'Ivoire.
Those struck off the list also include Nathanael Abouman Brouha, Timothee Ahoua N'Guetta, Jacques Andre Daligou Monoko, Bruno Wale Ekpo, Felix Tano Kouakou, Hortense Kouassi Angoran, Josephine Suzanne Toure, Hilaire Babri Gohourou, Zakaria Fellah, Charles Kader Gore and Kadio Morokro Mathieu. - Sapa-AFP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/eu-lifts-sanctions-on-gbagbo-era-figures-1.1145914
Allied Irish Banks Recession Sheffield United Hacking Restaurants Bradford Bulls
Six militants killed in Algeria
The Algerian army killed six Islamist militants during an operation near the Chouicha forest outside Algiers.
|||Algiers - The army says it has killed six Islamist militants in an operation east of the capital Algiers.
An official said army units encircled the Chouicha forest on Monday near the town of Boumerdes, about 60km east of the capital, and killed Adel Bourai, a top official in a local group.
Five more members of the Akram Brigade were also killed on Tuesday in a gun battle deep in the forest as part of the military's mopping-up operation in the area.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press.
For two decades, Algeria has been battling an Islamist insurgency, now allied to al-Qaeda, that continues to conduct attacks.
Boumerdes and the nearby Berber enclave of Tizi Ouzou have turned into strongholds for al-Qaeda in the region. - Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/six-militants-killed-in-algeria-1.1145915
Consumer affairs International criminal court Annuities Iain Chambers Peter Beagrie Global terrorism
Bafana can beat Sierra Leone - Pitso
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is confident his side can win their deciding Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.
|||Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is confident his side can win their deciding Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in Nelspruit next month.
“We can beat Sierra Leone. We have the team to beat them and we are ready,” Mosimane said on Tuesday after naming a 23-man squad.
South Africa's qualification for next year's continental tournament will also depend on the result of the match between Egypt and Niger in Cairo on the same day.
Niger are on nine points in the group – one point ahead of Bafana.
If the South Africans defeat the Leone Stars, and Egypt beat Niger, Bafana will finish top in their group and guarantee themselves a place in the 2012 Afcon tournament.
“The plan was to get nine points at home, which is three wins, and three points away, which would give us 12 points,” Mosimane said.
“Unfortunately we only managed two out of three points away from home because we lost to Niger.”
Despite beginning their qualifying campaign with positive results, the South Africans are in a precarious position after losing 2-1 to their hosts in Niamey in their last match.
“Having lost that game puts us on the back foot,” Mosimane said.
“It puts us at risk with Niger having one point more than us.”
Bafana would ideally like to have the services of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steven Pienaar, in a race against time to recover from injury, but at this stage he seems an unlikely late inclusion.
“We have Pienaar on standby. I spoke to him yesterday and he's training with his team,” Mosimane said.
“He hasn't kicked a ball for about four months now, but he hopes to play in the Europa Cup on Thursday and maybe he will play on the weekend.
“Also, we need to see him on the field of play, so the doctors will tell us, the player will tell us and we will make a decision on that.”
The squad also includes 23-year-old newcomer Bradley Grobler, who turns out for Turkish side Goztepe Izmir, which will boost their options up front.
“I think we all know he's a good striker, and he has done well for his team,” Mosimane said.
“We had him in our team in a training match with Bafana in Rustenberg when we needed extra players and he did well.”
Among five changes made to the Bafana squad, midfielder Reneilwe Lethsholonyane of Kaizer Chiefs makes a return after recovering from injury, while Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela has also been included.
Mphela's domestic teammates, Lebohang Mokoena and defender Punch Masinamela, have also been recalled.
Bafana Bafana squad: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Morgan Gould, Happy Jele, Eric Mathoho, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Punch Masenamela, Claasen Daylon, Hlompho Kekana, Oupa Manyisa, Thanduyise Khuboni, Andile Jali, Siphiwe Tshabalala (captain), Reneilwe Lethsholonyane, Lebohang Mokoena, Bernard Parker, Thulani Serero, Katlego Mphela, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Bradley Grobler. – Sapa
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/bafana-can-beat-sierra-leone-pitso-1.1145756
Manchester City St Lucia Pakistan cricket betting scandal Inflation Kazakhmys Blackburn Rovers
London Royal Opera House in Cinema in Iceland
Icelandic entertainment company Sena will offer live broadcast from operas and ballets in cooperation with the Royal Opera House in London this winter. The first show will be the opera Faust by Charles Gounod on September 28.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382520
Christmas JLS Newspapers & magazines Student politics Radio 4 Peter Atherton
NTC says Lockerbie case closed
The Lockerbie bombing investigation is closed and Tripoli will not release more evidence that could lead to others being charged, the NTC said.
|||London - The investigation into the 1988 bombing of a US-bound airliner over Lockerbie in Scotland is closed and Tripoli will not release more evidence that could lead to others being charged, Libya's interim leaders said on Monday.
The British Foreign Office, however, said the investigation into the bombing “remains open”.
Scottish prosecutors had asked Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) to give them access to papers or witnesses that could implicate more suspects, possibly including deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Libya's interim justice minister Mohammed al-Alagi turned them down, telling reporters: “The case is closed.”
But the Foreign Office in London said it had talked with the NTC late on Monday and it had promised continued cooperation.
“NTC chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil has already assured the prime minister that the Libyan authorities will cooperate with the UK in this and other ongoing investigations,” a Foreign Office spokesman said.
“Having spoken with the NTC this evening, we understand that this remains the case. The police investigation into the Lockerbie bombing remains open and the police should follow the evidence wherever it leads them.”
Former Libyan agent Abdel Basset al-Megrahi was convicted of the bombing in 2001 and sent to a Scottish prison to serve a life sentence. The Scottish government released him and sent him back to Libya on compassionate grounds in 2009 because he had cancer and was thought to have only months to live.
His release and return to a hero's welcome in Libya angered many in Britain and the United States, home to most of the victims.
Pamela Dix, whose brother Peter was among those killed in the attack, told Reuters in an emailed statement: “Suggesting that the Lockerbie case is closed is ludicrous.
“I am not surprised that the new interim government might want to avoid getting involved, but this is a miserable attempt to avoid a perfectly reasonable request for any information or evidence that there might be in Libya. Perhaps there is nothing.”
No one at Scotland's public prosecution service was available to comment on the Libyan minister's statement. A spokesman earlier said Scotland had asked the NTC to supply “any documentary evidence and witnesses which could assist in the ongoing inquiries”.
“Lockerbie remains an open enquiry concerning the involvement of others with Mr Megrahi in the murder of 270 people,” the spokeswoman said before the Libyan statement.
Scottish prosecutors also noted that Megrahi's trial court had accepted he had not acted alone.
Police at the time said they had submitted a list of eight other suspects whom they wanted to interview but that Gaddafi had refused to allow them to be questioned.
In March, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, Libya's former justice minister and now its interim leader, said he had evidence of Gaddafi's involvement in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
Megrahi's co-accused at the specially convened Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands in 2000 was Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah who was cleared of mass murder.
He told Sweden's Expressen newspaper last month that Gaddafi should be tried in court over widespread suspicions he ordered the bombing.
“There is a court and he is the one to explain whether he is innocent or not,” Fhimah said. “He has to.” - Reuters
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/ntc-says-lockerbie-case-closed-1.1145622
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Norwich savour home victory
Norwich earned their first home win of the Premier League season after taking advantage of slack defending by Sunderland.
|||Norwich - Norwich earned their first home win in the Premier League this season, taking advantage of slack defending to beat Sunderland 2-1 on Monday.
Leon Barnett put the hosts ahead in the 31st minute after winger Elliott Bennett had skipped into the right side of the penalty area and delivered a low cross for the defender to slot into the net from close range.
Wales forward Steve Morison powered in a header at the start of the second half after the visitors were again caught napping at the back, before substitute Kieran Richardson drilled in a late consolation. - Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/norwich-savour-home-victory-1.1145126
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Monday, September 26, 2011
Gaddafi gunmen entre Libya
Gunmen loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have crossed the Libyan border from Algeria and attacked revolutionary forces.
|||Tripoli - Gunmen loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have crossed the Libyan border from Algeria and attacked revolutionary forces in a town near the frontier, killing six people, officials said.
The cross-border attack on Saturday shows loyalist forces have managed to escape Libya and regroup and collect arms, bolstering fears the North African nation could face a protracted insurgency.
Fighters who took up arms against Gaddafi have seized Tripoli and have gained control of the rest of the country, but they are still battling forces loyal to the ousted regime on several fronts.
Libya officials also announced on Sunday the discovery of a mass grave believed to hold the remains of 1270 inmates killed by Gaddafi's regime in a 1996 prison massacre. The site - a desert field scattered with bone fragments - was found outside the walls of Tripoli's Abu Salim prison, where the victims were killed on June 26, 1996, after protesting conditions at the facility. A demonstration by women demanding justice for the victims of that prison massacre was one of the things that touched off the uprising against Gaddafi in February.
A Tripoli military spokesman, Khalid al-Sharif, said authorities found the site after getting information from witnesses and former security guards who had been captured after the capital fell. Officials will ask for international assistance in excavating and identifying the remains because the Libyans don't have sufficient expertise and equipment to test the DNA, he said.
Libyans are eager for those who committed crimes under the old regime to face justice and have been moving forward with efforts to account for the past even as fighting continues in parts of the country.
Col. Ahmed Bani, a military spokesman for the transitional government, said the attack on Ghadamis occurred Saturday but revolutionary forces had intelligence that cars filled with weapons had crossed the border a few days earlier. Ghadamis is about 450 kilometers southwest of Tripoli.
He said the loyalist forces were believed to belong to a unit that had been under the command of Gaddafi's son Khamis, who was reportedly killed in fighting before the revolutionary forces seized Tripoli.
Bani said revolutionary forces had repelled the attack but the assailants escaped back across the border.
An official from Ghadamis, Ali al-Mana, however, said fighting was ongoing. He told The Associated Press that six people had been killed and 63 wounded.
“We are sending a plane from Tripoli to evacuate the wounded,” said al-Mana, who is the Ghadamis representative on the National Transitional Council, which is acting as the country's government. Al-Mana said Ghadamis has a small runway for the plane to land.
Gaddafi's wife and three of his children, including his daughter Aisha, fled to Algeria through Ghadamis after Tripoli's fall late last month. The whereabouts of the fugitive leader remain unknown and he continues to try to rally supporters. That has raised concern that he could stoke violence as fighting continues between revolutionary forces in his hometown of Sirte and two other strongholds.
Aisha Gaddafi, who played a key role in her father's inner circle, said in an audio recording broadcast on Friday that her father is in high spirits and fighting alongside his supporters.
In other developments on Sunday, Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte came under an extremely heavy NATO bombardment as opposing forces laid siege to the city. An AP reporter in Sirte said there were dozens of airstrikes throughout the day in and around the city, possibly softening up targets for a new push by revolutionary forces in the coming days.
Sirte, 400 kilometers southeast of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast, is the Libyan city most associated with Gaddafi.
An offensive by anti-Gaddafi forces on Saturday failed to dislodge die-hard loyalists of the fugitive leader.
Anti-Gaddafi fighters set up new checkpoints and posted snipers in strategic areas on the outskirts of Sirte. But they did not launch an assault after facing fierce resistance on Saturday that left seven of their comrades dead and more than 150 wounded.
Osama Nuttawa al-Swehli, a revolutionary logistics officer, said the goal on Sunday was to squeeze the city and prevent any former regime figures believed to be holed up inside from escaping. Al-Swehli said he has heard Gaddafi's son Muatassim communicating by radio with loyalist forces inside Sirte.
“We have to make sure that no supplies get in and that none of their assets escape,” he said. - Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/gaddafi-gunmen-entre-libya-1.1144520
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Van Persie stalling over contract talks
Arsenal fans were given fresh cause for concern when it emerged that captain Robin van Persie had not sealed a new contract.
|||London – Arsenal fans were given fresh cause for concern on Monday when it emerged that captain Robin van Persie is stalling over signing a new contract.
The 28-year-old Dutch striker netted his 100th Arsenal goal in Saturday's 3-0 victory at home to Bolton as the Gunners recorded just their second victory of what is proving to be a difficult campaign.
However, van Persie is believed to be concerned about the club's future following the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and has sought assurances from coach Arsene Wenger that Arsenal's ambition remains intact.
Nasri joined Manchester City last month after electing not to extend his contract.
Wenger could face a similar problem with van Persie, whose contract expires in 2013 and who revealed on Monday that talks over a possible extension were at the back of his mind.
“Maybe I'll leave it (holding talks) because the main thing for me is the team and that we play well,” van Persie was reported as saying in a number of national newspapers.
“I do believe you have to look for a right moment to sit down and speak about your own stuff.
“It's not only about me, it's about the team. We are not talking now because we are so busy – we have games every three or four days.
“I don't think it's clever to do that during the season.”
He added: “I still have almost two years left here, so for the moment that's fine. But I don't know, we will have to look.
“I'm happy with my contract, I'm good. That's how it is, I can't say much more. I can't look into the future.” – Sapa-AFP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/van-persie-stalling-over-contract-talks-1.1144736
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NZ apolgises for journo?s detention
New Zealand's High Commission in Pretoria said it was “sorry” to hear a South African rugby journalist was detained in the town of Taupo.
|||New Zealand's High Commission in Pretoria said on Monday it was “sorry” to hear a South African rugby journalist was detained in the town of Taupo.
“The New Zealand High Commission is very sorry to learn about the inconvenience suffered by rugby journalist Mr Vata Ngobeni in Taupo,” it said in a short statement.
Ngobeni could lodge formal complaint with New Zealand's Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) at www.ipca.govt.nz.
“We have referred the matter to the New Zealand authorities for further investigation and/or comment,” the commission said.
Ngobeni was detained by police in the early hours of Monday because they thought he was a drug dealer. He is journalist for the Pretoria News and rugby analyst for the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Ngobeni was taken to a police station and searched. He had to remove items of clothing.
“I have never been so embarrassed in my life,” said Ngobeni, who was released shortly after he was searched.
“I have never experienced this kind of treatment in all my travels around the world, so to be singled out as a common criminal in front of so many people is something I will never forget.”
When police approached him, Ngobeni tried to explain he was a journalist on tour covering the Springboks Ä in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup Ä for television, radio and his newspaper.
An officer responded by saying Ngobeni fitted the profile of a drug dealer, and that a search had to be conducted at a local police station. Police officers on the scene said they were following “standard procedure”.
Taupo residents who witnessed the scene expressed sympathy for Ngobeni.
“There are some idiots in the pig factory (police station) in this town,” said an elderly man.
Another commented “you will find that the police pick up all the... old cars with black drivers”.
Ngobeni later received an apology from police, but said: “I won't be visiting Taupo again, that is for sure.”
Ngobeni said he had never before seen the inside of a police station, or been asked to get into a police vehicle in front of a crowd of people. It was not immediately clear whether Ngobeni would lodge a complaint with the IPCA. – Sapa
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/nz-apolgises-for-journo-s-detention-1.1144934
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Australians Eye Magnetite in Iceland?s Ocean
Soley Minerals, a subsidiary of the Australian mining company Thielorr Sarl, has applied for permission from the National Energy Authority to explore whether magnetite and other metals can be harnessed from the ocean floor off south Iceland and in H�radsfl�i bay in the east.Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=382523
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Nigeria seizes hidden explosives
Investigators seized a sizable amount of explosives hidden inside a shipping container.
|||Authorities say investigators seized a sizable amount of explosives hidden inside a shipping container at a major port in Nigeria.
Nigeria Customs Service spokesman Wale Adeniyi said Saturday that agents seized the shipment at Lagos' Tin Can Port on Friday. Adeniyi said officials were unsure if the explosives were military or construction grade, but said importers labeled the shipment as containing industrial sockets and valves.
Adeniyi said an investigation is ongoing.
In October 2010, customs officials at Lagos' Apapa Port found a hidden shipment of 107 mm artillery rockets, rifle rounds and other weapons from Iran. The shipments come as Nigeria faces continued violence from a radical Muslim sect. -Sapa-AP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/nigeria-seizes-hidden-explosives-1.1143985
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