PAKISTAN: John Kerry went to Islamabad two weeks after the death of Bin Laden

U.S. Senator John Kerry was Monday in Islamabad to try to restore relations between the United States and its key ally, as it arrived at a "defining moment" in Pakistan after the elimination of Osama bin Laden.

The Democratic chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate, is the first senior U.S. official to visit Pakistan since a helicopter-borne U.S. commandos killed the leader of al-Qaida May 2 in Abbottabad, a city-garrison two hours drive from Islamabad.

The attack "illegal" according to Islamabad, caused a stir at a population overwhelmingly anti-American, not for the death of bin Laden, who has raised little protest, but for the "violation of sovereignty "Pakistan.

The CIA, who led the operation, confirmed that she had not warned the Pakistani authorities for fear of leakage.U.S. officials have since reported suspicion of "complicity" in the military and intelligence community to explain the presence of brain attacks of Sept. 11 in a city housing more than 10,000 soldiers.

Many parliamentarians in Washington advocated greater severity towards Pakistan, which from the end of 2001, had proclaimed his support for the "war against terrorism" and delivered, since, dozens of senior Al-Qaeda to Americans.

Pakistan, who protested softly since 2004 against the very frequent fire missiles CIA drones targeting the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the tribal areas of north-west frontier with Afghanistan, has raised his voice after the raid cons bin Laden.He threatened to Washington to review its policy of cooperation on counterterrorism if such an incursion occurs.

Their sides, prominent members of Congress calling for cutting funds allocated considerable since late 2001 by the United States to Pakistan to finance its war effort against Al Qaeda and its allies, who have taken refuge in the tribal areas since the invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001.

Washington has given more than $ 18 billion to Pakistan in nearly ten years, mainly as support to his omnipotent army, and in 2009, notably under the leadership of John Kerry, Congress authorized an extension of 7.5 billion over 5 years in civilian aid.

But observers believe it is dangerous for Washington to alienate the only nuclear military power in the Muslim world, inhabited by nearly 180 million inhabitants, when the international coalition comprised two-thirds of U.S. troops bogged down in its war against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Senator Kerry arrived in Islamabad late Sunday night and a sign that the army who actually run this country according to experts unanimous, he met upon his arrival Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, the all-powerful Chief of Staff , relegating to Monday's meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The army has assured that General Kayani had conveyed to Mr.Kerry of "intense emotion" has caused the U.S. raid in the army.

"This is a decisive moment in our relationship with Pakistan", said Mr. Kerry on Sunday in Kabul.

Before the death of bin Laden, Washington had always praised the efforts of Islamabad in the fight against al Qaeda but felt that the army does not produce enough effort against the Taliban in Afghanistan in their rear bases in Pakistan.

But Mr. Kerry said that there was evidence that Islamabad "has knowledge of certain activities" of the Taliban on its territory, and that it was "very disturbing". "We must find a way to move forward, if possible.Otherwise, it could be a series of negative consequences that may be important, "he warned.

LIBYA: According to the CNT, the French killed in Benghazi was conducting illegal activities

The five French working for private security company Secopex, including his boss killed by rebels during the operation, were conducting "illegal activities" that endangered the security of Libya, announced Friday the Rebellion Jamahiriya.

"On the evening of May 11, the local security forces in Benghazi were ordered to arrest a group of 5 French conducting illicit activities that endangered the safety of free Libya," said the National Transitional Council ( CNT), the governing body of the rebellion, in a statement.

"These men had been under surveillance for some time," the CNT.

"Unfortunately, he was shot by accident after trying to resist. He was taken to hospital but died. The four were arrested," also said the rebellion.

NIGERIA: Nigerians elect their president, Goodluck Jonathan outgoing favorite

Over 73 million Nigerians are electing their president Saturday in an election whose outgoing Goodluck Jonathan is favored, and show whether the giant nation has finally turned the page of the violent and fraudulent elections.

A week after the parliamentary elections that had been postponed twice but finally took place largely in a calm, voters are eligible to vote from 8:00 local time (0700 GMT).

Goodluck Jonathan, 53, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) training that dominates the political scene and has won every presidential election since the return to civilian rule in 1999, with a share ahead of analysts.

Especially since the opposition has failed this week to form an alliance to face him.

But the incumbent could be challenged by Muhammadu Buhari, former military dictator 69 years old who is seeking the highest office for the third time since 1999.

Muslim from the north, it can count on broad support in this region face Jonathan, a Christian of the Niger Delta, the southern oil-producing countries, the largest producer of crude oil from Africa.

Nuhu Ribadu, who led the anti-corruption agency in Nigeria, and Ibrahim Shekarau, outgoing governor of Kano State (North), two other candidates are considered important in this election.

Nigeria is currently engaged in a series of ballots.April 26 will be the elections of governors of the federation of 150 million people as well as regional assembled.

The 2007 general elections were marred by fraud in the view of most observers, and efforts have been made to ensure that things go differently this year, thanks to the work of a new electoral commission headed by a respected teacher .

The local and international observers have praised the good performance of legislative Saturday, raising hopes of a peaceful presidential election.

However, at least 35 people were killed in bombings and other election-related violence since late last week, according to election commission

The borders were closed Thursday night and had to reopen Monday. Restrictions on vehicular traffic have been imposed for Saturday.

SYRIA: The current uprising restructures opposition to the Baath Party

The Syrian opposition began its "martyrs' week", which opens Tuesday with a day of protest: a new initiative synonymous with defiance to President Bashar al-Assad. This mobilization, relayed on the Internet - including via Facebook Page "The Syrian Revolution 2011" - is both unprecedented challenges is severely repressed. The scheme, contested for almost three weeks despite a strong presence of its security services, could not imagine delivering such a showdown.

According to the organizations of human rights, about 130 people have been killed since the beginning of the movement - particularly Deraa, epicenter of the revolt at 100 km south of Damascus.Far from being intimidated by the violence of the regime, the youth can she provided lead the uprising to an end - like his distant cousins ​​Tunisian and Egyptian?

The Baath Party, the undisputed master of the political scene

Nothing is less certain. Since the 1963 coup that brought him to power, the Baath Party, a sort of combination between socialism and Arab nationalism, reigns supreme in the political arena. His supremacy is enshrined in the Constitution of 1973, which was consecrated as the ruling party of the state and society.An established order maintained since through the law on state of emergency which will suppress "legally" attempts at protests and political opposition. Responding to a claim, President Al-Assad has recently formed a commission to study the repeal of this draconian law.

"Syria has been frozen and sterilized to intellectual and politics since coming to power of the Baath and the establishment of the emergency law," said Syrian academic Bourhane Ghalioun, director of the Center for Arab Studies and the Orient contemporary at the Sorbonne. Parliamentary and officially secular, Syrian Republic is supposed to be open to the multiparty system.Are tolerated but only parties that comprise the "National Progressive Front," a coalition of several groups allowed by the Baath Party. "This coalition is expected to play the role of opposition is a sham, since it obeys the finger and the eye of the regime. The true pro-democracy opposition is silenced," says Ahmad, between exile in Paris.

An opposition gagged

Leaders exiled or jailed, activists routinely hounded by the intelligence services of the plan, the parties divided on objectives: opposition struggles to be heard."The opposition parties have never managed to unify their positions or to propose a joint project, mainly because of repression," said Bourhane Ghalioun.

In 2005, however, the secular opposition parties and the Muslim Brotherhood, based in London, had signed a founding text entitled "Damascus Declaration" calling for "democratic and radical change." In December 2007, a national council (governing body) of the "Damascus Declaration" was created in Syria, but many of its members were quickly arrested.Muslim Brotherhood, officially dismantled by the regime, the extreme left (Marxists, communists ...) through the Kurdish parties, the opposition continues to work illegally, with a margin of maneuver. "Prevented by force to speak, meet, develop relationships with people and to recruit young supporters, these parties are isolated from the rest of society," said the professor.

A phenomenon which explains the profusion of NGOs, intellectuals and protesters engaged in the country. The latter, mostly intellectuals or organized and supervised, "represent 90% of the opposition," according Bourhane Ghalioun."This is a direct consequence of repression against opposition parties," he developed. But this exposes the individual commitment equally to intimidation, arbitrary arrests and lengthy prison sentences.

The youth, who spearheaded the uprising

But a new factor has come to seize the effectiveness of the repressive machine of the regime, early this year. Inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, the country's youth gathered at the forefront of the current uprising. Despite the continuous monitoring on the Internet and the low penetration of the medium nationally (16.8% of the population only had access to the Web, in 2008). "Youth is the spearhead of the movement.Like the regime, opposition parties have been overwhelmed by this spontaneous movement and were content to support them, "says Bourhane Ghalioun. The Syrian population is young (77% under 35 years) and it is n has been that the Assad regime and the state of emergency. "We thought these kids were depoliticized by the Baathist propaganda, but it is not: they are the lifeblood of the opposition. They thirst for democracy and modernity and they will take over from our generation, who was on the verge of resignation, "concluded Ahmed.

ALPINE SKIING: Season ends with a bang for Adrien Theaux, who won the downhill in Lenzerheide

AFP - After experiencing his first podium this winter, Adrien Theaux has tasted its first victory Wednesday in the final downhill of the season in Lenzerheide, where the Swiss Didier Cuche was removed for the fourth time the World Cup of race queen.

At 26, the Pyrenean lived the emotions of a first podium, first super-G with a second place finish in Beaver Creek in early December, then downhill, with a third place in Kitzbuehel in January. On Wednesday, he felt the thrill of its premiere.

"I could not imagine a finer end of the season," said the skier dismissed in Val Thorens. "These are things we dream since childhood.This is not the world championships, it's a shame, but but it is a very good win. "

Its gently sloping winter allows the speed to find the French mountains. Since the heyday of its Olympic champion Antoine Deneriaz, skiing blue had recorded only one World Cup downhill, that won by Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin in January 2007 in Val d'Isere.

Adrien Theaux had to have a bit of luck in his daily horoscope.

First with the timer, because it is one hundredth that has relegated to second place in the Austrian Joachim Puchner, while Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal, vice-Olympic downhill champion, took third place at 16/100e.Then with the sky, which was veiled in passing of the old lions like Didier Cuche and Michael Walchhofer, who disputed the crystal globe.

Especially with the track, steep, curvy and cannot, perfect to express his talents as a technician. "I told him that the track was cut out for him", said Patrice Morisod, the Swiss who has taken over the group velocity two years ago."Now he will kindly understand it can be very good at skiing," said this farmer champions, who led for years Didier Cuche.

The most moving

The Swiss 36-year veteran finished off the podium, but fourth place enabled him to blow the little globe Walchhofer, its Austrian rival, only 11th, and write his name in crystal among the largest ever Downers .

One in the history of downhill skiing is more globes that he, the great Franz Klammer, who won five times in World Cup downhill."It's the world that gives me the greatest emotions, even if the first was special," said Didier Cuche.

His female counterpart, the American Lindsey Vonn had her fourth downhill crystal globe in hand before arriving in Switzerland. As Cuche, the vice-champion of the world remained at the foot of the podium in Lenzerheide, seeing her compatriot Julia Mancuso win again four years after his last success.

But the triple defending the World Cup could be smiling as it took control in the overall standings with that almost got them all winter, Maria Riesch, disappointed not to score any points again Wednesday.

The German, who accuses now 27 points behind, has a super-G, slalom and a giant to reverse the trend."Since the beginning of the season, I was talking about the general at every race. Psychologically, it is experiencing," said the Bavarian, whose two bronze medals at the World Championships could well be his only trophy of the winter.

CARS: A security officer of Renault indicted for fraud

AFP - The alleged spy case that shook Renault last two months has led Sunday to the indictment for "organized fraud" a security official from the automaker and its detention.

Heard last 48 hours by the police of the Central Intelligence Inside (DCRI), Dominique Gevrey, a security officer at the origin of espionage charges that led to the dismissal of three executives in early January, was indicted Sunday evening by a judge.

Mr.Gevrey, who was arrested Friday as he prepared to fly to Guinea, in the wake was remanded in custody in accordance with the requisition of the prosecution.

Two other security officials of the automaker, also arrested on Friday and Saturday, for their part have been released without charge brought against them at this point.

"As part of Renault's complaint on suspicion of espionage, investigators have collected a number of elements that suggest that we are dealing with acts of fraud", it was commented judicial source, without provide details.

"We must refrain from making any comments not to disturb the course of justice," he told AFP Jean Reinhart, the lawyer for Renault. "We will provide a comprehensive and complete after the floor, probably Monday afternoon," he added.

M. Gevrey, former member of the Directorate for Protection and Security of Defense (DPSD) would have been in contact with a "source", paid up to several hundred thousand euros, the source of Charges against the three executives. He always refused to reveal the name.

To bring his accusations, the group relied on the numbers of three bank accounts which have been provided.One would have been particularly open in March 2009 in Switzerland fed with money from an audit firm in Cyprus, and another in Liechtenstein in February 2010 that would feed a third account.

But a source close to the deal was revealed last week told AFP that investigators had found the DCRI "no trace" of bank accounts on behalf of the officers nor "any evidence of espionage."

About 250,000 euros were paid to the anonymous informant Renault, according to the manufacturer's lawyer. The amount was channeled through a private investigator who was acting as an intermediary between the security department of Renault and the informant believed to have given substance to the suspicions of espionage.The DCRI did not rule on Friday to hear also "soon" means.

After shouting to espionage, the management of Renault now evokes the idea of ​​a "manipulation" in this case that led to the dismissal of three of its executives specializing in electric cars. The manufacturer's number 2, Patrick Pelata, recently warned that after the end of the investigation "all the consequences" would be taken at the highest level of the company.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Ping brings a "message" to the AU in Abidjan and requires "stop killing"

The president of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping, presented Saturday in Abidjan Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and leaving his rival Alassane Ouattara, a "message" of the panel of mediators, which demanded "an immediate halt to killings ".

According to Mr. Ouattara, President recognized by the international community, it is an "invitation", he accepted at a meeting of the Council for Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU, scheduled for 10 March in Addis Ababa.

The visit of Mr.Ping comes as the outbreak of violence two weeks ago raised fears that the crisis arose from the November 28 poll will lead to a civil war.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Saturday expressed readiness to "move quickly" against the perpetrators of crimes against the civilian population.

Seven women were killed by gunfire during a pro-Ouattara Thursday in Abidjan, in the district of Abobo (north). Witnesses, the camp Ouattara and the UN mission in the country, UNOCI, accused the Defence Forces and Security (FDS) loyal to Gbagbo.The Gbagbo government on Saturday rejected the blame on "terrorists" armed insurgents that FDS face in Abobo and which he says are supported by UNOCI.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the AU, Ramtane Lamamra, Mr. Ping met in the afternoon with Mr. Gbagbo at his residence.

He then found Alassane Ouattara at Golf Hotel in Abidjan where it is entrenched with the government under a blockade of forces loyal to his opponent, whose panel has called for the lifting.

Mr. Ping has not revealed the contents of the "message". But Mr. Ouattara said it consisted of an invitation to Thursday's meeting of Heads of State of the SPC."Of course, I accepted this invitation and all the arrangements (will be) taken for me to go there," he said.

Mr. Ping, who was to leave Abidjan on Sunday morning, then met with President of the Constitutional Council N'Dré Paul Yao.

Close to the outgoing President, Mr. Yao N'Dré is central to the post-election crisis that, while Mr Ouattara was declared winner by the electoral commission and the UN, the Constitutional Council struck down some of these results and proclaimed Gbagbo reelected.

Mr.Ping is sent by the panel of five African heads of state on the Ivorian crisis, which met Friday in Nouakchott under the chairmanship of Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (Mauritania) and in presence of Jacob Zuma (South Africa), Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), Idriss Deby (Chad) and Blaise Compaore (Burkina Faso).

The group, whose findings were originally expected in late February, was finally in March to reach solutions "binding".

For now, the quintet has demanded "immediate cessation of killings" and protests that could "degenerate into disorder and violence."

The Security Council UN fears a "resurgence of civil war."After a failed coup, the fighting of 2002-2003 had divided the country into two, the north being in the hands of the former rebel New Forces (FN) now allied with Mr. Ouattara.

The violence has already killed 365 since late 2010, including 50 in a week, depending on the balance sheet prepared by UNOCI before the death of seven women in the neighborhood of Abobo, a stronghold of Mr. Ouattara.

The humanitarian situation is worsening further with the exodus of residents in Abobo and west, plagued by fighting between FDS and FN.

After a break occurred since Monday FN zone, electricity and water have been restored Saturday, residents said several northern cities.The Gbagbo government had relied on industrial needs, but the UN had denounced "an inhuman act with tragic consequences."

MEXICO - FRANCE: Case Break: Mexico withdrew from the Year of France in Mexico

REUTERS - The Mexican authorities said Monday they had no intention of transferring Florence Break in France and they announced their withdrawal of the Year held in Mexico in France.

They respond to the request of Nicolas Sarkozy, who has again claimed Monday that the repatriation of French 36 year old sentenced to 60 years in prison in Mexico for complicity in kidnapping.The French president has proposed serving her sentence in France.

Nicolas Sarkozy also announced that the Year of Mexico would be maintained and would always mention the case of Florence Break.

The Mexican government has decided to withdraw from the event, accusing France of the diversion for political purposes.

"The trial of Cassez demonstrated his guilt," said the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement, referring to victims and witnesses called to testify.

Nicolas Sarkozy received Monday for the tenth time the parents of the young woman, whose last appeal was rejected last week by the Mexican justice system, while it has always protested his innocence.

International Convention

"I am ready to speak with Mexican officials the conditions of this transfer and guarantees they would like to receive in exchange," said the French president.

He recalled that his Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderon, had proposed in a letter this transfer, under an international convention in Strasbourg, and said he would call on this.

The Mexican government responded that this Convention does not accept a state to any transfer request made by another State.

Nicolas Sarkozy has instead announced the continuation of the Year of France in Mexico, which began Feb. 3.

Family, friends, counsel for Florence Break, Frank Berton, and French leaders demanded the cancellation of some 200 cultural events, historical or economic need to punctuate the year in Paris and the provinces.

The French president said that removing these events constitute an "offense to the Mexican people" and would be contrary to the interests of Florence Break.He said he based his decision in consultation with the young woman with whom he had just spoken on the phone and he said he wanted to dedicate this year in Mexico.

"(...) I ask that every official will have the opportunity to speak during these events begins by talking about Cassez, its location, so we do not forget," he added Head of State, who said he wanted to make his own speech on the occasion of one of them.

Hostages

Arriving in Mexico in August 2003 for a vacation, Cassez had decided to move to Mexico where she became acquainted with Israel Vallarta, presented by the Mexican police as the leader of a gang of kidnappers.She became the girlfriend, but claims to have known nothing of his activities.

The police acknowledged that his arrest had been staged for television and she had no place December 9, 2005, as originally announced, but the day before.

Upon his arrest, three hostages, including a girl, were found on the ranch where she was.

Me Berton, who attended the meeting at the Elysee Palace, confirmed he would report within a fortnight from the public prosecutor of Paris against the Mexican Minister of Public Security, Genaro Garcia Luna .

The lawyer said that this complaint for forgery and forgery of public and fabrication of evidence would also apply Luis Cárdenas Palomino, former right-hand Garcia Luna to the head of the Mexican Federal Investigation Agency.

Genaro Garcia Luna was responsible for the Mexican police during the arrest of Florence Break.