IRELAND: Croke Park, the symbol of the march towards Independence

On the second day of his visit to Ireland, Queen Elizabeth II visited this Wednesday at Croke Park stadium in Dublin. A highly symbolic passage in the process of reconciliation between Britain and its neighbor.Croke Park has long remained the undisputed temple of Gaelic sports - such as hurling, Gaelic football and Camogie.

The stadium, which has a capacity of 82,300 seats, was opened to other sports (like football and rugby) in 2005, 92 years after its commissioning in 1913.

Most importantly, Croke Park was in 1920, the scene of a massacre orchestrated by British forces that helped lead to independence.

On the morning of November 21, 1920, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Armed Force independence, launched a commando in several places in Dublin to remove a network of agents of British intelligence.The review of the operation was high: in the ranks UK, 12 people were killed and two paramilitaries in the pay of the Crown.

In the afternoon, the regular British police, backed by paramilitaries, decides to conduct a "punitive expedition" during a Gaelic football match, sports flagship of Ireland.

Catalyst for the march towards Independence

The British forces entering Croke Park, where 5,000 people gathered, and opened fire on the crowd. Fourteen people, including a woman, two children and two players were killed.

London, which had not been informed of the operation, is struggling to justify the massacre.The official version of the authorities reported a police action aimed at searching the audience to uncover potential supporters of the IRA and said that it is they who opened fire first.

Subsequent surveys will invalidate this thesis.Seventy-nine years later, the "Bloody Sunday" ("Bloody Sunday", not to be confused with the 1972 in Londonderry, Ed) is still remembered for the Irish as one of the pivotal events of the march the country to Independence.

Indeed, he helped establish the resentment against Great Britain in the Irish population, until the formal independence of Eire in 1922.

In Ireland, Croke Park is more than a major sporting complex. It is a temple of Irish culture, a monument dedicated to the memory of the struggle for national independence.

ITALY: Carabinieri seized one billion euros of assets to a clan of the Camorra

AFP - The Carabinieri have seized one billion euros of assets to a clan of the Naples mafia in the course of the investigation that led Tuesday to the arrest of 39 people, including two activists of the party of Silvio Berlusconi Ansa agency said Thursday.

The Carabinieri have made the seizure of land, buildings, companies, business, vehicles and boats belonging to the clan Polverino for a total value estimated at one billion euros.These properties were registered in the names of clan members and nominees.

Polverino clan members are accused of mafia association, attempted murder, extortion, usury, illegal possession of weapons, drug trafficking, illegal transfer of funds from illegal activities real estate, finance and trade.

Two persons were arrested Tuesday are candidates of the People of Freedom (PDL, right, the party of the Italian head of government) to municipal Quarto, near Naples: Armando Chiaro, considered one of the leaders of the organization and serving as a nominee to the clan, and Salvatore Camerlingo, cousin of the boss Salvatore Liccardi.

These arrests are the result of an investigation by the Anti-Mafia Directorate of Naples in collaboration with the Central Unit of the Spanish Civil Guard on the activities of the Camorra clan Polverino (Neapolitan Mafia).

According to investigators, the tribe operates from the northern suburbs of Naples, a major drug trafficking from Spain to supply the Italian market.

FRANCE: Police exonerated after the death of two teenagers in Clichy

Five and a half after the tragedy, the Court of Appeal of Paris gave a non-suit Wednesday in favor of two officers initially referred to a court investigation into the death of two teenagers in Clichy-sous-Bois in the origin of the 2005 riots.

Both officers were dismissed in October by the judges in charge of the investigation before the criminal court for "failure to assist persons in danger" but the prosecutor of Bobigny had appealed that decision.

The Court of Appeal of Paris followed the submissions of the prosecutor general who believed that the two officers were not aware of the reality of danger.

On October 27, 2005, Zyed Benna, 17, and Bouna Traore, 15, died electrocuted in a power substation where they fled after a chase with police. A third teenager, Muhittin Altun, who survived.

Urban violence had started the night in Clichy-sous-Bois and had spread to all the French suburbs.The state of emergency had been imposed even on November 9.

"The issue has always been empty," said the lawyer for Mr. Daniel Merchat police after the decision in closed session by the Board of Education.

"After 5 years, the small voice of truth, justice eventually cover the decoys media uproar," said the lawyer.

The lawyer for the families of two young was in high contrast against this decision and announced an appeal.

"It is a justice of fear that was made this morning," responded Jean-Pierre Mignard on France Inter. But "we will go through," he said, accusing prosecutors of being "not independent" and "not impartial".

The police initially questioned had seen criticized for not having tried to assist the youth entered the peril of their lives in the transformer.

But for prosecutors, police officers were unaware that the three youths had entered the transformer.Well for one of the policemen who, in exchange radio, "announced that he saw two individuals in the process of stepping over a fence to move to the EDF website.

He also said in this exchange: "At the same time, if they fall on the EDF site, I would not give much of their skin."

Claude Dilain, Socialist Mayor of Clichy-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), regretted the decision of the appellate court.

"From day one, I called for an independent investigation and adversarial," he recalled elected to AFP.

"It will not happen and I regret it, even for police officers," he said."Their non-responsibility might have been more clearly demonstrated after the debate," he said.

Mohamed Mechmache, president of the collective associations AC-Fire in Clichy-sous-Bois has also expressed its disappointment. "We work so that young people believe in justice, but after a decision like that is hard for us," he said.

LIGUE 1: Marseille stimulus championship, PSG up to 4th place

The championship was revived! Marseille, second, returned Sunday to a point behind leaders Lille with its success in Montpellier (2-1), while Paris St Germain, who won the Lyon (1-0) took 4th place at a point in the Lyon, 3e, after the 31st day of L1.

Unlike last weekend, OM, ten against ten (Remy and exclusions El Kaoutari) has not missed the boat this time, after another misstep from Lille, who conceded a draw against Bordeaux on Saturday night (1-1).

Lille is still first with 59 points, but sees in his mirror close Marseille, 2nd with 58 points. LOSC, who lost to Monaco (1-0) last weekend, has not reassured about its ability to handle pressure with a home draw against Bordeaux and allowed competition to benefit.The zen of Rudi Garcia Will it take a hit?

Lyon-Paris SG PSG then smiled (4th, 52 points) taking fourth place in Rennes, defeated him by Saturday at Lorient (2-1). In Rennes, 5th with 51 points, times are tough. The team has not won since Breton five games and fears of reliving the nightmare of last season (the last eight games without a victory).

Looking at the standings, Lyon (3rd, 53 points) will manage a big blow to morale. PSG is now just one point behind ... Blame it on an old Lyon, Giuly, decisive passer Camara. The Fight for the Champions League will be fierce.

Place in the League Cup

The winner of the "Big Five" in the French and the weekend is Liverpool, widening the gap on Lyon, 3rd, 5 points behind.Defending champion find Montpellier next Saturday at the Stade de France for the final of the League Cup. The OM has prepared this great event and a soup end championship more exciting.

The last weekend, while OM was already back on Lille, Didier Deschamps' men had had to settle for a draw (2-2) against Toulouse at the Velodrome.

This time, though not really impressive, they have ensured that most precious three points. "We're still alive and there are safety issues, although we still do not dominate the debate," welcomed the Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, while pleased with the progress of the match: "Just 25 minutes from the end, all media would said that we were losers + +, 25 minutes later, we are in the race. "

These points will do good in the locker room and away from the rumors about the possible departure of Didier Deschamps-Lucho, who began to parasitize the end of the championship Marseille.

Arles-Avignon officially L2

In the bottom of the standings, the 31st day was rich in sensations. A free kick from Dudka, which has the bad reputation often do not fit its strikes, helped Auxerre to win (1-0) in Toulouse in injury time and get out of the relegation zone. Auxerre climbed into 15th place and 18th place leaves in Caen, slapped by Sochaux (3-2).

Lens, who conceded a draw (1-1) on its ground against Brest, is still mired in 19th place. Arles, Avignon, the red lantern, is officially in L2 after his defeat against Valenciennes (1-0) Sunday.Expected outcome of a long ordeal.

"The relegation sad for the players and fans," said Faruk Hadzibegic, coach of Arles. Alight of course does not please me but it's not a surprise. We knew what to expect. "

YEMEN: The Gulf states again recommend leaving Saleh

The monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called Sunday to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh objected to cede power to his vice president, to resolve the crisis in his country continued demonstrations demanding his departure.

After a meeting in Riyadh of their foreign ministers, the six GCC members have called on the government of Mr.Saleh and opposition to a meeting in the Saudi capital for a peaceful transition in Yemen.

"The president (should) ad (r) the transfer of his powers to vice-president," Mansour Hadi Abd Rabbou, and "a government of national unity led by the opposition" will be responsible for "setting up a constitution and organize elections, "said GCC Secretary General, Abdellatif Zayani.

Protests continue, repression also

Sunday, tens of thousands of Yemenis have decried the new regime, following street battles between protesters and police in Sana'a and Taiz.

One protester was killed and dozens of people injured in the clashes with security forces on Saturday, which continued well into the night, according to a report delivered on Sunday by medical sources and by committees governing protests against the regime.

The protester died in Taiz, a city south of the capital, where four protesters were killed Friday.

In addition, 43 demonstrators were wounded by gunfire, 29 by blows and 580 others suffered from suffocation after inhaling tear gas.A dozen other protesters were arrested.

The toll was high also in Sanaa, where 30 demonstrators were wounded by gunfire, 80 by blows and 1,200 were treated for inhaling tear gas, according to medical sources.

After the fighting at night, tens of thousands of Yemenis opposed to President Saleh expressed Sunday without incident in Sana'a, Taiz and Ibb, further south-west, and Hodeidah on the Red Sea, according to witnesses.

In Sanaa, protesters camped for nearly two months on the Place du Change, marched on a major artery of the capital.

Saleh had already rejected any idea of ​​starting

The Gulf monarchies, concerned about instability in Yemen, had offered to mediate a week ago.

The Head of State, in power for 32 years, this offer was rejected Friday in the version announced by Qatar, which already provided he cedes power, while continuing to say he remained open to the proposal Gulf countries.

As a sign of anger, he had recalled its ambassador to Doha Saturday.

The Yemeni parliamentary opposition had called for his part, GCC and the international community to "take stronger measures to protect civil society against the repression and killings."

Yemen was the scene since late January demonstrations demanding the resignation of President Saleh, who made a hundred dead.

In other violence linked to Al Qaeda, a colonel in the intelligence services was killed Saturday and his son wounded in the region of Loder, in southern Yemen, officials said Sunday the security and medical sources.

The United States worked closely with the regime of President Saleh in the fight against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which is active in southern and eastern Yemen.

JAPAN: Nicolas Sarkozy travels to Tokyo to show the solidarity of France

AFP - Nicolas Sarkozy will meet Thursday in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, then members of the French community in Japan on a visit intended to show the solidarity of France after the tragedy of March 11, said Tuesday the Elysee in a statement.

After a visit to China was already on its official agenda Wednesday and Thursday, the president will visit Japan Thursday to "to express France's solidarity, nationally and as chair of the G20 and G8 with the Japanese people in the trials he goes through the dramatic events since 11 March, "it is written.

During the visit, said the statement, Mr.Sarkozy "will meet with Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan, and meet the French community in Japan."

A magnitude 9 earthquake and massive tsunami that occurred on March 11 killed more than 28,000 dead or missing in north-eastern Japan and damaged the cooling of reactors in Fukushima Daiichi (No. 1), causing the start of melting nuclear fuel.

One official said Monday night UMP had told AFP that the head of State had decided that short visit to Japan on the occasion of his visit to China, focusing in particular on the reform of international monetary system placed at the top of priorities the French presidency of the G20.

Liveblogging: Find events Friday in Libya and the Arab world

AFP - Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi continued Friday to bomb rebel positions in eastern Libya, while the West showed its rapprochement with the opposition, which has lost two cities in recent days.

European leaders have increased the pressure on the Libyan leader, in power for nearly 42 years, calling the National Transitional Council of the Opposition (CNT) based in Benghazi (east), an interlocutor "legitimate".

President Barack Obama announced at the same time he was going to have a representative to the rebellion Jamahiriya.

France acknowledged Thursday CNT as "the legitimate representative of the Libyan people." Libya has responded Friday by suspending diplomatic relations with Paris.

On the ground, the loyalist forces launched two airstrikes east of Ras Lanuf, reaching an insurgent checkpoint and a refinery, according to AFP journalists.

This strategic oil city, south-west of Benghazi, a stronghold of the rebellion, was the basis for a week rebel advance in eastern Canada.But the insurgents had to abandon it, after intense bombardment Thursday of the pro-Gaddafi.

"Their supremacy was complete. They shot from boats, and they control the air," said a doctor at Brega, a city further east.

According to medical sources, the fighting on Thursday in Ras Lanuf made more than 10 dead and dozens wounded insurgents.Friday, an AFP reporter also saw at least five bodies evacuated from the city.

The intense bombardment that hit Lanouf Ras blocked the progression of the insurgents left Benghazi to conquer the coastal cities to Tripoli.

Last Saturday, the rebels had advanced to Ben Jawad, a town a few dozen miles west of Ras Lanuf, but had been expelled the next day by pro-Gaddafi, whose strikes have continued s intensified since.

A Zawiyah, 40 km from Tripoli, the regime's forces were celebrating their victory Friday in the rebel stronghold officially dropped Wednesday after more than two weeks of fierce resistance, according to an AFP journalist.

According to rescue workers at the border between Tunisia and Libya, a man arrived on the night of Zawiyah told that the situation was "catastrophic" and that "there were dead bodies everywhere."

Elsewhere, the rebels still controlled Misrata (150 km east of Tripoli) and several cities in the Northwest, especially in the mountainous region of Jabal Al-Gharbi, witnesses said.

In Benghazi, the rebels remained committed to fighting men of Kadhafi, despite setbacks recorded in recent days.

"We are not afraid of the army composed of mercenaries to 90%.We can beat them, "says Khaled, Fathi Ali's uncle, a 21-year insurgent killed Thursday in Ras Lanuf and buried Friday.

More than 10,000 people have also gathered in this city to demand the departure of Colonel Gaddafi.

At a summit in Brussels, the Heads of State and Government of the 27 EU countries have agreed to dialogue with the Libyan opposition and discussed a military option carefully to protect civilians, although they remain sharply divided to this prospect.

They decided to consider "all options" available, in an allusion to a possible military intervention, but specifying that it should be "a demonstrated need, a clear legal basis and support of the region."

For this purpose, a tripartite summit to be held soon between the EU, the African Union and Arab League, which meets on his side on Saturday in Cairo that the emissaries of the Libyan regime will not be allowed to participate.

"The current leadership (of Libya) must relinquish power immediately," he also said EU President Herman Van Rompuy after the summit.

United States President Barack Obama, "concerned" about the ability of Muammar Gaddafi to stay in power, said he was determined to "tighten the noose" on the Libyan regime, and made solemn warning against the risk of a large-scale massacre in Libya.

"The United States and the international community have an obligation to do what they can to prevent a repetition of what happened in the Balkans in the 90s, what happened in Rwanda", he said.

More isolated every day on the international level, Colonel Gaddafi has threatened Europe to stop supporting the fight against international terrorism and illegal immigration.

If "Europe does not and ignores the active role of Libya in the fight against immigration (...) Libya will be required (...) To withdraw from efforts against terrorism and to completely change its policy toward al-Qaida, "he said, quoted by state news agency Jana.

On the humanitarian front, Ras Lanuf, doctors called the International Red Cross for help.The International Organization for Migration said in turn negotiate with the Libyan authorities to send a humanitarian mission in Libya, where thousands of immigrants awaiting repatriation.

Since mid-February, more than 250,000 people have fled to neighboring Libya, according to the UN, and the bloody suppression of the uprising has claimed hundreds of lives.

A UN humanitarian mission is expected Saturday in Libya to assess humanitarian needs, announced in the evening the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Libya, Khaled Kaaim.

ITALY - Feature: Lampedusa, step on a long journey to Europe

They land boat patched up, soaked to the bone. Trembling, exhausted by long hours and grueling journey, but the smile from ear to ear. On Lampedusa, a small piece of land lost to the Italian middle of the Mediterranean, Tunisian immigrants, Egyptian and Libyan pile up, forcing the Europeans to look differently, probably a bit less exalted, the revolts that shake all plans up across the Mediterranean.

In recent weeks, more than 7000 Tunisian illegal migrants - men between 20 and 30 years, mostly - have crossed the narrow strip of sea between Lampedusa their country, this parcel of Europe located 400 km south of Sicily and 200 km from the Maghreb.

The mayor of Lampedusa has ordered their placement in detention centers. Most of them do not spend their days locked up yet.Every day, they span the barriers surrounding the center to sit in one of the cafes of the Via Roma, main street of Lampedusa.

No work, no hope

Walid, a young 22 year old Tunisian native of Tatooine, a few miles of Djerba, landed three days ago after a journey of twenty hours in the choppy waters of the Mediterranean. His trip was rather short: the boats are sometimes three days to reach the coast of the island.

Throughout the trip, the boat was battered, buffeted by gusts of wind. Last week, the same swell prevented the crossings."The water kept from splashing into the hull and we have used our shirts to plug the holes in the boat," says Walid.

Like most Tunisians of Lampedusa, the young man does not plan to stay long in the area. His goal: Pantin, outside Paris. There, parents are waiting.

When asked if the departure of Ben Ali gave him hope, Walid shrugs and replies: "Not for me." The answer is the same for the dozens of migrants sipping a coffee bar outside Rome. All speak fluent French and a few words of Italian. "These are all the same", for his part said Scandar, referring to the new Tunisian authorities."They got rid of the boss, but not thugs."

As Scandar, Salim comes from the coastal town of Zarzis in eastern Tunisia. One of his neighbors had been killed during the recent riots that rocked the country. "You feel less safe there. And there is no work for people like us", he said. Unemployment and job insecurity that may be encountered in Europe do not scare him. Because it "can not be worse than in Tunisia," he swears.

Salim and his fellow travelers seeking to learn how to reach France and that the trip may cost them. They are confident.According to them, the Italian authorities will get them on the mainland, then let them go.

Objective: To reach the mainland

Indeed, flights to the north resumed. For, once again, the Lampedusa holding center is saturated. Its director, Cono Callipo, says 250 migrants are currently en route to the mainland, where the Italian authorities will determine if they are applying for political asylum or not. "If they are simply looking for work, they will eventually be returned to their country," he says.

The Italian authorities are assisted by a host of humanitarian workers, omnipresent in Lampedusa. Emiliano Cadeddu is one of them.A native of Sardinia, he strives to provide first aid to migrants aboard Coast Guard vessels. He does not eat a lot of hope when the ambitions of young men he sees scroll. "I wash, I feed, I look after them, but in the end I got them back," cried he.

In Lampedusa, all Tunisians do not fit the country against their will. A small boat flanked by the Tunisian flag is part of the port this morning. On board, six fishermen who had found refuge on the Italian coast of the island after suffering a storm three days ago.

"We go home now," says Mohamed, the master, by swallowing a share of Panettone. "There are hopeful now that Ben is gone.Nobody is afraid to talk. "

Mohammed and his men do not understand why so many of their countrymen fleeing Tunisia. When he utters these words, a new boat is looming on the horizon, its board, dozens of immigrants determined to stay at any price this side of the Mediterranean.

GERMANY: The author wanted to avenge the shooting of U.S. intervention in Afghanistan

The young Kosovar accused of killing two American soldiers on Wednesday in Frankfurt (West Germany) was unrelated to an international network and wanted revenge for the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, said Friday a German federal prosecutor.

The accused, aged 21, acted "because he wanted revenge against the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan," said prosecutor Rainer Griesbaum during a televised news conference from Karlsruhe (West).

"According to preliminary results of the investigation it is the act of one individual motivated by Islamism.There is currently no evidence of belonging to a terrorist organization, "he added.

The young man said during his questioning that he "viewed the eve of his act on a video portal YouTube," he said.

"We would see," said federal prosecutor, recording the interview, "American soldiers looting the home of Muslims and raping the daughter of the family. The pictures do it not out of the head, and he wanted to avoid, by its action, that U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and go do something like that. "

If these elements are confirmed, the attack "would have a personal origin.She would have occurred outside the structures international jihadists. "

Wednesday, Arid Uka, a Kosovar living in Frankfurt, drew on military U.S. Air Force who came from England and had to travel by bus to the Ramstein base, 140 miles away. Two soldiers died and two others were seriously injured. One remained in critical condition Thursday.

An accident on a carnival float made a couple of dead

At least 16 people were killed in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais (southeast) when a high voltage cable was accidentally touched a carnival float, according to local media on Monday, citing emergency services.

The accident occurred late Sunday in the small town of Bandeira do Sul, 5,000 inhabitants, when the cable broke and struck a car carrying an orchestra, according to the websites of newspapers O Globo and Estado de Sao Paulo .

"It was a disaster.There were many people on the float and we do not yet know the exact number of deaths or injuries, serious or light, "he told Globo Jose Balducci, a senior regional health issues.

According to a report of fire at least 12 people died instantly electrocuted.

Emergency services quoted by newspapers ensured that an unspecified number of serious injuries were transported to hospitals in the region.

Brazil prepares for major carnival festivities, which begin this weekend, but many traditional carnival floats roam the streets of the country in the days before the formal period of carnival.

A week ago a young man of 21 years died by falling four meters from the top of a tank on which he danced in a parade in the tourist area of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

Carnival in Rio has also been threatened this year by an apparently accidental fire that erupted on Feb. 7 City of samba, a set of warehouses and workshops in the port area, destroying tanks and costumes for three nine samba schools taking part in parades on "sambodrome," scheduled this year on 6 and 7 March.

Solidarity with other groups and prices of hard work, the samba schools affected should, however, scroll normally.

Regarded as the greatest show on earth, the Rio carnival attracts hundreds of thousands of Brazilians and tourists and an important source of revenue for the city.

JORDAN: "These accusations against the Queen Rania is also a disavowal of the political class"

"I am closely monitoring developments in Tunisia and pray for stability and peace for his people," twitter January 15 Queen Rania of Jordan. His country has not yet been saved by the protest movement that shook the Arab world, and Queen now finds itself on the frontline. In a statement released earlier this week, 36 individuals belonging to the great Bedouin tribes accuse him of "corruption".They argue, among other things, Rania al-Abdullah, herself of Palestinian origin, have facilitated the granting Jordanian citizenship to 78,000 Palestinians since 2005.

Jordan "will sooner or later the target of an uprising similar to Tunisia and Egypt," say those tribal leaders who want a "trial of the corrupt who have looted the country, whoever they are and whatever are their rank and importance. " "We continue to be loyal to the Hashemite throne, but we believe that King Abdullah II must end the abuse of his wife and family, they continue.Otherwise, the throne will be in danger. "

According Hasni Abidi, specialist and director of the Arab Centre for Studies and Research of the Arab and Mediterranean (CERMAM) in Geneva, Switzerland, these charges reflect, as in other Arab countries, a severe denial of class policy.

FRANCE 24: Tribal leaders are directly Queen Rania of Jordan in their release, accusing him of "corruption". Why is this a turning point in the criticism of the regime?

Hasni Abidi, That queen is referred namely a first in Jordan. So far, no one dared make the slightest criticism or reservation about the conduct of King Abdullah II and his family [the criticism of the royal family can be punished by a sentence of three years in prison, Ed].Recent events in Egypt and Tunisia, where we talked about leaders, their families and the wife of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, have undoubtedly contributed to this red line is crossed into Jordan.

The wife of King Hussein [Queen Noor, Ed], father of Abdallah II, was far behind, while Queen Rania has an important role. It is also visible than was Leila Trabelsi Tunisia, although it is mainly involved in issues related to education or literacy. King Abdullah II wanted to use it to modernize the country's image, and it has worked elsewhere in Europe or the United States. But this has had adverse effects on the domestic scene.There have been many articles on the expensive wardrobe of Queen Rania, its designers, it is part of the Board of the Economic Forum in Davos ... It began to grate on people.

FRANCE 24: The corruption charges against the Queen Rania are credible?

Hasni Abidi: I do not think Rania of Jordan could be accused of corruption because it is not responsible for any economic issue. Within the Royal Palace, close to the king or counselors, who have a say on these topics can benefit. Corruption exists, but not at what took place in Tunisia and Egypt.When he came to power, Abdullah has also conducted an operation "clean hands" in some jurisdictions, to drive out the profiteers.

FRANCE 24: What explains these large tribes also speak today so virulent?

Hasni Abidi: The tribes have an important weight in Jordan, they are the traditional mainstay of the monarchy. The stability of the scheme is based on their loyalty and allegiance and it is very rare that they do act of political revenge. In criticizing the Queen Rania now they criticize the king.

Several factors explain this position. First, the economic and social situation is very bad, Jordan is more related to the global economic situation as Egypt.Political instability is also high, with repeated changes of government. But mostly it sounds like a repudiation of the political class in general, like what is happening in other Arab countries. The tribes expressed their discontent and demand a change.

They may also try to redeem themselves: they have long been taxed to the second column and supporting the royal palace against all odds ...

FRANCE 24: These allegations against the Queen they threaten the future of the scheme?

Hasni Abidi: The Jordanian army is very strong and the system too. Jordan operates a system of fuses, if the discontent is widespread, the king can make a jump, changing government ...There are also many fault lines within the Jordanian society, nearly half the population is of Palestinian origin.This affects the mobilization, the feeling of allegiance to the country is very important and nobody dares to yell too loudly for fear of being labeled a "traitor."

Since the beginning of the protest movement, there have been major changes: Abdullah II appointed a new prime minister, Marouf Bakhit, who was retired [the new government was sworn in on Wednesday, Ed], he announced lower prices of food and fuel while the finances of the state are not looking good [debt represents 60% of GDP and the credit rating agency Moody's has revised the rating of the country from stable to negative Tuesday , Ed]. This reflects the weakness of the regime, but also because it is sensitive to people's demands.This year, for example, neither the king nor the queen Rania not have gone to Davos. The Jordanian regime is more attentive to its population than other Arab regimes.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS: Morocco to host CAN 2015

AFP - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Saturday at Lubumbashi (DR Congo) organization of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2015 in Morocco and that of 2017 to South Africa, host of last World Cup.

Morocco, which has organized most of the continent's premier competition since 1988, is thus designated by the CAF, after several unsuccessful bids.

South Africa, hosts of the 1996 edition won by his Bafana Bafana-(nickname of the national soccer team of South Africa), will once again host the tournament in six years, having successfully organized the first World on the continent in the summer of 2010.

Both countries were the only ones vying for the C-2015 and 2017.

The FCA was appointed Angola as host of the CAN-2010, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in 2012 and Libya in 2013.

IRELAND: Prime Minister Brian Cowen leaves the head of the ruling party

AFP - very pugnacious Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen has ended up giving his resignation Saturday of the head of his party, facing a rebellion by activists and ministers convinced of the need for a new leader to face elections at high risk of March.

This 51 year old wrestler, physically massive and legendary banter has battled to the end to remain leader of Fianna Fail (center), he led since May 2008.

But he had to give up after a week that saw political face a rebellion within the party, led by its Foreign Minister, then win a vote of confidence Tuesday at the origin of a short respite as not least six ministers resigned in the wake.

The Prime Minister announced Saturday it had decided to resign "from his own" to foster unity of the centrist party in the campaign for parliamentary elections due next March 11.

Four contenders for the office of Cowen

He leaves the formation in a sorry state: Fianna Fail, which has dominated political life in Ireland since independence, is credited with only 14% of the vote and will probably give way.

The choice of new leader could take place on Wednesday, said the Fianna Fail nomination race is already open.

Among the contenders are primarily former Foreign Minister Michael Martin, principal leader of the rebellion has been brewing for several weeks, and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.

Mary Hanafin (Tourism, Trade, Innovation) and Eamon O Cuív (Protection and Welfare) may also engage in the race to succeed.

Brian Cowen is in any event the Prime Minister, but his government faces a no confidence motion filed by the Labour Party for the next sitting of Parliament on Tuesday.

"I think we'll win this vote," Mr Cowen said Saturday, just as combative.

An atmosphere of the end of reign

His position as head of government is nonetheless become very fragile.The Prime Minister, once very popular with his penchant for Guinness and jokes, is the lowest in the polls since the financial crisis and the Irish sacrifices imposed on the population decline of unemployment benefits, minimum wages, allowances Family, refunds of drugs etc. ..

Several opposition parties have called for the immediate organization of elections. "Maintaining M.Cowen as prime minister is simply untenable, whereas his colleagues in Fianna Fail are fighting the remnants of his party, "said the leader of Labour (left) Eamon Gilmore.

Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein (left nationalist) has also called for immediate elections, saying "the government and Fianna Fail in chaos."

Brian Cowen, however, reiterated Saturday that he intended to remain at his post as prime minister until elections in March next year and "focus on government work and the implementation of the reorganization plan."

The Irish budget for 2011 represents a rigorous effort of 6 billion euros, the highest in the country's history, and is the main consideration for the bailout of 85 billion dollars developed with the European Union and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Finance Bill, the final part of drastic budget was released Friday and must be passed by Parliament before the elections, a task difficult in this atmosphere of late reign.

The ruling coalition, which brings together the Fianna Fail (center) and the Greens, after the polls may be overwhelmingly defeated by the two main opposition parties, Fine Gael (also centrist orientation) and tillage (left), which should be allies to lead the country.