Germany, France 'push Portugal to seek bailout'

9 January 2011 - 17H28

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates (right) with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in October at a signing ceremony for renewable energy projects in Portugal. Germany and France want to press Portugal to seek a bailout in order to stop Spain and Belgium becoming the next euro crisis casualties, German weekly Spiegel reported Sunday.

AFP - Germany and France want to press Portugal to seek a bailout in order to stop Spain and Belgium becoming the next euro crisis casualties, German weekly Spiegel reported Sunday.

Paris and Berlin also want members of the 17-country eurozone to state that they are ready to do whatever it takes to save the currency union, including expanding a 750-billion-euro (970-billion-dollar) rescue fund, Spiegel said citing sources in Berlin.

German and French experts are worried by the high interest rates Portugal is being forced to pay in order to borrow money from investors concerned by Lisbon's public finances.

Interest rates on Portuguese debt rose sharply to record high levels on Friday -- as they did for Spain.

Spain is of much greater concern to Paris and Berlin, with its economy twice that of Portugal, Greece and Ireland combined, a banking sector struggling with bad debts and unemployment at almost 20 percent.

Investors are also becoming concerned by Belgium, which has been without a government for nearly seven months.

On Wednesday, the Portuguese government is hoping to raise up to 1.25 billion euros through a sale of three and nine-year bonds, followed by Spain the following day.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and French counterpart Christine Lagarde met in Strasbourg last week and both know that convincing Portugal to seek help will not be easy, Spiegel said.

Prime Minister Jose Socrates insists that that his government's austerity measures will bring Portugal's debts down.

Gbagbo’s French lawyers stir up controversy

The two French lawyers providing legal advice to Ivorian strongman Laurent Gbagbo claim to be battling French neo-colonialism. But Ivory Coast expert Vincent Hugeux argues that their true motivations have more to do with reputation and money.

By Guillaume LOIRET (text)

Two famous French lawyers, one of them best known for defending Nazi Klaus Barbie, are continuing to support Ivory Coast’s embattled incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.

Jacques Vergès: A career defending African strongmen Congo (1967): Vergès defended the Congolese secessionist Moïse Tshombe accused of involvement in the assassination of independence leader Patrice Lumumba. Mali: Vergès defended President Moussa Traore who was charged with 'violent crime' (1993) and 'economic crimes' (1999). Togo (1999): After Amnesty International published a damning human rights report on in the Republic of Togo, President Gnassingbé Eyadéma appointed Vergès to sue the organization. Ivory Coast (2000): Vergès defended Alassane Ouattara (Gbagbo’s current challenger) when he was disqualified from running for president over questions about his Ivorian nationality. In the same year, Vergès was appointed by coup leader Robert Guei to investigate the alleged embezzlement of funds by Ivorian former President Henri Konan-Bedie. In 2005, Vergès wrote a report for President Laurent Gbagbo on the abuses of rebel forces in the north. Gabon (2001): President Omar Bongo and two of heads of state (Idriss Deby of Chad and Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Congo) sued François-Xavier Verschave for allegations made in his book Noir Silence. Vergès represented the three men, but lost the case against the author, then the head French anti-corruption NGO, Survie.

Roland Dumas is a former foreign minister who was tried and acquitted in one of France's longest-running political corruption trials. He is joined by Jacques Vergès, notorious for defending Barbie, a Gestapo officer known as the "Butcher of Lyon", and for his association with terror kingpin Carlos the Jackal and Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic.

On January 3, back in France fresh after meeting with Gbagbo in Abijan, Vergès seemed to take pleasure in publically warning the French government to remember the lessons of its troubled colonial past.

"We want to tell the French authorities, remember Vietnam" (France colonised Vietnam until 1945, and Ivory Coast until 1960),” he said. “If you attack the Ivory Coast, as you want to do, it will become your tomb."

While in Adidjan, Vergès argued that Gbagbo had come to symbolise the, "new Africa, one that does not bow its head… and that's what French leaders cannot tolerate".

France currently has 900 troops committed to UN peacekeeping forces in Ivory Coast. President Nicolas Sarkozy on Jan. 4 renounced the possibility that those troops would be used to "interfere in internal affairs."

Gbagbo continues to defend his claim to power, despite the international community recognising his opponent Alassane Ouattara as the winner of the run-off presidential election.

Roland Dumas, the other French lawyer representing Gbagbo, says he plans to publish a report that will discredit Outtara’s claim to power by proving that electoral fraud was committed in the northern half of the country, where his support is strongest. Dumas also called for a vote recount.

This is not the first time that Roland Dumas and Jacques Vergès have advised African leaders and strongmen, and received sizeable fees for doing so. In his book “The White Sorcerers: A Survey of Africa’s False Friends” (Fayard, 2007), journalist and Ivory Coast expert Hugeux Vincent describes the two attorneys as secret advisers who “claim to serve the continent” when their main objective is to “boost their egos, their careers, and their bank accounts.”

France24.com spoke to Vincent to gain his insight into this latest development:

France 24: Would you say that Dumas and Vergès involvement with Gbagbo is a strange mission for them to undertake?

Vincent Hugeux: Totally. Their mission is both unusual and predictable. Unusual as in that the undertaking itself is pathetic. Roland Dumas and Jacques Vergès are simply basking in the media spotlight. Predictable, because Dumas’ and Vergès support for Laurent Gbagbo goes back a long way.

F24: You say that both men supported Laurent Gbagbo at a critical moment during his first term.

VH: This is not the first time that Laurent Gbagbo has called on Dumas and Vergès for legal council. In November 2004, French soldiers involved in Operation Licorne opened fire on a crowd in Abidjan, killing several Ivorian demonstrators near the Hotel Ivoire. Soon after, Laurent Gbagbo sued the French government and called on Roland Dumas and Jacques Vergès to represent Ivory Coast. He brought Dumas to Abidjan at great expense, claiming he needed 'legal advice.' Did Gbagbo really need a lawyer? No, but Dumas was a symbolic trophy - a former French Foreign Minister (1988-1993) and former President of the Constitutional Council (1995-2000)!

As for Jacques Vergès, in 2005 Laurent Gbagbo asked him to write an investigative report of the massacres perpetrated by rebels in the north of Ivory Coast. His reward for the job: 140,000 Euros.

F24: On FRANCE 24, Jacques Vergès has denounced what he calls French neo-colonial intervention in Ivory Coast. What do you think of this statement?

VH: What matters most to Vergès is being the centre of attention - to be relevant. For him to claim he is anti-colonial is suspect to say the least. After all, he accumulated part of his fortune representing African leaders: President Moussa Traore of Mali, for example, and President Eyadema of Togo.

F24: Are Dumas and Verges Laurent Gbagbo’s lawyers, or are they more than that?

VH: They are much more than lawyers! Legal competence is not of primary importance for Laurent Gbagbo. It is no coincidence that Roland Dumas, former president of the French Constitutional Council has been asked to represent Gbagbo, given that the Ivorian Constitutional Council endorsed his election as president. Given his political calibre in France, his intervention in Ivory Coast is not only damaging but embarrassing. But it is also what makes him valuable to Gbagbo.

F24: You say that all African heads of state have consorted with similar such controversial Western figures (ie, lawyers, PR agents and journalists who meddle in African affairs for personal gain and profit). Has Alassane Ouattara done so as well?

VH: Ouattara is very conscious of maintaining and promoting his image. During his presidential campaign, he hired a French public relations firm known for working with African heads of state [Patricia Balme International Communication]. Finally, remember that Ouattara also hired lawyer Vergès in 1999-2000, when the Gbagbo camp had called into question his Ivorian nationality!

Japan draw 1-1 with Jordan in Asian Cup opener

9 January 2011 - 16H20

Japan's Maya Yoshida (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring an equaliser against Jordan during their 2011 Asian Cup group B match at Qatar Sports Club Stadium in Doha on Sunday.

AFP - An injury-time goal by Maya Yoshida saved three-time champions Japan from defeat to underdogs Jordan as the two sides drew 1-1 in their opening Asian Cup Group B match on Sunday.

FA Cup joy for Spurs as Beckham deal falls flat

9 January 2011 - 16H56

Andros Townsend, pictured (right) in a friendly against New York Red Bulls last year, scored the opener as Tottenham Hotspur beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 in the FA Cup third round

Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe (right) celebrates with Roman Pavlyuchenko after scoring a goal against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Defoe scored twice and Spurs won 3-0.

AFP - Tottenham Hotspur missed out on a loan for David Beckham but another right midfielder in Andros Townsend scored the opener in their 3-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Charlton at White Hart Lane here Sunday.

Harry Redknapp had wanted Beckham as cover for Aaron Lennon, so Townsend?s performance at least indicated the Spurs manager does have options.

Jermain Defoe, playing against the club he left early in his career, was jeered by away supporters but added the other second-half goals.

Spurs fans arriving at the ground were told Beckham would not be playing for them on loan but would train at the club until February 10 before returning to Los Angeles Galaxy for the Major League Soccer season.

"I think there are problems with the insurance," said manager Redknapp.

"As far as playing goes, it looks like a no-goer."

Instead of the focus being on the former England captain, attention turned to the FA Cup and whether Tottenham could add to their eight triumphs.

Spurs traditionally do well when the year ends in 1 - they have won the trophy five times in those seasons - and Redknapp is hoping 2011 will bring more success.

"We would all love nothing better than to reach a Cup final if we can," he wrote in his programme notes. "I believe that with this squad we have a real chance too."

Third division Charlton, however, were in the mood for an upset. They were helped by two former Spurs players in Gary Doherty at centre-back and winger Johnnie Jackson.

It was Jackson who provided the cross for the clearest chance of the first half, but Scott Wagstaff stabbed his finish wide of Carlo Cudicini's post.

Addicks goalkeeper Rob Elliot also performed well, denying Roman Pavlyuchenko twice and palming away a dangerous cross from debutant Townsend, who had just returned from a loan spell at Ipswich.

Defoe also had a first-half chance but veteran defender Christian Dailly bravely blocked.

England striker Defoe was returning from suspension and Redknapp also used some of his fringe players such as Niko Kranjcar and Sandro before bringing on Luka Modric at half-time.

Spurs were ahead four minutes after the interval through Townsend. He was fed the ball by Sandro 25 yards from goal and took a touch before drilling into the bottom corner.

Cudicini pulled off a stunning save to deny Matt Fry a long-range equaliser before Defoe doubled the lead just before the hour mark.

He surged into the penalty area and breezed past Dailly before tucking away his finish.

Defoe's second goal came two minutes later after he took advantage of a ricochet in the penalty area, with his first effort saved by Elliot before he finished from the rebound.

Elliot was kept busy but Cudicini was also called into action when substitute Kyel Reid struck a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Man Utd give Liverpool's Dalglish a losing start

9 January 2011 - 17H12

Liverpool's new manager Kenny Dalglish applauds the Liverpool fans after the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ryan Giggs (in the number 11 shirt) scores the winner from the penalty spot in Manchester United's 1-0 FA Cup third round victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

AFP - Kenny Dalglish made a losing start to his second spell in charge of Liverpool after Ryan Giggs's penalty earned Manchester United a 1-0 FA Cup third round victory at Old Trafford here Sunday.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was also sent off as life after Roy Hodgson, sacked as manager on Saturday, started the same way it finished -- with defeat.

There were some positives for Dalglish to take from his first game in charge of the club in nearly 20 years, but the Scot knows he has his work cut out if he is to revive Liverpool's fortunes.

Although the early penalty that decided the tie was harsh, United were denied a blatant spot kick later in the game while Gerrard can have few complaints about his 32nd minute red card after a late challenge on fellow England midfielder Michael Carrick.

This was the first competitive meeting between Dalglish and compatriot Sir Alex Ferguson since Dalglish masterminded a 1-1 draw for Newcastle at Old Trafford in April 1998, a result which contributed towards United missing out to Arsenal in the race for the title.

Nine thousand Liverpool supporters were at Old Trafford to witness the new Dalglish era, but they were left shell-shocked after World Cup final referee Howard Webb awarded a controversial penalty with barely 30 seconds gone.

United, who welcomed captain Rio Ferdinand back to the side, capitalised from their very first attack when Dimitar Berbatov was adjudged to have been clipped, harshly, by Daniel Agger inside the Liverpool area.

Giggs stepped up to beat Pepe Reina, the 37-year-old's second goal of the season and 11th FA Cup goal for United.

Dalglish made five changes to the side that surrendered so tamely against Blackburn in Hodgson's last match in charge.

And despite the shock of falling behind so early, Liverpool showed more purpose than they had on their travels for a long time.

Maxi Rodriguez stung the finger tips of Tomasz Kuszczak in the 19th minute before Gerrard forced a 30th minute save from United's Polish keeper.

But that was to be Gerrard's only contribution. Two minutes later he was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Carrick, the seventh dismissal in the last nine matches between the clubs.

Dalglish looked disgusted at the decison, but Gerrard could have few excuses for his first red card since March 2006 which rules him out of the forthcoming league games with Blackpool, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

United powered forward in an attempt to make the extra man advantage count and kill off the tie.

Javier Hernandez went close to doubling the lead with a header, but it required a stunning save by Kuszczak to deny the spirited visitors a 65th minute equaliser when a perfectly executed 25-yard free kick by Fabio Aurelio appeared to be heading for the top corner.

United increased the tempo in the closing stages, Reina flicking Patrice Evra's effort over the bar after the hosts had been denied a sure-fire penalty when Giggs was tripped by Jonjo Shelvey in the 69th minute.

French hostages executed during rescue mission, ministry says

By the CNN Wire Staff

January 9, 2011 -- Updated 1503 GMT (2303 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The French Defense Ministry says the men were executed by their abductors
• It's believed the kidnappers are linked to al Qaeda, a spokesman says
• An al Qaeda-linked group abducted 5 French citizens last September
• The two were abducted while having dinner at a restaurant

Niamey, Niger (CNN) -- Two French citizens who were kidnapped in Niger's capital were executed by their abductors during an attempted rescue mission, the French Defense Ministry said Sunday.

"During this rescue operation, the two hostages were killed, probably executed by their kidnappers. Two French soldiers were injured and many terrorists were killed," said a statement on the ministry's website.

The two were seized by masked gunmen who burst into Le Toulousain, a restaurant owned by a French citizen, in Niamey Friday night. A witness said the bar was crowded and many people did not realize what was going on at first.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said it's believed that "those behind the kidnapping were probably part of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). However, AQIM has not yet claimed responsibility. The group did acknowledge it was responsible for the abduction of five French citizens who've been missing since September.

The spokesman said French Defense Minister Alain Juppe will travel to Niamey Monday to hold a news conference.

No other details, including the identities of the two who were slain, were immediately available.

Niger's Voice of Sahel radio reported severe clashes between Niger army forces and the kidnappers early Saturday near the town of Ouallam, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Niamey, the capital, and not far from the Mali border.

The leader of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Abu Musab Abdul-Wadud, has warned France that if it does not withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, more French nationals would be endangered.

"If you want safety for your citizens who are held captive by us, then you must move quickly to take your soldiers out of Afghanistan according to a specific time table that you announce officially," Abdul-Wadud said.

The five French citizens kidnapped in September were linked to French nuclear energy company Areva, which has been mining uranium for decades in Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world.

France has already said it may begin to withdraw some troops from Afghanistan next year. Minister Herve Morin told French radio station RTL in late October that France will begin to transfer the control of certain districts to Afghans in 2011.

Journalist Ibbo Daddy Abdoulaye contributed to this report.

Arizona shooting witness: There was 'no route to escape'

By the CNN Wire Staff

January 9, 2011 -- Updated 1409 GMT (2209 HKT)

Tucson, Arizona (CNN) -- It was a day and an event like so many others -- until it wasn't.

Six people were killed and 12 others wounded, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, when a gunman opened fire in front of a Safeway supermarket in Tucson, Arizona, authorities said. The congresswoman had been hosting a meeting with constituents Saturday morning when the attack began.

Dr. Steven Rayle told CNN's Wolf Blitzer he was about 10 feet away from Giffords when the gunman shot the congresswoman.

"He continued to fire, sort of rapidly, really at point-blank range. And the way things were set up, people really had no route to escape. They were sort of hemmed in by the architecture and the things around there," he said.

After a moment of hesitation, Rayle said he ducked behind a concrete post, then laid on the ground so as not to be a target.

Rayle said the suspect "had a sort of determined look on his face" as he opened fire.

"He was not sort of going around and picking out people and firing at them ... He was just firing his gun indiscriminately," he said.

The 22-year-old suspect, who law enforcement sources identified as Jared Lee Loughner, was trying to reload when he was tackled to the ground, another witness said.

The gun, which another bystander had wrestled from the gunman, was empty and cocked open. The shooter had another magazine at the ready, Joe Zamudio told CNN.

"He was ready for war. He was not playing around," Zamudio said. "He was going to keep shooting. It was not over. He had just ran out of bullets."

Zamudio said he was one of the bystanders who pinned the gunman to the ground until police showed up.

Jason Pekau, who works at a nearby store, said he heard the gunshots from 50 yards away.

"It sounded like tons of pots and pans falling down on the ground right next to my ear it was so loud," he said.

He described a chaotic scene in the parking lot immediately after the attack.

"I just saw people running, screaming towards where the shooting happened. Everyone screaming that it was Gabrielle Giffords," he said.

Witnesses told him she was shot "point-blank in the head," Farley said.

"I did see them take her away on a stretcher," Pekau said about the congresswoman. "She was moving, from what I saw with my own eyes."

Giffords may owe her survival to a quick-thinking intern, an Arizona state legislator told CNN.

Arizona state Rep. Steve Farley said Daniel Hernandez, his former campaign manager -- and a trained nurse -- was interning for Giffords and staffing Saturday's meet-and-greet event.

"He said that when he was in the back ... he heard shots in the front. He rushed to see what had happened. Gabby was on the floor," Farley said. "He was able to use his nurse training and snapped right into it and was able to apply pressure to the wound and keep her active and alert. He rode with her in the ambulance to the hospital."

Video from the scene showed one of Giffords' banners still hanging in the storefront. Yellow tape was draped around the parking lot as police began their investigation.

Giffords won her third term in a closely contested race against a Tea Party-sponsored candidate and was one of three Democratic legislators who reported vandalism at their offices following the March vote on health care reform.

President Barack Obama spoke from Washington soon after the attack. He called it a national tragedy and underlined how simply the day began -- like any other.

"It's not surprising that today, Gabby was doing what she was always does -- listening to the hopes and concerns of her neighbors," said Obama, referring to the congresswoman by her nickname. "That is the essence of what our democracy is all about."