French police officers have been given approval to sport beards and tattoos on the job so long as they respect certain conditions, officials said today.
	Responding to a police officers' union request, officials said French cops may wear beards on duty "as long as they are clean and well-trimmed," and may indulge in the current male fashion of letting stubble grow two or three days between shaves.
	Police officers of both genders hankering for tattoos, meanwhile, may get inked so long as the result "is not contrary to (police) ethics" by carrying religious, political or racist messages, or is otherwise capable of "provoking clashes with the population."
	In addition to the general authorisation, the police union has asked officials to provide detailed directives on the Dos and Don'ts of sporting facial hair and tats while in uniform.

France authorises cops to sport (certain) beards and tattoos

PTI Automatic

Tens of thousands marched in Tehran and Baghdad today in annual Quds (Jerusalem) Day demonstrations in support of Palestinians, with Saudi Arabia joining arch-foe Israel as a target for protesters.
	President Hassan Rouhani attended but did not speak at the main rally in Tehran, which coincided with still seemingly deadlocked nuclear talks between Iran and world powers led by the United States.
	In Iraq, thousands of people marched including hundreds of fighters in military uniform on Palestine Street in Baghdad to mark the annual day of solidarity inaugurated by the late Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
	In Lebanon, the leader of the powerful Shiite militia Hezbollah told thousands of supporters that Iran was the only hope of liberating the Palestinians.
	While Iran does not recognise Israel's existence, and supports Palestinian militant groups that fight it, Saudi Arabia's bombing campaign in Yemen drew anger.
	The crowd in Tehran chanted "Down with US, ...

Saudi joins Israel as target of Jerusalem Day protests

Super typhoon Chan-hom barrelled towards Shanghai today prompting the evacuation of more than 865,000 people in eastern China, after lashing Japan's Okinawa island chain and Taiwan.
	The powerful storm could be the strongest typhoon to strike Zhejiang province, just south of Shanghai, since 1949, China's National Meterological Centre (NMC) said.
	The storm left five people dead in the Philippines earlier in the week and injured more than 20 people in Japan Friday as strong winds uprooted trees and battered buildings, the Tokyo Broadcasting System broadcaster reported.
	Four people were also injured by falling trees in Taiwan when the storm buffeted the island Friday.
	Early Saturday morning the storm was 235 kilometres (146 miles) southwest of Zhenjiang province and continued to gain pace as it travelled towards land, the NMC said.
	Super typhoon Chan-hom's expected path would see it pass just to the east of the financial metropolis Shanghai, after it makes landfall to the south of ...

Thousands evacuated as super typhoon bares down on Shanghai

Fresh Greek bailout reform proposals were cheered by France and Italy today, raising hopes that a last-ditch compromise could be reached with the country's creditors to prevent a dreaded "Grexit."
	The plan delivered by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's administration for study by the EU, IMF and European Central Bank was to be put to a vote late today by Greek lawmakers.
	Tsipras has conceded ground on major sticking points including tax and pensions, in a bid to secure a new bailout, drawing encouragement from his biggest ally, French President Francois Hollande.
	But he risks alienating a major share of his party's supporters, who rejected in a referendum last Sunday a very similar set of proposals put forward by Greece's creditors.
	Some 8,000 people gathered in Athens ahead of the parliamentary vote to protest against carrying on with austerity, police said.
	"The Greeks have shown a determination to want to stay in the eurozone because the programme they are presenting is serious .

Hopes rise of Greece bailout breakthrough

Tunisian coastguards have recovered the bodies of 16 migrants of sub-Saharan origin since Monday, an official at Ben Guerdane port in the south of the country said today.
	Fathi Abab told AFP that the bodies that had washed ashore were thought to be of people who had drowned trying to reach Europe.
	He said five bodies were recovered on Monday, six on Wednesday and five on Thursday.
	A civil defence official had said on Monday that the decomposed bodies of five people were recovered that day.
	On June 10 off the same port, Tunisia's navy rescued 356 migrants, mainly Africans but also including Syrians and Pakistanis who had left Libya on a makeshift vessel on their way to Europe.
	On Sunday, 17 Tunisian migrants were picked up from an inflatable boat off the northern town of El Haouria, the defence ministry said.
	People smugglers have taken advantage of the chaos gripping Libya since the 2011 uprising toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi to step up their lucrative smuggling ...

Tunisia recovers 16 migrant bodies from Med in week

Canada Post today issued a stamp in honor of Nobel prize-winning author Alice Munro, the writer of short stories whose style has often been compared to that of Russian great Anton Chekhov.
	The stamp, issued on Munro's 84th birthday, combines a black-and-white photograph of the author taken by her daughter, a sample of her handwriting, and an image of her hometown Wingham, in Ontario province.
	Many believe that Wingham inspired the rural settings of several of her stories.
	"Alice Munro is not only one of Canada's most critically acclaimed writers but also one of the most popular," said Canada's transport minister Lisa Raitt, who oversees Canada Post.
	Munro, who won the Nobel literature prize in 2013, is known for short stories -- often set in small towns -- that focus on the frailties of the human condition.
	The Nobel committee hailed her as the "master of the contemporary short story."
	"Munro's literary talent, wisdom and humanity, reflected in her stories over several decades, .

Canada honors Nobel-winning author Munro with stamp

Somalia's Shebab militants stormed two hotels in the capital Mogadishu today, killing at least three people, before they were themselves killed in heavy fighting, security forces said.
	At least one suicide bomber used a car packed with explosives to smash open the gates of one of the two hotels, both fortified, guarded, and popular with lawmakers from the nearby parliament, as well as government workers and businessmen.
	The twin attacks on the  Weheliye and Siyaad were simultaneous and apparently coordinated.
	Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency later declared the attacks over, adding that at least four militants had been killed.
	"Attempts to raid Weheliye Hotel thwarted, situation under control... Second attack in Siyaad Hotel has been brought to an end by our forces," the message read.
	The security agency said the gunmen were Shebab fighters, calling them "Ugus", the government term for the militants, an acronym in Somali for the phrase, "the group that massacres 

Somalia's Shebab launch twin Mogadishu hotel attacks

US Secretary of State John Kerry said progress had been made today in tough talks with Iran on its nuclear programme, praising what he called the "constructive" atmosphere.
	"I think we have resolved some of the things that were outstanding and we've made some progress," he said, speaking to a few reporters as he met with his team of experts in Vienna.
	Meetings have been happening all day, Kerry said, adding: "We have a couple of different lines of discussion that are going on right now."
	"The atmosphere is very constructive," he told the reporters who  travelled with him from Washington.
	"We still have a couple of very difficult issues, and we'll be sitting down to discuss those in the very near term - this evening and into tomorrow."
	The talks are now heading into their third weekend in Vienna as global powers and Tehran seek to bridge the final gaps blocking a long-sought deal.
	They are seeking to end a 13-year standoff with Iran over its suspect nuclear programme with a deal .

Some outstanding issues 'resolved' in Iran nuclear talks:Kerry

Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said today he believed "many" of his country's demands for debt relief will be accepted by eurozone partners, which are weighing a bailout proposal.
	"Many of Greece's debt demands are going to be accepted," he told a parliamentary commission examining the plan.
	He notably expressed confidence that Greece will be permitted to roll over a debt of 27 billion euros (USD 30 billion) in bonds held by the European Central Bank to the European Stability Mechanism, which would push back repayments.
	Greece has submitted a proposal of reforms it will undertake if its creditors provide it with a third bailout to stave off economic collapse.
	Much of the package consists of concessions to the creditors, especially on taxes and cutting pension costs. Athens is hoping it will pave the way to easing servicing of its massive 323-billion-euro debt mountain, which it says is unsustainable.

Greece expects 'many' of its debt demands will be accepted

Joe Root proved a thorn in Australia's side yet again as England defied many pre-series predictions to leave their arch-rivals needing to set a new record to win the first Ashes Test at Sophia Gardens today.
	The most either side have made to win in the fourth innings of an Ashes Test was Australia's 404 for three at Headingley back in 1948 when Arthur Morris scored 182 and Donald Bradman, widely regarded as cricket's greatest batsman, an unbeaten 173.
	If Australia -- who have two days to get the runs albeit on a pitch of increasingly variable bounce -- succeed it will be the third-highest fourth innings total to win any Test and highest in England.
	West Indies made 418 for seven against Australia in St John's, Antigua in 2002/03 and South Africa scored 414 for four, also against Australia, in Perth in 2008/09.
	First-innings century-maker Root and Ian Bell each made valuable scores of 60, with both batsmen facing 89 balls apiece today as England maintained a brisk of run-rate of ...

Australia face record chase to win first Ashes Test

Roger Federer became the oldest Wimbledon finalist in 41 years when he downed Andy Murray 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 today to set up a title rematch with defending champion Novak Djokovic.
	Federer, 33, will be playing in his 10th Wimbledon final on Sunday and 26th at all the Grand Slams where victory will give him an eighth All England Club crown and 18th major.
	His demolition of 2013 champion Murray was his most impressive in recent years and featured 20 aces, 56 winners and just 11 unforced errors.
	He allowed Murray, who he has now defeated in five out of six Grand Slam clashes, just one break point and that was in the opening game of the two hour seven minute match.
	Djokovic, who beat Federer in last year's final, had earlier swept into his fourth Wimbledon final with a ruthlessly efficient 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Richard Gasquet.
	"It's been tough, Andy has been playing very well this season and there was so much expectation on this match," said Federer, who is the oldest finalist 

Brilliant Federer downs Murray, faces Djokovic in final

A rash of lynchings of suspected criminals has shocked even violence-hardened Brazilians, baring dark undercurrents in the land of sun and samba.
	The latest incident took place in the western outskirts of Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday night, when vigilantes tied up and badly beat a man accused of stealing a woman's cellphone, Brazilian media reported Friday.
	A picture of the man, reported to be 31, showed him curled upon the ground, shirtless, with his hands tied behind his back and what appeared to be blood on the ground around his head. He was rescued by police, but there was no immediate information on his condition.
	An even more shocking picture was published earlier this week of a young man killed after being tied naked to a lamp post and hit with stones, bottles and other weapons.
	The man, 29, was lynched Monday after being accused of trying to rob a bar in the far northeastern town of Sao Luis de Maranhao. An adolescent accomplice was also lynched but rescued after playing ...

Rash of lynchings shocks Brazil

Boko Haram militants slit the throats of five civilians in southeast Niger during a targeted attack by the Islamist group wreaking havoc in the region, according to local authorities.
	"Five employees of a Nigerien company had their throats slit yesterday (Thursday) evening in Dagaya, a village near Bosso," Mayor of Bosso Bako Mamadou told AFP.
	The victims were a driver, a carpenter and three construction workers who were working at a site in Dagaya, according to local radio.
	"We do not know the circumstances of the attack," Mamadou said, adding that security measures had been put in place.
	Local officials say they believe that the militants targeted the five workers, who were from the city of Diffa, which is located in the heartland of the Boko Haram insurgency.
	Many young people from Diffa, which borders Nigeria, have joined the ranks of Boko Haram, getting paid about 300,000 CFA francs (around 450 euros or USD 500) per month, according to local officials.  In June 38 civilians .

Boko Haram brutally kills 5 civilians in Niger

The director of the US Office of Personnel Management resigned today after a devastating hack of government databases that saw the personal information of millions of federal workers and contractors stolen.
	"I conveyed to the president that I believe it is best for me to step aside and allow new leadership to step in, enabling the agency to move beyond the current challenges," OPM Director Katherine Archuleta said in a statement.
	A White House official said President Barack Obama had "accepted her resignation and thanked her for her years of dedicated service.

Senior US official resigns over government data breach

Commercial flights resumed into the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri today, nearly 18 months after the airport was shut in the wake of a daring Boko Haram raid.
	A Med-View Airline flight with 82 passengers on board, including the Borno State governor Kashim Shettima, touched down at about 2:00 pm (1300 GMT).
	Nigeria's military, which has a base at the airport, announced the re-opening of the facility last month.
	The airport was shut in December 2013 after a daring assault by hundreds of militant fighters that saw them burn military aircraft on the tarmac and seize a cache of weapons.
	Med-View managing director Muneer Bankole said the domestic carrier would initially operate four flights a week to Maiduguri, building up to a regular daily service.
	Bankole said he was hopeful the Boko Haram insurgency would not affect operations.
	"Allah is the owner of security. We are all at the mercy of Allah. We pray for our brothers... That they should know that peace is the solution," he .

Nigeria's Maiduguri airport re-opens after 18 months

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen reiterated her view today that the central bank will likely begin raising interest rates before the end of 2015.
	"I expect that it will be appropriate at some point later this year to take the first step to raise the federal funds rate and thus begin normalizing monetary policy," she said in a speech in Cleveland, Ohio.
	Yellen, however, remained cautious, saying she still saw slack in the jobs market, which has been a key factor in how the Fed approaches its first rate hike since 2006.
	"We will be watching carefully to see if there is continued improvement in labor market conditions, and we will need to be reasonably confident that inflation will move back to two percent in the next few years," she said.
	She also stressed that the move toward a tighter monetary policy would be gradual and that Fed policy would need to remain supportive of economic growth "for quite some time."
	The Fed has kept its benchmark federal funds rate at zero since the ..

Fed's Yellen sees rate hike 'later this year'

Gunmen killed at least three people when they stormed two hotels in Somalia's capital Mogadishu today, a security official said, with three militants also killed in heavy ongoing fighting.
	"The terrorists were killed... We have confirmed three civilians dead at Weheliye hotel and the thee attackers were killed too," said government security official Mohamed Guhad.
	However, fighting continued in another nearby hotel, where gunmen launched a simultaneous attack, close to the presidential palace and fortified government district.

3 civilians, 3 gunmen killed in twin Somalia hotel attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today visited relatives of a citizen reportedly held captive by Hamas after a top aide apologised for telling them he would suffer if they went public.
	Avraham Mengistu is one of two Israelis whose suspected detention in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip was revealed yesterday after a gag order was lifted.
	The defence ministry confirmed that Mengistu, of Ethiopian descent, had been missing, presumed held captive, since crossing into the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip last September.
	The lifting of a 10-month gag order allowed private Channel 10 television to air audio of Lior Lotan -- coordinator of prisoner of war and missing in action affairs in Netanyahu's office -- haranguing Mengistu's family.
	Lotan's comments were widely condemned by the media as intimidation.
	"He has apologised for both the tone and content of the conversation," an official told AFP.
	Netanyahu's office said the premier had an hour-long meeting with the family at their Ashkelon ..

Netanyahu visits missing Israeli family after aide's 'threats'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said today he believed global powers and Iran will "soon" reach a compromise in talks on Tehran's nuclear programme.
	"A compromise should be found," Putin said after hosting a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in the Urals city of Ufa, where he met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani yesterday.
	"In my opinion, it will be found soon," he said.
	Talks toward a nuclear deal dragged into a 14th day on today, with Tehran accusing the West of backtracking and Washington saying it was prepared to walk away.
	But Putin said he was hopeful that Iran and the P5+1 group - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- would soon agree on guarantees for a successful resolution.
	"Not only Iran and talks participants but all of the countries in the region including Arab countries and Israel are interested in this," Putin said.
	"We proceed from the fact that all sanctions against Iran should be lifted," he said, stressing that ...

Iran nuclear talks will reach compromise 'soon': Putin

President Petro Poroshenko warned today that the threat of terror was "significantly" rising across Ukraine as pro-Russian militias resumed attacks, killing  two more government troops.
	The Western-backed leader said Ukraine's efforts to stamp out the 15-month eastern revolt had drained security resources and left peaceful cities open to attacks from criminals and those allied to rebel fighters.
	"The terrorist threat level has significantly risen outside the zone where we are conducting our anti-terrorist operation," the 49-year-old former chocolate magnate said in a televised address.
	Ukraine refers to the insurgents as "terrorists" -- a label that infuriates Russia.
	Moscow denies backing the fighters and defends the uprising as an expression of free will in a mostly Russian-speaking region that looks sceptically at the pro-European stance adopted by the former Soviet nation in the past year.
	The fighting itself resumed with renewed vigour Friday after a one-day lull.
	"The ...

Ukraine leader warns of 'terror' threat to peaceful cities

Denmark followed Britain's example today in urging its nationals to cut short their holidays in Tunisia after London warned the country was still unsafe after last month's beach massacre.
	Tunisia's prime minister said he would telephone British counterpart David Cameron to discuss London's advice which he said would have consequences on the North African nation, heavily dependent on tourism.
	Guidance issued yesterday by the Foreign Office in London forced tour operators from Britain, whose nationals bore the brunt of the beach massacre, to halt all holidays to Tunisia in a massive blow to a key sector of its economy.
	The estimated 3,000 British tourists already in the country had their holidays cut short, and some have already flown home.
	Prime Minister Habib Essid told parliament late Thursday that the guidance "has repercussions, repercussions for other countries".
	"We will ring the British prime minister to tell him we have done everything we can to protect all British ...

AFP

AFP

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