Wednesday 8 May 2013

Chadli plays down Juventus link

Chadli plays down Juventus link

The Belgian winger has been mooted for a potential move to Italy in recent days but the 23-year-old insists he has made no decisions yet on his future
Nacer Chadli has distanced himself from rumours suggesting he is on the verge of completing a move to Juventus and says Serie A is not what it used to be.
The Twente wide player has been strongly linked with a move to the Old Lady in recent weeks, but the 23-year-old seems unconvinced of an impending transfer, believing his future may still lie in Enschede.
"I do not know anything about [the rumours]," he told Voetbal International.
"Juventus are of course a very nice club, though Serie A is no longer what it used to be.
"Juventus, Inter and AC Milan are the only three real clubs at present.
"There is interest from more clubs, but for now I'm focusing first on the [Europa League] playoffs with Twente and internationals with Belgium.
"Only when I'm on holiday, will I think about a decision. I therefore won't rule out staying another year at Twente.”
The Belgian international has one year left on his current deal which expires in July 2014.
Chadli joined Twente from AGOVV Apeldoorn 2010 and has made over 100 appearances, scoring 37 goals in the process.

Weidenfeller hopes for 'perfect' storm against Bayern

Weidenfeller hopes for 'perfect' storm against Bayern
The experienced German shot-stopper believes his side will have to perform to their peak abilities when they meet the Bundesliga champions on May 25
Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller insists they will have to produce a "perfect" display if they are to be successful in their upcoming Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

The Wembley showpiece is on May 25 and Weidenfeller says everyone in black and yellow will have to be on top of their game if they are to emerge victorious in Europe's premier competition for the first time since 1997, but added they can take heart from their recent record against die Roten.

"Bayern have played a perfect season and we will need a perfect day to beat them," he told reporters.

“We have recently beaten Bayern in a final of the DFB Pokal in Berlin in 2012 and we still have very good memories of recent results.

"We have not lost a league match against Munich for a number of years."

Weidenfeller also commented on last Saturday’s 1-1 draw between the sides, claiming as the games become bigger, so does the rivalry.

He added: “It is certainly more heated between both teams, there is more at stake, the fans want to see this passion, and emotions are simply part of it."

Weidenfeller, 32, joined in 2002 and has went on to make over 340 appearances for the club, helping Dortmund to overcome Real Madrid in this year's semi-final.

Sir Alex Ferguson 'the greatest manager of all time', declares Gary Neville

Sir Alex Ferguson 'the greatest manager of all time', declares Gary Neville

Sir Alex Ferguson 'the greatest manager of all time', declares Gary Neville

By Alex Ward
09-May-2013 12:02:00 AM
The ex-Red Devil hails the Glaswegian's impact upon football but admits that he knew something was awry when the club failed to quash rumours of the veteran's departure
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville says that former boss Sir Alex Ferguson will go down as "the greatest manager of all time" after his retirement.

The ex-defender spent his entire playing career working under the Scot at Old Trafford in a 19-year stint steeped in glory.

And the 38-year-old feels that much of his own personal achievements can be attributed to his close relationship with Sir Alex, with news of his impending retirement upsetting him as a supporter.

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"I can speak in three different guises really," Neville told Sky Sports. "As a fan, I'm sad and I'm gutted because it's a day that no Manchester United fan ever wanted to come.

"As a player, I think I'm grateful and feel privileged to have worked with the greatest manager of all time. And I suppose, from here [as a pundit], from our side of things, things become a little less interesting because we've lost an incredible character, somebody who always played magnificent football."

As well as his own respect for Sir Alex's talent, Neville believes that the 71-year-old's tenure is something for which all quarters of British football should be thankful.

"That's the first thing we should remember; that every single game that Manchester United played in is a good game to watch, exciting, so I think it's just a loss all round," he added.

The former defender also revealed that, once the rumours of Sir Alex's departure began to gain traction, he knew to expect an announcement after the club failed to distance itself from the speculation.

"I was shocked; the rumour mill started I think [on Tuesday] afternoon and obviously gathered pace," he recalled, "and you know when Manchester United don't squash a rumour, don't nip it in the bud, you know there's something in it."

LIVE: Real Madrid 2-1 Malaga

LIVE: Real Madrid 2-1 Malaga



Jose Mourinho returns to Santiago Bernabeu for the first time following his explosive press conference on Tuesday as the hosts look to close in on second. Follow it LIVE!

LIVE: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

LIVE: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham



Victory would virtually secure Rafael Benitez's side a place in next season's Champions League but fifth-placed Spurs have top-four aspirations of their own. Follow all the action LIVE!

Premier League - Who will take over from Sir Alex Ferguson?

But who should get the job of replacing the most successful manager in British football history?
The hot favourites (Note: Odds correct at 9:30 BST - bookies' quotes are fluctuating continuously)
Jose Mourinho - Evens
Why he should get it: A hugely successful manager in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, Mourinho has consistently shown that he has outstanding tactical nous, motivational skills and the ability to deal with both prima donnas on the pitch and highly complex club set-ups behind the scenes. What better qualifications could anybody have?
Why he shouldn't get it: His habit of taking big jobs and moving on after two or three years is the exact opposite of what United will want after 26 years of managerial stability.
Will he get it?: A very good chance indeed. Putting aside footballing concerns or the nature of the club, he is quite simply the choice that would make most sense to global stock markets - and that, ultimately, will probably tip the balance in his favour. He also has a good relationship with Ferguson, who is sure to have a big say in the naming of his successor.
David Moyes - Evens
Why he should get it: Years of overachievement at Everton have earned the Scot a stellar reputation for bringing in underrated talent and then getting the best out of them, even clinching Champions League qualification in 2005. He has also shown his long-term dedication - in stark contrast to Mourinho - as he is the third-longest-serving manager in the top flight.
Why he shouldn't get it: There's a huge difference between running a relatively impoverished club and running the world's most valuable sports franchise, and Moyes is completely unproven when it comes to the latter. His constant frustration at Everton's inability to back him with transfer funds also suggests that he is not the man to negotiate the back corridors of Old Trafford - and balance competing interests - with a smile. He has not won a single trophy as a manager since guiding Preston to the League One title (then Division Two) in 2000.
Will he get it?: At first glance he seems the nearest thing to a like-for-like replacement for Ferguson: a straight-talking Scot who commands respect and absolute loyalty, and who could be trusted with a long-term brief to build the side. But Ferguson took over at United only after proving himself a huge success in Scotland, and then had the task of turning a third-rate club back into world beaters. Taking over a club at the top is a totally different matter. In other words, Moyes would have been a good fit for United in 1987, but he probably isn't now.
The other contenders
Jurgen Klopp - 10/1
The Borussia Dortmund coach was strongly linked to the United job just last week, with reports from inside Old Trafford claiming that it was an open secret that Klopp was the "next manager in waiting". He would no doubt jump at the chance: his frustrations at how Dortmund keep on selling his best players - and often to Bayern Munich - would have driven a lesser man to the brink of despair. Instead, Klopp has stayed cheerful and is now 90 minutes away from being a Champions League-winning boss.
Ryan Giggs - 25/1
The Welshman has already dedicated his life so far to the Red Devils, and as a sentimental, fan-friendly choice he would be hugely popular. But giving him control of the team would be like asking a newly-recruited police constable to investigate the assassination of David Cameron. Bringing him in as a coach might make sense - anything else would be unthinkable insanity.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 28/1
The 40-year-old is a United legend and has won back-to-back trophies in Norwegian football with Molde. He has also worked as a coach and reserves manager at Old Trafford, and has the brightest of futures ahead of him - hence the suggestion that he could be a sort of Scandinavian Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford. But his managerial experience so far will count for about as much as a few good seasons playing Championship Manager on his PC when it comes to the men who control United's finances.
Carlo Ancelotti - from 25/1 to 90/1
The Italian has all-but-confirmed that he will leave PSG this summer, and has proven himself a good boss there, with Chelsea and with AC Milan - with whom he won the Champions League twice.
Gary Neville - anywhere from 25/1 to 66/1
Another United legend who has dabbled with coaching roles - not least with England - but his career change to pithy, croaky-voiced pundit is complete enough that he would be seen as a ridiculous choice.
Laurent Blanc - 40/1
The former France manager was once considered among the hot favourites to take over from Ferguson on his retirement, particularly after winning the double in France with Bordeaux in 2009. He failed to set the world alight as France's national team manager, however, with a talent-packed team turning in a string of hugely disappointing performances at Euro 2012. Hard to see him getting a phone call despite the fact that he is available for hire.
Roberto Martinez - 40/1
Earned a good reputation at Swansea and has had Wigan playing well - often brilliantly - in spells. But consistency has been a problem - and the fact that he was publicly turned down by Liverpool last year won't help his chances.
Pep Guardiola - 40/1
Priced up by bookies, but it's impossible to picture the former Barcelona coach going back on his agreement to take over Bayern Munich this summer.
Michael Laudrup - 50/1
The Danish legend has enjoyed a first season at Swansea that is about as good as can be imagined - and has claimed some silverware to boot, with the League Cup. Still relatively new to England and the Premier League, however, and his odds reflect that all he has done so far is keep a good team going well.

Premier League - Who will take over from Sir Alex Ferguson?

But who should get the job of replacing the most successful manager in British football history?
The hot favourites (Note: Odds correct at 9:30 BST - bookies' quotes are fluctuating continuously)
Jose Mourinho - Evens
Why he should get it: A hugely successful manager in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, Mourinho has consistently shown that he has outstanding tactical nous, motivational skills and the ability to deal with both prima donnas on the pitch and highly complex club set-ups behind the scenes. What better qualifications could anybody have?
Why he shouldn't get it: His habit of taking big jobs and moving on after two or three years is the exact opposite of what United will want after 26 years of managerial stability.
Will he get it?: A very good chance indeed. Putting aside footballing concerns or the nature of the club, he is quite simply the choice that would make most sense to global stock markets - and that, ultimately, will probably tip the balance in his favour. He also has a good relationship with Ferguson, who is sure to have a big say in the naming of his successor.
David Moyes - Evens
Why he should get it: Years of overachievement at Everton have earned the Scot a stellar reputation for bringing in underrated talent and then getting the best out of them, even clinching Champions League qualification in 2005. He has also shown his long-term dedication - in stark contrast to Mourinho - as he is the third-longest-serving manager in the top flight.
Why he shouldn't get it: There's a huge difference between running a relatively impoverished club and running the world's most valuable sports franchise, and Moyes is completely unproven when it comes to the latter. His constant frustration at Everton's inability to back him with transfer funds also suggests that he is not the man to negotiate the back corridors of Old Trafford - and balance competing interests - with a smile. He has not won a single trophy as a manager since guiding Preston to the League One title (then Division Two) in 2000.
Will he get it?: At first glance he seems the nearest thing to a like-for-like replacement for Ferguson: a straight-talking Scot who commands respect and absolute loyalty, and who could be trusted with a long-term brief to build the side. But Ferguson took over at United only after proving himself a huge success in Scotland, and then had the task of turning a third-rate club back into world beaters. Taking over a club at the top is a totally different matter. In other words, Moyes would have been a good fit for United in 1987, but he probably isn't now.
The other contenders
Jurgen Klopp - 10/1
The Borussia Dortmund coach was strongly linked to the United job just last week, with reports from inside Old Trafford claiming that it was an open secret that Klopp was the "next manager in waiting". He would no doubt jump at the chance: his frustrations at how Dortmund keep on selling his best players - and often to Bayern Munich - would have driven a lesser man to the brink of despair. Instead, Klopp has stayed cheerful and is now 90 minutes away from being a Champions League-winning boss.
Ryan Giggs - 25/1
The Welshman has already dedicated his life so far to the Red Devils, and as a sentimental, fan-friendly choice he would be hugely popular. But giving him control of the team would be like asking a newly-recruited police constable to investigate the assassination of David Cameron. Bringing him in as a coach might make sense - anything else would be unthinkable insanity.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 28/1
The 40-year-old is a United legend and has won back-to-back trophies in Norwegian football with Molde. He has also worked as a coach and reserves manager at Old Trafford, and has the brightest of futures ahead of him - hence the suggestion that he could be a sort of Scandinavian Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford. But his managerial experience so far will count for about as much as a few good seasons playing Championship Manager on his PC when it comes to the men who control United's finances.
Carlo Ancelotti - from 25/1 to 90/1
The Italian has all-but-confirmed that he will leave PSG this summer, and has proven himself a good boss there, with Chelsea and with AC Milan - with whom he won the Champions League twice.
Gary Neville - anywhere from 25/1 to 66/1
Another United legend who has dabbled with coaching roles - not least with England - but his career change to pithy, croaky-voiced pundit is complete enough that he would be seen as a ridiculous choice.
Laurent Blanc - 40/1
The former France manager was once considered among the hot favourites to take over from Ferguson on his retirement, particularly after winning the double in France with Bordeaux in 2009. He failed to set the world alight as France's national team manager, however, with a talent-packed team turning in a string of hugely disappointing performances at Euro 2012. Hard to see him getting a phone call despite the fact that he is available for hire.
Roberto Martinez - 40/1
Earned a good reputation at Swansea and has had Wigan playing well - often brilliantly - in spells. But consistency has been a problem - and the fact that he was publicly turned down by Liverpool last year won't help his chances.
Pep Guardiola - 40/1
Priced up by bookies, but it's impossible to picture the former Barcelona coach going back on his agreement to take over Bayern Munich this summer.
Michael Laudrup - 50/1
The Danish legend has enjoyed a first season at Swansea that is about as good as can be imagined - and has claimed some silverware to boot, with the League Cup. Still relatively new to England and the Premier League, however, and his odds reflect that all he has done so far is keep a good team going well.

Alex Ferguson retires as Manchester United manager


Alex Ferguson walks out during the match between Aston Villa and Manchester United on February 10, 2010 in Birmingham, England. Alex Ferguson walks out during the match between Aston Villa and Manchester United on February 10, 2010 in Birmingham, England.
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In pictures: The reign of Alex Ferguson
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STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Alex Ferguson has been manager of Manchester United for 26 years
  • He is retiring after the last game of the season on May 19, the club says
  • He will remain involved with Manchester United as a director and ambassador, it says
  • The decision to retire was not taken lightly, but this "is the right time," Ferguson says

During his 26 years as manager, Ferguson has won more than 30 trophies, including 13 league championships.
Ferguson will bow out after the club's last game of the season, an away match against West Bromwich Albion, on May 19, a statement from Manchester United said.
Before then he will have one more home game at Old Trafford Sunday, against Swansea City.
It's not clear who Manchester United will choose to step into his shoes. Ferguson will join the club's board as a director and "ambassador," Manchester United said.
Announcing the move, Ferguson said: "The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.
"It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.
"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."
Ferguson paid tribute to the club's "players and staff, past and present," thanking them "for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich."
He also expressed gratitude to his family and the club's many supporters, at home and abroad.
Fans' thoughts are bound to turn quickly to the 2013/14 season, starting in September, as the team prepares to defend its domestic title and attempt another win in Europe.
As recently as last week, Ferguson suggested that he was fully involved in those future plans, promising the club would be "competitive" in the summer transfer market.
Speaking to Inside United, the club's official magazine, Ferguson said: "Hopefully the players we bring into the club in the next year or so will be of the quality we need."
Manchester United coasted to this year's English Premier League title with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in April, with four games to spare.
The Old Trafford club is owned by the American Glazer family, who oversaw the club's listing on the New York Stock Exchange last August.
For the 2011/2012 season, United increased revenues by £14.2 million to £117.6 million, the highest of any club in the Premier League.
Joel Glazer said: "Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he's also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the Club have been truly remarkable."
David Gill, who will step down as chief executive of Manchester United in June, said it had been a "tremendous pleasure" to work alongside Ferguson over the past 16 years.
"We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first class condition," he said.
"Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams -- both on and off the pitch -- that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport."

China reduces banking lifeline to N Korea


North Korean currency purchased at a Chinese border town is displayed in front of a painting in Beijing.
North Korean currency purchased at a Chinese border town is displayed in front of a painting in Beijing.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Bank of China cut business with North Korea's main foreign exchange ban
  • Move follows U.S.-led sanctions to restrict funding for Pyongyang's nuclear program
  • China is North Korea's closest economic partner
  • Move may also reflect bank risk management rather than bigger diplomatic motive
(Financial Times) -- The Bank of China has stopped doing business with a large North Korean bank, falling into line with a US-led sanctions push to restrict funding for Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
The decision to close the bank account follows an increase in tensions on the Korean peninsula and may be a sign that Beijing is willing to place more pressure on Pyongyang.
The US Treasury hit the Foreign Trade Bank, North Korea's main foreign exchange bank, with sanctions in March, saying it was "a key financial node" in North Korea's nuclear and missile proliferation activities. The bank had not been named among the institutions targeted for asset freezes by expanded UN Security Council sanctions introduced in January and March.
Other countries such as Japan and Australia have since joined the US in applying sanctions against Foreign Trade Bank, but co-operation from banks in China, North Korea's closest economic partner, is essential in the efforts to choke off cash flows.
North Korea: A smuggler's paradise
A drive to "put pressure on Beijing to pressure Pyongyang" needs to be at the heart of Washington's policy on North Korea, according to Kurt Campbell, until February the US assistant secretary of state for east Asia.
"Bank of China has sent North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank a notice that it has closed its account and has also halted all fund transfers related to this account," Bank of China said on Tuesday. It declined to provide any details about how much money was affected or the timing of the move.
Bank of China is the country's biggest bank for foreign exchange transactions, so the account closure could hurt the North Korean institution. But the impact is likely to be minimal unless imposed across the board by all Chinese banks because other institutions, including small regional entities, are also capable of handling foreign currency deals.
"This is part of a ratcheting up of pressure but with very clear limits. This is part of making North Korea feel some limited pain in an attempt to get them back to talks," said Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, northeast Asia director at the International Crisis Group.
The move by Bank of China may also reflect risk management by the bank itself rather than bigger diplomatic motives. The US Treasury had warned financial institutions around the world to be wary of the risks of doing business with Foreign Trade Bank.
In 2006 after the US imposed sanctions on Banco Delta Asia, a Macau bank that held North Korean funds, Bank of China responded in similar fashion by freezing North Korean-related assets at its Macau branch.
China is by far North Korea's most important formal ally, and overwhelmingly its biggest trading partner. Yet the alliance, which dates back to the Korean war, has long been strained. Analysts say that Pyongyang has persistently refused Chinese attempts to encourage it to emulate Beijing's sweeping economic reforms, and China has grown increasingly alarmed by the regional security implications of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.
Earlier this year Beijing endorsed two sets of new UN Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang, following its long-range rocket launch in December and nuclear bomb test in February. Last month China's President Xi Jinping said that "no country should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gains" -- a comment widely interpreted as a rebuke of North Korea.
Many Chinese businesses maintain close trading relationships with North Korea, giving the country access to vital commodities and hard cash.

Obama: 'North Korea has failed again

Obama: 'North Korea has failed again'
'Washington (CNN) – President Barack Obama and South Korean President Park Geun-hye said Tuesday nuclear aggression from North Korea has further isolated the region and vowed to use all means to deter further provocations. "If Pyongyang thought its recent threats would drive a wedge between South Korea and the United States or somehow garner the North international respect, today is further evidence that North Korea has failed again," Obama said during a joint press conference with the two leaders. "The United States and the Republic of Korea are as united as ever ... North Korea is more isolated than ever."


Obama said North Korea's manufactured crises will no long elicit concessions and committed to protecting the United States and its allies.
"The United States is fully prepared and capable of defending ourselves and our allies with the full range of capabilities available, including the deterrence provided by our conventional and nuclear forces," Obama said. "The commitment of the United States to the security of the Republic of Korea will never waver."
President Park, South Korea's first female president, said she will "by no means tolerate North Korea's threats and provocations, which have recently been escalating further."
She took office in February, shortly before North Korea conducted its most recent nuclear test, and has since taken a tough stance over perceived aggression from the North.
In an interview with CBS Monday, Geun-hye said even a small attack would warrant a military response.
"Yes, we will make them pay," she told CBS News.
And at Tuesday's press conference she said "North Korea will not be able to survive if it only clings to developing its nuclear weapons at the expense of its people's happiness."
However, both presidents left the door open to a shift from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On Monday, North Korea withdrew two mobile ballistic missiles from a launch site in the eastern part of the country, according to a U.S. official, the latest hint of an easing in tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
"We remain open to the prospect of North Korea taking a peaceful path of denuclearization, abiding by international commitments, rejoining the international community," Obama said.
President Obama and President Park met in the Oval Office with Vice President Joe Biden earlier in the day and had lunch before the press conference.
During this week's trip, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of a defense treaty between the two countries, President Park visited Arlington cemetery, met with military veterans and is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress Wednesday.

China rebukes Israel ahead of Netanyahu visit


Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 6, 2013.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 6, 2013.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu is in China for a five-day visit
  • China: "The sovereignty of any country should be respected"
  • Netanyahu's visit coincides with arrival of his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas
  • Two Mideast leaders not likely to meet, Israeli spokesman says
Beijing (CNN) -- The Chinese government had stern words for Israel at the start of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's five-day visit to the country.
"We oppose the use of weapons. We believe the sovereignty of any country should be respected," said Hua Chunying, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman on Monday, responding to reports that Israel carried out airstrikes against its neighbor Syria last weekend.
"China calls upon relevant parties to bear in mind peace and stability of the region, to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may escalate the tension," she added.
Strangely, Netanyahu's visit to China on Monday coincided with the arrival of the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.
Beijing said it would be willing to host a bilateral meeting between the two Middle Eastern leaders. But an Israeli government official told CNN there were no plans for secret talks in China between Netanyahu and Abbas.
"Don't hold your breath for a summit in Beijing," the Israeli official told CNN, on condition of anonymity.
The Israeli official said the Chinese had "never been involved in mediating or suggesting new ideas or making plans. They are the big silent giant."
China has not traditionally played a mediation role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But this week the world's second largest economy appeared to be flexing its diplomatic muscles in the Middle East, proposing a four-point peace plan and repeating its call for the establishment of a Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem.
"The issue, already lasting more than half a century, has brought deep suffering to the Palestinian people and remains an important reason of extended turbulence in the Middle East region," said Chinese president Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Abbas on Monday, according to China's state news agency Xinhua.
Israel's prime minister is visiting China's commercial capital Shanghai on Tuesday. He is expected to travel on to Beijing on Wednesday.
China's foreign ministry spokesman suggested Netanyahu may get a tough, unwelcome message from his Chinese hosts.
"On the current Syrian situation and Israel's continuous air raid inside, I have already expounded China's position," Hua said on Tuesday. "And we will explicitly tell the Israeli side China's position."
China has a long history of expressing public support for the Palestinians.
The Chinese government has also used its veto in the United Nations Security Council to protect the Syrian government from facing Western-backed sanctions, throughout two years of bloody violence in Syria.
However, Beijing has also quietly established closer trade ties in recent years with Israel.

PHOTOS: Nigerian Girl Traditionally Weds British Lover In Her Village


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Genevieve Nnaji, Alex Amosu attend Beyonce’s Mrs Carter World Tour in London

Genevieve Nnaji enjoyed Beyonce’s Ms. Carter concert with popular businessman Alex Amosu and Arsenal FC’s French legend Robert Pires.
Genevieve NNaji Beyonce Mrs Carter World Tour

At least 32 killed in Bangladesh uproar over 'blasphemous blogging'

At least 32 killed in Bangladesh uproar over 'blasphemous blogging'


Thirty two people were killed and hundreds injured as a rally in the capital of Bangladesh turned violent. Police used tear gas to disperse thousands of Islamist protesters in the streets of Dhaka who demanded execution for “blasphemous” blogging.
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Islamist protestors run as Bangladeshi police fire rubber bullets towards demonstrators during clashes with Islamists in Dhaka on May 5, 2013. (AFP Photo/Munir uz Zaman)
The protesters are reportedly the activists from the Hefajat-e-Islam group, which blames some Internet users for blasphemy; accusing people of using their blogs to spread atheism and apparent lies about Islam.
"One point, One demand: Atheists must be hanged", chanted the demonstrators as they marched along at least six highways, blocking transport between Dhaka and other cities and towns.
The demonstrators gathered in the capital’s Motijheel commercial district, amounting to between 150,000 to 200,000 people according to AFP. On their way, they set shops and vehicles on fire, according to police accounts.
Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters after they reportedly set off homemade explosives and threw stones at security. Local authorities had to deploy more than 15,000 security forces to the area.

Monkeys succumb to peer pressure, study suggests

You don't have to be a teenager to want to fit in at the school lunchroom. Some wild animals seem to follow similar monkey-see, monkey-do behavior to follow the crowd and find the best eats, new research finds.
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The study was originally trying to find out if mother monkeys would pass their food preferences on to their offspring. (Erica van de Waal/Science/Associated Press)
South African monkeys switched foods purely because of peer pressure, suggest the results of a study in Thursday's journal Science.
"We're not as unique as we would like to think," said lead author Erica van de Waal, of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. "We can find many of the roots of our behaviors in animals."
For her study, 109 vervet monkeys living in groups in the wild were given a choice of food tinted pink or blue by the researchers. One color for each group was tainted with aloe to give it a harmless yucky flavor. After a few meals, the food was no longer tainted, but the monkeys still wouldn't eat the color they figured was bad.
But that changed when some of them tried to fit in with a new group of monkeys. Blue-food eaters instantly switch when they moved to an area full of pink-food eaters, even though they shunned pink food before. Pink eaters also changed when they moved to a blue-food area.
The social pressure may be like "teenagers with a desperate need to be just like the other guys," said co-author Andrew Whiten, also of St. Andrews. Or it could be that the monkeys are learning to adapt to local custom — think restaurant reviews or the old saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," he said.