Malaysia to deport North Korean arrested in Kim killing…Read full details

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Kim Jong-Un / AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS / KNS / South Korea OUT / REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT —

The only North Korean arrested over the dramatic airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam is to be deported, Malaysia said Thursday, as it announced the abrupt cancellation of a visa-waiver programme with Pyongyang.

The moves came the day after two young women appeared in court charged with murdering the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un with a banned nerve agent.

Attorney general Mohamed Apandi Ali said 47-year-old Ri Jong-Chol would be released and deported on Friday.

“He is a free man. His remand expires and there is insufficient evidence to charge him,” Apandi said.

“He has no proper [travel] documents so we will deport him.”

Seven other North Koreans are wanted in connection with the killing, including a diplomat and an airline employee who are believed to be in Malaysia.

Four others are thought to have fled to Pyongyang on the day of the murder.

Ri was arrested days after Kim suffered an agonising death when he was attacked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he waited to board a flight to Macau.

CCTV footage shows two women approaching the heavyset 45-year-old and appearing to thrust a cloth in his face.

Police say he suffered a seizure and died less than 20 minutes later, without reaching hospital.

Swabs of the dead man’s face revealed traces of the VX nerve agent, a synthetic chemical so deadly that it is classed as a weapon of mass destruction.

Indonesian Siti Aisyah, 25, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam, were charged with murder on Wednesday. If found guilty, they could be hanged.

Both women say they thought they were taking part in a prank video but police have dismissed the claims.

– Visa waiver –

South Korea has consistently pointed the finger of blame at North Korea, citing what they say was a standing order from Kim Jong-Un to kill his exiled half-brother.

Pyongyang — which has never acknowledged Kim’s identity — has denied the charge and disputes the autopsy, claiming Malaysia is in cahoots with its enemies.

In a press conference at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the North’s deputy envoy to the United Nations, Ri Tong-Il, reiterated Pyongyang’s assertion that Kim had died of a heart attack and that South Korea was peddling conspiracy theories regarding the use of nerve agents to damage the North’s image.

“A strong indication for the cause of death is a heart attack,” said Ri who flew to Malaysia three days ago.

The senior diplomat dismissed the use of a toxin and once again urged Malaysia to release Kim’s body to the North Korean authorities.

The two countries, which had enjoyed relatively warm relations, have been at diplomatic daggers drawn since the killing.

On Thursday Kuala Lumpur — which had earlier recalled its ambassador — said it was cancelling its visa-free travel deal with Pyongyang.

The government was implementing the change on the grounds of national security, Malaysian news agency Bernama quoted deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying.

– ‘Downgrading ties’ –

The cancellation will take effect on March 6, after which North Koreans entering Malaysia will be required to obtain a visa, the report added.

“We are not looking for enemies but if they use Malaysia as a platform to carry out their agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international diplomatic front,” Ahmad Zahid told a public event.

“We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of the people. Do not think you can use Malaysia to do what you want to do. Do not use Malaysia to carry out your illegal activities,” he added.

Malaysia was one of only a tiny handful of countries around the world that had such a visa waiver scheme with North Korea.

A senior Malaysian official told AFP that the government was mulling further “downgrading diplomatic ties” with North Korea.

“Malaysia is considering shutting down its mission in Pyongyang,” he said, as well as the expulsion of the North Korean ambassador following his “baseless allegations”, a reference to accusations of bias in the murder probe.

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EPL Review: Klopp and Wenger for pride as Liverpool battle Arsenal…See full details

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Arsenal's Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez (2R) is tackled by Liverpool's Croatian defender Dejan Lovren during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 14, 2016.<br />Lee MILLS / AFP

Some interesting things have happened on the English football scene in the past couple of weeks. Jose Mourinho won the EFL Cup with his Manchester United side by defeating Southampton 3-2 in a thrilling final in Wembley and the fairy tale story of last season turned into a nightmare for one of its main characters, Claudio Rainieri, who was sacked by Leicester City after losing 2-1 away to Sevilla in the first leg of the UCL’s first knockout round. There will be ten matches this match-week and the marquee fixture will take place at Anfield, when Liverpool will host Arsenal. As usual, I will be previewing all the games with betting tips for you to use in plaing your bets on http://www.nairabet.com

MAN UTD vs. BOURNEMOUTH
The Red Devils will welcome the Cherries to Old trafford in today’s first game with the knowledge that a victory will put them in the top four, at least for some hours. Manchester United will go into the game on a high after capturing their first title of the season last weekend. They are on a six game winning run in all competitions and it will be hard to see Bournemouth stop them from making it seven. Meanwhile, the Cherries are on a downward spiral in the league after going winless in their last eight matches and will enter today’s match on a four-game losing streak in the league. They are fourteenth on the table, four points above the relegation zone and need to start winning games if they do not want to find themselves swimming in relegation waters by April. For Manchester United, Phil Jones has revealed that he is fit and ready to return to first-team action but might have to wait until their Europa League tie on Thursday against Rostov to start, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still a doubt after missing the EFL Cup triumph over Southampton. For Bournemouth, Simon Francis is still expected to miss out again today after missing last week’s defeat to West Brom, while Jordon Ibe still remains a doubt for today’s fixture. Manchester United should be able to get all three points in this fixture if they play to their true potential and take their chances, if not, they could be frustrated by Bournemouth, just the way they have been by some other teams at home this season. My tip for this game will be a Manchester United win and over 1.5 goals.

LEICESTER CITY vs. HULL CITY
The Foxes will go into this game on the back of one of their best performances of the season so far, which saw them destroy Liverpool at the Kingpower Stadium in their first game since they unceremoniously dumped their title-winning manager, Claudio Rainieri. Today’s game presents an opprtunity for Leicester to further put some distance between themselves and the basement sides. They were briefly in the relegation zone before that impressive win over Liverpool and another win today against the Tigers will boost their chances of survival. Hull City have had a very tough set of fixtures over the last few weeks and credit must be given to Mauro Silva for being able to keep them alive in the relegation battle. The Portuguese manager has improved Hull’s defense significantly as the team conceded no more than three goals in last four matches including against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. This is a relegation six pointer and it’s going to be a very tough game, however, Hull City have a terrible away record and that might count against them. I will advise on a double chance bet on Leicester and over 1.5 goals.

STOKE CITY vs. MIDDLESBROUGH
The Potters were hammered 4-0 by Tottenham last weekend and they would want to immediately remedy that when they host Boro today at the Bet365 Stadium. They are on a bad run of form with just one win from their last five league games and would desperately want to pick up all three points on offer today. Middlesbrough are in danger of slipping into the relegation zone this week if they fail to win today. They are currently sixteenth on the table with 22 points and with the relegation battle getting tougher every passing week, they need to starting winning games to avoid the drop. At home, Stoke have only lost two of their last 12 matches in the Premier League, which should give the Potters some confidence. Middlesbrough, however, haven’t won on the road since August. They have lost five of their last six on the road in the league and have only scored one goal in that time. I will be leaning towards the Potters for this tie and my betting tip will be double chance on Stoke City and under 2.5 goals.

SWANSEA vs. BURNLEY
The Swans have improved markedly over the last couple of months and that form has been vital in their fight against the drop. They have won three of their last five fixtures with the two losses coming against Chelsea and Manchester City. They will go into this game on the back of consecutive home wins over Southampton and Leicester City and a third home win on the bounce when they host the Clarets today is not a far fetched possibility. Burnley have a dire away record with last week’s draw away to Hull being only the second point they have been able to get away from home all season. Luciano Narsingh could make his full debut for the Swans since joining over a month ago in place of Wayne Routledge after the Englishman’s poor showing against Chelsea last week. As for Burnley, Jeff Hendrick is available again after serving his three-match suspension, but Ashley Barnes will sit out this match after being sent off against Hull last weekend. I will advise on a Swansea win and over 1.5 goals on http://www.nairabet.com

WATFORD vs. SOUTHAMPTON
The Hornets are unbeaten in five of their last six matches and are making steady progress in the Premier League. They were held to a 1-1 draw at home by West Ham last weekend, but extended their unbeaten run at home to three matches. They have been recently been quite decent at home with four wins and three draws from their last ten home league games. Watford has scored in all but two of their home games this season and will be expecting to get a couple of goals today. Southampton will feel gutted after last week’s loss in the EFL Cup and will need to quicly pick themselves up and put up a performance against the Hornets today. They totally outplayed Manchester United and were unfortunate not to win that trophy. In the league however, they have been disappointing, losing six of their last eight games and will need to replicate that form they showed in the EFL Cup final in today’s game to get something out of it. Manolo Gabbadini has been scoring for fun recently and I expect him to be among the goals today. I would advise on a bet of both teams to score and over 1.5 goals.

WEST BROM vs. CRYSTAL PALACE
The Baggies are on a fantastic run of form at the moment with five wins and two draws from their last eight matches, their only defeat was away to Tottenham. At home, It gets even better with seven wins from their last eight, losing only to Manchester United. They are currently on a four match winning streak at home and would want to make it five with a win against Crystal Palace today. The Eagles are in the thick of the relegation battle and an impreessive 1-0 win over Middlesbrough last week helped them move level on point with their victims. That was only their second win in their last eleven EPL matches and the change in momentum we were expecting with the arrival of Sam Allardyce hasn’t happened yet or has it bealready begun with last week’s win? We will put an eye on them to see how things unfold from now on. If they get a victory at the Hawthorns today, then it is safe to say that the fight to stay in the EPL has officially started. My betting tip for this game will be a double chance bet on West Brom and under 2.5 goals.

LIVERPOOL vs, ARSENAL
The Reds were taken apart by the reigning champions, Leicester in their last league match and they will want to quickly bounce back from that defeat with a very good showing against one of their direct rivals, Arsenal. 2017 hasn’t been a good year for Liverpool so far as they have only been able to win just one of the seven league games they have played this year. However, It seems they like facing their direct rivals as their only league win this year has come against second placed Tottenham. Arsenal weren’t in action last weekend and should be well rested by the time they take on Liverpool at Anfield today. The Gunners have not been having the best of times this season and their fans have been calling out the manager Arsene Wenger, saying it’s time for the Frenchman to leave. One of these sides will drop to sixth place if Manchester United win their game against Bournemouth and that isn’t a scenario either of them will be looking forward to. The last two matches between the sides at Anfield have ended in a draw and another stalemate could be on the cards here, which would benefit United. Jordan Henderson is unlikely to recover from a foot injury in time for today’s game, but Dejan Lovren has been cleared of a knee injury and should play some part in today’s match. Granit Xhaka could make his first league appearance in over a month here after serving his four-match suspension. My betting tips for this match are over 2.5 goals and both teams to score.

TOTTENHAM vs. EVERTON
Spurs will welcome the Toffees to White Hart Lane tomorrow with the sole aim of handing out a defeat to their Merseyside visitors. Spurs are unbeaten in three games now, scoring eight goals and conceding only twice in the games. They tore Stoke apart last weekend scoring four goals in the first half on their way to a very handsome victory. Harry Kane has been in terrific form, scoring three hattricks in his last nine games. They are second on the table, ten points behind the leaders Chelsea. Everton are on a nine game unbeaten run in the league and would love to make it ten by avoiding defeat against Spurs in this game. They have the best record in the league this year with five wins and two draws from the seven games they’ve played this season and are just four points behind Manchester United on the log. Spurs haven’t lost to Everton in the league since 2013 and I don’t see them losing this game. I will advise on a bet of over 3.5 goals and both teams to score.

SUNDERLAND vs. MANCHESTER CITY
In the thick of the relegation battle, this wll not be a fixture the Black cats will be looking forward to as they welcome a rampant Manchester City side to the Stadium of Light tomorrow. Sunderland are still rooted to the bottom of the table, despite their surprise thrashing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park a month ago, as they returned to their wretched form with consecutive losses in their last two games. They have failed to score in five out of their last six games in all competitions, losing four and drawing once. Nothing is set in stone yet as regards to relegation, but with the way they are going, they might just fall way off and get drowned in the relegation waters. Manchester City have been having a mini revival of some sort since their 4-0 bashing at the hands of Everton as they have picked up ten points from a possible twelve since then. They have won their last six matches against Sunderland irrespective of venue and i don’t see a different outcome tomorrow. A bet of a Manchester City win and over 2.5 goals will be my advise for this match.

WEST HAM vs. CHELSEA
The final match of this match-week will be a London derby and it will take place at the London Stadium when the Hammers host the league leaders, Chelsea. West Ham have been on a decent run of form this in the league this year with three wins, two losses and three draws in the seven games they’ve played so far this year. Andy Carroll is still struggling with the groin injury that kept him out of their last league match and will be a huge doubt for this game. Slaven Bilic will need the services of the big English man as he will also have to do without the service of Michail Antonio, who is suspended after being sent off against Watford. Andre Ayew is on standby to lead the line if Carroll is not fit enough to start. Chelsea have been having an amazing season having won seventeen of theeir last twenty leagu games and currently leading the league with a ten point buffer, although that lead might have been cut to seven before they take to the pitch on Monday evening. Antonio Conte has a fully fit squad and he even tampered with his trusted starting XI last week when he rested Nemanja Matic for Cesc Fabregas, but he might revert to his favoured starting lineup by bringing back the Serb to help N’golo Kante in the midfield battle. The Hammers have already beaten Chelsea once this season in the EFL cup and they will be hoping for a repeat performance on Monday night. A double chance bet on Chelsea and over 1.5 goals are my betting tips for this match.

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France’s Fillon suffers new blows as Juppe waits in wings…Read full details

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French presidential election candidate for the right-wing Les Republicains (LR) party Francois Fillon (L), flanked by French lawmaker Luc Chatel (C) and President of the Departmental Council of the Alpes-Maritimes region Eric Ciotti, sing "la Marseillaise" during a campaign rally on March 2, 2017 in Nîmes, southern France. French police raided the Paris home of French right-wing candidate Francois Fillon on March 2 as part of a probe into allegedly fake parliamentary jobs given to his wife, several sources told AFP.<br />PASCAL GUYOT / AFP

French presidential candidate Francois Fillon suffered new blows to his scandal-hit campaign Friday, while veteran conservative Alain Juppe stood ready to replace him in the race.

Fillon’s spokesman and campaign manager quit and the leader of a small centrist party confirmed it was withdrawing its backing over an expenses scandal.

Pressure has been building on the rightwing former prime minister, who turns 63 on Saturday, since he revealed this week that he is to be charged over allegations he paid his wife Penelope hundreds of thousands of euros for fake parliamentary jobs.

The 71-year-old Juppe, also an ex-premier and a one-time foreign minister, was beaten by Fillon in the conservative primary in November after beginning the contest as a clear favourite.

Juppe has kept a low profile since. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen has taken the lead in opinion polls and centrist Emmanuel Macron has also benefited from Fillon’s woes.

– Juppe sets conditions –
With the March 17 deadline for the collection of signatures necessary to launch a candidacy fast approaching, a member of Juppe’s entourage told AFP he was prepared to take over — under certain conditions.

Juppe “will not refuse if all the conditions are met — Francois Fillon has to take the decision to pull out himself and the rightwing and centre camps… have to be united behind him”, the unnamed source said.

The leader of the centrist UDI party said it was definitively withdrawing its support for Fillon after it suspended its backing on Wednesday.

“We ask the Republicans (Fillon’s party) to change candidate and if they do not, we will not be able to continue our alliance,” UDI leader Jean-Christophe Lagarde told Ouest France newspaper.

Fillon has been hit by a stream of defections, with his campaign manager Patrick Stefanini announcing Friday evening that he was quitting, following the departure earlier in the day of his spokesman Thierry Solere.

They join a growing list which includes two deputy directors, the campaign treasurer and foreign affairs point man Bruno Le Maire.

– Juppe to save conservatives? –
One opinion poll Friday showed that Juppe — who is viewed as more centrist than Fillon — would go straight into the lead if he took over.

Juppe would have 26.5 percent of votes, giving him a narrow lead over Macron on 25 percent, while Le Pen would slip to third place on 24 percent, according to the Odoxa-Dentsu Consulting poll of 943 people.

Since his defeat in the primary, Juppe has stayed out of the fray and ventured rarely from the southwest city of Bordeaux where he is mayor.

He had made a political comeback after being given a suspended 14-month jail sentence in 2004 over a party funding scandal.

Fillon, whose Paris home was raided by police on Thursday, is going ahead with plans to hold a rally near the Eiffel Tower on Sunday.

In an online video message urging supporters to attend, he said only he could “restore France’s strength”.

Fillon’s headline policy is a pledge to slash half a million civil servants’ jobs to cut public spending.

Le Pen, campaigning on an anti-immigration and anti-EU platform, has for months been forecast to reach the second round of an election influenced by the same populist themes that propelled US President Donald Trump to power and led to the Brexit vote in Britain.

Polls currently show however that Le Pen will be beaten in the decisive runoff on May 7 by either the fast-rising Macron or the conservative candidate.

– The right’s fear –
The fear for the right is that Fillon will fail to reach the runoff.

Fillon has hit out at the justice system, claiming he was the victim of a “political assassination” over the fake jobs allegations that were first made by the Canard Enchaine newspaper.

Investigators are probing what work Fillon’s wife Penelope actually performed for her pay. He insists she has “always” assisted him during his lengthy political career and has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

A source close to Juppe told Le Parisien newspaper on Friday that the veteran politician “felt ill” when he heard Fillon questioning the impartiality of judges.

Socialist President Francois Hollande also lashed out at Fillon this week, saying being a presidential candidate did not give him the right to “cast suspicion on the work of the police and judges”.

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Cameroon’s coach Broos, Siasia apply for Bafana Bafana job

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Siasia

Cameroon’s coach Hugo Broos has applied to coach South Africa, just days after winning the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon.

The Belgian, who coached the Indomitable Lions to victory about 11 days ago, is one of over 60 applicants for the job.

Several big names have applied, including Italians Roberto Mancini and Giovanni Trapattoni as well as Germans Lothas Matthaus and Bernd Schuster.

Hassan Shehata, who led Egypt to three Nations Cup titles, and former Super Eagles’ coach Samson Siasia are also on the list.

The names of the coaches were revealed by the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Thursday.

SAFA also revealed that former internationals Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy would form part of the committee to find the new national coach.

Radebe was a long-standing captain of Bafana Bafana while McCarthy, who has just completed his UEFA Pro A coaching licence, is South Africa’s record goalscorer.

“The committee … will draw up a short list, deliberate (on) it before naming the suitable candidate in (the) coming days,” a SAFA statement said.

Clive Barker, who guided South Africa to its sole Africa Cup of Nations win in 1996, and Neil Tovey, who captained the side that day, are also on the committee.

“We want to have the process expedited as Bafana Bafana have a bumper 2017 season in which they need to compete and qualify on three fronts,’’ said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.

“We need the coach to be in place when we play two friendly matches in March,’’ he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that South Africa have to participate in the qualifying competition for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Nations Cup.

They will also try to reach next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), the tournament for Africans who play in their own domestic league.

South Africa’s coaching job became vacant in December when Ephraim “Shakes’’ Mashaba was sacked for “gross misconduct.’’

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Chocolates away as Japan cashes in on Valentine’s Day…Read full details

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This photo taken on February 13, 2017 shows a woman looking for chocolates at a floor prepared specially for Valentine's Day gifts at a department store in Tokyo. Japanese women have been crowding department stores to scoop up chocolates for their male coworkers in a ritual of obligation that yields an annual windfall for confectionary makers. / AFP PHOTO / TORU YAMANAKA

A billion-dollar Valentine’s Day bounty is on the cards for Japan’s retailers as women celebrate the festival of romance by stocking up on ‘obligation chocolates’ for men.

February 14 is a huge money-spinner for the country’s confectioners, with women traditionally expected to fork out for chocolates and gift them to boyfriends, husbands, colleagues and bosses.

This year’s Valentine’s Day haul is estimated at 138.5 billion yen ($1.22 billion), up three percent from 2016, according to Kinenbi Culture Laboratory, an organisation that researches Japanese holidays and other annual events.

Part of the growth, according to the organisation, is due to Valentine’s Day falling on a weekday for the first time in three years, meaning more women will buy “giri choco” — or obligation chocolates — for the men they work with or for.

On Monday, 27-year-old Maika Suzuki visited a floor dedicated to Valentine’s Day at the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi area to buy more than 30 boxes of chocolates for her male co-workers.

Such chocolates “are for expressing gratitude to men,” she explained as she surveyed products on offer from 110 manufacturers.

“Japanese men are happy to get chocolates” as there is a culture in Japan that women give them to men, she said.

“We can also boost their pride” by giving them chocolates on Valentine’s Day, she added.

Although Japan is one of the world’s most efficient and high-tech societies, marketeers have exploited the country’s rigid gender roles and social pressures to conform.

Valentine’s Day first appeared in Japan in the late 1950s when a firm called Mary Chocolate advertised February 14 as “the only day of the year a woman professes her love through presenting chocolate” — establishing it as Japan’s currency of romance.

But confectionery maker Ezaki Glico said in its 2016 report that only 8.7 percent of 312 female respondents gave chocolates to the men they love.

In a sign of equality, however, the country next month celebrates White Day, a Japanese event confectioners cooked up in the 1980s to keep the cash tills ringing that sees men buy a white gift such as vanilla cookies, marshmallows and handkerchiefs for the women in their lives.

Marie Kondo, 24, bought nearly 30 boxes of chocolates for the men in her office, forking out a total of 10,000 yen.

“But I’m going to spend more for myself,” she said, adding that she plans to buy chocolates from Sadaharu Aoki, a high-end Japanese chocolatier.

“To me, Valentine’s Day is not a day to confess love.”

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North Korea fires ballistic missile, drawing tough response from Trump

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A man watches the news showing file footage of North Korea's missile launch at a railway station in Seoul on February 12, 2017. North Korea fired a ballistic missile on February 12 in an apparent provocation to test the response from new US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said.<br />JUNG Yeon-Je / AFP

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, drawing a strong response from US President Donald Trump who vowed “100 percent” support for key ally Japan at a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The missile, the first test since Trump became president, was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the South Korean defence ministry said.

It flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before falling into the sea, a ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified.

“Today’s missile launch… is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities”, the ministry said in a statement.

“It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump,” it added.

Trump responded with an assurance to the visiting Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally.

“I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent,” Trump said, without elaborating.

Abe denounced the launch as “absolutely intolerable” while top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge told reporters in Tokyo it was “clearly a provocation to Japan and the region”.

North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology but six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyang’s first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons.

– ‘Clear provocation’ –
Last year the country conducted numerous tests and launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland.

A South Korean army official quoted by Yonhap news agency ruled out the possibility of a long-range missile test, describing the device as an upgraded version of the North’s short-range Rodong missile.

Seoul-based academic Yang Moo-Jin said the latest test was “a celebratory launch” to mark the February 16 birthday of Kim Jong-Il, late ruler and father of current leader Kim Jong-Un.

Pyongyang often celebrates key anniversaries involving current and former leaders with missile launches, Yang, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP.

South Korea’s acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a “corresponding punishment” in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by new US Defense Secretary James Mattis earlier this month.

Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an “effective and overwhelming” response.

Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, spoke to his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-Jin on the phone and agreed to “seek all possible options” to curb future provocations by the North, Seoul’s presidential office said in a statement.

In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the “final stages” of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying “It won’t happen.”

James Char, senior analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said the launch was Pyongyang’s “way of showing characteristic defiance against… Trump”.

– Test for Trump –
Washington has repeatedly vowed that it will never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation and the latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of Beijing, Pyongyang’s closest ally, to deal with the reclusive state.

Relations between the two superpowers have thawed in recent days after Trump reaffirmed Washington’s “One China” policy in what he described as a “very warm” telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping.

“The recent Trump-Xi phone call would be considered an important platform from which the two powers will move forward,” Char said.

Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM.

But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father in December 2011.

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Brazil police protest spreads to Rio

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Military police officers wait as their relatives block the entrance to the military police station during a protest for better salaries and working conditions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 10, 2017. Rio de Janeiro's police went into partial shutdown Friday when relatives of officers blockaded several stations to demand back pay, sparking fears that Brazil's second biggest city could descend into unrest. / AFP PHOTO / Yasuyoshi Chiba

A partial police shutdown over unpaid wages put Rio de Janeiro on edge Friday, sparking fears of chaos similar to that seen in a neighboring Brazilian state where police are in revolt and criminals have run amok.

Morale among street police is low as a result of nearly bankrupt Rio state’s inability to pay full wages, as well as brutal crime fighting that has seen more than 3,000 officers killed in Rio since 1994 — a casualty rate exceeding that of US troops in World War II, according to a recent study.

Police, who are classified as military, are barred by the constitution from going on strike or demonstrating.

To get around that law, female relatives of officers blocked the entrances to several Rio police bases, including the elite Shock Battalion — and personnel made no effort to come out.

“We’re demonstrating to demand police get their rights back, especially security, payment of salaries on time and better equipment, not weapons that are out of order and cars that are not maintained,” said a woman outside the 6th Battalion station.

The woman, who like other protesters requested she not be identified, said her husband had been killed on duty last year.

“We’ve had enough!” said another police widow helping to blockade the station.

At the imposing Shock Battalion headquarters, women prevented cars and anyone in uniform from exiting.

“If you come in, we won’t let you leave,” one woman warned two thick-set policemen returning to base with rifles and other combat gear carried by Shock Battalion troopers. They politely agreed.

Police authorities said in a statement that protests were taking place outside 27 of Rio’s 100 police stations, with five reported by Globo television as blockaded.

Spokesman Major Ivan Blaz told journalists that “95 percent” of officers were working as normal and that the state and city were secure.

Roberto Sa, security chief for Rio state, said on Friday night that the defense ministry had made troops available to step in if needed, adding that he hoped their intervention would not be necessary.

– ‘Hostages’ –
The limited blockades were modeled on a broader shutdown in the neighboring state of Espirito Santo, where relatives of police closed all stations one week ago, plunging the state into chaos.

Despite the dispatch of federal army troops, more than 120 people have been reported killed amid looting and robbery.

President Michel Temer, who said nothing in public about the crisis all week, called the situation “unacceptable” on Friday and said that demonstrators “cannot hold the Brazilian people hostage.”

On Friday night, local authorities and police representatives had reached an agreement in Espirito Santo for the police to return to work from 7 am Saturday (0900 GMT). In exchange, they would not face disciplinary action.

Tension had been high in Espirito Santo after authorities said they had run out of patience and were filing rebellion charges against more than 700 officers who had refused to leave their bases. Schools and bus services were closed.

Espirito Santo police want a pay raise. In Rio, the main demands are payment of 2016’s final salary and overtime, including for working extra during the Olympic Games in August.

But Rio is in dire financial straits and the corruption-plagued state is having to implement austerity measures to qualify for a federal bailout.

Messages widely shared on social media warned parents to keep their children out of school and to stay indoors. Newspaper front pages were filled with headlines like “Rio’s Hell” and “Rio ungoverned.”

In a video appeal, police spokesman Blaz urged officers and their families not to follow the path of Espirito Santo. “We cannot allow this scenario of barbarity to reach our houses,” he said.

Others took a lighter view of the possible absence of police, who for all their ferociousness against demonstrators and drug gangs have been unable to stop a surge in muggings and other regular crime around Rio.

“Attention: Rio military police declare that policing continues normally and that muggings are occurring without problems,” went one joke making the rounds of social media.

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Liverpoool battle Totthenham as Swansea set to pull Leicester into relegation waters

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Tottenham were able to defeat Middlesbrough last weekend to keep their title chase alive as Chelsea had earlier defeated Arsenal at the Bridge to extend their lead at the top. That win for the Spurs made sure they didn’t let the Blues out of their sights as it helped them keep the points differential at nine. However, Tottenham will have to perform a harder task this weekend, which will be to beat Liverpool at Anfield, if they hope still be in the running for the title. It’s been a terrible start to the year for the Reds as they are yet to win a league game in 2017 and have slipped to fifth on the table, just one point above Manchester United. It doesn’t get any easier for them as they come up against high-flying Tottenham this weekend.

Leicester City will face their biggest fear of this season tomorrow, when they take on Swansea. The Foxes are now officially in the relegation battle and could be second from bottom before they kick a ball this weekend, depending on the results of the teams below them. As usual, I will preview all ten games this weekend and give you my betting tips you can use on

www.nairabet.com to make some cool cash for yourself.

ARSENAL vs. HULL CITY
The first game of this weekend will see Arsenal host Hull City at the Emirates in a 1:30pm kick off Nigerian time. The Gunners will go into this game on the back of two consecutive losses in the league and a third loss will not be in their plans as they know that the battle for Champions league places is intensifying by the week. They are expected to bounce back from their mini slump with a victory today as anything short of that should officially terminate any dream they harbor of still challenging for the title. The Tigers on the other hand are now playing with a new found sense of belief as they are now better organised and defensively more solid. They built on their impressive draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, with an outstanding 2-0 victory at home to Liverpool last weekend. Their January signings are making a difference and Oumar Niasse is already looking like the player Everton paid £13.5million for just over 12 months ago, the toffees’ loss is now the Tigers’ gain. Arsenal should be able to get a victory over Hull today as I do not see them missing the host of chances Manchester United missed against the Tigers. I would advise on a bet of an Arsenal win and over 2.5 goals for this match on www.nairabet.com

WEST HAM vs. WEST BROM
The Hammers will aim to close the gap on the Baggies when both teams meet today at the London Stadium. West Ham are five points behind West Brom and a win today will cut that lead to two for the Hammers and also boost their hopes of finishing in the top half of the table. They have won three of their last four league matches and will want to continue that decent run of form to show that the loss of Dmitry Payet has not adversely affected them. West Brom have lost just once in their last six league games and that was against Tottenham, they face another London side knowing that a victory will see them increase the gap over their opponents and cement their top eight position at least for the next forthnight. Five of the last six matches between these sides at the homeground of West Ham have ended in draws and I don’t see this game turning out any differently. I would advise on a bet of an outright draw and over 1.5 goals for this game

MANCHESTER UNITED vs. WATFORD
The last time these two teams met, Watford came out victorious to hand Manchester United their third consecutive loss in all competitions back then. However, since that defeat in September of 2016, only Chelsea have been able to beat Manchester United in the league and they are currently on a run of fifteen games without a loss in the EPL. That loss to Watford was Manchester United’s first to Watford in their last nine games and the Red Devils will be eager to defeat the Hornets and banish the memory of that anomaly. This weekend represents a big chance for United to climb up from the sixth position they’ve been in since October because a win will see them leapfrog Liverpool, albeit temporarily, as the Reds host Tottenham later in the day and depending on that outcome, they might just stay there for a longer period. Watford have never won at Old Trafford in the league and I don’t see them changing that statistic today, so my betting tips for this game will be a Manchester United win and over 2.5 goals.

MIDDLESBROUGH vs. EVERTON
Middlesbrough will welcome Everton at the Riverside today knowing that anything short of a victory might push them into a relegation position, which they seriously want to avoid. Everton were in attack mode last weekend, putting six past Bournemouth and they would want to continue in that form and do the double over Boro this season. Calum Chambers recovered from his injury to start against Tottenham last week and should continue at the back today while Boro coach, Aitor Karanka may revert to the 4-5-1 formation that gave his side some success earlier in the season as they edge closer to the relegation zone. Everton are unbeaten in their last seven league games, although they haven’t been too impressive away from home. They have only won by more than one goal away from home twice all season and have just won just two of their last 10 on the road in the League. A double chance bet and under 2.5 goals will be my tip for this game.

STOKE CITY vs. CRYSTAL PALACE
The Eagles were left shell shocked last weekend as they were mauled by the Black Cats at their home ground of Selhurst Park. That defeat left them level on points with Sunderland and firmly entrenched in the relegation wars. They will be desperate to produce a better performance and we should expect a markedly improved performance from them today. They have a fantastic recent record against Stoke, winning five and drawing one of their last six meetings and would want to keep that record going. Stoke have won just two of their last ten in league games and their main problem has been converting draws into wins. They are unbeaten in their last six league matches at home but only two of those have been wins. I will go for a double chance bet on Crystal Palace and over 1.5 goals.

 

SUNDERLAND vs. SOUTHAMPTON
The Black Cats will be brimming with confidence after last weekend’s mauling of the Eagles away from home. They will be hoping to build on that result with a win today against the Saints as they tey to fight their way out of relegation. They will have to perform up to the standards of last weekend as they do not have a good record against the Saints, winning only once in their last six meetings against the South coast side. Adnan Januzaj picked up a hip injury last weekend, but Moyes will hope to have the Belgian available, while January signings Darron Gibson and Joleon Lescott could be set for their first starts as a result of the injuries to Rodwell and O’Shea. Southampton are poised to sign Uruguayan free agent, Martin Caceres, on a deal until the end of the season as Claude Puel looks to strengthen his defence, which has looked shaky since the departure of Jose Fonte to West Ham and the loss of Virgil Van Dijk to injury. The Saints have lost five of their last six games and need to start getting results if they hope to stave off the threat of relegation. A double chance bet on Sunderland and under 2.5 goals should pay out well on http://www.nairabet.com and that is my prediction for this game.

LIVERPOOL vs. TOTTENHAM
The marquee fixture of the weekend will happen at Anfield later today when Liverpool hosts Tottenham. Spurs will aim to worsen Liverpool’s dreadful start to the year and extend their own unbeaten run to twelve games. Liverpool hit a new low when they lost 2-0 to Hull last weekend and anything short of a victory today against Spurs will not be appreciated by the Kop faithful. The Reds are now out of the top four and both cups and are in danger of slipping to sixth position this weekend. Liverpool could not break down an organised Hull defence and i wonder how on earth they will manage to break down a Tottenham defence that is the best in the league. Tottenham have hit a dry patch in terms of goal scoring and that should give Liverpool some sort of confidence. A win for Spurs will see them extend their gap over Liverpool to seven points, something Harry Kane wants to see as he said after the Middlesbrough match. However, all three clashes between these clubs since Klopp became Liverpool boss have finished all-square and this could be another. My tips for this game are a double chance bet on Liverpool and over 1.5 goals.

BURNLEY vs. CHELSEA
If you follow the sequence of Burnley’s last six matches, you will come to the conclusion that they will win tomorrow’s game against Chelsea. The Clarets have won three and lost three in their last six and they will settle for a draw against this high flying Chelsea team that has won sixteen of its last eighteen league matches. Burnley have the third best home record in the league and that has been largely responsible for the twelfth position they occupy on the table. However, they will be facing the team with the best away record in the league and few will bet against Chelsea leaving Turf Moor with all three points. For Burnley, Steven Defour will likely sit out this tie with a hamstring problem, alongside Dean Marney and Kevin Long, while Jeff Hendrick is serving a three-game ban after being sent off in the defeat at Watford. Eden Hazard and David Luiz have both been playing through the pain barrier for Chelsea and Antonio Conte may be tempted to rest one or both of them for this fixture. A double chance bet on Chelsea and over 1.5 goals on www.nairabet.com should be my safe tips for this game.

SWANSEA vs. LEICESTER CITY
This weekend might just be the beginning of the end for the Foxes in terms of their top flight status. The Champions could find themselves bottom of the table by the end of the weekend if they lose to Swansea and other results go against them. This time twelve months ago, the Foxes were on a run that would culminate in their first ever EPL title and now they are fighting for survival in the league, how times have changed. The Foxes are on a four game losing streak and a fifth loss is a very real possibility for them as they have been woeful away from home this season with three points from an available thirty-nine. On the other hand, Swansea have the second worst home record in the league, but the fortunes of the Swans seem to have changed with the appointment of Paul Clement as they have won two of their last three games, which included a win over Liverpool at Anfield. They lost to an injury time goal last weekend against Manchester City and with their new found form, few will bet against them taking all three points in this game. Leicester have won five of the last six games between these sides, while Swansea have won three of the last four at home. A double chance bet on Swansea and over 1.5 goals are my betting tips for this game.

BOURNEMOUTH vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Pep Guardiola’s City side are on a decent vein of form, winning three games on the bounce in all competitions. They were almost held by Swansea last weekend, but were saved by a late winner from new kid on the block Gabriel Jesus, who is keeping Sergio Aguero out of the starting XI. Guardiola seems intent on using his front three of Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane (JSS), which has led to rumours of the impending exit of Aguero, I’m sure the Catalan wouldn’t be bothered about the Argentine as long as he’s getting the needed results from his preferred attacking trio. Bournemouth, on the other hand, are sliding down the table at a disturbing rate, having claimed just two points from their last five Premier League matches. The departure of Nathan Ake has greatly affected the stability of the defence and the Cherries need to start winning games to avoid being thrown headlong into the relegation battle, however, I don’t think they will start winning this week as they have lost all three of their EPL fixtures against Manchester City, scoring just once and conceding thirteen goals. They also have never beaten City in a competitive fixture. Except an upset of monumental proportions happens (which isn’t impossible since the Cherries have beaten Liverpool and drawn with Arsenal on their home turf), my prediction for this game will be a Man City win and over 2.5 goals.

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De Gea tells United to aim high

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PHOTO:AFP

David de Gea has challenged Manchester United to get as close as possible to runaway leaders Chelsea as Jose Mourinho’s side battle to finish in the top four.

It is one of the Premier League’s stranger statistics that United have not moved from sixth position for three months, despite being unbeaten for 15 matches in the competition.

Yet having beaten Leicester 3-0 last Sunday, Mourinho’s men could finally climb a place or two should they beat Watford on Saturday, as long as Liverpool and Arsenal slip up.

United looked to be back to something near their best at the King Power Stadium, after seeing their progress stalled by a run of three successive league draws.

With a glut of cup matches coming up, this weekend’s game will be their last league fixture for three weeks, so a win is needed to ensure that the top four do not get the chance to pull too far away.

Spain international De Gea knows United are unlikely to win the title, but having the goal of reeling in Chelsea could bring the added benefit of boosting their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

“I think we’re in good form. We’re on a 15-match unbeaten run in the league,” De Gea said.

“The team are doing well. We must continue down this route to get into the top four as soon as possible.

“Chelsea? The truth is that they’re doing really well. I think they’re nine points ahead of second place and they have the title in their hands.

“We are all going to fight to get as close as possible but they are very well placed.”

Mourinho is expected to use his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, despite causing a surprise by starting with a 4-4-2 set-up at Leicester.

– Buoyant –
United began that game with Marcus Rashford in attack alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but became far more effective when Mourinho reverted to his favoured formation, with the former Sweden striker playing as the lone forward.

Rashford moved out to the wing, with Juan Mata on the opposite side, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan took the number 10 role.

There is a separate question as to what part, if any, captain Wayne Rooney will play, having missed last weekend’s match because of illness.

Rooney did train on Wednesday, as did defender Marcos Rojo, who was substituted at half-time against Leicester after suffering a knock. Fellow centre-back Phil Jones, though, has a bruised foot and is doubtful.

Watford head to Old Trafford in buoyant mood after following the unexpected victory at Arsenal with last weekend’s home win against Burnley.

The victories have moved Walter Mazzarri’s side up to 10th and silenced suggestions the Italian manager’s position was under threat after a run of seven league games without a win.

The contributions of M’Baye Niang, Mauro Zarate and Tom Cleverley – the club’s January signings – have helped turn things around and Mazzarri is confident there is more to come from his players.

“I’m speaking with Niang every day,” said Mazzarri. “I treat him as if he were my son. I’m also asking for suggestions and I think he listens to me as well.

“With regard to Mauro Zarate, I’m very happy with him as well because also with Fiorentina he didn’t play as much and he did very well against Burnley in a game that was very high intensity.”

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