Trump ‘unwavering’ in commitment to NATO alliance, says Pence

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US Vice-President Mike Pence (R) gestures as he arrives at the Franz-Josef-Strauss airport airport to attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, southern Germany, on February 17, 2017.<br />Christof STACHE / AFP

US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday said President Donald Trump would stand by the NATO transatlantic alliance and no one should doubt his commitment after sacrifices made to defend it.

“The president (Donald Trump) asked me to be here today to convey a message, a reassurance — the United States of America strongly supports NATO and we will be unwavering in our commitment to this transatlantic alliance,” Pence told the Munich Security Conference.

“Let no one doubt our commitment,” he said.

The Munich conference, attended by top leaders, officials and analysts from around the world, was watching Pence closely to see if he would reaffirm the central US role in world affairs after Trump’s “America First” stance suggested Washington would strike out on its own.

Speaking just before Pence, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had warned countries against precisely that, saying the only way to solve global problems was to stick together.

“In a year in which we see unimaginable challenges we can either work together or retreat to our individual roles. I hope that we will find a common position,” Merkel said.

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Sdudla Noma1000 – Maniki Niki ft. Heavy K & Kwesta Rico [Mp3 + Lyrics]

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Sdudla Noma1000 link up with Heavy K and Kwesta Rico on this house mix titled Maniki Niki.

Listen and enjoy below…

DOWNLOAD

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Limoblaze – Jekotan ft. Lc Beatz [Mp3, Lyrics, Wiki, Bio]

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If you carry Jesus for body, let it shine! Jekotan, new banging gospel rap from Limoblaze. Jekotan is a Yoruba word which means “let it shine” and this is the title of track 5 off the recently released debut album “BLIND” by Limoblaze. The song goes to talk about how we as children of God are the light of the world and are meant to dominate wherever and whenever.

This Lc Beatz produced song features a passionate and intoxicating performance by the rapper/singer Lc Beatz while Limoblaze also presents a rather versatile and unexpected delivery in which he fuses Yoruba and English languages. This is one of those songs that is meant to be on repeat and also be on repeat on your stereos.

Limoblaze – Jekotan ft. Lc Beatz

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Panama suspends Panama Papers probe (Read full details)

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View of the building where Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm offices are placed in Panama City on April 3, 2016. A massive leak of 11.5 million tax documents on Sunday exposed the secret offshore dealings of aides to Russian president Vladimir Putin, world leaders and celebrities including Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. An investigation into the documents by more than 100 media groups, described as one of the largest such probes in history, revealed the hidden offshore dealings in the assets of around 140 political figures — including 12 current or former heads of states. AFP PHOTO / EDUARDO GRIMALDO / AFP / EDUARDO GRIMALDO

Panama is suspending its probe into the Panama Papers, the leak of a legal firm’s files on clients who stored assets in opaque offshore companies, prosecutors said Tuesday.

The records from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca revealed the names of leaders, politicians, celebrities and wealthy individuals from around the world who used the firm to create offshore entities to hide their assets.

A legal challenge on constitutional grounds required the suspension, the country’s attorney general, Kenia Porcell, told a news conference.

It was now up to the Supreme Court to rule on the matter and decide whether the probe should resume, she said.

The Panama Papers scandal erupted in April last year when media reports divulged documents from the massive data dump leaked by an anonymous source to a German newspaper.

Mossack Fonseca has argued that the revelations were illegal and based on stolen information.

The explosive dossier linked some of the world’s most powerful leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister David Cameron and others to unreported offshore companies.

The revelations led to the resignation of Iceland’s prime minister.

Other prominent people who turned up in the documents include Argentine President Mauricio Macri, footballer Lionel Messi and, most recently, the daughter of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Offshore companies are not in themselves illegal, but the sudden publication of troves of data drew attention to rampant tax avoidance and even money laundering crimes.

Panama suspends Panama Papers probe

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Panama suspends Panama Papers probe

http://ift.tt/2jw81Lu

View of the building where Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm offices are placed in Panama City on April 3, 2016. A massive leak of 11.5 million tax documents on Sunday exposed the secret offshore dealings of aides to Russian president Vladimir Putin, world leaders and celebrities including Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. An investigation into the documents by more than 100 media groups, described as one of the largest such probes in history, revealed the hidden offshore dealings in the assets of around 140 political figures — including 12 current or former heads of states. AFP PHOTO / EDUARDO GRIMALDO / AFP / EDUARDO GRIMALDO

Panama is suspending its probe into the Panama Papers, the leak of a legal firm’s files on clients who stored assets in opaque offshore companies, prosecutors said Tuesday.

The records from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca revealed the names of leaders, politicians, celebrities and wealthy individuals from around the world who used the firm to create offshore entities to hide their assets.

A legal challenge on constitutional grounds required the suspension, the country’s attorney general, Kenia Porcell, told a news conference.

It was now up to the Supreme Court to rule on the matter and decide whether the probe should resume, she said.

The Panama Papers scandal erupted in April last year when media reports divulged documents from the massive data dump leaked by an anonymous source to a German newspaper.

Mossack Fonseca has argued that the revelations were illegal and based on stolen information.

The explosive dossier linked some of the world’s most powerful leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister David Cameron and others to unreported offshore companies.

The revelations led to the resignation of Iceland’s prime minister.

Other prominent people who turned up in the documents include Argentine President Mauricio Macri, footballer Lionel Messi and, most recently, the daughter of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Offshore companies are not in themselves illegal, but the sudden publication of troves of data drew attention to rampant tax avoidance and even money laundering crimes.

Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jw79qu

Adebayor ponders future after Togo AFCON exit (Read full details)

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Togo's forward Emmanuel Adebayor reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Togo and DR Congo in Port-Gentil on January 24, 2017. PHOTO: AFP / Justin TALLIS

Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor will return home and ponder his options after his country exited the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur forward has been without a club since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Despite that he skippered his country at the Cup of Nations in Gabon, although he could not prevent them from being eliminated in the group stage.

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in Port-Gentil that ended their hopes, Adebayor said: “I didn’t come here to search for a club. I came here to play and represent my country and I think I’ve done that quite well.

“Now we are out I am just going home and I’ll call my manager and see if there are some clubs that are interested in me. Let’s take it step by step and see how it goes.”

Adebayor has spent most of the past decade in England and while he said he had received offers from all around the world, he did hint that he could push for a move back to the Premier League.

“You know how much I love the Premier League even though I am not the most loved player in England. I have done it for the last 10 years in the Premier League,” he added, while also admitting that he will have to ponder his future with his country.

Togo will now start preparing for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and coach Claude Le Roy must see if he can persuade Adebayor to keep playing.

“I don’t know yet. I don’t want to take any decision right now. It’s going to be a hard one to take. I’m going to sit down with the manager and see how I can be involved in the national team,” the player said.

Le Roy, who was taking charge of a sixth different country at a ninth Cup of Nations in a remarkable coaching career, said Adebayor had been “perfect” for him in Gabon.

“It’s unbelievable what he did during these eight days. Three games in a row at this level without any game for eight months,” said Le Roy, 68.

“We trained every morning with him for four and a half weeks in Lome before the tournament. At 7:30, 8am he was there with all my staff.

“I’m sure that if he is coming back in a club he will be great in the next few months because he showed to everybody that he was at the level.”

Adebayor ponders future after Togo AFCON exit

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Adebayor ponders future after Togo AFCON exit

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Togo's forward Emmanuel Adebayor reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Togo and DR Congo in Port-Gentil on January 24, 2017. PHOTO: AFP / Justin TALLIS

Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor will return home and ponder his options after his country exited the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur forward has been without a club since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Despite that he skippered his country at the Cup of Nations in Gabon, although he could not prevent them from being eliminated in the group stage.

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in Port-Gentil that ended their hopes, Adebayor said: “I didn’t come here to search for a club. I came here to play and represent my country and I think I’ve done that quite well.

“Now we are out I am just going home and I’ll call my manager and see if there are some clubs that are interested in me. Let’s take it step by step and see how it goes.”

Adebayor has spent most of the past decade in England and while he said he had received offers from all around the world, he did hint that he could push for a move back to the Premier League.

“You know how much I love the Premier League even though I am not the most loved player in England. I have done it for the last 10 years in the Premier League,” he added, while also admitting that he will have to ponder his future with his country.

Togo will now start preparing for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and coach Claude Le Roy must see if he can persuade Adebayor to keep playing.

“I don’t know yet. I don’t want to take any decision right now. It’s going to be a hard one to take. I’m going to sit down with the manager and see how I can be involved in the national team,” the player said.

Le Roy, who was taking charge of a sixth different country at a ninth Cup of Nations in a remarkable coaching career, said Adebayor had been “perfect” for him in Gabon.

“It’s unbelievable what he did during these eight days. Three games in a row at this level without any game for eight months,” said Le Roy, 68.

“We trained every morning with him for four and a half weeks in Lome before the tournament. At 7:30, 8am he was there with all my staff.

“I’m sure that if he is coming back in a club he will be great in the next few months because he showed to everybody that he was at the level.”

Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jw799Y

Generation game as Serena sets up 1990s re-run (Read full details)

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Serena Williams of the US celebrates her victory against Britain's Johanna Konta in their women's singles quarter-final match on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN /

Serena Williams brushed aside Britain’s Johanna Konta to set up an Australian Open semi-final with an emotional Mirjana Lucic-Baroni on Wednesday — 19 years after they last met as fellow teenage prodigies.

The American great overcame a misfiring serve to halt Konta’s nine-match winning streak 6-2, 6-3, staying on course for a potential all-Williams final with her sister Venus.

In the men’s draw, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov knocked out Belgian hope David Goffin 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to earn a semi-final against Rafael Nadal or Canada’s Milos Raonic.

Williams, 35, has come a long way since her last meeting with Lucic-Baroni in the second round at Wimbledon in 1998, when they were both 16 and without a trophy to their names.

While Williams is now eyeing an Open-era-record 23rd Grand Slam title and a return to world number one, the Croatian is into her first major semi since 1999 after her career was derailed by personal trauma.

Unseeded Lucic-Baroni wept freely and gasped, “This has truly made my life,” after she upset Czech world number five Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

“I can’t believe this. This is crazy,” said the 34-year-old, who disappeared from the tennis scene after being forced to flee her abusive father.

“The only thing I can say is God is good. That’s all I can say. I can’t believe it. I feel a little bit in shock.”

Williams said she could take inspiration from Lucic-Baroni, against whom she will be the strong favourite in Thursday’s semi-finals.

– ‘Remarkable story’ –
“I’m really happy for Mirjana. I was there when she first started. To see her be able to never give up actually is super-inspiring to me. It’s a wonderful story,” she said.

Williams added: “Honestly, we have totally different games now, the both of us. We both have gone through a lot. We both have survived, and here we are, which I think is a really remarkable story.”

There was little disappointment from Konta despite her steamrollering by Williams, who was able to raise her game to counter her opponent’s court speed and aggressive striking.

Despite only 45 percent success with her first serves, Konta could only break once, in the second set, and Williams quickly hit back with two breaks of her own.

“I think it was probably one of the best experiences of my life,” said Konta, 25, who idolised Williams as a child.

“I think there’s so many things I can learn from that, so many things I can look to improve on, also acknowledge some things that I did well.”

Later, 15th seed Dimitrov soared into his second major semi-final with his straight-sets win over Goffin, his 10th victory in a row after his trophy run this month in Brisbane.

He will watch with interest as 14-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, 30, takes on 26-year-old world number three Raonic, who has made quiet progress as he seeks his first major title.

Generation game as Serena sets up 1990s re-run

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Generation game as Serena sets up 1990s re-run

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Serena Williams of the US celebrates her victory against Britain's Johanna Konta in their women's singles quarter-final match on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN /

Serena Williams brushed aside Britain’s Johanna Konta to set up an Australian Open semi-final with an emotional Mirjana Lucic-Baroni on Wednesday — 19 years after they last met as fellow teenage prodigies.

The American great overcame a misfiring serve to halt Konta’s nine-match winning streak 6-2, 6-3, staying on course for a potential all-Williams final with her sister Venus.

In the men’s draw, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov knocked out Belgian hope David Goffin 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to earn a semi-final against Rafael Nadal or Canada’s Milos Raonic.

Williams, 35, has come a long way since her last meeting with Lucic-Baroni in the second round at Wimbledon in 1998, when they were both 16 and without a trophy to their names.

While Williams is now eyeing an Open-era-record 23rd Grand Slam title and a return to world number one, the Croatian is into her first major semi since 1999 after her career was derailed by personal trauma.

Unseeded Lucic-Baroni wept freely and gasped, “This has truly made my life,” after she upset Czech world number five Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

“I can’t believe this. This is crazy,” said the 34-year-old, who disappeared from the tennis scene after being forced to flee her abusive father.

“The only thing I can say is God is good. That’s all I can say. I can’t believe it. I feel a little bit in shock.”

Williams said she could take inspiration from Lucic-Baroni, against whom she will be the strong favourite in Thursday’s semi-finals.

– ‘Remarkable story’ –
“I’m really happy for Mirjana. I was there when she first started. To see her be able to never give up actually is super-inspiring to me. It’s a wonderful story,” she said.

Williams added: “Honestly, we have totally different games now, the both of us. We both have gone through a lot. We both have survived, and here we are, which I think is a really remarkable story.”

There was little disappointment from Konta despite her steamrollering by Williams, who was able to raise her game to counter her opponent’s court speed and aggressive striking.

Despite only 45 percent success with her first serves, Konta could only break once, in the second set, and Williams quickly hit back with two breaks of her own.

“I think it was probably one of the best experiences of my life,” said Konta, 25, who idolised Williams as a child.

“I think there’s so many things I can learn from that, so many things I can look to improve on, also acknowledge some things that I did well.”

Later, 15th seed Dimitrov soared into his second major semi-final with his straight-sets win over Goffin, his 10th victory in a row after his trophy run this month in Brisbane.

He will watch with interest as 14-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, 30, takes on 26-year-old world number three Raonic, who has made quiet progress as he seeks his first major title.

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