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Added on the 18/06/2020 14:00:00 - Copyright : EFE Inglés
Geneva (Switzerland), 18 June, EFE, (Camera: Antonio Broto).- The number of refugees and displaced people in the world increased in 2019 to 79.5 million people, according to the annual report released on Wednesday. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, discusses the details in an interview with Efe.FOOTAGE OF PART TWO OF AN EFE INTERVIEW WITH FILIPPO GRANDI, UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
Rome, Apr 17, EFE, (Camera: Álvaro Caballero).- Few know more about confinement than Roberto Saviano, the Italian journalist and writer who has dedicated his life to investigating the mafia and who has lived with a bodyguard for 14 years, ever since he was sentenced to death by the Camorra after the publication of "Gomorra". In a conversation with EFE, he reflects on the reality of confinement in the face of the coronavirus crisis, on his life experience and the growing power of the mafias taking advantage of this situation of weakness.SAVIANO'S SOUNDBITE TRANSLATIONS:1- "I'm in Brooklyn. I am in quarantine like everyone else and, seeing the world from here is - truly particular: it shows all the contradictions of contemporary capitalism. The workers that society needs most are living in a situation of economic degradation...". 2- "The quarantine has surprised me here. I usually come and go, I had planned to return to Italy but I couldn't. Besides, I've been living in prison for 15 years now, so at the beginning, it wasn't a strong psychological impact, then it was...". 3- "On the one hand, it has been an individual response which is: now you can understand how painful the situation of being locked up at home is. On the other hand, it's very different, because when you're locked up for safety... In my life, I have been locked up for four months and three weeks without ever getting out, for security, for almost 15 years now and then for some months I got out little, my life was like that. But the life that goes on, it doesn't stop. Today instead the external life slows down, blocked, so that your loneliness is shared loneliness. On the other hand, the enemy is invisible, while my enemy was visible, although he did not let himself be caught, he was untraceable, but he was visible. 4- "It is much more difficult, the mind is always distracted, the concern for family, which is all over Italy. People tell you that you can read a lot, but I read much less than I usually do, with my head always busy. You also have to read a lot of nonsense about the Coronavirus, but you have to follow it because you think, perhaps irrationally, that an ability to orient yourself can be born from this knowledge, but instead, it only increases the confusion. 5- "A huge impact. It's already happening. Think that from Mexico where the Cartels are doing the shopping, the families... Information is obtained by calling the police, it's simple. The police in many places have this information. The real welfare of the borders is being caused by criminal organizations. 6- "Now all the drug trafficking is paralyzed in the streets. Paralyzed in the streets but flourishing in the ports. Traffic has clearly increased. For example, all police action against money laundering is at a standstill at the moment, formally stopped. In Italy, the investigation of financial flows, how they move... This is not possible because it is necessary to allow the forces of law and order to deal with other things. Drugs continue to be sold door to door by drug dealers, but it is difficult because the streets are so tightly controlled. The ports are full, but the real profit is in the economic activities, which will come. Imagine something simple: in small companies, 5 restaurants, the tobacconists and midsize companies do not have more money. The mafias are coming, not that they are coming with the face of a mafioso, on the contrary. They come, they give you money in the name of a company and they buy options, keeping a part of your company. They become partners. And that's how they'll get into all the companies, in Spain, in Italy, in Greece, in Albania, in South America. In Northern Europe of course, but Northern Europe has never stopped being like that. I am amazed at Germany, which thinks it is immune to this story and it is not. They think they are immune because they don't know the instruments, the amount of mafia money that has gone in. 7- "Germany is one of the countries with more risk, because it does not observe its flows, there is a lack of control. It is a country without the crime of mafia association, without the crime of external participation in mafia association... If a professional works with crime he is not prosecuted or has little chance of being sentenced to heavy penalties (...) because in Germany and throughout Europe, as in Spain, there is actually little blood on the streets and this has led to less need for intervention. But Spain is much more advanced than Germany, much more in the fight against the mafia, because it has understood that collaboration with the Italian anti-mafia institutions also protected the Spanish economy. In short, the most unprotected country at this time in the West is Germany. 8- "In usury, at this time by order of the clans, they are not charging interest, if they give you 1000 euros, you give them 1000 euros, because in exchange they will ask for other things: votes, aid, agreements of criminal organizations... It is in the long term, based on the fact that social support from criminal organisations is much stronger than state assistance. But it is an assistance that you pay for with blood, it is not state solidarity that you receive by right, but you will pay for it somehow, you will have to pay it back. The other strategy is to buy at home. They send you food directly, which is a mechanism they use continuously in election campaigns. In election campaigns, the pre-elected candidate sends the food.
1.Audi RS 3The new Audi RS 3 offers driving dynamics on the highest level and optimum values in its segment. With a 400-hp five-cylinder engine that generates 500 Nm of torque, the car ensures quick acceleration and highly emotional sound. This is the first Audi ever to include the RS torque splitter, which variably distributes the torque between the rear wheels. In terms of looks, the RS 3 demonstrates its sporty genes with a widened body, the RS sport exhaust system and cockpit displays resembling those used in motorsport.2.BMW 2 Series Active TourerSpatial functionality, hallmark BMW driving pleasure and an extremely progressive approach mark out the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The second generation of the sporty all-rounder for the premium compact segment exudes visual dynamism and imposing presence through BMW’s clear design language. Its fundamentally redesigned interior combines a variety of usage possibilities with modern geometry and a BMW Curved Display in the style of the BMW iX. Added to which, the new 2 Series Active Tourer leads the way when it comes to powertrain, driver assistance, control/operation and connectivity innovations.3.BMW 2 Series CoupéBMW is opening a new chapter in its tradition of super-sporty compact models. In the process it will set a new benchmark for driving pleasure – a brand speciality – at the premium end of this vehicle class. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé embodies sporting prowess in a particularly concentrated form, with a vehicle concept focused squarely on dynamic excellence, an athletic design, powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology.4.BMW 4 Series Gran CoupéSignature BMW driving pleasure, sporting elegance and modern functionality come together in the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Its vehicle concept – comprising four doors, a large tailgate, dynamically flowing lines and five full-size seats – brings a highly distinctive character profile to the premium reaches of the midsize class. The second generation of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé also makes its mark in fine style with noticeably enhanced driving dynamics, a sharper design in the brand’s new design language, a refined premium ambience in the cabin and a wide array of innovations in the areas of control/operation and connectivity. Five model variants will be available from launch, developing between 135 kW/184 hp and 275 kW/374 hp.5.BMW i4All-electric mobility reaches the very heart of the BMW brand. The BMW i4 is the brand’s first electric vehicle focused squarely on driving dynamics. Locally emission-free driving pleasure, compromise-free premium quality and customer-oriented individualisation come to the traditional core of the midsize segment for the first time. Market launch gets underway in November 2021 with two model variants: BMW i4 M50 – the first purely electric performance car from BMW M GmbH, with 400 kW/544 hp, all-wheel drive and a range of up to 521 kilometres in the WLTP cycle; BMW i4 eDrive40 with 250 kW/340 hp, classical rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 590 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.6.BMW iXThe BMW iX is a modern SUV which has been designed from the inside out and which redefines the idea of interior spaciousness and luxury. The BMW Group has set a high bar for sustainability with the vehicle concept, materials selection, raw materials extraction and manufacturing of the BMW iX. The model variants available from launch will be powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear axle, together producing a system output of 385 kW/523 hp in the BMW iX xDrive50 and 240 kW/326 hp in the BMW iX xDrive40.7.DS 4DS 4 has eye-catching proportions. With a benchmark width of 1.83 metres and large diameter 720-millimetre wheels (alloys up to 20 inches, 19 inches as standard from TROCADERO and PERFORMANCE LINE up), for a compact length of 4.40 metres and a roof height of 1.47 metres, the dimensions are striking with a memorably imposing presence.The profile combines fluidity and sharp lines. The flush fitting door handles go with sculpted surfaces on the sides. The ratio of the bodywork to the large diameter wheels (including a 20-inch offering with aero inserts) comes from the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept, displaying an imposing and unique presence.8.Genesis G70All-new Genesis G70 saloon embodies premium design and on-road dynamismUnique and compelling character the result of Genesis’s tireless pursuit of perfectionTireless development on European roads, including the legendary Nürburgring circuitUnique chassis and steering calibration for dynamic and involving driving experienceLatest iteration of brand’s distinctive ‘Athletic Elegance’ design languageSpacious and well-equipped interior that emphasises high performance luxury9.Hyundai Kona NWith technology inspired by motorsports, the N brand excels at delivering driving enthusiasm by providing racetrack capabilities and ‘corner rascal’ ride and handling character in everyday sports cars, and the Kona N is no exception.Kona N is powered by a flat-power, 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injected engine with an N eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) with paddle shifters. This N DCT is the enhanced version of Hyundai’s in-house developed N DCT, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.10.Kia EV6The all-new 2022 Kia EV6 crossover arrives as the brand’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV). The introduction of EV6 signals the U.S. launch of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy that will deliver 11 all-new electrified models across the world by 2026. The E-GMP modular platform maximizes development efficiency and enables the Kia brand to expand its dedicated EV portfolio across multiple vehicle segments – sedans, CUVs, SUVs – in a short time and with minimal complexity. The architecture provides an adaptable foundation with a long wheelbase and wide stance.11.McLaren ArturaThe all-new McLaren Artura is revealed today, marking the beginning of both a new chapter for the pioneering luxury supercar company and a new era in supercar technology and performance.McLaren’s first series-production High-Performance Hybrid supercar focuses more than half a century of the company’s racing and road-car experience and expertise into a next-generation supercar that blends ground-breaking technology with McLaren’s dedication to pure driver engagement.Underpinned by the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering, the all-new Artura is the distillation of every attribute inherent in a McLaren – distinctive design, unrivalled performance, dynamic excellence and engineering innovation – with electrification now bringing the additional benefits of even faster throttle response, lower emissions and being able to run in pure EV mode for emissions-free journeys of up to 30km.12.The new Mercedes-Benz C-ClassFollowing the recent launch of the new C-Class generation it is now possible to order the C 300 e and the C 300 e Estate as the first plug-in hybrid models. The market launch of the Saloon is taking place immediately, while the Estate will land in dealerships from December. The level control system thanks to air suspension at the rear comes as standard in both models. Prices start at €56,168 (C 300 e) and €57,9532 (C 300 e Estate), respectively. An environmental bonus of €5625 in Germany helps to makes both models particularly attractive. Diesel plug-in hybrid models are set to follow in due course.
Moscow, Nov 5 (EFE), (Camera: Céline Aemisegger).- Azerbaijan will stop the war in Nagorno-Karabakh immediately if Armenia withdraws and its prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, personally and publicly announces his retreat and defeat, the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev told Efe in an interview.In power since 2003, the Azeri head of state spoke to Efe via videolink from one of the rooms in the presidential palace in Baku. His demeanor is one of defiance. He claims that Azerbaijan has a clear military advantage over Armenia in conflict over the territory, which is internationally-recognized as belonging to Azerbaijan, although is populated predominantly by Armenians. SOUNDBITES OF AZERBAIJAN'S PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV DURING AN INTERVIEW WITH EFE.
Rome, Apr 17, EFE, (Camera: Álvaro Caballero).- Few know more about confinement than Roberto Saviano, the Italian journalist and writer who has dedicated his life to investigating the mafia and who has lived with a bodyguard for 14 years, ever since he was sentenced to death by the Camorra after the publication of "Gomorra". In a conversation with EFE, he reflects on the reality of confinement in the face of the coronavirus crisis, on his life experience and the growing power of the mafias taking advantage of this situation of weakness.SAVIANO'S SOUNDBITE TRANSLATIONS:1- "Companies that wash hospital sheets. Companies that supply ambulances. Funeral parlours. Food distribution. What does all this mean? That they are already winning because they have invested in sectors that are on an incredible rise."2- "With the pandemic, things are changing. With the pandemic, they realize that with relatively minimal investment... For example, with 50,000 euros of shopping bags they give people for a month, they have the whole neighbourhood with them, instantly. Before the effort was much more burdensome, it had to be more important."3- "The truth is that the answer is completely trite: money. They must give money. There is no other immediate answer. Access to funds and allow companies and individuals not to sell their lives, not to be forced to resort to any economic model of survival".4- "Everything. They have done everything wrong. The red zone with delay. The management of the sick who have wanted to be sent to the nursing home, probably for interest, for money. They probably imagined that in the nursing homes it was not as deadly of an epidemic as it, unfortunately, is, especially for certain people. So Lombardy has seen its system of efficiency born of the balance between the public and the private fail. Lombardy, which has always been ruled by the League and the reactionary right-wing has always made propaganda saying that the Lombard public health system was the best in the world. Obviously, the situation has shown that the reality is quite different. 5- "The crime that Viktor Orban has done, is a crime. He has ended Parliament with an authoritarian operation, taking advantage of it as all military and authoritarian regimes have done". 6- "Orban is the first dictatorship within Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The authoritarian risk is enormous, because the pandemic creates the state of exception, and the state of exception dispenses with democratic rules and initiates what these political groups have been seeking for years, a single guide, a single direction, a single power'. 7- "Very fragile, very fragile. Europe seems dead with the COVID. Now they are trying to straighten out the course. Europe has only two possibilities, either to refound itself exactly as the founding fathers imagined it to be, a United States of Europe, or to die. Because if you consider the pandemic to be a purely Italian or Spanish or Portuguese problem, you are delirious, it is not. 8- "In general, after pandemics, there are no attacks of solidarity, of trust towards others. Because while after a war with the other you are at peace, because there has been a peace treaty, of negotiation, with the other you feel repaired, because there are no more uniforms, there is no order to charge or shoot. The other is no longer your enemy because there has been a formal halt that has closed the conflict. Not with the pandemic, because the others are still dangerous, because mismanagement could infect you, or you could infect another. Even if the pandemic ends, or there is a cure or vaccine, the suspicion remains. The distance between us, politically or socially, we can resolve, but culturally it is a very long way away. 9- "It would be enough for me to go out a little bit again to recover, like everyone else, a little bit of the measure of a life in which you do not feel completely imprisoned. Having said that, nostalgia is the greatest internal danger, and I have not managed to live well with nostalgia. For many it is a resource, for me, it is a continuous trap. Because nostalgia grips you, it deforms what you've lived through, you've probably lived through things with normal intensity and nostalgia describes them to you as moments of happiness, of great vital intensity, of pleasure. 10- "Especially trying not to lengthen the day, but to widen it. Live everything with more intensity, the music you listen to, the book you read, give it as much time as you can without being distracted".
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