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278/2018 • 8 DECEMBER, 2018 WEEKEND ISSUE

DAILY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Ecuador: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can leave London embassy Conditions have been met for Julian Assange to leave Ecuadorʼs embassy in London

Britain has guaranteed that the WikiLeaks founder would not be extradited to any country where his life would be in danger.

Duo sings for peace in Cameroon Law graduate turned musician Linford Ci tunes his guitar as he gets ready for a performance in the small town of Santa in Cameroonʼs Northwest Region. The 31-year-old traveled to the rural town together with Emmanuel Bilashi to preach a message of peace. "We are tired of war, violence. We need a bright future," says Bilashi. "If anything is wrong in the house, you yourself, you must contribute. … That is what motivated us to bring our music to our fellow brothers, our fellow sisters. Let them drop their weapons – violence is not what we need but peace and love."

Ecuadorʼs president, Lenin Moreno, said on Thursday that "the way has been cleared" for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to leave the countryʼs embassy in London. Assange, 47, has spent the last six years in Ecuadorʼs embassy to avoid arrest and extradition to Sweden on allegations of sexual assault. Swedenhas since dropped the case, and Ecuador says there are no pending extradition requests against him. Read more: Whistleblowers should be ‘protected not prosecuted’ The Australian activist, who published huge caches of files belonging to the United States Department of State and the Pentagon in 2010, has repeatedly expressed fears that Britain may extradite him to the US. Moreno, however, said Britain guaranteed that Assange would not be extradited to a country where his life would be in danger. "The British government has told us that the constitution of Great Britain bars extradition of a person to a place where his life is in danger or he faces the death penalty," Moreno said in a radio interview. Moreno added that Assange has to "serve a short sentence" in Britain for violating his bail conditions. Ecuador has been looking to evict Assange from its London embassy for several months amid souring relations.He sued Quitoin October for violating his "fundamental rights" and restricting his access to the outside world. Read more: Julian Assange: Five years without sunlight Carlos Poveda, one of Assangeʼs lawyers, said last month that Assange was pre-

pared to give himself up to British police provided he receives assurances he would not be extradited. Barry Pollack, another one of Assangeʼs lawyers, told the Telegraph newspaper that Ecuador should continue providing asylum to his client. "The suggestion that as long as the death penalty is off the table, Mr. Assange need not fear persecution is obviously wrong," Pollack told the paper. "Since such charges appear to have been brought against Mr. Assange in the United States, Ecuador should continue to provide him asylum." US prosecutors inadvertently revealed the existence ofa sealed indictment against Assangelast month, according to WikiLeaks. The indictment suggested that the US will seek Assangeʼs extradition if he leaves the embassy, though the charges he faces were not known. Read more: Opinion: Tolerating Wikileaks Assange could be questioned in the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought President Donald Trump to office. WikiLeaks has been accused of leaking thousands of emails allegedly stolen by Russian hackers from the Democratic campaign of Hillary Clinton. British newspaper The Guardian reported that Trumpʼs former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, held secret talks with Assange before the leak. Muellercharged 12 Russian spiesin July with conspiring to hack the Democratic National Committee in an effort to sway the election.

Thousands of Jews in Europe Indiaʼs farmer Myanmar women alarmed by rising suicides severely forced into anti-Semitism affect rural women The German mass daily Bild reported Bhagat didnʼt know marriages in China Friday that behind the EU ministersʼ Vijayshree about the recent United Nations OfThousands of vulnerable women and girls from northern Myanmar are being trafficked to China and forced to marry and have children, according to a report released Friday. An estimated 7,500 women from the war-torn Kachin and northern Shan states were sold to men across the border between 2013 and 2017, the study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported. The youngest women were sold for $15,000 (around €13,000).

declaration was "a large EU survey among 16,395 Jews in the whole of Europe," apparently still under wraps in Brussels. A high 89 percent of those respondents felt that anti-Semitism in Europe had increased strongly since 2013, and 28 percent had suffered antiJewish abuse, some of it violent, in the past year, said Bild, citing the study. Thirty-eight percent were considering whether to emigrate because of the violent trend.

fice on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report which said the home was the most dangerous place for women, but she concurred with its message. A few feet away from where she sat, some women farmers raised their arms and chanted slogans, demanding justice from the government. She took notice of them, but then said, "Thatʼs fine. But who will protect us from our families?"


278/2018 • 8 December, 2018 Weekend issue

Pakistan: Imran Khan promises change amid rigging complaints In his"victory speech" on Thursday, Prime Minister-elect Imran Khan promised wide-ranging reforms to build a "new Pakistan." He touched upon a number of pressing issues, including better governance, security affairs and ties with global powers and neighboring countries. Khan spoke from the heart during the speech. He promised to end rampant corruption, nepotism, and pledged that economic benefits would trickle down to the masses under his government. Khan spoke from the heart during the speech. He promised to end rampant corruption, nepotism, and pledged that economic benefits would trickle down to the masses under his government.

Ceasefire on Israel-Gaza border largely holds as UN warns sides are on ʼbrink of warʼ

A ceasefire announced by Hamas largely held along the Israel-Gaza border on Sunday, a day after the most intense exchange of fire between Israel and the Palestinian group since the 2014 Gaza war. Israeli warplanes carried out dozens of airstrikes in the densely populated Gaza Strip on Saturday on what it said were Hamas military, training and supply targets, while Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired nearly 200 rockets and mortars at Israel. Read more: Israel and Gazaʼs militant groups agree to ceasefire The Israeli airstrikes wounded more than 20 people and killed two teenage boys, Palestinian health officials said, while a Hamas rocket injured four Israelis. Hamas, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, and Islamic Jihad announced the Egyptian and UNbrokered ceasefire late Saturday. The Israeli military said its response would depend on the situation on the ground. After the ceasefire announcement, four mortars were fired into Israel early Sunday. In response, Israeli planes destroy at least one launch site. Israel also carried out three airstrikes later in the day on what it said were Hamas squads launching incendiary balloons and kites across the border. 2

Huawei ʼcould give Chinese spies our secrets,ʼ EU fears The tech giant immediately expressed its disappointment over the allegations

The EUʼs technology commissioner has sounded the alarm over Huaweiʼs possible links to security services in China. The European Union should be worried about technology giant Huawei cooperating with Chinese intelligence services to compromise the blocʼs security and industry, the EUʼs technology commissioner advised on Friday. Andrus Ansip warned Chinese tech companies could be cooperating with the stateʼs intelligence agencies or adding "back doors" to their systems to allow spies access to EU secrets. "Do we have to be worried about Huawei or other Chinese

Europe’s Nr. 4. most impressive Advent fair awaits its visitors at the Basilica The Advent Fair opens its gates again this year from November 23rd at the St. Stephens’s Basilica eighth time in a row. This event is considered to be the fourth most beautiful Christmas fairs on the old continent according to Europeans. Besides the unique 3D light paint projected on the facade of the Basilica, the spectacular and adventurous seasonal meeting point offers a free skating ring, special hand crafted items, local food and drink specialties until January 1st. The creators of the event are proud of the Advent Feast at the Basilica being listed amongst the top 5 in Europe. The carefully prepared venue and programs are to grant the visitors the cozy ambience they love to return to year by year at this magical

Iraq braces for more unrest as Basra protests gather pace An estimated 200 protesters gathered on Monday morning at the main gate leading to three of Iraqʼs major oil fields in the southern oil-exporting city of Basra. Protests in Basra, Iraqʼs second-largest city, started last Tuesdaywhen security forces opened fire, killing one person and wounding five. They soon spread to other provinces. Read more: Iraq hangs 13 ʼISʼ prisoners as PM Haidar al-Abadi calls for ʼjust retributionʼ The oil hub of Basra and other parts of the Shiʼite south have long been neglected, first by Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein and then by Shiʼite-led governments. But an ongoing political crisis and the recent rhetoric of Grand Ayatollah alSistani, the top Shiʼite cleric in the country have also clearly aggravated the situation.

companies? Yes I think we have to be worried," he told a news conference in Brussels. Ansip added Huawei-designed chips could be used by Chinese security services "to get our secrets." His remarks come 6 days after Huaweiʼs Chief Financial OfficerMeng Wanzhouwas arrested in Canada on suspicion of involvement in the evasion of sanctions. The Chinese tech giant immediately rejected "any allegation" that it might pose a security threat. social scenery. The joyful crowd of the skating ring, the luxurious lights and the Christmas aromas create the holiday atmosphere where the excitement of getting in the Christmas mood can settle in. Several special programs for children and adults, like arts and crafts, flash mobs, dance and music performances and other surprises will await the visitors. The Fair is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to donate, help those in need. On the public poll of the European Best Destination the Advent Fair at the Basilica was again listed amongst the top 20 nominees of best destinations as the only Hungarian event and might even win a trophy this year. website:https://adventiunnep.hu/en

UK reveals fighter jet ʼTempestʼ for post-Brexit era Williamson said the "world-beating" jet can be used unmanned, as a drone,

or with pilots. It is scheduled to be operational by 2035. The UK is to invest 2 billion pounds ($2.7 billion, €2.3 billion) to 2025 in the stealth warplane, which will involve British companies BAE Systems and RollsRoyce as well as Anglo-Italian Leonardo and pan-European MBDA. Aiming to ensure UK leadership in defense Williamson said the program was designed to ensure Britainʼs continued leadership in fighter technology and control of airspace in future conflicts. Last year,France and Germany signed an agreementto develop Europeʼs next-generation fighter jet to replace the aging Rafale and Eurofighter jet by 2040, involving Europeʼs Airbus and Franceʼs Dassault Aviation. Following the 2016 Brexit referendum, Airbus moved to partner with Dassault at the expense of Britainʼs BAE Systems. There are concerns in Britain that its defense industry may be shut out from EU plans for next-generation fighter jets, although, officially, both projects have invited other companies to join.


278/2018 • 8 December, 2018 Weekend issue

Discover the unique world of Alma Abonyi

Handmade, high tech bags and accessories - between fine art and design! Find out more about Alma Abonyi: www.almaabonyi.com Contact: +36 70 392 6159 info@almaabonyi.com

Abot the designer: Alma Abonyi graduated in sculpture from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in 2011. She received the grant of the Republic of Hungary. She has had solo exhibitions in, among other places, the Óbudai Társaskör and the Schöffer Museum in Kalocsa. She has had over thirteen years of experience in using various synthetic resins and counts as an authority on the matter in Hungary.After a long

experimental process, product development and prototyping, the Alma Abonyi accessory brand was born in 2013 with the collection PHOENIX. With the globally unique carbon collections Alma shortly gain the attention and love of the professionals and the consumers alike. A new carbon collection is already in the making, but customized pieces are always ordered in the footpath of the previous ones. The fundamental aim

of the second, premium leather line, the NINE BY ALMA ABONYI is to inject the matchless and immediately recognizable design features to a more tradiotional and popular shape. This became the answer for finding new clients and introducing the brand on a wider scale. The Alma Abonyi name today means more than curiosities, but also wearable, day to day use, affordable premium bags.

Europe’s Nr. 4. most impressive Advent fair awaits its visitors at the Basilica The Advent Fair opens its gates again this year from November 23rd at the St. Stephens’s Basilica eighth time in a row. This event is considered to be the fourth most beautiful Christmas fairs on the old continent according to Europeans. Besides the unique 3D light paint projected on the facade of the Basilica, the spectacular and adventurous seasonal meeting point offers a free skating ring, special hand crafted items, local food and drink specialties until January 1st. The creators of the event are proud of the Advent Feast at the Basilica being listed amongst the top 5 in Europe. The carefully prepared venue and programs are to grant the visitors the cozy ambience they love to return to year by year at this magical social scenery. The joyful crowd of the skating ring, the luxurious lights and the Christmas aromas create the holiday atmosphere where the excitement of getting in the Christmas mood can settle in. Several special programs for children and adults, like arts and crafts, flash mobs, dance and music performances and other surprises will await the visitors. The Fair is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to donate, help those in need. On the public poll of the European Best Destination the Advent Fair at the Basilica was again listed amongst the top 20 nominees of best destinations as the only Hungarian event and might even win a trophy this year. website:https://adventiunnep.hu/en

A new exhibition celebrates 100 years of Budapest’s Gellért Hotel A recreated Baroque-style guest room, photos of the building taken during World War II and Communist-era posters reflect the history of Budapest’s most legendary hotel, the Gellért. A new exhibition at the Museum of Commerce & Catering celebrates the centenary of this institution which opened on 24 September 1918. Attached to the hotel is Budapest’s Art Nouveau Gellért Baths, whose outdoor wave pool, also illustrated at the museum, was the first of its kind in the world.

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278/2018 • 8 December, 2018 Weekend issue

Hungarian company wins exclusive rights to AC/DC brand Visit us: Tipton Budapest, 1056 Budapest, Irányi u. 20 More information: www.tipton.hu

Dark, intense shades meet casual feminine style: Högl Collection A/W 2018/2019 The Högl autumn/winter 2018/19 collection confidently showcases the new on-trend colours dark plum, violet, rust brown and different shades of grey. The new season’s styles are impressively strong, but still feminine. They come in a range of new colours and materials, in slim, elegant styles with block heels and profiled soles – guaranteed to turn heads. Nightwalker Mysterious and as dark as the night, the styles in this part of the collection won’t fail to impress. The focus is on new interpretations of classics: boots and ankle boots with stylish details such as laces, eyelets and buckles. The colour palette ranges from black to dark grey to the new addition of dark plum. Swarovski® crystal detailing emphasises the feminine look and adds a hint of opulence. Winter styles are enhanced by a Gore-Tex® membrane, and are available in both casual suede and metallic leather. Sense Maker

Delicate greys bring a ray of light in the winter darkness, complemented by clean, simple lines. The urban focus of the collection uses a palette of flattering dark grey, stone, nude and mauve tones. Trendy block heels and new queenie heels feature strongly. From sneakers to heels (in round, V-neck and high-fronted cuts) to bootees and overknee boots, the high-quality leather and soft neutral colours of these new designs complement next season’s relaxed, feminine look perfectly. Experiencer The third theme of the collection is expressed in earthy tones, from espresso to rust brown and camel. Sneakers, bootees and heels in burnt colours and retro-chic style invite to experiment with all sorts of different combinations. The multi-tone effect of the new materials used for ankle boots – such as crushed Naplak – adds a surprising twist to their look. Singer Adrien Szekeres is now 3rd year brand ambas‐ sador of Högl Shoes in Hungary!

A local eyewear manufacturer is the exlcusive producer of eyewear for hard rock gods AC/DC. Vinylize, created by local designer Zachary Tipton, recycles vinyl records into uber-premium glasses and sunglasses. Now their new collection is made out of one of the most successful albums ever: Back in Black. Be prepared to pay premium

for their products which are all handmade in their downtown workshop. Prices start at 90,000 HUF(300 euros). A visit will grant you access to their production facilites where you can even have your purchase customized.

Hungary’s Recirquel to stage

Diplomático - Rum you never experienced before!

Budapest premiere of hit Edinburgh show “My Land” The show runs at Müpa Budapest every day from 16 to 19 October and on 21 October. From tonight, Budapest audiences can expect gravity-defying acts performed in their purest form, through physical feats of the body. Presented on the stage of the prestigious Müpa Palace of Arts are stunts by globally renowned company Recirquel, whose new ballet-like production “My Land” was top-rated by critics at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We talk to Recirquel founder and choreographer Bence Vági, who has taken acrobatics to new heights. Performers in skin-tight unitards rise up from a dirt-covered set to share personal stories, their bodies contorted and biceps straining. What unfolds in front of the viewers appear as illusionary images combining light, shadow and reflection – nature’s elements. Tradition, freedom and love all form part of My Land, a real physical feat enacted by a team of Ukrainian artists to traditional Tatar and Moldavian music. 4

WhiskyNet covers the entire vertical range of distribution and sales of quality spirits (rum, cognac, calvados, armagnac, gin, vodka, etc.) and other premium drinks (vermouth, tonic, etc.) on the Hungarian market. The company’s more than 11-year-old history has inextricably linked with spreading and promoting Hungarian quality spirits and the demand for a civilised and informed way of drinking. Visit GoodSpirit Shop Address: 1053 Budapest Veress Pálné utca 7. Opening hours: Mondy-Friday: 11:00 – 19:00 Saturday: 11:00 – 16:00 Website: http://goodspiritshop.hu/, also GoodSpirit Whisky & Cocktail Bar Opening hours: Mondy-Friday: 11:00 – 24:00 Address: 1053 Budapest, Veres Pálné utca 7. (Nyáry Pál utca angle) Website:http://goodspiritbar.hu/

ʼYou are a woman, a mother, a sister and a daughter; dare to be yourself with Celeniʼ

A line born in Budapest embracing the female body through precised tailoring to achieve effortless sophistication together with timeless classics. Look inside the pieces to discover our story hidden in the details! Celeni is a lifestyle brand designed

for educated and powerful, yet feminine women, who love art and culture. It focuses on everyday luxury, creating classic, but modern pieces season after season highlighting womenʼs natural beauty. Celeni’s pieces are wearable and versatile transitioning from daywear to eveningwear with just the change of accessories. All of Celeniʼs products are proudly crafted in Hungary. End of season sale has kicked off in our showroom. Grab your favorite unique pieces at unbelievable prices until stock lasts. If you can’t find what you are looking for, we design it for you. Our showroom is situated in the very heart of Budapest. Book an appointment today. Contact us at: info@celeni.hu +36-70/670-0116 Metropolitan Store 1054 Budapest, Aulich utca 4. Visit our showroom in Metropolitan Store - we also ship abroad!


278/2018 • 8 December, 2018 Weekend issue

Could pigsʼ hearts soon beat in human bodies? Surgeon Bruno Reichart has successfully implanted a pigʼs heart into a baboon

He tells DW why harvesting from other species could address a chronic shortage of human donor organs. Ethics play an important role here. Weʼve been eating pigs for a long time, so itʼs socially acceptable to kill them. Also, pigs produce many offspring in a very short time — every four months — and they are fully grown and sexually mature after six months. A pigʼs heart is also very similar in structure to a human heart. The valves from pigsʼ hearts have been used as a replacement in humans for 40 years. This is part of what the au-

thorities demand: The organ should not be implanted into a pig or a dog but a primate thatʼs very close to us biologically, so conclusions can be drawn as to whether the intervention could also be successful in humans. You have to adapt the pigʼs heart to that of a human in order to prevent the recipientʼs body rejecting the transplant. Which is why the pig hearts are genetically modified before they are transplanted.

Mary Stuart biopic offers a new take on a timeless tale Yes, another film about Maria Stuart. Mary Queen of Scots, which debuts November 7 in the US, is yet another take on the life and death of the 16thcentury queen who was beheaded in 1587 for treason. Billed as the "epic clash of queens that changed the course of history," director Josie Rourkeʼs highly theatrical version of the historic drama was scripted by Beau Willimon, who wrote the first four seasons of House of Cards and is a master at contriving grand scheming for the screen. Rourke made her name in the stage arts as artistic director at the Donmar Warehouse theater in London, and she infuses the power game between Elizabeth I., Queen of England (played by Margot Robbie) and her cousin Maria Stuart, Queen of Scotland (played by Saoirse Ronan) with a dark, somber and deviously wicked tone. In her film directing debut, Rourke chooses to highlight a peculiarly female power struggle in the male-dominated 16th-century.

Alma Abonyi designer bag under every Christmas tree!

Mary Stuart biopic offers a new take on a timeless tale Yes, another film about Maria Stuart. Mary Queen of Scots, which debuts November 7 in the US, is yet another take on the life and death of the 16th-century queen who was beheaded in 1587 for treason. Billed as the "epic clash of queens that changed the course of history," director Josie Rourkeʼs highly theatrical version of the historic drama was scripted by Beau Willimon, who wrote the first four seasons of House of Cards and is a master at contriving grand scheming for the screen.

Rourke made her name in the stage arts as artistic director at the Donmar Warehouse theater in London, and she infuses the power game between Elizabeth I., Queen of England (played by Margot Robbie) and her cousin Maria Stuart, Queen of Scotland (played by Saoirse Ronan) with a dark, somber and deviously wicked tone. In her film directing debut, Rourke chooses to highlight a peculiarly female power struggle in the male-dominated 16th-century.

50% SALE on every left piece of the first leather collection, until on stock! Visit almaabonyi.com for more information! "Itʼs unbelievable but from the first leather collection there are only a few pieces left. You can get them with 50% discount now, until Christmas, as long as we have them on stock!" Foto: Forgeron Studio

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Culture

Renovated Museum of Fine Arts to Open on 31 October AFTER MORE THAN THREE YEARS OF RENOVATION, THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BUDAPEST WILL OPEN ON 31 OCTOBER. NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC Thanks to the largest-scale and most comprehensive reconstruction project in the museum’s history, the museum building has been renewed, and, returning to the collection’s first concept, the museum’s permanent exhibitions will also be rearranged. Besides the new permanent exhibitions, the revamped museum will welcome visitors with a chamber exhibition titled Leonardo & the Budapest Horse and Rider. The museum reconstruction, implemented within the framework of the Liget Budapest Project, included the restoration of the Romanesque Hall, which sustained severe damage in World War II and since then had been only partially renovated and used as a storage area, along with the modernisation of the building’s obsolete heating system, the installation of air conditioning in some of the exhibition halls, the renewal of a large part of the roof structure, as well as the addition of new exhibition spaces, visitor areas and modern storage facilities.

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278/2018 • 8 December, 2018 Weekend issue

Mixed messages on Bayern Munichʼs Bundesliga title credentials

"Weʼre not in a position to talk about the title at the moment. We simply arenʼt good enough." In a world of bland, non-commital statements from footballers, Arjen Robbenʼs words to German public broadcaster ARD rang out louder than most. The veteran has won seven Bundesliga titles in his nine full seasons with the Bavarian club and Bayern have won each of the last six. In several of those seasons, Bayern have overcome points deficits to emerge victorious, including last season where they trailed Borussia Dortmund by five points early on. While the gap this year is bigger, seven points in November looks far from insurmountable and disregards the fact that Bayern were heavy title favorites coming into the current campaign. Robbenʼs teammate Sandro Wagner certainly has no such misgivings.

Aleksandar Kolarovʼs free kick stunner secures Serbia win over Costa Rica

As horror year continues, what now for Mesut Özil?

A brilliant second half free kick from captain Aleksandar Kolarov led Serbia to a deserved win over Costa Rica. Serbia were wasteful in front of goal but did enough to secure three vital points in Group E. Another World Cup day, another sublime freekick. If Cristiano Ronaldo’s ice-cold effort tosnatch a point against arch-rivals Spain on day two was the current goal of the tournament front-runner, the Portuguese may have just met his match. Aleksandar Kolarov, take a bow. A combination of poor finishing and sublime goalkeeping had kept the scores level until Serbia’s no.11 produced his moment of magic. Kolarov’s powerful left foot is no secret, but few inside the stadium would have expected such a thunderous strike when the Roma defender stood over a free kick midway through the second half. His shot was unstoppable; a side-footed missile which screamed into the top corner of the Costa Rica net. Kaylor Navas, who kept his team in the game with several crucial saves either side of half time, was nowhere near it.

With critics piling on, whatʼs next for the divisive playmaker?

After the furore surrounding his decision to quit the national team, Mesut Özil sought solace at his club, Arsenal. But right now, he canʼt even get a game. Though it was emphatically not the reason hestepped away from the Germany setup, the boost in freshness and fitness Mesut Özil would get from missing international breaks would surely be a happy sentence to close a sad chapter. So when Unai Emery benched Özil for the fixture against Bournemouth on November 25 that followed an international break, eyebrows were raised. Emery explained his decision by suggesting Özil wasnʼt suited to a "very demanding match

with physicality and intensity." It was a familiar charge from an unfamiliar source. The 30-year-old has fair claim to be the most polarizing footballer in the world. Is he the floating, unselfish and incisive menace whose best qualities are those most underappreciated? Or the talented waster prone to hiding at key moments, shirking responsibility and allowing opponents to drift past him. The answer, as almost always in these matters, lies somewhere in the middle.

Jose Mourinho: Manchester United boss happy at club, says agent

Lance Armstrong says Uber investment has ʼsavedʼ his family

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is "very happy" and "fully committed" to the club, according to his agent. Mourinhoʼs position at the club has been under scrutiny this season, with the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League, eight points off the top four. The Portuguese, 55,signed a contract extensionat Old Trafford in January but has been linked with areturn to former club Real Madrid. "Itʼs totally untrue," said agent Jorge Mendes in a statement. 6

Lance Armstrong says an early investment in Uber has "saved" his family after paying out $111m (£86.8m) in legal fees and settlements. The American, 47, was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles andbanned from cycling for lifein 2012 beforeadmitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. He says he gave $100,000 (£78,212) to a venture capital fund that invested in the ride-hailing app in 2010. "Itʼs saved our family," he told CNBC. In April, Armstrong agreed to pay $5m (£3.9m) to the US government toset-

tle a long-running lawsuitthat could have cost him $100m (£78m) in damages. However, he said he felt he did not "get off scot free" as other settlements and legal fees meant he had to pay $111m in total. Armstrong, who has five children, did not say how much he had earned from his Uber investment but added it was "too good to be true". He said Uber, which was founded in 2009, was valued at $3.7m (£2.9m) when he invested. The company wasvalued at $72bn (£56bn) this yearand istargeting a valuation of $120bn (£94bn) in 2019.


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