RivieraLife News Archive 20 - Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

Riviera Life News Archive 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Adele, LMFAO, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Rihanna win 2012 NRJ Awards aceshowbiz.com 30 Jan 12 Winners for 2012 NRJ Awards have been announced in a star-studded ceremony at the Palais Des Festivals on the French Riviera in Cannes over the weekend. The lucky musicians this year included Adele, LMFAO, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Rihanna. Adele and duo RedFoo and SkyBlu got the most kudos by scooping two awards each. The former won International Revelation of the Year and International Song of the Year, while the latter grabbed International Group/Duo of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

The historic rally arrives at Port Hercule Monaco nicematin.com 30 Jan 12 The fifteenth Monte Carlo Historic Rally started from various European cities on Sunday arriving at Port Hercule Monaco Tuesday. 293 competitors are expected to start the race. With plenty of snow and ice on thre route, on early Tuesday morning the cars traversed Barcelonnette (Alpes de Haute-Provence) and Sospel before participating in a technical stage between Sospel, the Col de Braus and Luceram.

Italian Earthquake felt in the Var, Alpes-Maritimes and Corsica nicematin.com 27 Jan 12 An earthquake of 5.3 magnitude recorded Friday afternoon at 15.5 in the Parma region in Italy was felt in the Alpes-Maritimes, Var and Corsica. Firefighters from both departments have received numerous calls from concerned residents but no damage was reported. The national seismic monitoring network confirmed that the earthquake’s epicentre was in Fornovo di Taro, 36km from Parma. It was followed 15 minutes later with a 3.7 magnitude aftershock. The quake was also felt in southern Corsica. On Wednesday morning, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake in northern Italy was felt weakly in Monaco, Menton and Nice.

Monaco banker Cusdin gives evidence in Redknapp trial telegraph.co.uk 26 Jan 12 The Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp was the only signature on records for the account at the centre of £189,000 bung allegations, a bank chief said. David Cusdin, vice-president of HSBC in Monaco between 2000 and 2005 (now a consultant with Safra Bank in Monaco Ed). Giving evidence via videolink at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Cusdin said he was aware that Redknapp had flown to the principality to open an account. "I don't have a recollection - but I could well have shaken his hand at the meeting," Mr Cusdin told the court. The ex-bank chief said he had known co-defendant Mandaric since the football chairman had sold club Nice in France.

PIP breast implant boss arrested in south of France guardian.co.uk 26 Jan 12 The founder of the French firm which produced the faulty breast implants at the centre of a global health scare has been arrested in the south of France. Jean-Claude Mas, 72, head of Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) was taken into police custody just before 7am on Thursday morning after police arrived at the home of his partner in Six-Fours in the Var. The house was being searched by investigators. A deputy chief executive was also arrested at his home. PIP closed down in March 2010 after regulators discovered it was using a non-medical grade silicone in its implants. Angelique Chrisafis.

Nine arrested over murder of jeweler Thierry Unik leparisien.fr 25 Jan 12 Nine people - six men and three women - were arrested Wednesday morning in connection with the investigation of the assassination, 26 Nov 11, of a jeweler in Cannes la Bocca during a hold-up. They were immediately placed in custody. The arrested are between 20 and 40. Among them three are suspected of involvement in the robbery. Investigators believe they are confronted with an organised crime gang. The arrests were made in Cannes and Vallauris. The jeweler, 42 year old Thierry Unik, was shot in the head just after the three robbers, wearing balaclavas and motorcycle helmets, entered through the front door. A fourth accomplice was waiting outside. AFP.

Dutch midfielder Nacer Barazite joins AS Moanco from Vienna chronofoot.com 25 Jan 12 After the signing of two defenders, Monaco has turned their attention to attack with the arrival of Nacer Barazite, the former Arsenal player, from ACV Vienna. Born in the Netherlands, Barazite still has the opportunity to play for Morocco. Monaco are reported to have paid €3 million. Starting with Nijmegen, he joined Arsenal at 17 years old, without ever managing to make the first team. He joined ACV Vienna during the 2011 winter transfer window where he has scored 8 goals in the league this season and 11 goals in 12 European matches.

French PM 'green lights' F1 return to Var in 2013 worldcarfans.com 25 Jan 12 France is poised to return to the F1 calendar. Prime minister Francois Fillon has finally given the green light to the race at the Paul Ricard Circuit at Castellet in the Var to alternate annually with Belgium's Spa Francorchamps, beginning in 2013. Informal meetings with Bernie Ecclestone the F1 chief executive have already been held. Fillon's decision follows a minister's meeting last Thursday, and the Var region has also agreed. There are still some loose ends to tie up with the department of Alpes-Maritimes. French carmaker and F1 engine supplier Renault may also be closely involved with the French event. The eyes are now on the Belgian side, who must also validate the project.

Signing for the next Francophone Games in Nice diplomatie.gouv.fr 25 Jan 12 Mr. Alain Juppé, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, will visit Nice 25 Jan 12, together with Mr. David Douillet, Minister for Sport, to sign the agreement establishing the grouping which will organise the next Francophone Games in Nice in 2013. The city of Nice was selected by the member states and governments of la Francophonie to host the 7th Francophone Games in September 2013. The Francophone Games have been held every 4 years since 1989, alternately in northern and southern countries. The last games took place in Beirut in 2009. The Nice Games will bring together more than 3,000 young francophone participants from 5 continents.

Menton drug trafficking ring between Italy and France dismantled nicematin.com 24 Jan 12 The judicial police and drug squad of Nice have dismantled a major cannabis trafficking organisation between France, Italy and Morocco. In all fifteen people including several members of a family from Menton were indicted with eight remanded in custody. Two garages in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin are implicated in the case, suspected of installing hidden compartments into vehicles to transport drugs. Several cars and property worth around €1million have been seized.

Andreas Wolf first signing for AS Monaco under new ownership skysports.com 24 Jan 12 Defender Andreas Wolf has left Werder Bremen and joined Monaco for an undisclosed fee. The former Nurnberg captain leaves Weserstadion after just six months of service and has signed a three-year-contract with the French Ligue 2 outfit. Wolf, 29, had last summer joined Bremen on a Bosman transfer and had a contract until June 2013. He had until Christmas been a first-team regular, but was recently struggling with a calf injury and Bremen were happy to accept money for his departure. Thomas Zocher.

England and Sale prop Andrew Sheridan to join Toulon this summer guardian.co.uk 24 Jan 12 The England and Sale prop Andrew Sheridan (32) will join Toulon this summer. Sheridan has agreed a three-year deal with the French Top 14 club, who already have the England internationals Jonny Wilkinson, Simon Shaw, Steffon Armitage and Dean Schofield in their ranks. Sheridan, who has won 40 England caps and two for the Lions, made one appearance at the 2011 Rugby World Cup before flying home to undergo shoulder surgery. The prop was close to moving to Toulon last year before deciding to take up the option of a 12-month contract extension with Sale - but he had always been open about his ambition to play in France. Press Association.

Nuncio to Monaco reassigned - Monaco awaits first Papal visit in 500 Years catholic.org 23 Jan 12 Pope Benedict XVI appointed H.E. Archbishop André François Dupuy, the apostolic nuncio to the European Union and the Principality of Monaco since 2006, as apostolic nuncio to the Netherlands. This appointment leaves the Catholic Sovereign state of the Principality of Monaco without a papal diplomatic representative as it awaits a historic papal visit which will occur later this year. Depending upon the date of the papal visit to Monaco, the Papal Visit Advance Team will be visiting the Archbishop of Monaco and the Monaco Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm details of the visit in advance of the set date of the visit.

Obituary: Peter de Francia guardian.co.uk 23 Jan 12 Artist Peter de Francia, has died aged 90 of pneumonia after a long spell as a diabetic. A committed socialist, involved in the birth of the Universities and Left Review, he was born in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, on the Côte d'Azur. His father, Laurent Fernand de Francia, was a lawyer from a wealthy Genoese family, and his mother, Alice Groom, was English. In 1959 Peter de Francia painted The Bombing of Sakiet, a canvas roughly 6ft high by 12ft wide, that has frequently been referred to as his Guernica. It was his response to the killing of 79 villagers in Tunisia where, the French authorities claimed, Algerian insurrectionists were trained. Michael McNay.

Demonstration against closure of La Seyne sur Mer maternity unit lagazettedescommunes.com 23 Jan 12 A hundred people gathered Sat 21 Jan 12 in front of the maternity unit at La Seyne-sur-Mer (Var) to protest against the imminent closure of the facility and the transfer of the site to Toulon. A statement from the Regional Health Agency (LRA) had endorsed the closure of the maternity unit in this city of 60,000 inhabitants, which will force pregnant women to give birth in Toulon, a distance of 12 km. This project has been criticised for months by the Socialist mayor Marc Vuillemot (pic) who says the unit serves 200,000 people in the area. To protest the closure, Vuillemot cycled 950km to Paris to deliver a petition with more than 20,000 signatures.

Russians awarded at circus festival in Monaco rt.com 23 Jan 12 The Olympic Games are only a few months off, and Russian acrobats are already winning silver and gold, but this time it’s at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Acts from 29 countries have been taking part in the event which was set up by Prince Rainier in 1974. The festival’s top award, the Golden Clown, went to acrobats from China and Germany who perform tricks on the backs of elephants. “Acrobats on the swing” from the Russian State Circus shared second place with Ukrainian lion tamer Vladislav Goncharov. The bronze medal went to Moscow-based aerial acrobats, Galina and Alahverdi Israfailov. Princess Stephanie of Monaco chaired the judging panel.

Harry Redknapp used Monaco account to evade tax on 'bungs', court told guardian.co.uk 23 Jan 12 Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, opened an offshore bank account in Monaco to hide "bungs" totalling £189,000 when employed by Portsmouth football club, a court was told on the opening day of his trial into alleged tax evasion. The bank account in question was allegedly called "Rosie47" referring to the name of Redknapp's dog and the year of his birth. Redknapp, 64, denies the charge alongside co-defendant Milan Mandaric, the former Portsmouth chairman. The court heard how Redknapp flew to Monaco in April 2002 to open the account with HSBC. Jamie Jackson.

Monte Carlo Rally chiefs under pressure to base event to Monaco in 2013 autosport.com 23 Jan 12 The organisers of the Monte Carlo Rally are under pressure to implement significant changes to the route for next year's event, including a wholesale move back to Monaco. Last week's World Rally Championship opener spent four of its six days (including shakedown) in Valence before a long road section down to the principality for the final two days. Valence has been an unpopular base for the event since 2007, but it has remained because the more northerly stages in the Ardeche region are reckoned to offer a greater chance of snow. There was no snow on last week's event, but the 2011 event was hit by an event-changing snowfall. David Evans.

Rallying: Loeb crowned king of Monte Carlo once again independent.co.uk 23 Jan 12 The eight-time world champion Sébastien Loeb continued his dominance of the Monte Carlo Rally by completing his sixth career victory in the event yesterday. The French driver took a maximum haul of 28 points finishing first on the closing power stage. Loeb powered his Citroen DS3 WRC to first place with a dominant display as one of his former Citroen team-mates, the Spaniard Dani Sordo, piloted his Mini to second place. Sordo's second place in the Mini John Cooper Works WRC was the manufacturer's first podium placing in the Monte Carlo Rally in 45 years. Mick Lugg.

30 and 28 year sentences for ‘food blender’ murderers nicematin.com 20 Jan 12 Luc Onfray, 45 was sentenced to 30 years and Philippe Rosso (pic), 42 to 28 years in prison by the Assize Court in Nice Thursday. They were found guilty of the murder of Michel Renard on 14 Nov 98 and disposing of his body using a food blender. Renard was the step-father of Rosso’s girlfriend Alexandra Martyn, now aged 32. Rosso claimed that he wanted to teach Renard a lesson as Martyn had claimed that she had been sexually abused by him. Martyn was found guilty of complicity in the murder by drugging the victim with sleeping pills prior to the murder and sentenced to a 5 year suspended sentence. Onfray & Rosso both have previous convictions for armed robbery.

Death of Hakim Ajimi: Judgement end of February for seven police AFP 20 Jan 12 The Criminal Court in Grasse this week heard witnesses to the gruesome asphyxiation of Hakim Ajimi (pic), 22, during an arrest in 2008. The seven police officers on trial will know their fate on 24 Feb 12. Two of the seven police officers appeared for manslaughter, the others for failing to assist a person in danger. The prosecutor asked for suspended sentences of up to two years. Lawyers for the police argued for the release of their clients. The Ajimi family boycotted the last day of the trial, outraged by calls for suspended sentences. "I do not want to listen to their lies. The facts are there. It's a charade," said Hakim’s father, Boubaker Ajimi.

Princess Stéphanie opens Circus Festival with daughters examiner.com 19 Jan 12 HSH Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, in her role as President of the 36th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, opened the festival Thursday at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille. The Princess was joined by her two daughters Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb along with her brother and sister-in-law, HSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The competition will feature circus performers putting their talents against each other for “Golden Clown” awards. Immediately following the Circus Festival will be New Generation, a festival open to young performers. The International Circus Festival was founded in 1974 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Megan Knight.

Rapid acceleration of Riviera motorcycle thefts 20minutes.fr 19 Jan 12 A special security team has been established to counter the rise of motorcycle theft on the Riviera which rose 100% in November and December 2011 over 2010. A monthly average of 500-600 thefts were recorded in 2011, 50% of them in Nice. Between 01-13 Jan 2012 police recorded 201 thefts, an average of 15 a day. The Saint-Roch and Cimiez districts of Nice have recently been targeted by the thieves who are believed to belong to an organised crime gang that exports the bikes to Tunisia via Genoa in Italy. Since the special police team was launched two months ago there have been 14 arrests and a dozen scooters recovered. Aurélie Selvi.

Second consecutive win for AS Monaco monacomatin.mc 19 Jan 12 Troubled soccer team AS Monaco scored their second consecutive win in League 2 when they beat bottom placed Amiens SC 1-2 away Wed night. AS Monaco are now 18th in League 2, still in the relegation zone, three points behind Le Mans FC who also won 0-2 away at CS Sedan. AS Monaco’s next match is a home one at the Stade Louis II on 30 Jan 12 when they will play against 16th placed Lens.

Former head of PIP: 'Removal of the implants is a crime' nicematin.com 18 Jan 12 Since the PIP breast implants case exploded, Jean-Claude Mas, the former boss of the company, has remained silent. He finally spoke last night on RTL radio. Mas denied the toxicity of the implants manufactured by his company and described as "criminal" the behavior of health minister, Xavier Bertrand. "This gentleman has decided to reimburse patients when there is no medical reason to do so. This decision is a crime,” said Mas who has not been indicted. Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) based in Geneva, advised women with PIP implants to consult their physician or surgeon if they suspect a fracture or experience pain."

Toulon home in on Cardiff prop Gethin Jenkins telegraph.co.uk 17 Jan 12 Jenkins, who was one of the star performers during the Lions tour of South Africa in 2009 and is Wales’s most capped forward with 83 appearances, is understood to have met Toulon manager Bernard Laporte in the Cote d’Azur last week. Laporte also met Sale and England prop Andrew Sheridan last week and Toulon are keen to sign both players, with London Irish pair Delon Armitage and Nick Kennedy also set to join the big-spending French side next season. Jenkins, who has been at Cardiff for eight seasons, is likely to attract an offer over £500,000 a year to entice him to leave the Principality. Gavin Mairs.

Closure of maternity unit at La Seyne is imminent varmatin.com 17 Jan 12 The regional health authority (ARS) announced Monday the transfer of the maternity unit at La Seyne in the Var to Ste Musse "as soon as possible" with no specific date given. La Seyne mayor Marc Vuillemot says however that he has not given up the fight to keep the unit open. The Socialist Presidential candidate François Hollande who will be visiting Toulon 24 Jan 12, will make a detour to visit the maternity unit, raising hopes that the decision could be reversed if he is elected in the May Presidential election. Marielle Valmalette.

Caroline of Monaco's daughter to file suit against paparazzi AFP 16 Jan 12 Charlotte Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco, will file a suit against the media for intruding into her private life and publishing doctored photographs, her lawyer told AFP Monday. Casiraghi, 25, a champion show jumper, was being hounded incessantly by the paparazzi and is "being pursued relentlessly day and night by dozens of individuals and/or photographers", they said. Alain Toucas said the complaint would be filed in Paris on Tuesday, saying Casiraghi faced "daily hell".

Robert Kubica returns to Monaco after leg surgery autosport.com 16 Jan 12 Robert Kubica has returned to his home in Monaco to continue rehabilitation, following the latest operation required after a fall that injured his leg last week. Kubica reopened a fracture in his right tibia, originally broken in his horrific rally crash at Albenga near Savona last year, when he fell near an apartment he was staying at in Viareggio in Italy. Medical tests on the leg at Mantova Hospital showed that the calcification of the bone had not happened properly last year - as a result of the Polish driver being forced to remain in bed for a long period after his crash. It is believed that the leg fracture will not have an impact on Kubica's final recovery time. Jonathan Noble & Michele Lostia.

Loeb excited by return of 'no-brainer' Monte crash.net 16 Jan 12 Reigning WRC kingpin Sebastien Loeb admits that he is looking forward to turning out on the weekend's Rallye Monte Carlo after the event returned to what, in his opinion, is its rightful home. The event returns after a three-year absence, in which it featured as the opener of the IRC, and Loeb, a five-time winner in the Principality, is not alone in being delighted to see it back on the schedule. The rally gets underway in Valence on Wednesday 18 Jan 12 and arrives in Monaco on Sunday. “For me, it's a no-brainer - the Rallye Monte Carlo has to be in the World Championship," Loeb insisted, "It is the world's most famous rally; you just can't have a world championship without it!”

Decision on imprisonment of former Vence mayor Jan 23 lexpress.fr 16 Jan 12 Christian Iacono, who was sentenced for sexually abusing his grand-son who has since withdrawn his accusations, should remain in prison until at least 23 January 12, when the review board will decide on his request for suspension of sentence to which the prosecutor Monday said he was opposed. As expected, the prosecutor's office asked the commission to reject the request of the former mayor of Vence, returned to prison on 09 Jan 12 in Grasse since a provisional release in Jun 11. Christian Iacono, 76, was convicted in 2009 and on appeal in 2011, to nine years in prison for raping his grand-son Gabriel, now 20 years old. AFP.

Police officers face trial in Grasse for manslaughter france3.fr 16 Jan 12 Seven police officers appear in Grasse court this week to explain the death by asphyxiation of Ajimi Hakim (pic) in 2008. Four years after his death, two are charged with involuntary manslaughter and five with failure to assist a person in danger. Ajimi Hakim, who was 22 at the time, had wounded one officer, before being forcibly pinned down for 12 minutes. When a police van arrived, he was unconscious or already dead. A week ago 200 people gathered in Grasse in memory of the victim."It's been four years since we fought for this trial," said his father Ajimi Boubaker, "this is not a lawsuit against the police, but against the policemen who should be tried as citizens.” Anne Le Hars / AFP.

300m detour around Eden Roc Hotel for coastal path nicematin.com 16 Jan 12 A planned detour, 300m from the coast, for the new Cap d’Antibes pathway is being challenged as illegal under the 1986 coastal law which guarantees public access to all of France’s coastline and restricts private property to 3 metres from the sea. However, the privacy of residents of the prestige Eden Roc Hotel would be damaged by such a coastal path, according to the hotel management. Local authorities agree and have approved a detour, costing €1.2 million. Jean Bousquet-Clary, president of the CESAM hiking association says, "The bypass does not respect the law but given the economic importance of the Eden Roc, we understand that there are double standards.”

Cavalaire-sur-Mer couple among Costa Concordia survivors varmatin.com 16 Jan 12 A couple from Cavalaire-sur-Mer who escaped unharmed from the grounded Costa Concordia cruise ship, have strongly criticised its captain and the lack of organisation and assistence. Patrice Vecchi, who works in the town hall of Cavalaire, and his wife Tatiana returned home by bus via Marseilles Saturday evening. Still exhausted, they told the Var Matin newspaper of their ordeal. "The management was deplorable from start to finish. The crew seemed lost, helpless.” Patrice Vecchi also criticised the captain for leaving the ship before all of the passengers had been rescued. “Once ashore, the survivors did not receive any help or support."

Costa Concordia passengers flown home via Nice Airport asiaone.com 15 Jan 12 Huddled up in emergency blankets, survivors of the shipwreck of the Costa Concordia cruise liner off the Italian coast arrived in Marseille late Saturday. They were angry, exhausted - but glad to be alive. Around 250 of the cruise liner's 4,230 or so passengers arrived in Marseille in five buses Saturday evening. Waiting for them was a team of around 50 specialists from the emergency services and the Red Cross, ready to offer health checks, help with paperwork - and psychological counselling. The authorities in France's Alpes-Maritimes region said many of the English, Chinese, Russian and Spanish passengers had been flown home Saturday out of Nice airport. AFP.

Monaco gets a vital victory against Istres footasmfc.football.fr 14 Jan 12 AS Monaco earned its first away win (0-1), but just their second win of the season in League 2 against Istres. Captain Ludovic Giuly scored in the 15th minute. The win lifts Monaco off of the bottom of League 2 from 20th to 19th place. AS Monaco’s new Russian owner Dmitry Rybolovlev congratulated the team via a translator in the dressing room after the match.

PACA region: 28 hospitals threatened with closure laprovence.com 13 Jan 12 The Force Ouvriere (FO) union is sounding the alarm against the closure of health services and drastic cost-cutting measures "that will reinforce inequalities in access to care for the people of the PACA region". A report by regional health authorities indicates that 11 intensive care units are under threat of closure which will reduce from 45 to 34 the number of units in the region. Another concern is the announced closure of 17 medical centres, primarily small local hospitals. But the most "outrageous", according to FO, is the lack of provision for long-term care for seniors with serious illnesses. Despite the aging of the population, and the lack of existing services (3.47 beds per 1000 inhabitants over 75 years against the national average of 6 per 1000), there are no plans to expand services for the elderly. Sophie Manelli.

Eurosport takes up Monte Carlo Rally TV reins crash.net 13 Jan 12 Eurosport has ensured that the season-opening WRC event in Monte Carlo will receive television coverage following the cancellation of North One Sport's deal to promote the series. The FIA ran out of patience with NOS' inability to deliver on contractual obligations both before and after parent company Convers Sports Initiatives went into administration in December. The decision to terminate NOS' contract meant that plans for TV coverage were left in disarray, until Eurosport agreed to step in. The ACM also said that it would be providing its own timing and tracking systems, ending another headache that had threatened the viability of the event following NOS' termination.

Obituary: Richard Hopkins - From Sunshine Radio to Strictly telegraph.co.uk 12 Jan 12 Richard Hopkins, who has died aged 47, produced Big Brother and was the co-creator of Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s most popular television programme; as such he fundamentally changed not just what we watch but also who we consider a “star”. Richard England Hopkins was born on December 15 1964 at Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, where his family ran a scrap metal business. He went to University College, London, where he graduated in English Literature. After briefly working for a publisher, he moved into radio, starting as a reporter for Kiss FM, then a pirate station, before moving to the South of France and a presenter’s job on Sunshine Radio at Antibes. Editors Note: I had the privilege of hiring Richard when I was station manager at Sunshine Radio, Antibes. He also worked briefly for Riviera Radio. Our condolences go out to his family and colleagues at Fever Media where he was a co-founder. Mark Dezzani.

40% of French armed police are in PACA region lagazettedescommunes.com 12 Jan 12 A CNFPT survey says that there were 8,000 armed officers in France 2010, nearly 40% of them in Provence Alpes-Côte d'Azur. In 2010, the number of municipal police officers in France amounted to 18,654. The survey reports that there are 3,665 police in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 20% of the workforce and 80% of them (2,935) are armed. In comparison, only 33% of police agents in the Ile-de-France (1,064) are armed. Among the highest rates of armed officers are Martinique with 89% of armed officers and the Languedoc-Roussillon with 83% (1260 agents).

Prince Albert II appointed Patron of the World Olympians Association sportsfeatures.com 12 Jan 12 Monaco’s Prince Albert II has been named as the new Patron of the World Olympians Association (WOA) the organization that represents the 100,000 plus Olympians worldwide. Former IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch, served as patron until his death in April 2010. The Head of State participated in five Olympic Games in bobsleigh, and on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as head of the Monegasque Olympic Committee. Newly elected president Joel Bouzou (pic left) nominated the prince and the board unanimously approved the decision as well as IOC head, Dr. Jacques Rogge. Laura Walden.

Sanary mechanic charged with faking Carte Gris car papers varmatin.com 12 Jan 12 A fourth person has been indicted and held in custody at the Farlède prison in the Var on charges of the illegal trafficking of carte grises (car registration) documents. Identified as Gerard B, a retired mechanic (62) from Sanary, he is charged with making the false documents. 24 limousines owned by a Saudi Prince with a residence in Cannet have been confiscated in the investigation. The Prince told police that he had paid his butler around €10,000 to register his cars. Several hundred cars are thought to have been registered with illegal documents between 2009-2010. An employee at the car registration office in Draguignan is among those being investigated.

Train inspector attacked at Villeneuve-Loubet 20minutes.fr 12 Jan 12 A ticket inspector was attacked by two men Wednesday night on a Grasse-Ventimiglia TER train at Villeneuve-Loubet. At around 21.00 the railway workers was attacked by two assailants, one of which broke a glass bottle on this head. As the train stopped at Villeneuve-Loubet, the two men fled, but two suspects were later arrested by police. In response to this aggression, disruptions are expected on regional services this Thursday 12 Jan 12 as a protest by rail workers.

League Cup: Nice eliminates Dijon after a breathless match chronofoot.com 11 Jan 12 After a breathless game at the Stade du Ray in Nice ending in a 3-3 draw, Nice eliminated Dijon from the French League Cup on penalties (5-3). Nice now go through to the semi-finals of the League Cup. Dijon went one goal up in the first half but Anthony Mounier (pic) equalised for Nice before the break. Dijon went 2-1 up in the second half before an equaliser from Nice sent the match into extra time. Again Dijon went ahead before another equaliser from Nice sent the game into a penalty shoot out. A penalty from Mournier sent Nice into the semi-finals.

WRC timing firm to miss Monte Carlo Rally autosport.com 11 Jan 11 The World Rally Championship's expert timing firm Stage One Technology will not be in Monte Carlo for next week's season-opener after it was unable to find agreement with the administrators of North One Sports. After working for two days to try and ensure continuity in the timing and tracking systems used in the WRC, Stage One Technology managing director Simon de Banke confirmed that he and his firm will not be going to the Monte Carlo Rally. De Banke had made an unprecedented offer to NOS - which owes him close to £1million - of turning all future profits from his firm over to charity for the opportunity to use NOS equipment on next week's event.

Human skull discovered in the Mercantour Park nicematin.com 11 Jan 12 Agents on patrol in the Parc Mercantour made a gruesome discovery Tuesday morning at a place called Vens, in the commune of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage in the high Tinée. They discovered a human skull on a snow-covered pathway. The police at Puget Théniers were alerted. Investigations revealed two other human bones nearby. The remains could belong to an Italian called Mattia from Parma who disappeared 06 Aug 11 in the area. He was an assistant in the park looking after hikers refuges. A pathologist will inspect the skull and bones for a possible DNA match.

A lucrative cocaine market in the Principality monacomatin.mc 11 Jan 12 Drug cases in the the Principality are becoming more common and the Public Safety and Justice departments are introducing additional preventive and punitive measures to curb the trend. Four defendants, aged between 28 and 35 years old, recently appeared in Monaco’s courts charged with transportation, possession, acquisition, sale and the use of cocaine from 2007 to 2009. One defendant, Sandro O from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin was charged with re-selling cocaine at the Sass Café where he was a waiter. Another, Louis S, worked at a petrol station, and was found to have €65,000 in his bank account. Prison sentences of between 6 months and 1 year were issued by the judge.

Monaco eliminated from the Coupe de France monacomatin.mc 10 Jan 11 AS Monaco was knocked out of the Coupe de France Monday evening. In an exciting game, they lost 4-3 away at Angers. The team managed by Marco Simone scored three times in the first half but lost to a penalty scored by Keserü in the 89th minute. Currently at the bottom of Division 2 after being relegated last season, AS Monaco’s next match is an away match against Istres on Saturday.

Naturists skinny-dip in the sea at St-Raphael varmatin.com 09 Jan 12 The French federation of Naturism and the Naked Hikers Association of Provence gathered Sunday for a skinny-dip in the sea at St-Raphael where the sea temperature was 12 degrees. Being nude is a state of mind, the principle not being to avoid wearing branded swimwear, but of being at one with nature. A total of thirty swimmers participated. Roger Banchereau, President of the French Federation of Naturism organises this type of event four to five times a year on the beach at St-Raphael Esclamandes. "Naturism is a philosophy of life. We are trying to gain acceptance, to end the taboo. Being nude is not only about getting naked, far from it, it's a relationship with nature," says Banchereau.

The first big names announced for 'Jazz in Juan' nicematin.com 09 Jan 12 The 52nd edition of the Jazz in Juan festival, to be held 12-22 Jul 12, will include saxophonist Sonny Rollins, guitarist Mike Stern, Camaroonian bassist Richard Bona, drummer André Ceccarelli, vocalist Bobby McFerrin and Yellowjackets. Regulars, The Keith Jarrett Trio are also expected to perform, subject to confirmation. The artistic director this year is Jean-René Palacio. The evening called "Best of the off" will be renewed this year on the streets of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins with many free concerts. The festival's artistic budget remains the same as the previous year: €650,000 with a total cost for the event at €1.7 million.

WRC races to save season starting with Monte Carlo Rally guardian.co.uk 09 Jan 12 Rallying's governing body, FIA, is in urgent talks to secure the future of the world championship after cancelling its contract with the promoters North One Sport 10 days before the Monte Carlo season-opener. North One was bought last year by Convers Sports Initiatives, owned by the Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov, and is now in administration. Antonov has been arrested and bailed in Britain along with his Lithuanian business partner Raimondas Baranauskas on suspicion of fraud and large-scale embezzlement. The FIA reassured all stakeholders of its commitment to the championship. Reuters.

Estrosi elected president of the new Nice Metropolis nicematin.com 09 Jan 12 The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi was elected the first president of the new Metropils of Nice on Mon 09 Jan 12. The new president was elected with 111 votes out of 117 votes cast (6 abstentions) from 128 registrants. Nice is the first expanded metropolis established in France. 128 metropolitan advisers now represent the interests of 46 municipalities. The inauguration of the Nice metropolis took place at 10.00 Monday at the Centre Universitaire Mediterranean in Nice. The new administrative structure includes 545,000 inhabitants in an area of 1.400km2.

Former Vence mayor returns to jail despite being cleared francetv.fr 09 Jan 12 "It's been eleven years that I have been saying that I am completely innocent," recalled Christian Iacono (76), in an interview Mon 09 Jan 12 on Radio France Bleu Azur. Sentenced in April 2009, the former mayor of Vence was exonerated when his grand-son withdrew his accusations of rape in May 11. Yet Iacono returned to Grasse prison today, "victim of deadlines and procedures of justice," according to Le Figaro. He could be released again 16 Jan 12 when his case is reviewed by the Review Board of criminal cases before the Court of Cassation. AFP.

Russians in Nice celebrate Orthodox Christmas under new Patriarchate nicematin.com 08 Jan 12 The Russian community in Nice celebrated its first Christmas since the Cathedral of Saint Nicolas was handed over by the local community to the Russian state after an epic court room battle. The new Archpriest Nicolas Ozolins conducted a two hour ceremony on Sat 07 Jan 12. One of the congregation told the Nice Matin newspaper, "There is great joy, serenity, with no animosity for what happened,” said Vasilissa Fissot. “What drives us now is the hope of renewal and continuity in the life of the community.” Christine Rinaudo.

Ramatuelle: Final appeal to save Voile Rouge beach rejected varmatin.com 07 Jan 12 The Administrative Court of Toulon ended the soap opera of the Voile Rouge beach in Ramatuelle near Saint Tropez. An appeal against its demolition had been lodged by Antoine Tomaselli - co-heir with his half-brother Ange, and was rejected by the court. "The decision is unfair, but we expected it," he admits. The final appeal had been lodged 17 Dec 11, ten days after bulldozers had razed part of the famous Voile Rouge complex on the Pamplonne beach. The order for the closure and demolition of the beach complex said that there had been no planning permission granted for the structures.

Smolentsev appointed Executive Director of AS Monaco football365.fr 07 Jan 12 Evgeny Smolentsev was appointed Executive Director of the AS Monaco soccer team on Friday 06 Jan 12. He is close to new owner Dimitri Rybolovlev and was former sporting director of Spartak Moscow. In a statement issued by the club, it is also clear that the new internal structure of AS Monaco should be fully operational by the end of February. AS Monaco remains rooted at the bottom of Division 2 after being relegated last season. The next match is away at FC Istres.

Nice skywatcher snaps amazing video of falling Mars probe mnn.com 06 Jan 12 A veteran skywatcher has snapped an amazing video of Russia's failed Mars probe as the craft heads toward a destructive plunge into Earth's atmosphere this month. Satellite sleuth Thierry Legault captured the impressive video of the Phobos-Grunt Mars probe 01 Jan 12 from the Calern Plateau observatory above Nice in the French Riviera. Russia's Federal Space Agency launched the Phobos-Grunt probe in November, only to see it fail to depart for Mars shortly after reaching Earth orbit. It has been stranded in orbit ever since.

French GP could return to Castellet in the Var telegraph.co.uk 06 Jan 12 The long-rumoured return of a French GP was given fresh legs when a report in Le Figaro claimed that a date of 01 Sep 13 had already been agreed and that it was only waiting on the French government to sign it off, with a decision expected by the end of the month (although veteran F1 journalist Joe Saward, who lives in France, believes no decision will be forthcoming until after the presidential elections in April/May). Le Figaro believes, and again this has been rumoured for a while, that the race will be at Paul Ricard at Castellet in the Var and will alternate with the Belgian GP at Spa. Tom Cary.

PIP implants: The medical story of Edwige Ligoneche nicematin.com 06 Jan 11 On 21 Nov 11, Edwige Ligoneche, a 53 year old woman from Orange and resident in Cannes, died in Marseille of an extremely rare cancer of the lymphatic system. It had started under the breast. Silicone had spread after the rupture of her PIP implants. The lawyer from Draguinan, Isabelle Colombani, is representing her family. Ligoneche’s death accelerated investigations by France’s health authorities. Colombiani said, "The presence of silicon was detected in vital organs. There is a causal connection between the prosthesis and cancer." It will be up to the medical and judicial authorities to establish the link between cause and effect. Sonia Bonnin.

Monaco will pay for removal and replacement of PIP breast implants monacomatin.mc 05 Jan 12 The Government of the Principality of Monaco, in accordance with the Monegasque Social Security Fund, has decided to guarantee the removal and replacement of those who are insured in the Monaco health scheme and have had breast implants by Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP). The measure applies to all patients, whether they have had reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. 90 patients have had PIP implants at the Princess Grace Hospital since 2001. All have been personally contacted and 17 have already been treated.

Jimmy'z Casino Square open for business 5th January monacomatin.mc 04 Jan 12 The new Jimmy’s Casino Square opened Thursday 5^th January in Monte Carlo, in the location formerly occupied by the Moods live music venue. Open each night from 11pm until dawn, the interior of golden wall mosaics, dark blue carpet, mirror ball and pole dancing poles and mirror ball has been designed by Pieor Manara. The venue has a 300 capacity.

Emergency landing for Rennes flight at Nice airport nicematin.com 04 Jan 12 Emergency procedures were triggered at Nice Côte d'Azur airport on Wednesday shortly after 13.00 with the approach of Air France flight AF 5747 from Rennes. The front landing gear did not come out automatically, and a manual procedure had to be deployed by the pilot to lower the front landing wheel. The Brit Air plane, chartered by Air France, was nevertheless able to land normally and was able to reach its parking slot without having to be towed by security teams that were standing by on the tarmac. The incident did not lead to panic among the 48 passengers. Brit Air's technicians will now try to identify the cause of damage.

Ronald Searle, St Trinian's creator, dies in South of France guardian.co.uk 03 Jan 12 One of the UK's most beloved cartoonists, Ronald Searle, creator of the tearaway girls' school St Trinian's, has died aged 91. The artist died on 30 Dec 11 in a hospital near his home in southern France. Best known for his spiky comic drawings depicting the outrageous antics of the St Trinian's girls, and for his illustrations of the Molesworth series, written by Geoffrey Willans. He moved to France in 1961, and in 2007 the country gave him its highest award, the Legion d'Honneur. His most recent book, Les Très Riches Heures de Mrs Mole, is a collection of the drawings he created for his wife each time she underwent chemotherapy for her breast cancer. Alison Flood.

Court rules Estrosi has right to regulate grocery store night hours pariscotedazur.fr 02 Jan 12 The Nice adinistrative court has ruled that Mayor Christian Estrosi has a right to control the nocturnal opening hours of neighbourhood to reduce disturbances attributed to the sale of alcohol. More than 80 shops have been ordered to suspend the sale of alcohol after 22.00 with 35 warnings and 12 closures so far. Estrosi commented, "I welcome this decision which reinforces the policy that I have put in place to ensure that the public peace is kept at night."

Nice becomes the first merged Metropolis in France lesechos.fr 02 Jan 12 By merging three municipalities, the urban conglomeration of Nice and its environs became Nice Métropole 01 Jan 12, but the new division could accentuate an East-West division of the Alpes-Maritimes. Nice becomes a metropolis under the land reform law of December 2010. Nice effectively absorbs the communities in the Vésubie-Mercantour and the Tinée Mercantour regions into one administrative district. The aim is to be able to compete with the regional capital Marseilles and other large European cities. However the global population grows from 525,000 for the former administrative region of urban Nice to just 545,000. The Nice métropole jurisdiction covers departmental roads, school transport, management of activities and promotion abroad of tourism and economic activities. Christine Navas. (Cannes plans to incorporate Sophia-Antipolis into their new admin district have been scuppered by Antibes-Juans les Pins major Jean Leonetti, with Cannes to incorporate just Grasse and districts inbetween. Ed.)

New Years Eve passes peacefully: Just 1 shooting and 19 cars burnt RLTV 02 Jan 12 New Years Eve celebrations on the Cote d'azur passed off relatively peacefully. The annual spate of car burnings in France was much reduced. 19 cars were torched in the region, mainly in Nice neighbourhoods. Twenty two people were arrested including six in Nice for burning two vehicles and damaging 22 others. A pensioner in Pegomas was arrested for shooting his wife and her lover (both over 60) after finding them in flagrante in a car in the parking lot of Cannes Marina in Mandelieu La Napoule. The woman was hit by several bullets and the man was shot in the head. Both were taken to hospital and their condition is unknown. The man was arrested at his home in Pegomas. AFP.

Cannes cracks down on prostitution on the Point Croisette nicematin.com 30 Dec 11 Faced with an increase in the number of prostitutes at the posh Point Croisette and "the exasperation of the residents," Cannes is allowing its municipal police to issue fines to prostitutes and their clients. Mayor Bernard Brochand (UMP party) has issued an order saying that prostitution in the city causes noise, traffic, hygiene and modesty problems. Any offender, prostitute or client, will be fined €38 euros, a first in the department.

France 2 turn the lights out in Cabris for a week without electricity tele.premiere.fr 30 Dec 11 France 2 broadcast the show 'A Week Without Electricity' Tue 03 Jan 12 at 20.35. Residents of the village of Cabris in the Alpes-Maritimes agreed to live for seven days without electricity and as can be see in the trailer, it's not always easy! Viewers will discover how seven families of the village of Cabris managed to live for a week without electricity and we will see how they managed without refrigerators, lighting, washing machines, television, mobile phones and computers.

Nice, the only city to lose population in PACA region nicematin.com 30 Dec 11 Nice is the only major city in the PACA region to have lost population in recent years, according to the INSEE statistics institute. Based on data from 2009, the capital city of the Alpes-Maritimes has lost 4,140 people, The population of Nice is now set at 344,875 by INSEE statisticians. For comparison, Marseille grew 0.6%, reaching 850,602 people. The perfume city of Grasse had the highest population growth rate of 1.7% per year.

Princess Charlene of Monaco to visit Melbourne for Grace Kelly exhibition news.com.au 29 Dec 11 Princess Charlene of Monaco will land in Melbourne in March next year to open an exhibition on Grace Kelly, the former Hollywood leading lady and her husband Prince Albert's late mother. The Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition will open at the Bendigo Art Gallery on one of the last legs of its world tour. Prince Albert II of Monaco, said the exhibition was of great importance to his family. It is understood that another royal from Monaco will be accompanying the princess, although it is unclear whether it will be Prince Albert. Albert is a big fan of motorsports, and the princess's visit should coincide with the Australian Grand Prix.

An 89-strong entry for the Rallye Monte-Carlo best-of-rallylive.com 28 Dec 11 The ACM (Automobile Club de Monaco) has published a provisional entry list for the 80th edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo, which starts on Wed 18 Jan 12. The official list will be released on January 2. The 89-strong list features 16 WRC cars and 11 S2000 entries, with the WRC field led by the Citroën Total WRT-run DS3 WRCs of Loeb/Elena and Hirvonen/Lehtinen. PH’Sport will have two similar machines for Thierry Neuville and Peter Van Merksteijn. Ford has the numerical advantage thanks to a line-up of eight Fiesta RS WRCs. Kris Meeke doesn’t figure for MINI WRC Team which has yet to appear on the list of World Championship entries in 2012.

Gang of PACA luxury car thieves arrested gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr 26 Dec 11 French police have smashed a gang that specialised in stealing and trafficking luxury cars in the South of France. 34 people suspected of being involved in the theft of Mercedes, Ferrari, Lamborghini, BMW, Audi and Porsche cars were arrested 13 Dec 11. Police had been investigating the gang since March 2011 and 23 vehicles were seized in the raid in Salon-de-Provence. False number plates and documents, €20,000 cash, cocaine and cannabis and a Kalashnikov rifle was also seized. 120 gendarmes and military police from the Bouches-du-Rhone and Alpes Maritimes were involved in the raid.

Former mayor of Vence Iacono going back to jail lepoint.fr 26 Dec 11 The former mayor of Vence Christian Iacono, sentenced in 2009 for sexually abusing his grand-son Gabriel, who has since withdrawn his accusations, said Monday he would have to return to prison as of 09 Jan 12. The Gendarmerie de Vence served a summons Monday morning saying that he should give himself up at Grasse prison on or after that date. His release in June was a sign of hope for the former mayor. At 76, he was convicted in Apr 09 and on appeal 23 Feb 10, to nine years in prison for abusing his grand-son, but in May 10 Gabriel, now 20 years old, suddenly retracted his accusations that he had repeated for eleven years explaining that he had sought attention after his parents divorce. AFP.

Nice to push ahead with high speed LGV rail line nicematin.com 24 Dec 11 Despite the suspension of consultations for the new high speed LGV train line in the PACA region until next summer, Nice mayor Christian Estrosi says that studies on the route from Nice to the east Var will continue. Estrsoi says he is determined that Nice will not become an isolated peninsula and says that the doubling of the Italian rail line in Liguria, set to be completed in 2018, will give a 220km/h high speed rail connection between Nice and Genoa. Protests from farmers and vineyard owners in the Var over the proposed routes for the new LGV rail line lead to the suspension of plans, yesterday, until summer 2012. The Nice/east Var section of the line is set to open by 2020 and is estimated to cost between €1.5-2billion. Rémy Doncarli.

Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev takes over AS Monaco bbc.co.uk 23 Dec 11 Billionaire Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev has bought a majority stake in AS Monaco. The seven-time French champions are in the second division but Rybolovlev has pledged to invest at least €100m over the next 4 years. "I am a passionate football fan," said the 45-year-old. "I think this club has enormous potential, both domestically and in Europe." The Russian, who is ranked 93rd on the Forbes list of billionaires, has acquired 66.67% of Monaco. He sold his stake in fertiliser producer Uralkali for $6.5bn in June 2010, his net worth is estimated at $9.5bn, and he bought American businessman Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion for $100m in 2008.

Meeke to miss out on Monte Carlo Rally yahoo.com 23 Dec 11 British World Rally Championship star Kris Meeke will not contest the Monte Carlo Rally next month, following Mini's decision to only run one of its two factory drivers on every 2012 round. Meeke has been told of the team's decision not to enter him on the Valence-based season-opener. A source in Germany confirmed the news, saying: "[Dani] Sordo will do every rally, but Kris Meeke won't. He will still test for the team, but he misses Monte Carlo. The second car will be driven by local drivers." The organisers of the Monte Carlo Rally have confirmed that a third possible entry was sought by Mini - which would have been taken by Meeke, had budget been sourced. Unfortunately, Mini was unable to find the funds in time.

Nice traffickers who imported coke from Holland arrested nicematin.com 22 Dec 11 Two men from Nice suspected of importing cocaine from Holland and selling it in Menton and Nice have been arrested. One, aged 50, was arrested in November on his return from the Netherlands with 138 grams of cocaine. He is suspected of selling the drug since 2007 to regular customers. His sidekick is also aged 40 and is accused of having financed the purchase of cocaine in the Netherlands and is also strongly suspected to have his own 'business'. During a search of the luxurious apartment that he occupies with his wife and children, investigators found 180 grams of coke, 2.2 kilograms of cannabis, nearly 8 grams of heroin and € 14,000 in cash.

263 teaching jobs to be cut in Alpes Maritimes and Var lamarseillaise.fr 21 Dec 11 Out of 14,000 jobs cuts proposed for 2012 in the education sector in France, 262 are set to be cut in the Alpes Maritimes and Var. It is not yet known which positions will be eliminated. A technical committee will give its recommendations in January, and a departmental committee will decide in February which schools and colleges will be impacted. Teachers of students with disabilities are reported to be in the front line of the budget cuts. Class sizes are also expected to increase. A demonstration against the cuts is being planned for sometime in January. Roman Alcraz.

Nice police officers acquitted of raping a prostitute will be retried nicematin.com 21 Dec 11 There will be a second trial for the three police officers accused of raping a prostitute in Nice and acquitted Thursday by the Nice Court. The officers denied abusing the young woman on the Promenade des Anglais in February 2010, while admitting to consensual sex with her in a police van. For her part, the young woman said that she felt "forced" by the crew to perform sexual acts. The Advocate General Eric Camous had asked for at least ten years in prison against the patrol leader and eight years against his two colleagues. The prosecutor's office in Aix-en-Provence is now appealing against the verdict and the case will be heard again sometime in 2012.

Sting at the Sporting Monte-Carlo: February 26, 2012 montecarlonews.it 21 Dec 11 Sting will be bringing his 'Back To Bass' tour to Monte Carlo's Sporting Club 26 Feb 12 in the Salle des Etoiles. The former Police lead singer celebrated his 60th birthday in October and 25 years as a solo artist which as seen 100 million albums sold. He will be playing his classic hits as well as his latest work. For reservations call (+377) 98 06 36 36 between 10-19.00 or by email: ticketoffice@sbm.mc

Andrea Casiraghi's driving license suspended for 5 months ansa.it 21 Dec 11 Five months without a license: This is the penalty imposed on Andrea Casiraghi, a son of Princess Caroline of Monaco, who yesterday was stopped after speeding at 200 km /h on a motorway in France. The 27 year old was driving an Audi A6, and was arrested yesterday by French police at Macon, in the central part of the country. The Prince had to return home to Monaco by train after the agents seized the car and confiscated his driving license.

Jean-Christophe Maillot adapts 'Swan Lake' in Monaco monacomatin.com 21 Dec 11 Jean-Christophe Maillot, director and choreographer of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, has adapted the legendary Swan Lake. His latest creation, Lake, will take place from Tue 27 Dec 11 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. As usual he has brought together many talents to give shape to his artistic project. The writer Jean Rouaud, Prix Goncourt in 1990; the artist Ernest Pignon-Ernest has designed the scenography and Philippe Guillotel the costumes. The score by Tchaikovsky is performed by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conductedd by Bertrand Maillot. Tue 27 to Sat 31 Dec 11. 20.30 hrs Grimaldi Forum, Monaco. Prices €19 - €42. Reservations +377 99 99 20 00 www.grimaldiforum.com

Hail storms and waterspouts on the Cote d'Azur Sunday lachainemeteo.com 19 Dec 11 A highly volatile weather system due to a strong cold front from the British Isles to the Mediterranean, led to violent showers of sleet mixed with snow on the Cote d'Azur and Corsica Sunday. In Nice and Cannes, there was an inch thick carpet of hail. As the depression deepened over the Gulf of Genoa, the high differential between the still warm seawater (14°C) and very cold air (-7°C at 1500m and up to -30°C at 5000m) increased the potential for instability favouring the formation of waterspouts like those seen off of Monaco in the afternoon. Other waterspouts were reported off of the coast of the Baie des Anges, Nice (pic), also on Sunday afternoon.

Dog electrocuted by electric Christmas tree in Menton nicematin.com 18 Dec 11 A Beauceron rottweiler crossbreed dog called Daily collapsed and died from an electric shock after ‘approaching’ one of the fake Christmas trees along the Promenade in Menton. Panicked, before dying, the animal bit his mistress, a 43-year-old Menton women. Shocked by the death of her dog, and with a few scratches, the woman had to be taken to La Palmosa hospital. Daily, the dog, was just one year old. The fire brigade and city police quickly cut power to the electric Christmas trees. Christophe Enghien, responsible for the lights, immediately ordered an investigation.

100th edition of the Tour de France in 2013 comes to Nice & Cannes road.cc 16 Dec 11 Tour de France organisers ASO have confirmed further details of the opening week of the 100th edition of the Grand Boucle, taking place in 2013, when the race will resume on the French mainland with a team time trial in and around Nice following its first ever visit to Corsica. That team time trial will take place on Stage 4 of the 2013 Tour on Tue 02 Jul, and will mark the 36th time the race has visited Nice. The stage will finish on the Promenade des Anglais. The following day will see a road stage starting in Cagnes-sur-Mer, to the west of Nice, heading towards Cannes; where the race heads after that has not yet been confirmed. Simon MacMichael.

Last chance for Voile Rouge beach Ramatuelle purepeople.com 16 Dec 11 The famous Voile Rouge private beach at Pampelonne, Ramatuelle began to be demolished Wed 07 Dec 11. One of the heirs, Anthony Tomaselli, 21, contested the demolition Friday before the administrative court of Toulon, on the grounds that "no notification had been received." Judgement was reserved until 21 Dec 11. According to counsel, the demolition of the Voile Rouge violated "an internationally renowned company that employs 51 and contributes to the growth of the local economy." For over 11 years, a legal showdown pitted the Tomaselli family against local authorities. Anthony Tomaselli has asked the mayor of Ramatuelle for a new concession elsewhere for the 2012 season.

Keys of Nice's Russian Cathedral handed over to a Russian Archpriest fr.ria.ru 15 Dec 11 The keys to the Cathedral of St. Nicolas de Nice, the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside Russia, were handed over Thursday to an archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church, representing the Moscow Patriarchate in France. The Association of Russian Orthodox worship Nice (ACOR), had managed the Cathedral from 1923 to 2010. In 2010, the Nice Tribunal recognised Russia as owner of the cathedral. On May 19, 2011, the Court of Appeal of Aix-en-Provence upheld the property rights of the Russian Federation on the cathedral and dismissed the appeal of the cultural association of Nice, founded by families who fled the Bolsheviks in the early twentieth century. RIA Novosti.

Andre Muhlberger: Monaco police chief wins court judgment against blogger groundreport.com 15 Dec 11 Having managed to convince Prince Albert II of Monaco into serving as an intelligence consultant for several years, blogger Robert Eringer (pic) attempted to extort the Prince. He threatened to expose Prince Albert’s secrets unless he was paid €400,000. A Paris court found Eringer guilty of publishing 'false information' on Monaco and 'local key personalities' on his blog and was ordered to remove the libelous material from his website and charged with damages. Eringer was also ordered to pay €20,000 for two counts of slander against Monaco’s chief of police Andre Muhlberger and €3,000 in litigation fees. Jeffrey Guntz.

Nice: acquittal of three police officers accused of raping a prostitute lci.tf1.fr 15 Dec 11 Three policemen accused of aggravated rape of a prostitute in 2010 in Nice, were acquitted Thursday night, after more than two hours of deliberations. The fourth police officer implicated in this case for failing to prevent the crime, was also acquitted. The complainant, in tears, left the courtroom hurriedly without saying a word. The event took place on the night of 23-24 Feb 10 in a district west of Nice, near the Promenade des Anglais, known as a place of prostitution. That day, a crew of the national police had stopped the young woman, then aged 26. The young woman said that she felt compelled by the crew to perform sexual acts with each of them. The police claimed that she was compliant and described their actions as "a moment of weakness".

South of France's faulty breast implants scandal guardian.co.uk 14 Dec 11 More than 30,000 women in France, Spain, UK and other countries have had breast implants filled with industrial silicone instead of medical-grade fillers. The company Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP), based in the south of France, was one of the world's leaders in silicone implant production until last year when it was found to have been cutting corners and saving an estimated €1bn a year by using industrial silicone instead of medical-grade fillers in their breast implants. The casing around the filling was also faulty and prone to rupture or leakage. The company has closed and more than 2,000 women have filed legal complaints. Angelique Chrisafis.

Biot to be twinned with Tacoma in Washington state nicematin.com 14 Dec 11 Biot, (population 10,000) is to be twinned with the city of Tacoma (population 200,000) in the United State’s north-western state of Washington. They share two industries, glass and new technologies. After twinning with Vernante in Italy’s Cuneo province, the mayor had promised during his election campaign a second match. There was talk of Dubai but finally at the last council meeting, Councilor Pascal Torrelli announced the twinning with the city of Tacoma (pic). Despite a large difference in population, both places are geographically close to the sea and mountains, have high technology industries and glass industries and museums. Jean-Michel Poupart.

Amorous Briton floods squatted Riviera villa AFP 14 Dec 11 A British fantasist who sneaked into a French luxury villa to prepare it for a romantic night ended up facing charges after flooding the property. Alexander Thomas, a raffish 31-year-old from Manchester, boasts of being a top golfer but lives in his car on the French Riviera. On 08 Dec 11, he climbed into a holiday property in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. He turned on taps and showers to fill the pool and left them running while setting off to meet a woman. Unfortunately, the lady in question -- an American -- turned up three hours late for her date, already drunk, and refused to return with Thomas. When he returned to the villa at 1.00 am he found the son of the owner, an Italian businessman based in Monaco, had returned from a trip to Africa -- and that the pool had overflowed and partially flooded the villa.

Russian billionaire to take over Monaco - club president sportsillustrated.cnn.com 13 Dec 11 Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev will take over AS Monaco by the end of the year, the club's president said on Tuesday. "We have a plan designed in such a way that everything will be decided before the end of the year and it will be Mr Rybolovlev and his group," Etienne Franzi told reporters after a hearing by the French League's financial watchdog. "It's good news for AS Monaco and for French football in general." Rybolovlev, 93rd on the Forbes list of billionaires, sold his stake in fertiliser producer Uralkali for $6.5 billion in June 2010. Reuters.

Princess Caroline Of Monaco Receives 'People In Europe' Award From Karl Lagerfeld huffingtonpost.com 12 Dec 11 Karl Lagerfeld smiling? With children?? Some of our favorite things -- the Kaiser, royals, cute little kids -- have seemingly joined forces for an event in Europe Mon 12 Dec 11. The occasion? The Menschen In Europa (People In Europe) Award, which brings together artists, religious leaders, politicians and business figures (the Dalai Lama won in 2010). Princess Caroline of Monaco was presented an award for her charity work by none other than Karl Lagerfeld. Ellie Krupnick.

Blackout threat in South East is expected to continue until 2015 lesechos.fr 07 Dec 11 The public inquiry for the creation of a reliable electricity network in the region has just ended. Work could start as early as next May. But the work will not be completed until 2015. The share of renewable energy should reach 25% by 2020. Since the big power outage in the winter of 2008, the specter of a further power cuts resurfaces every year with the return of wintry weather. "The risk of a blackout is not excluded, but we strive to protect the south-east from a general power failure," says Catherine Greiveldinger, regional director of RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Electricité ) in Marseille. A single 400,000 volts line feeds the region, from Avignon to Nice. The Alpes-Maritimes produces only 10% of the energy it consumes, and the neighboring Italian regions face the same supply problems. Paul Molga.

Radcliffe sets 10km course record in Monaco iaaf.org 11 Dec 11 Paula Radcliffe (GBR), a resident of this tiny Mediterranean Principality, who had just arrived back in Monaco from a training trip in Kenya, took part in today’s 17th Cursa Natale (10km) on a hilly course in Monaco and its surrounds. Radcliffe, the World marathon record holder, finishing fourth overall, won the women’s race in 32:05, a course record by over a minute. "It was just a spur of the moment decision to run as I had just got back from a Kenyan training camp last week,” said the Briton who recently gained selection for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Alleged rape of a prostitute in Nice: four police officers in the dock rtl.be 11 Dec 11 Four police officers appear before the Assize Court of the Alpes-Maritimes in Nice on Monday, three for the alleged rape of a prostitute in Nice in February 2010, the fourth for failure to assist a person in danger. The four agents, now aged 30-39 years, were patrolling in a van on the night of 23 to 24 February 2010 when they stopped, around 2:00 am. A 27 year old single mother from Toulon was soliciting with an alcoholic beverage in hand. The woman says that she was forced to have sex with three of them. They admit to having sex with her but claim it was consensual. If found guilty the policemen, who have been suspended from duty, could face a 20 year sentence. A verdict is expected on Thursday.

Toulon: Thousands of demonstrators and 130 tractors against the LGV AFP 11 Dec 11 Between 2,400 people according to police and 4,000 according to organisers, came in two processions from La Crau and Cadiere d'Azur (Var), on board of 130 tractors and cars to Toulon Saturday, to demonstrate against the new high speed LGV PACA train project. The port was blocked to traffic for much of the day. A minute of noise with sirens and horns blaring, was also observed. The consultation on the route was discontinued in the Bouches-du-Rhone and the Var, after several eventful public meetings, but continues in the Alpes-Maritimes. The proposed high speed rail line would reduce travel times from 5 hours 40 minutes presently to 4 hours.

French far-right group has message in menu AP 10 Dec 11 They feasted in the verdant back country of picture-postcard Provence, the delight of tourists and the pride of France. But it was no ordinary country idyll. The extreme right Bloc Identitaire, or Identity Bloc, was lashing out at Islam while dining on pork roast and local wine — off limits to practicing Muslims. The group, an emerging force on France's far-right scene, likens Muslim immigrants to invaders threatening the identity of the French heartland and menacing European civilization. The movement — with a wild pig as its logo — is gaining traction through its blend of Islam-bashing and romanticizing of French rural culture. Elaine Ganley.

New steps ahead at Cannes Dance Festival nytimes.com 09 Dec 11 Say bonjour to Frédéric Flamand, the new director of the Cannes International Dance Festival, appointed after its director of 18 years, Yorgos Loukos, stepped down in 2009. Mr. Flamand, 65, is Belgian and has directed the Ballet de Marseilles since 2005. It is stereotypical ideas about Cannes, Mr. Flamand said, that gave him the idea for the theme of the festival, New Mythologies I, which ran from 22 - 27 Nov 11. (The “I” is because his next edition, in 2013, will offer Part 2.) Though that mythology is attached to the famous film festival, Cannes has hosted a winter dance festival since 1986. Initially a fairly local affair, it was transformed in 1992 after Mr. Loukos was appointed director. Roslyn Sulcas.

Charlene of Monaco creates her own foundation, in the footsteps of Grace AFP 09 Dec 11 Charlene of Monaco, in the footsteps of Princess Grace, has created her own humanitarian foundation to help children and women in difficulty, five months after her marriage, the Palace said Friday. The specific tasks and the means of the "Foundation Princess Charlene" will be presented in 2012 by the wife of Prince Albert, who will also unveil a logo and a website. Princess Grace of Monaco had also established a foundation in her name in 1964. It is now headed by her daughter Caroline, Princess of Hanover, who has decided to expand humanitarian aid for the benefit of children disabled by disease.

Tony the Eel, bandit turned novelist, indicted AFP 08 Dec 11 Antoine Cossu (71) aka 'Tony the Eel' was indicted Thursday for 'conspiracy', in an investigation into drug trafficking. Nice Police claim to have almost completed the dismantling of a sprawling network with 22 indictments, including many 'big names' from the world of organised crime. "We are doing the who's who of banditry in the south-east of France", says Philippe Frizon, head of Nice Police. 'Tony the Eel' is the former brother-in-law and confidant of the legendary Marseilles godfather Francis Vanverberghe, known as 'The Belgian', who was murdered in Paris in 2000. Cossu has to his credit robberies, international drug trafficking and multiple escapes. He has spent twenty years in prison. Catherine Marciano.

Stephanie of Monaco: €460,000 raised for AIDS patients news-de-stars.com 08 Dec 11 Princess Stephanie of Monaco is very involved in the battle against AIDS. She founded Fight Aids Monaco, to promote prevention, supports research and helps patients. On the World Day of the Fight Against AIDS 01 Dec 11, Princess Stephanie of Monaco held a charity auction at the Hotel Meridien Beach Plaza in the presence of her brother Prince Albert II and sister-in-law Princess Charlene. Fifty-five works from artists were donated and sold to the highest bidder. A total of €463,300 was raised to finance the FAM and the 'Maison de Vie.'

Var: Two policemen injured by fuel thieves rtl.fr 08 Dec 11 Two highway policemen from Luc-en-Provence in the Var, were severely beaten with iron bar on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday by Romanian truck drivers caught stealing fuel on an area of the A8 motorway. Both men are aged thirty years. One suffered a head injury with a deep wound, the other an arm injury. The three Romanians, aged 30 to 40 years were finally arrested after taking flight and were taken into custody. The incident occurred in a parking area of Le Capitou in Fréjus (Var), which the police had placed under surveillance in an attempt to find the perpetrators of fuel theft at the expense of truck drivers who make stops for the night. At around 3.30am, they surprised the three Romanians, who had arrived aboard two trucks, and used levers and an electric pump to steal the fuel.

Monaco: Seven years in prison for ‘Ndrangheta boss monacomatin.com 07 Dec 11 The alleged leader of the Calabrese 'Ndrangheta, Massimiliano Avesani, was sentenced Tue 06 Dec 11 in Monaco to seven years in prison with an arrest warrant, a €100,000 fine and forfeiture of €1.6 million deposited in his bank accounts in the Principality. The accused, who was not present at the hearing, is on probation in Rome where he is appealing an 18 year sentence. Avesani was accused of laundering drug dealing money in the Principality. After the hearing, Avesani’s lawyer Mr. Franck Michel decided to appeal the conviction. (Avesani was arrested in Monaco in 2008 for drug trafficking from Spain and extradited to Italy in 2009. Ed.)

Sanremo: Consignment of the Nobel Prizes live on TV in the Nobel villa sanremonews.it 06 Dec 11 The villa of Alfred Nobel in Sanremo will link up live with Oslo and Stockholm starting at 13.00 on Sat 10 Dec 11 for the consignment of the 2011 Nobel Prizes. The Swedish community of the Italian Riviera and Cote d’Azur, who are organising the event with the local Sanremo authorities, will also set up a Christmas tree and present traditional Scandinavian Christmas items. The Nobel Peace Prize is set to awarded at 16.25 local time. The honorary Swedish Consul Eve Andersson Ghirardelli will be present and a children’s choir will sing Christmas songs in Swedish. The Villa Nobel is at Corso Cavallotti 116 in Sanremo.

World War II bomb discovered on construction site at Six-Fours varmatin.com 05 Dec 11 A 250kg American bomb was discovered Monday morning by workmen working on the site of a retirement home, in the Guillemard area of Six-Fours in the Var. Civil security services have delineated the perimeter and cleared the area. It is expected that the device will be defused next weekend. It will be required that residents over an area of 2.3km will have to be evacuated.

Kidnappers of wealthy Nice couple retried in Aix-en-Provence leparisien.fr 05 Dec 11 The appeal of six of the seven men sentenced in Jan 10 for the kidnapping in 2006 of the wealthy Guiglion couple from Nice, opened Monday at the Aix- en-Provence Appeal Court. The mastermind of the kidnapping, Camel Ben Taieb, 36, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment. Jean-Francois Deiss, a businessman accused of arranging the payment of the €4 million ransom into a Swiss bank account, was acquitted for lack of evidence. In September 2006, Bernard Guiglion, then CEO of Southeast Sanitation (a subsidiary of Veolia) and his wife were abducted by hooded and armed men in their villa in the hills above Nice and sequestered for 72 hours in a house near Grasse, before being released by police. The trial will last two weeks. The verdict is expected on December 16. AFP.

Prince Albert to meet Dmitry Rybolovlev over AS Monaco stake asmfoot.org 05 Dec 11 Whilst there has been no news for several days of Dmitry Rybolovlev (pic), the Russian billionaire interested in a takeover of the AS Monaco soccer club, Nice-Matin has reported that the behind the scene discussions have been continuing and could advance quickly to a conclusion. The local newspaper reports that Rybolovlev will meet with Prince Albert II Monday and the meeting could lead to an agreement. AS Monaco, despite the largest budget in Ligue 2 I s last in the championship four points behind the first non-relegation team.

Aussie heiress has engagement party in Monte Carlo couriermail.com.au 04 Dec 11 Jessie, the eldest of John Singleton's six daughters and daughter of former Miss World Belinda Green, is now back working in Monte Carlo after spending the best part of a decade there after establishing an online premium bed linen business. But having met her new fiancé, South African Richard Black - who is Europe's main spruiker for Campari - during her years there, the couple decided to celebrate their engagement in the glamorous port city last month with a small party of family and friends. The group gathered in the secret wine cave of the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. They started the night with a tour of the wine cellars with one of Monaco's head sommeliers.

A holiday with the jet-set at the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc dailymail.co.uk 04 Dec 11 Luxury hotels worldwide like to notch up a Hollywood A-lister but they'd do well to avoid a name dropping contest with the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on Cap d'Antibes. Marlene Dietrich summered here with the Kennedy clan, while Pablo Picasso and Gary Cooper set up a shooting gallery in the gardens. The Windsors, Clintons, Bushes, Mitterrands and Berlusconis have all been regulars. It seems as ubiquitous for royal and political dynasties as a sex scandal to have stayed at the Hotel du Cap. But it's not trading on past glories - no whiff of faded grandeur here... Andrea Catherwood.

Five sentenced for stealing from Nice museum after being caught in FBI sting telegraph.co.uk 02 Dec 11 Five men received prison sentences for stealing a Monet, a Sisley and two Brueghel's from a Nice museum before being arrested in a sting operation involving the FBI. In 2007, the gang walked into the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Nice at lunchtime, held staff at gunpoint and unhooked two Brueghels – Allegory of Water and Allegory of Earth – Alfred Sisley's Avenue of Poplars at Moret and Claude Monet's Cliffs Near Dieppe. They had a combined value of €22 million. On Friday a court in Aix-en-Provence handed the men sentences of between two and nine years for armed robbery and reception of stolen goods by an organised gang. Henry Samuel.

Cannes: 3 600 people pay tribute to slain jeweller leparisien.fr 01 Dec 11 A silent march in honour of the Cannes jeweller Thierry Unik, who was shot dead last Saturday at age 42 with a bullet in the head during a robbery, gathered around 3 600 people Thursday afternoon in a neighborhood of the city. The hour long procession was led by his family through the streets of Cannes la Bocca, where Unik had his shop and where all the traders shut their shops for the duration. Last Saturday, around 18.10, with four people present in the store (the jeweller, his sister-in-law, and two clients,) three armed criminals entered and fired a single shot killing Unik. His twin brother Michel vows to reopen the store next week. AFP.

Riviera Life News Archive 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

RivieraLife.tv News Archive

RivieraLife News Archive 20 - Dec 2011 / Jan 2012