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Joel Embiid scores 31 in return to the 76ers' starting lineup against the BullsArgentia's Security Minister Thursday filed criminal charges for treason against former Ambassador to Venezuela Oscar Laborde for meddling before the Bolivarian regime in the case of Border Guard (Gendarmería Nacional) non-commissioned officer Nahuel Gallo who was apprehended by Caracas and accused of espionage. Signing the documents was Security Ministry's Chief Legal Counselor Fernando Soto. Gallo insisted he went to Venezuela to visit his romantic partner María Alexandra Gómez García and the two-year-old child they have in common. While the Chancellery tries to obtain Gallo's release through diplomatic channels, through the relevant international missions, the former ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Oscar Alberto Laborde - appointed by then-President Alberto Fernández-, without any kind of official authorization, began international negotiations, contacting the family of the gendarme in Argentina in order to deliver a letter' to Gallo, with the collaboration of the Venezuelan government, the complaint argued. The accused was in charge of presenting as 'irregular' the entry of the gendarme since he did not meet the legal requirements to enter that country, it was also explained. Laborde's actions did not respond to any humanitarian issue regardless of his statements to the press. On the contrary, far from defending the human rights of the 'missing' gendarme, what he does is to unduly superimpose himself on the international diplomatic management of the Argentine Republic in order to justify the openly criminal conduct of the Venezuelan authorities under the puerile pretext of an alleged 'irregular entry' that would support the invented suspicion of 'espionage', in addition to endorsing the conditions of detention, of disappearance, generating an alleged knowledge without having indicated the most minimal legal guidelines of his detention, thus endorsing the crime of forced disappearance, the Libertarian Government maintained. Since the former ambassador acted against the interests of the country by assuming diplomatic powers that can only be exercised by the representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Laborde was deemed a collaborator of the [Venezuelan President Nicolás] Maduro regime. President Javier Milei's administration insisted it had not asked Laborde to perform any intervention or diplomatic action nor did it authorize any action for him to make representations to the Venezuelan government. His actions are only aimed at collaborating with the regime that illegally detained the gendarme Gallo, presenting as 'humanitarian' a dictatorial government and as 'fascist' our democratic government, by presenting the case as an illegal entry aimed at intervening in a foreign country through an 'espionage service' with a security force in an illegitimate manner. The former Mercosur Parliament (Parlasur) Speaker Laborde is turning things around by bestowing upon himself powers of international representation that, clearly, he no longer possesses, which constituted treason, the Security Ministry also claimed. The former diplomat turns the victimizer into the victim and the victim into the victimizer, when it is exactly the other way around, it went on. He tries to justify the Venezuelan government as if it were logical and legal to kidnap a person for -supposedly- not having [his] 'papers in order'. He asks the Argentine Republic for explanations instead of asking [them] from the government that kidnaps a foreigner depriving him of his freedom in a 'forced disappearance, Buenos Aires insisted. It would be like asking French nuns Alice Domon and Léonie Duquet why they traveled to Argentina in 1977, instead of questioning [former Navy officer] Alfredo Astiz for having murdered them, Soto's rationale further elaborated. Hence, former ambassador Oscar Alberto Laborde is denounced for having betrayed the interests of the Argentine Nation in a case that is of an unusual institutional gravity in the international concert of countries, acting with the evident intention of exposing political arguments to damage the role of the Argentine government in the protection of the gendarme whose forced disappearance is claimed. The assumption of the international management assumed by the accused was carried out against the diplomatic management deployed by our authorities, compromising our Nation by presenting it as pretending to 'infiltrate a spy' in Venezuela, entering it irregularly to that country, the lawyer stressed. Laborde's attempt to blame Argentina for the Gallo case is based on false facts and on the concealment of authentic information, the Ministry also noted while insisting that the purpose of Gallo's trip was to visit his wife and his two-year-old son. The adulteration of the truth of the facts was carried out with disloyalty to the high responsibility entrusted to him by the Argentine Republic when it appointed him ambassador to, precisely, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The responsibility of the accused is greater since his duty to defend the national interests is greater due to the hierarchy of such a high diplomatic position, the accusation also stated. Soto also recalled Argentina's issuance of an arrest warrant against Maduro. Gendarmería Nacional's First Corporal Gallo of Squadron 27 Uspallata, from Mendoza's Group XI was arrested on Dec. 8 at 11 am when entering Venezuela through a land crossing from Colombia. He claimed he had chosen that route to cut airfare costs. Gómez García and the child have been living in Venezuela for seven months to help with his mother's health problem. Laborde said Security Minister Patricia Bullrich was to blame for the entire incident in a manner so obvious that even Vice President Victoria Villarruel said she would not have authorized Gallo's trip. Armed and Security forces personnel need clearance from their superiors regarding the place where they intend to spend their time off. Therefore, someone authorized Gallo to travel to a country with which Argentina has cut all diplomatic ties and even has the premises of what used to be its Embassy in Caracas under siege from local troops, with no electricity and water services, as five asylum seekers remain inside waiting for a safe passage to the airport. On March 28, Bullrich said she was going to send eight gendarmes to guard the diplomatic mission and then one showed up, Laborde underlined. It is reasonable to think that, if she said she was going to send gendarmes, she sent him, he claimed while noting that diplomatic custom mandates that a country notifies the other whenever a military officer goes [there], even if he is on leave. Why was [that] not informed? Patricia Bullrich got angry because Villarruel embarrassed her, Laborde insisted. He also said that he only used his contacts in Venezuela to facilitate the delivery of a letter from Gallo's mother to him. I was ambassador in Venezuela a year and a half ago. What I did was with the contacts I had left from that administration, with the attorney general; I asked them if I could send a letter [to Gallo] from the mother, and the mother agreed, Laborde explained in a radio interview. This humanitarian action was requested by Gallo's family, he also mentioned. I am not asking to be thanked, but I am accused of treason for sending a letter from a mother to her son. Laborde also regretted that this humanitarian action has been taken as an attempt to humanize the [Venezuelan] regime. (See also: )
In a dramatic turn of events, Colonel Kim Hyun-tae admitted to implementing orders that led his special forces to block South Korean lawmakers from casting a crucial vote in parliament. The commanders followed directives to uphold martial law, as instructed by the now-arrested former defense minister. The political landscape in South Korea has been rocked following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration and subsequent withdrawal of martial law. Despite surviving an impeachment vote, Yoon's presidency hangs in the balance as a constitutional crisis looms over the nation. Defense force interventions were met with resistance by parliamentary staff, raising questions about adherence to constitutional mandates. The ongoing investigations could lead to significant shifts in the country's governance, with the opposition party vowing to challenge the President's authority once again. (With inputs from agencies.)
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Winston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrum CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly after doing a face-down snow angel, firing a few celebratory snowballs and singing “Jingle Bells” on his way to the media room, Jameis Winston ended his postgame news conference with a simple question. Tom Withers, The Associated Press Nov 22, 2024 2:58 PM Nov 22, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Cleveland. The Browns won 24-19. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly after doing a face-down snow angel, firing a few celebratory snowballs and singing “Jingle Bells” on his way to the media room, Jameis Winston ended his postgame news conference with a simple question. “Am I a Brown yet?” he asked. He is now. And who knows? Maybe for a lot longer than expected. Winston entered Cleveland football folklore on Thursday night by leading the Browns to a 24-19 win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, who had their five-game winning streak stopped. Winston's performance at Huntington Bank Field, which transformed into the world's largest snow globe, not only made him an instantaneous hero in the eyes of Browns fans but added another wrinkle to the team's ever-changing, never-ending quarterback conundrum. In his fourth start since Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles tendon injury, Winston made enough big plays to help the Browns (3-8) get a victory that should quiet conjecture about coach Kevin Stefanski's job. Some wins mean more than others. In Cleveland, beating the Steelers is as big as it gets. But beyond any instant gratification, Winston has given the Browns more to consider as they move forward. Watson's future with Cleveland is highly uncertain since it will still be months before the team has a grip on whether he's even an option in 2025, his fourth year since signing a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract that has proven calamitous. It's also possible the Browns will cut ties with Watson. They signed Winston to a one-year contract to be Watson's backup. But the unexpected events of 2024 have changed plans and led to the possibility that the 30-year-old Winston could become Cleveland's full-time QB or a bridge to their next young one. So much is unclear. What's not is that Winston, who leaped into the end zone on fourth-and-2 for a TD to put the Browns ahead 18-6 in the fourth quarter, is a difference maker. With his larger-than-life personality and the joy he shows whether practicing or throwing three touchdown passes, he has lifted the Browns. A man of faith, he's made his teammates believe. Winston has done what Watson couldn't: made the Browns better. “A very, very authentic person,” Stefanski said Friday on a Zoom call. “He’s the same guy every single day. He's the same guy at 5 a.m. as he at 5 p.m. He brings great energy to everything he does, and I think his teammates appreciate that about him.” Winston, who is 2-2 as a starter with wins over the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, has a knack for inspiring through fiery, preacher-like pregame speeches. But what has impressed the Browns is his ability to stay calm in the storm. “He doesn’t get rattled,” said Myles Garrett, who had three sacks against the Steelers . “He’s just tuned in and focused as anyone I’ve seen at that position. Turn the page. There was a turnover, came back to the sideline, ‘Love you. I’m sorry. We’re going to get it back.’ He was already on to the next one, ‘How can we complete the mission?’ “I have a lot of respect for him. First was from afar and now seeing it on the field in front of me, it’s a blessing to have someone who plays a game with such a passion and want-to. You can’t ask for a better teammate when they take those things to heart and they want to play for you like we’re actually brothers and that’s what we have to attain. That brotherhood.” What's working Winston has done something else Watson couldn't: move the offense. The Browns scored more than 20 points for just the second time this season, and like Joe Flacco a year ago, Winston has shown that Stefanski's system works with a quarterback patient enough to let plays develop and unafraid to take shots downfield. What needs help The conditions certainly were a factor, but the Browns were a miserable 1 of 10 on third down, a season-long trend. However, Cleveland converted all four fourth-down tries, including a fourth-and-3 pass from Winston to Jerry Jeudy with 2:36 left that helped set up Nick Chubb's go-ahead TD run. Stock up RT Jack Conklin. Garrett outplayed Steelers star T.J. Watt in their rivalry within the rivalry partly because Conklin did a nice job containing Pittsburgh's edge rusher, who was held without a sack and had one tackle for loss. Conklin has made a remarkable comeback since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last year. Stock down Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Their desire to build a dome is well intended, but an indoor game could never come close to matching the surreal setting of Thursday night, when snow swirled throughout the stadium and covered nearly all the yard lines and hash marks. “It was beautiful,” Winston said. Injuries WR Cedric Tillman is in the concussion protocol. He had two catches before taking a big hit on the final play of the third quarter. Key numbers 9 — Consecutive home wins for the Browns in Thursday night games. Three of those have come against Pittsburgh. What's next An extended break before visiting the Denver Broncos on Dec. 2. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Tom Withers, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury Nov 22, 2024 3:28 PM 49ers attempt to bounce back and boost their postseason chances as they visit Green Bay Nov 22, 2024 3:09 PM 49ers' visit gives Packers a chance to damage the playoff hopes of their postseason nemesis Nov 22, 2024 2:57 PM
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Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words represent a worrying harbinger of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.UBA outperforms stocks with 375% returns in five yearsMANILA, Philippines – Good news for all children and children at heart! The famed Museo Pambata is reopening on December 6, with new and exciting activities and exhibits for all. The Philippines’ first children’s museum located in Ermita, Manila, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with its new theme “Isla Pambata (Children’s Island)” — a tribute to the diverse and vibrant experiences of Filipino children all over the country. “Generations of children have passed through Museo Pambata’s doors, and this anniversary honors them — and those yet to come,” Museo Pambata founder Nina Lim-Yuson said during the media launch on Wednesday, November 27. Museo Pambata was one of the many cultural establishments that had to close due to the pandemic. Coupled with having to deal with structural problems within the building, the institution has since only been able to hold limited events and private programs within the museum. Since 2020, Museo Pambata’s board has been working to not only return the museum to its pre-pandemic state but to update it based on the needs of today’s children. “Our hope for Museo Pambata is to be an intergenerational cultural playground,” said president Bambi Manosa-Tanjutco. “It’s where we want Filipinos of all ages to believe in the power of our culture and collectively dream of this future, today.” Not all spaces within the museum will be available to the public until early 2025, but visitors can look forward to exploring several exciting spaces during their reopening in December. Here’s what you can expect! New and improved spaces THE museum features art from all corners of the country. Luna Coscolluela/Rappler The Habi area celebrates art from indigenous communities in the Philippines, showcasing the beauty and variety of creation that the country has to offer. THE Kalikasan area focuses on the elements of nature. Luna Coscolluela/Rappler Kalikasan, a staple section of Museo Pambata, has been updated with an installation by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik. UNDER the sea, Museo Pambata emphasizes current realities of the world. Luna Coscolluela/Rappler The Karagatan area showcases the magic of our country’s connection with water while also highlighting the climate crisis affecting our bodies of water today. THE museum encourages the use of both indoor and outdoor areas. Image from Museo Pambata In the outdoor space of the museum, visitors will be able to enjoy the renovated playground Bahay Pukyutan for free play and physical exercise. THE Bahay Kubo is a modern twist on a Filipino staple. Luna Coscolluela/Rappler One of the new additions since the pandemic, Bahay Kubo 2.0 reimagines the bahay kubo within the urban setting. As Manosa-Tanjutco assured during the media preview of the space, their team made sure to keep the iconic elements of the museum intact while also leaving room for innovation. Exploring the renovated museum reveals an interesting mix of both the new and old, a middle ground between nostalgia and growth. The updated Museo Pambata is the perfect home for not only the memories of those who have visited before, but also those who are going to experience the museum for the first time. Activating the space As part of the museum’s initiative to create a space intended to demonstrate the abilities of children, they have incorporated programs and activities meant to foster creativity in the youth. MUSEO Pamabata encourages children to contribute to creating the space. Luna Coscolluela/Rappler Sikat Sining is a program that encourages both the creation and exhibition of children’s art. “We invite different students, different kids from different schools to come to Museo Pambata and put a little bit of art into the space,” explained Manosa-Tanjutco. .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} Another program is Dulaan Pambata, which turns the exhibits into living dioramas that visitors can interact with. The museum invites different theater groups to fill the spaces with life and encourage imagination in kids and adults alike. Balay Yatu One of the newest additions to the Museo Pambata experience is Balay Yatu which will be home to the museum’s gift shop and cafe. The space will also be used to house exhibits and shows curated by the youth, kicking off with an installation called Kaluluwa, and the Kalikasan, Kapwa, and Kabutihan exhibits. .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} “Museums globally are changing, decolonizing and reimagining into more complex cultural playgrounds,” said Manosa-Tanjutco. “Museo Pambata aims to be at the forefront of this change with Balay Yatu: Asia’s first youth-curated creative space and cultural center.” The future of Museo Pambata Following its reopening in December, the museum plans to continue its vision of curating an innovative and enjoyable experience for children. They will open new spaces in 2025 including an exhibit called Dwellings by artist couple Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan, Ang Kwento ng Jollibee dedicated to Museo Pambata sponsor Jollibee, and the Classroom of the Future, a technology-centered space designed by JJ Acuña in collaboration with Khan Academy and Samsung. Visitors can also look forward to attending special events held by the museum: Pista ng Kapuluan: Archipelago Fiesta – November 30, 2024 to February 2025 Archipelago Convention – November 30 to December 1, 2024 Pista Pambata – December 1, 2024 Designearth/disenyomundo – January 18 to 19, 2025 Parada Pambata – January 25, 2025 Pista ng Kapuluan: Film Festival – February 21 to 22, 2025 Updates on the museum events can be found on their social media pages. Museo Pambata, which opened in 1994, is the first children’s museum in the Philippines. Since its establishment, it has been dedicated to giving children exciting and interactive experiences while immersing in Filipino culture. It is located along Roxas Boulevard on the corner of South Drive, Ermita, Manila. Starting on December 6, they will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the first session from 10 am to 12 pm and the second from 2 pm to 4 pm. The museum is also open to school tours and private events from Tuesday to Thursday. The entrance fee is P450 per person with a 20% discount for seniors and PWDs. The fee is waived for children below two years old. – Rappler.com
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Syria’s new reality must be reckoned withParis, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Dec, 2024) Newly restored Notre Dame held its first mass on , with celebrating the return of the French capital's most famous place of worship after a historic re-opening ceremony. The beloved monument nearly burned down in , but has been fully renovated inside and fitted with a new roof and spire during a frenzied five-year overhaul. The inaugural mass on morning was led by archbishop Laurent Ulrich with 150 bishops and more than 100 priests the capital in attendance, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron. The archbishop consecrated the new 800-kilogram altar which replaced the old one that was lost in the five years ago. "Whether you are here in person in the or in front of a screen, including perhaps under the rain, I greet you with intense emotion," Ulrich told the congregation, referring to the small rain-drenched crowds outside watching events on public screens. "This morning, the pain of 15 has been erased," he added, referring to the of the inferno, the cause of which remains unknown. In the evening, around 2,500 people attended a second service and the first mass open to the public, with free tickets made available online last week. "It's incredible to see Notre Dame transformed," Cyriac de Belsunce, a 21-year-old scout , told AFP. "It's changed, it's more radiant. There's a lot more light." The will open fully to visitors on 16 via an online reservation system. - 'For Jesus' - During a re-opening service on Saturday attended by leaders including US President-elect , Macron expressed the "gratitude of the French nation" for the restoration work since . "We have rediscovered what great nations can do -- achieve the impossible," he said. Macron is under intense political pressure, having called snap elections in that led to a hung , with the main parties now struggling to form a stable . In a nod to the political turmoil, archbishop Ulrich said that he "prayed also for our country that is looking to the future with worry". Macron did not take communion on out of respect for 's secular rules which separate state and , although his presence in the and his speech there on Saturday were widely commented on. Groups of worshippers huddled under umbrellas on beyond a strict security perimeter set up outside Notre Dame. Monique Kashale, a 75-year-old the Democratic Republic of , said she was "very cold but for Jesus Christ I can put up with it, for the Virgin it is bearable". - in - Saturday's re-opening service began with the archbishop Ulrich, dressed in brightly coloured new vestments designed by fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, knocking on the doors of the three times. was placed on the front row as guest of honour next to Macron, with invitees marvelling at the freshly cleaned walls, new furniture and state-of-the-art lighting installed as part of the refit. The reconstruction effort around 700 ($750 ), financed donations, with the five-year re-opening deadline met despite predictions it could take decades. Part of the 's roofing base still needs to be finished and the statues of the apostles and saints, removed before the to allow for their restoration, will only be reinstalled in the first half of 2025. The exact cause of the blaze has never been identified despite a forensic investigation by prosecutors. They believe an such as an electrical fault was the most likely reason. Notre Dame welcomed around 12 visitors a year before the , but expects to receive an even higher figure of "14 to 15 " after the reopening, according to the authorities. burs-adp/jj