- Venezuela high court confirms Maduro's reelection after fraud claims
- 'Crazy love': Afghans overjoyed to watch star cricketers on home turf
- Putin accuses Ukraine of trying to attack Kursk nuclear plant
- Nestle CEO Schneider to step down after eight years at helm
- Pakistan top court amends religious freedom ruling after protests
- Stocks sputter ahead of Fed chief's speech
- Nepal lifts ban on video-sharing platform TikTok
- Bangladesh revokes diplomatic passport of ex-PM Hasina
- O'Connor romps to Vuelta win, takes significant lead
- Indonesia scraps plan to change election rules after protests
- Brook steadies England after Asitha Fernando strikes for Sri Lanka
- Hamilton backs Grand Prix in Africa amid Rwanda talks
- Truce hopes fade as Gaza rocked by Israeli bombardment, battles
- Mpox vaccine maker says 'better prepared' than in 2022
- Dyche fears Everton could have just 14 first-team players for Spurs trip
- Canada rail freight shut down threatens to disrupt economy
- Harris to take star turn at Democratic convention
- US existing home sales rise in July, ending downward trend
- Unbeaten Verstappen eyes 'very close' Dutch Grand Prix
- Protests as rebuilt tower opens at German church with Nazi links
- A divide opens in Ukraine over giving up land for peace
- Hammers boss Lopetegui will be glad to see transfer window shut
- Leverkusen coach Alonso says Bayern 'favourites' in Bundesliga
- Cannon-Brookes: Australia's billionaire climate warrior
- War cook: Ukrainian soldier-influencer's winning recipe
- Cosplay and queues at Germany gamers gathering
- Verstappen eyes 'very close' Dutch Grand Prix
- Play resumes on second day of England-Sri Lanka first Test
- Taiwan sentences eight soldiers for spying for China
- PSG coach Luis Enrique plays down prospect of more new signings
- Key Indian hospital ends strike but doctor rape protests rage
- Key Indian hospital ends stike but doctor rape protests rage
- Djokovic targets Slam record at US Open, Sinner under cloud
- Ceasefire hopes fade as Gaza fighting rages
- Indonesians protesting election law changes clash with police
- Hurzeler backs record-signing Rutter to be a 'big, big' player at Brighton
- Stock markets buoyed by US rate cut hopes
- England to host Zimbabwe in 2025, Lord's to stage first women's Test in 2026
- India's Modi urges peace ahead of Ukraine visit
- 'Let us choose joy!' Oprah Winfrey urges US voters
- Sicily divers seek final shipwreck missing after Lynch's body found
- Israeli police say 4 arrested in settler attack on Palestinians
- Rain delays second day of England-Sri Lanka first Test
- War cook: Ukrainian soldier-influencer with fans on both sides
- Kenya police offer reward for escaped serial killer suspect
- S. Korean drill to prepare for attack met with confusion
- French court dismisses appeal in Agent Orange case
- War-battered Gaza faces uphill battle against polio
- Floods swamp Bangladesh as nation finds its feet after protests
- Asia tracks Wall St. rally after US jobs data, Fed minutes
Estanguet and protestors give Olympic surfing judges' tower thumbs-up
Paris Olympics chief organiser Tony Estanguet told AFP he was delighted with the controversial aluminium judges' tower for the surfing event in Tahiti and said Games organisers had "listened to the concerns" regarding its construction by modifying it.
The 46-year-old three-time Olympic canoeing champion was speaking after climbing up the tower -- which is situated in the sea at Teahupo'o -- to view the World Surf League (WSL) event, a dress rehearsal for the Olympics.
The replacement of a wooden judges' tower, which no longer meets standards, with an aluminium structure had resulted in protests.
Work on the tower at Teahupo'o on the French Pacific island of Tahiti had been suspended in December after a barge used by workers damaged coral at the site.
Local surfers and environmentalists were outraged by the damage to the coral and an online petition against the project attracted more than 200,000 signatures.
However, those concerns are now "completely buried", according to Annick Paofai, president of the Defence of Fenua 'aihere group.
Estanguet said the view afforded to the judges was "perfect", adding it was necessary to have it situated in the sea for the competition.
"Eveything is progressing well," he said.
"Teahupo'o is a small corner of paradise, we are delighted to do it honour.
"We listened to the concerns expressed and we modified the tower a little so that it could integrate into this exceptional environment and respect this magical place," he said.
For Paofai the protests had been worth it.
"We are happy, the tower is beautiful, I even have the impression that it weds itself to nature," she told AFP.
"It is excellent the associations protested because otherwise they (the construction workers) would have done just anything.
"One has to be honest and say there was not much damage."
Tahiti, around 15,000 kilometres (9,300 miles) from Paris, was selected to host the second Olympic surfing competition in history with the aim of including France's overseas territories in the Games.
The Olympic surfing event is scheduled for July 27 to 30, with a possible extension until August 5 if the swell is delayed.
Two Polynesian surfers, Kauli Vaast and Vahine Fierro, are among those representing France.
L.Davis--AMWN