Last Updated, 30 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vietnam remembers fall of Saigon - 30 years on
Ceremonies are being held to mark the end of the Vietnam war, on April 30 1975. That is when Saigon fell to communist North Vietnamese forces, who had been battling the US-backed regime in the south. Soon afterwards, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. It has become the focal point for celebrations on what is known as Liberation Day in Vietnam. Although many Vietnamese were born after the fighting ended, the festivities still serve as a proud moment for them. Amid surging economic growth, there is optimism about the future. But the people of Vietnam are not about to forget the events of three decades ago - a victory described by their Prime Minister Phan Van Khai as "forever written in our nation's history." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US and Italy at odds over killing of agent in Iraq
Washington and Rome remain at loggerheads over the killing of an Italian agent by US soldiers during a hostage rescue drama in Iraq. Neither side could agree on conclusions in a joint report. "The tragic event will not hurt the long-standing friendship between the US and Italy or the commitment of the US and Italy to work together as allies helping the people of Iraq," said a US state department spokesman. The Italians however say there is no way they can endorse the US version of events. "The Italian government could not be expected to sign a reconstruction of events that doesn't correspond with the reality of the evidence," said Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini. Rome and Washington can't agree on how fast Nicola Calipari's car was travelling when he was shot and whether the Italians kept the US soldiers at the checkpoint concerned informed of their movements. A murder investigation has been opened in Italy into Calipari's death. The agent has become a national hero for dying as he saved journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who had just been released by her kidnappers. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 29 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlusconi chooses attack as best defence
There was high political drama in the Italian parliament on Wednesday as Silvio Berlusconi asked for the chamber to support him in a confidence vote. The prime minister resigned last week when coalition partners quit, but he has bounced back with a reworked administration. He told the centre-left opposition that there was no way Italians would support them in a general election: "They know very well that with you it wouldn't be a full democracy anymore, but a lesser democracy. Real democracy is founded on a system of checks and balances, weights and counterweights," he told left-wingers. "And that's why Italians won't put everything in the left's hands, and so we're preparing for an extraordinary victory in a year's time like we had in two thousand," he thundered. The next General Election is due in May 2006, but many commentators wonder if Berlusconi's coalition can last that long. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Polish priest accused of spying on late pope
Could Poland's secret service have planted a mole inside the Vatican? That is the question being asked across the country today after Father Konrad Stanislaw Hejmo was accused of spying on the late Pope John Paul. The Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), the state agency which oversees the country's communist-era files says Hejmo informed on the Polish Pontiff during the 1980s when Poland's communist rulers were battling against the Solidarity movement. But the 69-year-old denies he ever knowingly collaborated or worked for the secret service however he did once handover documents about church life to a German man who may have been an agent. Poles are still mourning John Paul, who is credited with inspiring the Solidarity trade union movement's fight against communism. The government has not revealed what information Hejmo may have divulged, but some sources say it probably was not of much interest as he was not in the pope's inner circle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraqi government approved by parliament
The hands were raised, the voting was completed, and Iraq finally has a new government approved by the parliament. Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari has faced a few stumbling blocks along the way, but he has now successfully filled the effective power vacuum that existed since January's elections. "The journey was full of blood, words, sweat and tears until this day when our people gave you their trust to carry out this responsibility." It is a big administration: Prime Minister Jaafari, four deputy prime ministers and a total of 31 cabinet ministers. "The formation of the government was delayed but this should not be seen as a problem because this is the first elected government," explained Communications Minister Fuad Massum, an ethnic Kurd. "This delay was part of the democratic process because there is more than one person, party and side imposing its opinion," he added. Despite the air of celebration not everyone is happy. Sunni muslim politicians say the domination of Shi'ites is unfair. They are pressing Jaafari to name Sunnis to the handful of ministry posts still vacant to redress the balance. Iraq's first democratically elected government in more than 50 years has its work cut out to meet deadlines later this year. A new constitution has to be drawn-up by mid August, then put to a referendum before more parliamentary elections in December. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq jumps to centre stage in British election
With less than a week to go before general elections Britain's bitter campaign has exploded into life. On Wednesday confidential legal advice was leaked which warned Prime Minister Tony Blair the Iraq war might be illegal without a second UN resolution. Today Tony Blair has been forced to explain why advice ten days later expressed no such concerns. At a press conference Tony Blair said: "The Attorney General's advice was necessary in order to say the war could proceed lawfully. Contrary to the stuff that's been in the papers and in the past few days. He actually did advise that it was lawful to proceed on the 7th of March and on the 17th of March." Opposition parties have pounced on the secret report from the Attorney General as showing that Blair lied to the British people and his cabinet about the legal advice he had received before the war. Opposition leader Michael Howard: "The issue of Iraq boils down to one very simple question at the root of it all: If you can't trust Mr Blair on the decision to take the country to war, the most important decision a Prime Minister can take, how can you trust Mr Blair on anything else ever again." As Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, he wants to know exactly what it was that made the Attorney General change his mind. "It is imperative now for once and for all that Tony Blair comes clean with the British public as to what transpired over the course of those ten days." ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 28 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Putin's foreign policy criticised during Israel visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced criticism of his foreign policy decisions during his first ever visit to Israel. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government said Putin's suggestion that he host an international Middle East peace conference in the autumn was "premature". Then there was the issue of Israeli criticism of Russia's support for Iran's nuclear programme- Putin arguing any assistance given was for peaceful purposes. Later the president had to defend Russia's sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. "I want to tell you this, the systems we are providing to Syria are short-range anti-aircraft systems and do no threaten Israeli territory in any way," he said. Putin was accompanied by Israeli President Mosche Katzav during much of the trip, which included a visit to the Yad Vashem national Holocaust memorial on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The Kremlin organised the trip as part of what analysts believe is an effort to to widen Russian influence in the Middle East. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 27 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Syrian troops leave Lebanon
They are on the road to Damascus, after nearly three decades in Lebanon.The last remnants of the Syrian army have officially left Lebanon for good, pulling out across the border to a noisy welcome from their compatriots. Syria is painting this as a victory, the end of a military presence which began in 1976 when it intervened to help deal with the Lebanese civil war. A UN Security Council resolution passed last September demanded they leave, but it was not until the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in Februray that the withdrawal began in earnest. Amid the pomp and ceremony of the final parade, doubts have been raised in the international community over whether all of Syria's intelligence agents and officers have left Lebanon. A UN team is going to verify their withdrawal. There is also the question of Syrian influence in Lebanon, something which will be put to the test in Lebanese elections due in May. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Former Italian hostage criticises US version of events
A former hostage has criticised the US military for clearing American soldiers of any wrongdoing - after they killed her rescuer at a Baghdad checkpoint. Italian Nicola Calipari was shot dead in a car as it sped towards the Iraqi capital's airport - he had just secured the release of journalist Giuliana Sgrena. She has called their acquittal 'a slap in the face for the Italian government' and denied claims US troops had given them a warning before firing on the vehicle. "My opinion is that the responsibility for this should be sought at a higher level. They killed one of Italy's best intelligence agents. They cannot say that Nicola is responsibile for what happened," Sgrena said. A US military report said the soldiers were 'not culpable', Italy has refused to accept their conclusion. Calipari's death caused a national outcry - he lost his own life by apparently throwing himself over Sgrena. Italian leaders attended his funeral and he became a national hero. "They want to bury everything in the sand because the story is so delicate," said one Italian woman. "America would have come out of it better if it had used the old trick of blaming a low-ranking soldier - but a total acquittal? That's strange. I hope Italy will insist on further investigations," said another man. The report comes at a tricky time for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who supported the Iraq war despite strong public opposition. So far he has not commented on America's conclusion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlusconi presents new team to parliament
Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has presented his new cabinet and legislative programme to parliament. The media tycoon was forced to resign by his political allies last week following crushing defeats for his centre-right coalition in regional elections. Berlusconi outlined a new programme which clearly took account of demands from his coalition partners. "We are going to work to improve the purchasing power of families," he said "And try to attract investment and improve competitiveness for Italian business. At the same time we will give support to the South of the country at the same time as reducing public debt." Berlusconi seems to have esaped this political crisis, but his legal problems have not ended. Prosecutors have asked a judge to put the Prime Minister on trial for alleged corruption at his Mediaset TV station ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 26 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historic meeting for Taiwan and China
The leader of Taiwan's opposition is making an historic visit to China in a bid to ease tensions. Lien Chan, chairman of the nationalist party, is set to hold talks with President Hu Jintao. It will be the first meeting between communist and nationalist party leaders in nearly 60 years. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to retake it. Relations between the two, which have been uneasy for years, were strained further in March when a law was passed making it legal for China to use force against Taiwan, if it declares independence. Lien Chan supports unification with a democratic China, but not everyone supports him. There were cries of traitor as Chan embarked on his eight-day trip with chaotic scenes as his opponents and supporters clashed. Two people had to be taken to hospital. But despite the clashes, most opinion polls show the general public approves of the trip. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 25 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pope Benedict XVI celebrates inaugural mass
Pope Benedict XVI has been celebrating his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square. The Pontiff's first public sermon marked the formal beginning of his papacy. Three weeks after the death of Pope John Paul II, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims once again packed the square in front of St Peters basilica for the open air service. They repeatedly greeted the new Pope with raputurous applause. Royalty, presidents and prime ministers and leaders of other religions all gathered to hear the new leader of the 1.1 billion-member Roman Catholic Church. In his homily, delivered in Italian, the Pope urged humanity to "re-discover God if it wanted to transform the world's deserts of poverty and pain," he went on to say: "At this moment, weak servant of God that I am, I must assume this enormous task, which truly exceeds all human capacity. How can I do this? How will I be able to do it? Dear friends. At this moment there is no need for me to present a programme of governance. My real programme of governance is not to do my own will, not to pursue my own ideas, but to listen, together with the whole Church, to the word and the will of the Lord, to be guided by Him, so that He himself will lead the Church at this hour of our history." He also recommitted the church to the search for christian unity and continued dialogue with Jews. The former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the 16th pontiff to take the name Benedict, was elected in a secret conclave of the Roman Catholic Church's 115 voting cardinals last Tuesday. The world is now waiting to see what kind of a leader he will make. At 78, he is the oldest to be elected in three centuries. Many people say his task now is to unite, as his predecessor strove to do. Pope Benedict XVI takes over the Church at a time of dwindling congregations in Europe. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlusconi and new cabinet are sworn in
Just three days after resigning as Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi has been sworn back into office alongside his new-look team. Bloodied but unbowed after weeks of political tension, Berlusconi hopes the new mandate will give him a fresh chance to gear up for a general election which must take place by May 2006. Opinion polls suggest he and his allies are currently heading for defeat. Berlusconi was forced to step down by two of his own coalition partners who demanded radical changes after the ruling centre-right suffered a crushing defeat in recent regional polls. The key new appointment is that of former economy minister Giulio Tremonti who has been named one of two deputy prime ministers. This could well create tensions as the other deputy is Gianfranco Fini, who was instrumental in the ousting of Tremonti from his previous job during ferocious coalition feuding last year. The fresh line-up includes new communications, health and industry ministers. However the main portfolios including the economy, foreign and interior ministries, remain unchanged. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 24 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Japanese and Chinese leaders meet
The leaders of China and Japan, locked into their most bitter row in decades, have met to defuse the stand-off. The talks between Hu Jintao and Junichiro Koizumi took place in Jakarta on the sidelines of the Asia-Africa summit. The Chinese president backed efforts to resolve differences through dialogue. He added that Japan should honour its pledge not to support Taiwanese independence. But Beijing remains adamant that Tokyo must face up to its wartime past and correct school textbooks which it says gloss over atrocities committed against the Chinese during the Japanese occupation. Meanwhile around 200 nationalists took to the streets in Tokyo demanding that Beijing apologises for recent anti-Japan protests and pays compensation for damage done to Japanese property. They condemned Koizumi's apology at the Jakarta summit for Tokyo's past military aggression. Large-scale demonstrations have broken out across China in the last few weeks over the textbook affair and Japan's quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Romanian media holds vigil for Iraq hostages
Some 50 Romanian reporters have gathered in the main square of Bucharest to call for three of their colleagues to be freed by kidnappers in Iraq. The trio, a cameraman and two journalists, have been threatened with death unless their country pulls its troops out of Iraq within days. The father of abducted cameraman Sorin Miscoci was among those attending. "This is not strictly speaking a demonstration," he said. "It simply represents our suffering and sorrow. We have nowhere else to express it." New video pictures of the three were broadcast yesterday. Abducted last month, they are shown sitting on the floor barefoot, apparently handcuffed, as masked men stand by with guns. In Friday's footage, militants said they would kill the three unless Bucharest withdraws its soldiers from Iraq within four days. A fourth captive, the media team's translator, was shown
separately with guns pointed at his head. Bucharest has sent some
800 troops to Iraq and remains committed despite recent opinion polls
showing 55 percent of Romanians want them to come home. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 23 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moussaoui pleads guilty to September 11 charges
Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the US over the September 11, 2001 attacks, has has pleaded guilty to six charges of conspiracy. His lawyers had argued he was mentally unfit to enter a plea, but the judge disagreed. The 36-year-old French citizen of Moroccan origin was detained shortly before the September 11 attacks because of suspicions about his taking flying lessons in Minnesota. He told the court he was training to eventually fly a 747 into the White House, after being personally selected by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, but was not part of the "9/11 plot." US Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez reacted by saying that "Moussaoui and his co-conspirators were responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocents on September 11." Gonzalez told a news conference: "Four of these charges authorize a maximum penalty of death. And as you know, we are seeking the death penalty in this case, for reasons that are spelled out in detail in the U.S. 2002 Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty. The fact that Moussaoui participated in this terrorist conspiracy is longer in doubt." Moussaoui's trial had been delayed by legal wrangling. Some US officials initially said they believed he was to have been the "20th hijacker" on the day New York and Washington were hit. Others later said he was meant to have been part of a "second wave" of attacks which never happened. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlusconi wants new government sworn in within days
Talks between Italy's centre-right party chiefs are being concluded this morning, after President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi asked the prime minister to form a new government. If he succeeds, Silvio Berlusconi will avoid an early general election which he looked sure to lose. "I intend to reveal the whole cabinet list as soon as possible," he said yesterday, "so at the start of next week we can have a parliamentary confidence vote. In a few days the new government will be at work, to achieve the new objectives that we've agreed together." The crisis started with this month's regional elections. The centre-left opposition led by former European Commission President Romano Prodi won 12 out of 14 regions contested. On Friday, Francesco Rutelli, the head of the Margerita opposition party, said: "The government has failed. The best idea they've been able to come up with is presenting the same team again." Berlusconi was forced to step down by two coalition parties demanding strategy changes. The National Alliance and the Union of Christian Democrats have agreed in principle to join the new cabinet. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 22 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nato cautiously offers Ukraine alliance membership
Nato members have arrived for a meeting in Lithuania in which Ukraine's bid for membership of the alliance is top of the agenda. Foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, say they have plans to offer Kiev a fast track procedure towards joining Nato. But officials at the summit are treading carefully. This is the first time they have got together on former Soviet territory and they are keen not to step on Moscow's toes. Russia is taking part in the talks, signing a deal on Nato troops' transit rights over its territory but it is believed to be wary of Western European and US military influence stretching around its borders. In a bid to calm fears that a rush towards allowing Ukraine to join Nato may upset the balance of power in eastern Europe, the alliance held back from giving Kiev a target entry date. On the sidelines of the summit, the US and Russia appeared at odds over Belarus. Washington called it a "dictatorship" but Moscow said it opposed outside pressure for change. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talks open on Berlusconi bid for new Italy govt
The presidential palace in Rome is the focus of the latest chapter in Italy's political crisis. Talks are taking place there involving all parliamentary parties to try to assemble a new government that Silvio Berlusconi is again expected to lead. It is just a day since he handed in his resignation, but he is simply waiting for the green light from the president to get back to business as usual. Berlusconi quit as prime minister in response to demands from rebel parties within his own coalition. It was a strategic move, designed to keep the rebels happy and avoid an early general election that opinion polls suggest he and his allies would lose. Two parties in Berlusconi's coalition government piled on the pressure for radical changes following a comprehensive defeat for the ruling centre-right in recent regional polls. While the rebel allies have promised to serve in any new administration, it remains unclear if Berlusconi has managed to reach a deal on the formation of a fresh team. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 21 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I.N.Iraqi PM Allawi survives suicide bombing
Iraq's caretaker prime minister has survived an assassination attempt. A suicide bomber in a car attacked Iyad Allawi's convoy ahead of today's expected announcement of the country's new government. The outgoing premier escaped unhurt but at least one policeman was killed and several other people were injured. Al Qaeda in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attack on Allawi, whose bloc came third in January's historic elections that brought a Shi'ite majority to power. Disagreements over the distribution of ministries and on how the Sunni minority should be brought into the political process have held up the formation of the new administration. Whenever it does take over, it is clear that those in charge of Iraq will continue to face a huge security challenge. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Orthodox leaders give Benedict mixed welcome
Pope Benedict XVI has paid what will probably be his last visit to the Rome apartment he lived in when he was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. A large crowd gathered to greet him as he emerged after around two hours in the building. There has been a mixed reaction to Benedict's emergence however among Orthodox leaders. Russia's Orthodox spokesman, Father Vyacheslav Chaplin, would like better relations. "I hope that this very first contact with Benedict XVI as the pope, it's very important because at the moment we're very, very open to new approaches in our relations, for any ideas which will help us to return to the golden age of Orthodox-Catholic relations," he said. In Greece, Orthodox officials have welcomed the newly elected pope with optimism. But Bishop Chrisostomos of Zakynthos is worried about Benedict's conservativism. He said "If he is as he's appeared up to now, it will be a huge thorn, and it will make it difficult to continue the efforts for convergence made by his predecessor." he said. In Turkey, some have expressed concern that the new pope will try to block their country's hopes of entering into the European Union. Most sections of the Turkish press say the Vatican's influence should not be underestimated. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 20 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benedict XVI celebrates first mass as Pope
Pope Benedict XVI has celebrated his first Mass since being elected head of the Roman Catholic Church. The congregation in the Sistine Chapel in Rome was made up of the cardinals who selected him to become the Pontiff. The Pope outlined his main aims in an address. He said he felt guided by Pope John Paul II and that he intended to continue along the path of his predecessors. He remained committed, he said, to carrying out the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. He also indicated he intended to continue John Paul's effort to reach out to other religions, saying he would do everything in his power to promote ecumenism. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mideast. First step in Israeli Gaza pullout
Israeli forces have taken a first step in the evacuation of Jewish settler communities in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's controversial plan envisages the withdrawal of all settlements in the Palestinian territory and four in the West Bank. Some 30 containers loaded with furniture and equipment from an army base in Gush Khatif have been transferred to another military site across the border in Israel. The main phase of the pullout is scheduled to begin on July 20 but it may be delayed by three weeks to avoid clashing with an important religious holiday. A number of settler groups have warned they will resist attempts to move them from land they consider to be their biblical birthright. Sharon's government hopes a decision to put back the withdrawal will go some way to assuage that anger. He has had to overcome strong opposition from within his own cabinet to push ahead with the plan. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 19 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pope elected in forth cardinal vote his name is Joseph Ratzinger pope Benedetto XVI
A white smoke has billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the first full day of voting to elect a new Pope, indicating the decision has been taken. There are 115 cardinals taking part. Voting four times a day, their ballot papers are burnt after every second vote. An additive is thrown onto the flames to change the colour of the smoke: black for a failed vote, white if a new pontiff has been chosen. In the case of a successful ballot the bells of St Peter's Basilica will accompany the smoke, to help, if, as in today's case, the colour is not immediately clear. Crowds have been flocking to St Peter's Square to be the first to witness history being made. Onlookers today were initially a little confused, not only because of the smoke's ambiguous colour, but also because it billowed not once but three times. The Cardinals have to reach a two thirds majority if the ballot is to be successful. If after more than 33 votes, there is no winner they can switch to a simple majority voting system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italy's government in coalition crisis
Italy's government has been thrown into crisis with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi denying he had agreed to reshuffle his cabinet to avoid a coalition collapse. Earlier ministers said Berlusconi had accepted demands to quit in order to form a new government after one of the four cabinet parties quit the coalition. However, after meeting with the president, Berlusconi said he had neither resigned nor would he be reshuffling his cabinet. A spokesman for the president asked that Berlusconi explain his decision before the country's parliament. This, the Prime Minister says, he will probably do by the end of the week. The crisis was triggered on Friday when the Union of Christian Democrats pulled out of the ruling coalition demanding major changes following heavy losses in regional elections by the centre-right. Since then Berlusconi has received assurances from Umberto Bossi, the leader of Italy's Northern League that his party will remain within the coalition. That said, Bossi's second in command, Roberto Calderoli fell short of firm support for Berlusconi's moves. "Everything that has happened over the last few days," he said, "threatens to weaken both the Prime Minister and our reforms." Berlusconi is keen to be the first Prime Minsiter to serve a full term as head of a single administration and has always resisted demands to resign and form a new government. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N. I.Iraqi general gunned down
A senior member of the Iraqi government has been gunned down outside his house. It appears to be a targeted killing aimed at destabilising the Baghdad administration. The gunmen ambushed Major General Adnan Midhish Kharagoli as he arrived home with his nephew. Kharagoli worked as an adviser to the Iraqi defence minister, and it is reported he was involved in the assault on the town of Madaen yesterday to tackle what appears to have been a hoax hostage crisis. "About 15 gunmen disguised as Iraqi National Guard and some civilians opened fire. He was killed over here here and the captain was killed at the door of the kitchen," said one eyewitness. The killing comes amid mounting pressure on Iraqi politicians to calm sectarian tensions and form a new government and bring the security situation in the country under control. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 18 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special mass before conclave begins
The 115 Roman Catholic cardinal due to pick the new Pope have taken part in a special mass in St Peter's Basilica, praying for divine inspiration. They disappear this afternoon to select the candidate who will lead the Church, and are expected to come to a conclusion within the next few days. The voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel, which has been combed for bugging devices to ensure total secrecy. The cardinals will vote four times a day, with the ballot papers burned in a stove with additives to make black smoke visible when they have been unsuccessful and white smoke to show they have chosen a new pontiff. Most analysts say the cardinals are effectively split between the reformists and the conservatives. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger led the ceremony, and called for the Roman Catholic Church to reject the fashions and trends of modern life and to protect its identity. Although he is considered one of the leading candidates it is thought his views may be too divisive. It is thought the cardinals may select a compromise candidate who can win the two-thirds majority needed to be elected. There is speculation the next Pope will come from the developing world. But Europe's still in the running - it is home to just 25 per cent of the world's Catholics but 50 per cent of the cardinals in the -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N. I.No captives found in mystery Iraq hostage taking
Fears of a massive hostage crisis near Baghdad have died down after a raid by Iraqi and US forces found no-one was being held. Conflicting stories have emerged from the town of Madaen. On Sunday, some 1500 troops were deployed after reports Sunni extremists had taken Shi'ites hostage and threatened to kill them unless all Shi'ites left the area. Some said up to 150 people were being held, others only three. At the height of the confusion distraught families demonstrated outside the town, some clutched photos of loved ones they said had been abducted. It is still unclear what happened. The Iraqi government accused al Qaeda of trying to provoke a Sunni-Shi'ite civil war. But an internet message apparently from the group said the crisis was fabricated as a pretext to raid the town. Madaen lies south east of Baghdad in an area dubbed the "Triangle of Death" due to the high frequency of guerilla attacks. It has about 10,000 inhabitants, about half are Shi'ite the other half Sunni. On Sunday, in Basra, in southern Iraq, demonstrators gathered calling for an end to sectarian strife. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basque nationalists win regional elections
The Basque Nationalists hopes of holding a poll on greater autonomy have suffered a blow following their weak showing in Sunday's regional elections. Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe had been seeking strong support for his proposals. But his moderate party failed to gain an overall majority, losing four of its thirty-three seats in the seventy-five member parliament. Nevertheless, Ibarretxe remained upbeat. "The game has become a little complicated, but we are going to win," he said. With nine seats, the balance of power in the new Basque parliament is now held by the Communist party, which was virtually unknown until it won the backing of the banned Batasuna party ten days ago. The Basque branch of the ruling Socialists and the right-wing Popular Party have both talked about teaming up in the Basque country if it meant unseating Ibarretxe. But as the results became clear, there was little sign of a either side calling a truce in their fierce rivalry. Popular Party leader, Maria Sahill, said she was "disgusted by how ETA-Batasuna could influence the outcome." She blamed Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for not trying to ban the communists saying his: "lack of action meant four more years of suffering for everyone else." With the communists now having the option of lending badly needed support to Ibarretxe to form a government, the Basque country looks set for days if not weeks of trading and talks about power sharing. Ibarretxe called the election early after the Spanish parliament ruled out holding talks over his plan to give the Basque country more control over taxation, the courts and its foreign relations. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 17 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EU urges unconvinced French public to back constitution
The foreign minister of Luxembourg, which holds the rotating EU presidency, has urged the French to back the EU constitution in next month's referendum. France's Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, meeting his 24 EU counterparts in Luxembourg today, had a stark message for his compatriots. He said if they rejected the constitution they would be stuck with the existing EU treaties, which he called "unsatisfactory", for a very long time. On Thursday a two-hour TV debate saw President Jacques Chirac face questions on the constitution from a young audience. Opinion polls published since then suggest he need not have bothered.The polls show 56 per cent of those intending to vote on May 29 will vote "No", versus 44 per cent in favour of the EU charter. One Paris newspaper said the Chirac special, watched by seven million people,was "on the whole sad and quite counter-productive." Pierre Giacommetti, managing director of France's IPSOS polling organisation, commented: "President Chirac talked about France becoming the black sheep of Europe, and of a European construction that would be halted (by a rejection of the constitution). I feel that argument is a problem for the French, they're still waiting to be shown what the point is in voting Yes." The result is not a foregone conclusion; a third of the French are reportedly undecided. Analysts say a "No" from one of the EU's founding members would almost certainly kill off the treaty, although several countries say they would press ahead with ratifying it.
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Last Updated, 16 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Early elections on the cards in Italy
Early elections may be on the way in Italy as a political crisis even premier Silvio Berlusconi may not able to survive erupts in Rome. A vital Berlusconi partner in his Forza Italia-led coalition government, the UDC, pulled out of cabinet on Friday taking its four ministers with it.The centrists want a change in direction and a cabinet reshuffle. However Berlusconi said on Friday night that either the UDC would rejoin the government, or early elections would be the result, dismissing any idea he would perform a cabinet reshuffle under pressure. However he added a deal approving a new team had been worked out with the UDC and approved, but that the leadership had had second thoughts. Berlusconi expressed confidence that they would not walk away from a deal they had helped draw up, but if they did, that would be that, and an early election would be the result. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 15 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several dead as fire destroys Paris hotel
At least 20 people have been killed and eleven others hurt in a fire that swept through a hotel in central Paris early this morning. The blaze gutted the Paris-Opera hotel situated behind the luxury department store, Galeries Lafayette. It is thought many of the victims were immigrants housed in the hotel by city authorities. Children and foreigners are believed to be among the dead and injured. Emergency services have described the fire as one of the deadliest to have hit Paris in the last 20 years. Around 15 people, some of whom jumped from the hotel's windows, were taken to hospital in a serious condition suffering from burns, trauma and the effects of smoke inhalation. In total, some 250 firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control. By 7a.m local time this morning, smoke was still seeping from the blackened windows of the hotel's top two floors. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italy's political crisis deepens
The Christian Democrat allies in Silvio Berlusconi's ruling coalition have withdrawn four ministers from his cabinet. Another coalition partner, the New Socialist Party, has also withdrawn support. The pressure is an apparent bid to force Berlusconi to resign and then form a new government. The head of the Christian Democrats, Marco Follini, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, has made it clear he favours early elections. Italy's deepening political crisis follows the coalition's poor showing in regional elections earlier this month. Though the CDU party leaders have withdrawn four ministers, they say they will continue their support in Parliament. Berlusconi - the head of the Forza Italia party, which is the leading grouping in the coalition - is against elections personally now and wasn't keen on the idea of a reshuffle either. That, though, has been imposed on him. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 14 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N. I.Baghdad rocked by twin bomb blasts
Two almost simultaneous suicide bombs have exploded in central Baghdad, killing at least 15 people. They detonated in quick succession about 200 metres apart on a busy street during the morning rush hour, near the Interior Ministry. Some 35 people were wounded in the attacks. One eyewitness said he thought children were among the dead. The blasts occurred near Iraqi police vehicles protecting an entrance to the ministry. An officer said he thought the convoy he was travelling in was the target. Coming after a small downturn in violence over recent months, the attacks underscore the task facing the newly-elected government regarding security. In the northern oil-rich city of Kirkuk, a roadside bomb killed four Iraqi civilians and wounded three others. And in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown, at least 22 people were wounded when a fuel tanker was blown up near a US base. It is the latest in a wave of attacks this week, thought to be carried out by insurgents in a bid to topple the US-backed Iraqi government and force foreign forces to leave the country. At the weekend, some 300,000 people protested in Baghdad against the continuing presence of foreign troops, toppling effigies of George W Bush, Tony Blair and Saddam Hussein. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fears of deadly flu outbreak diminishes
Fears of a deadly global flu epidemic are diminishing as laboratories around the world destroy samples of the virus they were sent by mistake. Testing kits containing the potentially lethal H2N2 flu strain were dispatched to thousands of labs in 18 countries. The World Health Organisation had warned they could easily cause a flu outbreak if they were not handled properly. Mexico was one of the countries affected. Pablo Curie, from the health department, said: "We went to these labs and followed the procedures for destroying this type of material. We proceeded with the destruction and can confirm that they have been destroyed. We've informed the World Health Organisation, so Mexico is free of any risk at the moment." The virus killed between one and four million people in 1957. Since 1968 it has not been included in flu vaccines, anyone born after that time would have little or no immunity to it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mideast. Lebanese elections in doubt after PM resigns
As Lebanon marks the 30th anniversary of the start of the country's civil war, apolitical crisis is deepening. The Pro-Syrian prime minister-designate Omar al-Karami stepped down yesterday saying he could not form a cabinet. Observers say legislative elections scheduled for next month may now be in doubt. Karami, who has quit twice in six weeks, says he has hit a brick wall in trying to confirm a line-up that would be charged with organising a new ballot. The resignation comes as Syria nears the completion of its withdrawal from Lebanon, and deepens a political crisis triggered by the February assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. Despite fears elections may now have to be put off for weeks or even months, Karami has said he still believes they can be held next month. President Emile Lahoud is due to hold consultations with lawmakers on Friday to appoint a new Prime Minister. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 13 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- German hostages freed unharmed
A potentially tragic hostage crisis in Germany has ended peacefully. The drama began in mid afternoon in Ennepetal in the Ruhr, when a man on a bus carrying a group of schoolchildren took four of them hostage. Armed with a couple of kitchen knives, he herded about 10 pupils to the back of the bus and forced them to tie themselves up. The boys in the group managed to escape after the vehicle stopped leaving four girls behind. The man is an Iranian known to police who was allegedly trying to pressure authorities into allowing his family to join him. He then fled to a nearby home, whose female occupant escaped, then holed up in the cellar with his captives. Special forces stormed the house in the early evening, freeing the girls aged between 11 and 16. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italy faces penalties over budget deficit breach
Italy looks likely to face sanctions in the near future for breaching the European Union's budget deficit pact. Joaquin Almunia, economic affairs commissioner, said he will present a report on the issue before the end of June. The agreement states a country's deficit must be no more than three per cent of its GDP. According to EU officials, Italy's deficit will be 3.6 per cent this year and 4.6 per cent in 2006. Italy's Finance Minister Dominico Siniscalco suggested his country was not really to blame, saying it was important not to confuse the causes with the symptoms and the cause of the deficit was the economic reality. Almunia said the EU's executive commission is keeping a close eye on the budget situations of Greece, France and Germany. German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said he would step up measures to rein in the country's deficit while avoiding actions that could hurt growth. Likewise, EU finance ministers accepted assurances from their Greek colleague that he would keep its borrowing in check and agreed not to impose further penalties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rumsfeld warns Iraq against purges
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has urged Iraq's new leaders to stamp out corruption and croynism. He made his comments on a surprise visit to country during which he held talks with Interim President Jalal Talabani. Afterwards, the pair met reporters, but struggled at times to make themselves understood to Iraqi and US journalists. The garbled exchanges ensured the press conference ended abruptly, but not before Rumsfeld expressed concern about possible purges of Iraq's old authorities, which he said could fuel the insurgency. Later, he refused to be drawn on when US forces might be brought home: "We don't have an exit strategy. We have a victory strategy. The reason we're here is not because the American people or the US government covets anyone's land, anyone's oil or anyone's people - we don't," he said. Rumsfeld also said the United States would oppose any move to delay Iraq's political schedule before the next round of voting in December. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Poles quit Iraq
Poland has become the 17th nation in the Iraq war coalition to announce its troops are to leave. Defence minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski broke the news in Warsaw. "At the expiry of the Security Council's mandate at the end of this year Poland's contribution in the stabilisation mission should finish, due to our estimation of the Iraqi political situation along with our possibilities, both financial and regarding human resources", he said. The Poles have commanded a multinational division of 4000 men, contributing 1700 to the total. It helps look after a south-central swathe of the country. Poland was an early and strong supporter of the US, although public opinion is against the deployment. 17 soldiers have been killed during the operation.
Israel plays down differences with US
Israel has asked long-time mediator Egypt to help ensure moderate Palestinian voices prevail over radicals when its troops withdraw from Gaza. Israel fears militant Islamic groups such as Hamas could fill a vacuum left by its security forces. Speaking in Cairo, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom appealed to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to use his influence. "Additional steps must be taken to remove the fate of the peace process from the hands of the terrorists and put it back in the hands of the moderates," he said. Meanwhile, Israel has sought to play down differences with the United States after President George W Bush told Prime Minister Ariel Sharon he must not expand settlements in the West Bank. The US-backed road map for peace calls for a freeze on settlement growth. Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat has urged Sharon to listen to Bush's message: "We hope that Prime Minister Sharon will heed the call of President Bush to have a full cessation of settlement activities." In Maaleh Adumin itself, the construction continues. Residents there said they do not see themselves as settlers as they consider the disputed West Bank settlement as an integral part of Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv, protesters opposed to Israel's planned pullout from the Gaza Strip, chained shut 167 schools. Arriving students found locks on gates with placards saying: "Jews don't expel Jews." It was the latest in a widening cycle of protest by settlers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Private burial for Monaco's Prince Rainier
As mourning continues for Prince Rainier of Monaco it has been revealed that his burial is to be a private ceremony, with only around fifty people outside the family invited to attend. Monaco's State Minister, Patrick Leclerc, indicated these would be heads of state or members of other royal households. The funeral is due to take place on Friday. Prince Rainier died last Wednesday at the age of 81. He has been succeeded by his son Prince Albert. Mourning for the late Monarch is being very tightly controlled. International diplomats paid their respects yesterday - today it is the turn of those who work in Monaco but live elsewhere. On Sunday residents of the tiny state on France's southern coast were the first members of the public to be allowed to file past the coffin. The prince's body is lying in state in the chapel of Saint John the Baptist in the royal palace. The funeral will take place amid heavy security involving officers from France's national police force. Meanwhile, the health of Prince Rainier's son-in-law, Prince Ernst August is said to be improving. The husband of Princess Caroline was taken to hospital with an acute pancreatic infection last Tuesday. But officials said he would stay in an intensive care unit because of the risk of further complications. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 12 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sharon set for ranch meeting with Bush
Arriving in Texas for a meeting with US President George W Bush, Israel's Ariel Sharon could find himself facing some awkward questions. Bush is expected to reaffirm his support for Sharon's Gaza withdrawal plan but may also discuss his planned expansion of a major Jewish settlement in the West Bank. The new homes would contravene the US-backed road map for peace. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Bush's Crawford ranch, fearful Sharon's latest plans for expansion would largely cut off the West Bank from the eastern Arab part of Jerusalem. Violence flared in the Gaza Strip over the weekend. Israeli troops killed three unarmed Palestinian youths on Saturday and on Sunday Palestinian militants retaliated, firing dozens of mortar bombs at Jewish settlements in Gaza. No one was hurt. Meanwhile, Israeli police clashed with both ultranationalist Jews and Muslims over access to a site both consider holy in Jerusalem. Soldiers stopped Palestinians under the age of 45 from entering what the Jews call Temple Mount and the Muslims know as al-Haram al-Sharif as part of an operation to thwart the nationalist Jews, who had called a rally at the site. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kyrgyz MPs accept Akayev resignation
Kyrgyzstan's parliament has voted to accept the resignation of ousted President Askar Akayev. It and failed to accept his abdication four times last week. The country will now hold presidential elections on July 10. Acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has already said he will stand. Akayev stepped down last week but technically remained in power until the parliamentary vote. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe - the OSCE - said delays were harming stability in the central Asian republic. The Supreme Court has acquitted opposition leader Felix Kulov of corruption charges, clearing his way to run for president. The former police chief left the court to applause from hundreds of supporters gathered outside. He was sentenced to seven years in 2001 but was sprung from jail during last month's lightning coup in the former Soviet state. Akayev ruled Kyrgyzstan for almost 15 years. Parliamentary deputies initially rejected the veteran leader's offer to leave office, saying it was too dignified a way for him to quit the political stage. Akayev fled to Moscow last month when protesters angered by flawed parliamentary elections stormed his offices and the opposition seized power. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 11 April, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlusconi urged to call election or reshuffle cabinet
Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is under pressure to call a snap general election. His deputy prime minister, Marco Follini, made the call on Sunday in response to the ruling coalition's defeat in regional elections last week, in which the opposition won 11 of 13 regions. Communications Minister Maurizio Gaspari, a member of the right-wing National Alliance party that makes up the ruling coalition, also maintained the pressure. He said the coalition could not minimise what had happened and a new reshuffled government was needed, though still headed by Berlusconi. The head of the opposition Margherita Party, Francesco Rutelli, was on the offensive. He said his party "had a programme in place not only to win elections but, more importantly, to govern the country, to change it, to put it back on track, especially economically and socially". The fear now in the ruling coalition is that things can only get worse if the economy does not improve. The Milan paper Corriere della Sera, on Sunday, urged Silvio Berlusconi to step down and save the country a year of political agony. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 10 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mideast. Israel-Palestinian tension ahead of rally by right-wing Jews
Israeli police have tightened security around the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. They say they will bar Jewish activists from carrying out plans to enter the site and hold a rally there later on Sunday. Palestinian militants have threatened to abandon a three-month old truce with Israel if Jewish activists - notably from the far-right group Revava - do go to the shrine. There were widespread Palestinian protests on Saturday. A Fatah rally in Rafah drew 8,000 Palestinians, among them Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Shaath. At Gaza University, thousands pledged to disrupt the Jewish rally at the al-Aqsa compound. Tension has declined drastically since Mohammed Abbas succeeded Yasser Arafat as Palestinian president but a provocation at the shrine could end that. In an apparently unrelated incident, Israeli troops fired at a group of Palestinian youths playing football in the Rafah refugee camp. Three youths were killed. Militants said they reserved the right to respond to the incident. Palestinian hospital officials said two of the youths were 15, and the third was 14. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- IRAQ. Rebels kill 15 Iraqi soldiers
There has been a massive anti-US protest in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on the second anniversary of Saddam Hussein's overthrow. The rally was called by the radical Shit'ite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr. Chanting "No to America" and "No to the occupiers", thousands poured into Firdus Square where Saddam Hussein's statue was torn down by US soldiers. It was a largely peaceful demonstration aimed at urging US troops to pull-out and speedier trials for Saddam and his aides. But it has been another day of bloody violence elsewhere. Insurgents killed 15 Iraqi soldiers travelling in a convoy near Latifiya in a lawless area known as the "triangle of death." It followed the assassination overnight of a senior aide to Moqtada al-Sadr. His colleagues say he was gunned down as he made his way into Baghdad to take part in today's demonstration. Meanwhile, authorities are examining the bodies of five people found dead who are believed to have been Iraqi National Guards .----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles and Camilla wed
At last, after a 35-year affair, Charles and Camilla have made it legal. Camilla Parker-Bowles - with her "Yes" - has gone from being a mere commoner to being the second most senior woman in the British royal family after Queen Elizabeth. The Queen - as head of the Church of England - declined to attend the civil ceremony but was present at the service of blessing in St.George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. In the ceremony, the two middle-aged divorcees acknowledged their manifold sins and wickednesses and pledged to forsake all others. They held their first walkabout after the service and were rewarded with cheers from the crowd, though there were some boos. The couple then left for their honeymoon in Scotland with the words "Prince" and "Duchess" written on the windscreen of their car. Charles and Camilla - now Duchess of Cornwall - arrived at Aberdeen airport on Saturday evening. Staff there presented the newly-weds with a bottle of Lochnagar whisky. They may well be drinking that during their honeymoon at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate. And they'll doubtless need to because the Sunday papers in the UK point to three opinion polls revealing the British want William - and not Charles - to be their next monarch. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 9 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles and Camilla to tie the knot after 35-year romance
Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles will finally tie the knot today after a 35-year romance. The wedding was postponed for 24 hours due to the Pope's funeral, which was attended by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Tony Blair. A brief civil ceremony will take place at Windsor town hall west of London. It will not be attended by the Queen. She and Prince Philip will be at the blessing which will follow at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Eight hundred guests have been invited at the reception. Charles and Camilla announced their engagement in February, putting an end to much speculation over their long-running love affair. They have in effect been living together for years. But Camilla faces an uphill struggle to replace the beloved Princess Diana an to win the affection of the British people who could become her subjects: as the wife of the heir to the throne, she could one day be Queen. "I'm pleased for Prince Charles, pleased for Camilla. Hope they're happy together. He's going to make an honest woman of her - couldn't carry on living together like that," said one man. "Queen Camilla, that's still a bit of a touchy subject," said a woman. "I don't think I'd be happy with Queen Camilla, but I just want them to be happy really." While opinion polls suggest a majority of Britonss accept the wedding - they also show less than 10 percent support Camilla becoming Queen. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mideast. Palestinian militants threaten to end truce
Palestinian militants have threatened to end a three-month truce if Jewish activists enter the sensitive Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. Several thousand Palestinians marched in Gaza to back up the warning. It came after Israel said it would ban non-Muslims from the site to prevent far-right Israelis from meeting there. They have vowed to go ahead with the planned rally on Sunday. David Ha'ivri, chairman of the far-right Jewish group Revava, said: "We are prohibited by the police from praying on Temple Mount and the situation is unacceptable. We want to change that because the Temple Mount is the holiest place for the Jewish people." The mosque is located on one of the holiest sites in both Islam and Judaism - Jews call it Temple Mount, to Muslims it is knowns as the Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary. Thousands of police have been deployed around the site which has been a flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian violence in the past. Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon's visit there in 2000 sparked the second intifada. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 8 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Millions bid farewell to Pope
Pope John Paul II's funeral has taken place according to the most ancient traditions of the Vatican. Twelve pall bearers carried his coffin from St Peter's Basilica to the music of choirs singing in Latin, to lay it on the floor in front of the main altar. It was a simple casket, made of cypress wood, apparently to represent the Pope's humility. This is the same site where 26 years ago Karol Wojtyla emerged as head of the Catholic church stunning the world as the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years. As if in homage to the most travelled Pope in history there were readings in many different languages, Spanish, French, Swahili and Polish to name but a few. Further homage was paid to the Pontiff by the high number of dignitaries present, four kings, five queens and 70 heads of state or government. Within their ranks, the US, British, French, Israeli, Afghani, Iranian and Palestinian leaders. But the world's powerful were also brushing shoulders with ordinary people, an estimated two million pilgrims have converged on Rome. Cardinal Ratzinger delivered the homily. He remembered the Pope's youth, only at the end did he dwell briefly on the Pontiff's very public suffering in his final years. He then told the hundreds of thousands of people packed into St Peter's square: "We can be sure our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of his Father's house, that he sees and blesses us all." The homily was frequently interrupted by waves of applause as the crowds bid their final farewell to the Pope. "Santo Subito" they cried: make him a Saint immediately. After the funeral mass the coffin was carried into St Peter's Basilica to the Vatican Grottos, his cypress casket to be wrapped in red ribbons, then sealed in a second zinc coffin, then in a third to be buried in the ground near the spot where St Peter's tomb is located. His grave will be marked by a simple marble slab bearing his name. There were not only outpourings of grief in Italy today, a Pope who travelled some 30 times around the world during his reign was remembered right across the globe. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Political friends and foes rub shoulders at Vatican
Seating arrangements for the Pope's funeral will require the Vatican's most delicate diplomacy as political foes come a little too close for comfort. The Iranian delegation will be keeping an icy distance from the US and Israeli presidents. Israel is not recognised by Tehran, whose nuclear programme has exacerbated tensions both with the Jewish state and the US. Tehran and Washington have been sworn enemies since the Islamic revolution of 1979. Iranian clerics still refer to America as the "Great Satan", while Washington has called Iran part of an "axis of evil". In another long-standing war of words, Washington has recently described Cuba as an outpost of tyranny. Leader Fidel Castro is not attending but has sent an envoy. Also present is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose country is under intense international pressure to fully withdraw its troops from Lebanon. A series of bombings there blamed by some on Syrian-backed security services has done nothing to ease the crisis. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's grudge against Britain's premier Tony Blair also cast a shadow over the proceedings. While pleasantries between rivals are exchanged in the spirit of the Pope's lifelong commitment to world peace, it will be hard to forget the realities of global conflict. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prayers for Pope around the world
Filipinos stopped to watch the funeral of the Pope in the capital Manila. Catholics here have a special affinity for the leader of the church. The late Pope twice visited this country during his reign. Millions of Catholics who could not get to Italy have been paying their last respects in a myriad of services around the world. Roman Catholics in Moscow also followed the proceedings in any way they could as church bells tolled across the Russian capital. There were similar scenes in Mexico, where thousands stayed up all night to hear a special tribute and watch the funeral service on giant screens. Crowds of people threw flowers at the white popemobile, once used by the pontiff as it made its way toward the Basilica. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monaco royal put in intensive care
Monaco's tragedy-struck royals could be facing a fresh misfortune. Prince Ernst August of Hannover, the husband of Princess Caroline, has been rushed into intensive care. He was taken to hospital on Monday for pancreas problems. Doctors say he is no longer in a coma, and have described his condition as serious but not irreversible. He is Caroline's third husband. She lost her second, Stefano Casiraghi, in a speedboat accident in 1990. It is a situation Monaco could really do without, as it mourns the death of its much-loved sovereign, Prince Rainier, who passed away on Wednesday. There is a sense of an end of an era in the principality after a reign lasting56 years which saw Monaco transformed from a sleepy Mediterranean outcrop into one of Europe's wealthiest and most glamorous locations. Rainier will be buried on April 15. He is succeeded by his son, Prince Albert. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two killed in suicide bombing in Cairo
What Egyptian authorities are describing as a suicide attack in Cairo has killed a French tourist along with the bomber, and injured 16 others. Early investigations suggest the attack was carried out by an Egyptian using a homemade device with gunpowder and nails. Nine Egyptians, four Americans, and three French nationals were taken to hospital for treatment. The American embassy has warned its citizen to avoid the busy market area, popular with tourists, and to avoid in general "areas of Cairo in which large numbers of tourists congregate". A political analyst said this latest in a string of attacks appeared to confirm a trend towards assaults on Westerners rather than a campaign against the tourist industry infrastructure, which has been targeted in the past by Islamic militants. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 7 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rumours grow about early Italian election
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi now says he may consider holding early general elections. This follows the hammering his Forza Italia-led coalition government got in last weekend's regional elections. This reverses what he said only 48 hours ago, and comes in an atmosphere of rumours flying about dissatisfaction within the coalition. Four parties are in government, and two leaders have reportedly asked Berlusconi to resign and go to the country in June. Gianfranco Fini, his foreign minister and leader of the National Alliance and Marco Follini, leader of the UDC centrists, both spoke out yesterday to deny the rumours. But the Northern League's Umberto Bossi says he is not against an early poll. A government reshuffle is an alternative, a change his coalition allies have already been demanding. The press is starting to wonder if Berlusconi has lost his golden touch, even Il Foglio, a paper partially controlled by his wife. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- IRAQ. Kurdish leader sworn in as Iraqi president
The veteran Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani has been sworn in as the new Iraqi president. He is the country's first democratically-elected head of state in 50 years and the first non-Arab president of an Arab nation. The 71-year-old was sworn in at a ceremony in Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone. He pledged to work with devotion to preserve the independence and sovereignty of Iraq and its democratic and federal system. Vice-presidents Ghazi al-Yawar and Adel Abdul Mahdi were also worn in. Talabani has named Islamist Shi'ite leader Ibrahim Jaafari as Iraq's new prime minister. Saddam Hussein watched the presidential council's election on television yesterday. Seeing the election of a Kurd and sworn enemy as president had left him shaken, according to the Human Rights minister. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 6 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mourners wait for hours to say goodbye to Pope
An estimated half a million people have lined up deep into the night to say a final farewell to Pope John Paul II. Hour after hour they filed past the body of the Pontiff in St Peter's Basilica. Those who tried to stop and pray were asked to move on. The Pontiff is set to remain on view until his burial in the church on Friday. Flanked by four Swiss guards, he lies with a silver crucifix under one arm and a rosary in his hands. After his death at the age of 84 on Saturday the line of those planning to come and pay their respects has grown. Authorities in Rome expect two million people to converge on the Vatican City for the funeral. World leaders due to attend include George W Bush, Kofi Annan, Tony Blair, Gerhard Schroeder and Jacques Chirac, prime ministers and presidents from across Latin America, Asia and Africa. The doors to the church were briefly closed overnight to allow it to be cleaned - before another day of patient waiting, and mourning, began. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 5 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italian centre-right slumps in regional elections
Romano Prodi has been given a huge boost in Italy's regional elections, setting the stage for his bid to unseat Silvio Berlusconi from power in a national vote next year. The centre-left leader was delighted with the results, which saw the ruling coalition crushed. "When we are united and we make propositions, we win. We have built an opposition and today we've had a big win, both in terms of votes and regions" he said. Berlusconi had warned his supporters to brace for a mid-term backlash in protest at Italy's economic problems. But nobody had predicted such a devastating defeat. The prime minister's centre-right coalition lost control of 11 of the 13 regions at stake. The governing parties only held control of two northern strongholds, Lombardia and Veneto. The Pope's death meant the cancellation of the last days of campaigning, but turnout was still high at over 71 per cent. Italy's regional leaders have significant political power and manage large budgets. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 4 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rome prepares for influx of pilgrims
Rome is preparing for one of the greatest influxes of pilgrims ever seen in the Italian capital. Up to two million people are expected to congregate at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Security forces face a massive logistics challenge to ensure the city is safe for the event, which will be attended by dozens of world leaders. Four main roads will be used for access to the Eternal City, and car parks have been established along the way. Tents are also being set up for emergency medical care, and temporary toilets and drinking fountains are being built. To help house visitors several sports venues, including Rome's Olympic Stadium, are being used. As security forces prepare for one of their biggest challenges ever, others are getting ready for business. Religious merchandising has enjoyed a boost in the past days, with the Pope's books selling briskly over the internet. For the many souvenir shops dotted around the Vatican, busy and fruitful times lie ahead. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italy votes amid grief for Pope
Voting resumes this morning in regional elections in Italy, which have been overshadowed by the death of the pope. The poll is seen as mid-term test for the centre-right government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Analysts say a low turnout could damage Berlusconi more than the opposition. As polling booths closed last night turnout was running at around 55 percent. A total of 14 of Italy's 20 regional governments are being contested in this election. Berlusconi's Forza Italia, holds eight of those. Despite the mourning across the country, political leaders urged people to get out and vote. But even before the death of the Pope the election had failed to rouse much interest in the public. This was not helped by the parties' decision to suspend campaigning when it became clear John Paul was dying. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 3 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Millions travel to Rome to remember the Pope
Roman Catholic cardinals gather in Rome today for the first time since the Pope's death. The princes of the Catholic church are meeting to fix a date for the start of their conclave that will choose the next pontiff. Pope John Paul II, died on Saturday night, ending a historic but sometimes divisive papacy spanning 26 years. The Vatican says he suffered irreversible heart failure and septic shock. His body will be taken to St Peter's Basilica later to allow ordinary people to pay their last respects. The Cardinals are expected to pick Friday for the funeral but it is not yet known where he wished to be buried. Preparations are already well underway for the ceremony that is expected to draw the greatest tide of pilgrims and world leaders to the Vatican in its history. Yesterday, up to 200,000 worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square to hear the Pope's own words read out at a Requiem Mass. The 84-year-old's death has unleashed an outpouring of grief far beyond the confines of the tiny Vatican state. Sadness combined with a massive sense of loss, but also gratitude and relief that his pain was not prolonged. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Who will be the next leader of the Catholic Church?
After more than a quarter century in the papacy, Pope John Paul outlived many of those once considered possible successors. But through his choice of cardinals, John Paul increased the odds that one of his men will be the next leader of the Catholic Church. However there are no clear favourites. The College of Cardinals surprised everyone by opting for Karol Wojtyla in 1978 making the question of papal succession as unpredictable as any in recent history. Dionigi Tettamanzi, the cardinal of Milan, is thought to be the popular choice among Italians for whom they want to take over the papacy. He is considered to be a moderate reformist. But critics say he only speaks Italian and shies away from the media's spotlight. Nigeria's Francis Arinze is the only black cardinal who is spoken of as a possible successor as he was hand-picked by the Pope to handle the Vatican's relations with other major religions. Many observers believe the next Pope will come from Brazil, home to the world's largest number of Catholics and Claudio Hummes is one of many Latin American Cardinals tipped for the top. Another leading light is Mexican Cardinal, Norberto Carrera Rivera. An outspoken critic of corruption, human rights abuse and foreign debt, his pro-life views command great respect amongst the country's clergy. A conservative widely regarded as the Pope's right-hand man is Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. The German theologian supported reforms put forward by the Vatican council but recently he's become renowned for his more conservative views on subjects like birth control and unity among churches. Vatican analysts say he's the watchdog of the faith. But he may feel his time's up. Now 77, he say he's tried retiring several times but the Pope turned him down on each occasion. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 2 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prayers worldwide as Pope battles for life
The vigil at the Vatican continues. Prayers are being said around the world for Pope John Paul II who remains close to death. There have been no further statements from church authorities about the Pope's health since one last night which indicated he was extremely weak. It said his heart and kidneys were failing, his breathing was shallow and his blood pressure had dropped dangerously low. In St Peter's Square in Rome a crowd of tens of thousands thinned during the night. But one woman reflected the views of those who stayed. "We pray for good news but it's in God's hands." Another man said it was a very difficult time and he hoped the Pope would find serenity. "It's not suprising to see all these people, said one man. "It's because of him we've all come here and we don't want to leave," said another woman who had come to join the vigil. Hours earlier St Peter's rang to the sound of some 70,000 people praying together. It was a rosary - a prayer said to be special to Pope John Paul. As they prayed the crowd could not know if the Pope, lying on his death bed within the Vatican walls high above them, could hear and take comfort from their words. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mideast. Dozen hurt by bomb in Lebanese resort
At least 12 people have been wounded by a bomb in Lebanon. The blast ripped through a shopping centre in Broummana, a Christian resort village east of Beirut. The bomb exploded in the underground car park of the centre, shattering windows and setting several cars on fire. It is the fourth attack on Christian areas over the last two weeks and opposition politicians blame pro-Syrian militants. It came shortly after the speaker of Lebanon's parliament said the Prime Minister would try to form a government to supervise elections in May. Omar Karami had previously said he would resign this week after failing to persuade the anti-Syrian opposition to join a unity cabinet. Lebanon's been in political turmoil since former Prime Minister, Rafik al-Hariri, was assassinated in a huge bomb attack that killed 19 people in the heart of Beirut last month. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 1 April, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catholics urged to pray for critically ill Pope
It is an anxious time for Roman Catholics around the world, with Pope John Paul II apparently close to death. The Vatican says the pontiff is stable but in a critical condition after suffering heart failure. The 84-year-old has been given last rites and decided not to go to hospital for treatment. The Italian media reported that the pontiff was in a coma but that was quickly denied by the Vatican. "The situation is stable but still very grave," said the vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls. "Biological parameters are not normal, his blood pressure is unstable, but the pope is still lucid and very serene. "This morning (Friday) he requested that passages from the bible be read to him, and he followed the text perfectly well. Hundreds of people have gathered in St Peter's Square, as news spread that the Pope underwent cardio-respiratory assistance. Senior officials earlier said the pontiff's life appeared to be slipping away. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainier "precarious": royal palace
Prince Rainier of Monaco remains in a precarious condition and hopes for his recovery are extremely slim, according to the latest communiqué from the royal palace. Nonetheless, doctors are continuing to treat him on the outside chance he might improve. The 81-year-old regent is in intensive care suffering from a lung infection, compounded by heart and kidney problems. On Thursday the royal council approved the transfer of duties from Rainier to his son, Prince Albert. Monaco's parliament declared its full support for Albert, who has been quietly groomed for power for years as his father faced a string of health problems. Rainier has ruled the tiny principality on the Mediterranean coast since 1949, bringing it into an age of skyscrapers and international banking. Albert is also popular with the people of Monaco and is keen to pursue his father's drive for modernisation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bitter divides remain despite Schiavo's death
In Florida the pro-life protestors are going home, but the row over Terri Schiavo's death continues unabated. The badly brain damaged American woman had gone 13 days without food or water after her husband won a lengthy legal battle to have her feeding tube withdrawn. She had been in what courts ruled was a "persistent vegetative state" since 1990. But her family argued that she responded to them and could recover with treatment. Their cause was taken up by conservative Christians and right-to-life activists. Even the US President George Bush tried to influence the outcome. Amid the same glare of publicity and anger that marked her final days, Schiavo's body was driven away for autopsy. A new row threatens to erupt with her husband and her family split over whether she will be cremated or buried. ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
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