Last Updated, 31 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Deadly end to protest in Cairo
A protest in the Egyptian capital Cairo has ended in tragedy. Police broke up a demonstration by Sudanese refugees and failed asylum-seekers. Twenty migrants were killed in what Egyptian authorities described as a stampede. More than 20 riot police were reportedly injured too. Forces moved in after officials failed to persuade the Sudanese to leave voluntarily. The sit-in had been going on for three months outside the offices of the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR. Amid claims of discrimination in Egypt, some 3,000 Sudanese protesters have been demanding help from the UN in their efforts to leave and start new lives abroad. Many say it is not safe to return to Sudan despite a peace agreement that ended the north-south civil war. The UNHCR says it is prepared to provide more assistance but cannot arrange for all those involved to be resettled in another country. Protesters forcibly removed by police were placed on buses. They were apparently being taken to another site. The head of the UNHCR has criticised the way the situation was handled, saying there was no justification for "violence" and loss of life. However Sudan said the Egyptian government was within its rights to re-establish control.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ M.EastGaza border reopened after police protest
After several hours of closure amid growing anarchy in Gaza, the Strip's border with Egypt has now reopened. Trouble flared when Palestinian police, backed by gunmen, imposed an armed blockade on the Rafah crossing. European Union observers were forced to flee the area. They have now returned. The police were protesting over the killing of a colleague - in a climate of spiralling internal violence since Israel withdrew from Gaza in September after 38 years of occupation. The crossing at Rafah was opened last month and was
hailed as a step to make Gaza a testing ground for Palestinian statehood.
But today's standoff just adds to the difficulties of officials already
searching for British human rights activist Kate Burton and her parents
who were abducted nearby on Wednesday. Concern is mounting as Palestinian
police chief Alaa Hosni admitted he did not know who the kidnappers
were. It is not unusual for foreigners to be taken hostage in the
area but usually they are freed after a matter of hours. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 30 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Iraq coalition force shrinks
With the end of the year approaching, a number of governments are withdrawing their troops from Iraq, or planning to pull them out. Ukraine's last soldiers have now returned home. They were posted just south of Baghdad, in a deployment that lasted more than two years. Ukraine opposed the invasion of Iraq but later contributed 1,650 troops to the coalition, becoming one of the largest non-NATO participants. Some 18 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 32 wounded. The last Bulgarians belonging to the US-led force in Iraq also pulled out just after Christmas and Lithuania is halving its force of 100 in January. South Korea's parliament has just approved a bill to cut by about one third the size of its military presence in Iraq. There are currently 3,200 Koreans there - the third-largest foreign contingent after the US and Britain. The government said progress in rebuilding Iraq is the reason for the reduction. Meanwhile, Poland's new President Lech Kaczynski has agreed to keep troops in Iraq for another year - reversing the pledges of previous Polish leaders to pull out. However the force will be cut to 900 from 1,500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EU emergency meeting on Russia-Ukraine gas crisis
The European Union has called an emergency meeting of member states' energy officials amid a deadlock in a crisis over gas between Russia and Ukraine. Russian gas monopoly Gazprom has threatened to cut off supplies to Ukraine on New Year's Day unless it agrees to a huge price increase. There are fears that Russian supplies to other countries - within the EU - could also be affected. "Gazprom held a meeting of operational staff where a detailed plan of uninterrupted supplies to European consumers were discussed," said company Chairman Alexei Miller. "If between now and the New Year Ukraine does not sign a contract, at 10am Moscow time on January 1 supplies of gas from the territory of the Russian Federation to Ukrainian consumers will be completely stopped. We will act decisively and clearly." The EU buys 25 per cent of its gas from Russia - most of it transported through Ukrainian pipelines. In 2003, Germany bought 39 per cent of its supplies from Gazprom, Austria 65 per cent, Hungary 68 per cent, Poland 65 per cent and the Czech Republic 79 per cent. Relations between Ukraine and Russia became strained
after Viktor Yushchenko took power a year ago by defeating a Kremlin-backed
candidate. Moscow denies claims by Kiev that it is being punished
for its pro-Western policies. Ukraine says Russia has demanded lower
price increases from other ex-Soviet states. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 29 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Scandal on the streets of Vienna
Posters depicting the British Queen, and the French and US presidents in a sexual position are causing intense controversy in Austria. The image of models wearing masks of Queen Elizabeth, Jacques Chirac and George Bush is the work of an art project involving contributors from the 25 EU states. Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel has appealed to the art group, "25peaces", to withdraw the pictures. Austria takes over the presidency of the EU from Britain on January 1st and the posters have created embarrassment for the government ahead of the handover. The images are part of a series that "25peaces" says aims to "reflect social and political developments in Europe." The group received a million euros in funding for the project from the Austrian government. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Italian government has named Mario Draghi as the governor of the country's central bank. He had been hotly tipped to get the job. That was the view of several Italian papers this morning. Some quoted sources saying the Goldman Sachs executive had earlier been approved by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. The Italian cabinet met this morning to confirm his appointment. Draghi takes over from Antonio Fazio who quit earlier this month after becoming embroiled in a bank takeover scandal. Following his resignation a new law was rushed through parliament that allows the president to nominate a central bank chief on the recommendation of the government. Draghi appears well qualified for the job. The 58-year old is a former director-general of the Treasury who has a wealth of international economic experience ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gazprom, which supplies a third of Ukraine's gas, says the country pays far less than the market price for its gas. But some observers believe the Kremlin is using the pricing issue to put political pressure on its neighbour. Today's meeting is due to conclude early this afternoon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are both Israeli and Palestinians among at least eight people reported injured. The incident occurred at a checkpoint between two Jewish settlements near the northern West Bank town of Tulkarm. It comes a day after Israel shelled the Gaza Strip to enforce a new "no-go zone" designed to prevent militants firing rockets. A military source says the roadblock had been set up in response to intelligence warnings that a bomber was on his way to Israel. Palestinian militant groups have vowed to carry out suicide attacks to avenge Israeli raids in the West Bank and strikes into the Gaza Strip. A shaky 10-month-old truce by militants is due to expire on Saturday. Growing violence has put peacemaking hopes on hold and could influence forthcoming elections on both sides. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 28 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Europe's sat-nav system one step closer
A new era in satellite navigation has begun with the successful launch of a spacecraft for the Galileo system. Cofinanced by the EU and the European Space Agency, the network will give Europe guaranteed access to a precise location and timing service, independent of the United States' GPS. Professor Martin Sweeting of Surrey Satellite Technology, which built the craft, is thrilled: "We've got the first signals from the satellite in fact just after the separation, right on cue, we sent commands to the spacecraft and up popped the signal," he said. "We were really pleased to see a good strong signal coming down, the initial telemetry all looks good, it's really, really excellent," he added. The military-run GPS is currently the only worldwide system offering services from driver assistance to search-and-rescue help. Costing some 3.6 billion euros, Galileo will offer more exact positioning, to within a metre. The EU and the US clinched a deal last year on making the two systems compatible. Galileo should consist of about 30 satellites by the time it is up and running in 2010. The satellite launched today will test key new technologies such as on-board atomic clocks, signal generators and user receivers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Iraqi inmates shot dead after attempted jail break
There are conflicting reports about a riot at a Baghdad military base. Iraqi forces say they have shot dead several prisoners after a detainee grabbed a weapon from a guard and opened fire. The incident took place at the Adala army base - known to US forces as Camp Justice - in the northern, Shi'ite district of Kadhimiya. According to one source, at least six guards were fatally wounded before police began firing at unarmed inmates. But an Interior Ministry official says more than 20 prisoners were killed. At least three prisoners are unaccounted for and may have escaped. Doctors at a nearby hospital said they have only received five bodies from the camp. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 27 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Russia and Ukraine clash over naval base
It came after Russia hiked gas prices by more than 400 per cent. Ivanov said the agreement over the base is one part of a bilateral treaty, the second part of which contains recognition of mutual borders. He added that trying to revise the treaty would be fatal. Crimea was handed over to Ukraine in a symbolic gesture by the Soviet Union in the 1950s. After its collapse in 1991 Russian nationalists staged a fierce campaign to take it back. Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom has demanded Ukraine pay nearly 200 euros per 1,000 cubic metres of gas, up from this year's 42 euros. Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko apparently sees the rise as a punishment for Kiev's pro-Western policies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elsewhere in the country, butchers hung up their knives to show respect for life while Buddhist monks chanted through the night.One of the most poignant gatherings was in the village of Seenigama, which was almost entirely destroyed. Many lit oil lamps to commemorate the dead, in a Buddhist ritual going back centuries. The line of lamps was a sad reminder of how many were lost on that fateful day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are no reports of casualties. A third missile was also aimed at a road in northern Gaza, creating a massive crater. The Israeli Army claimed the offices targeted were used by an armed group belonging to the Palestinian Fatah faction. Israel's withdrawal from Gaza after 38 years has not stopped rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. In recent days, some have landed close to farming communities. Defiant Palestinian militants insist they will step up the attacks if the air strikes continue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The makeshift rockets fired by Gaza militants rarely cause casualties.
But they could lead to political fallout. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is campaigning for re-election on the strength of the Gaza pullout. He claimed the move would boost Israel's security. Further attacks could undermine Sharon's campaign and
bolster support for his right-wing opponent Binyamin Netanyahu, who
denounced the withdrawal as a surrender. Abbas hopes to close a damaging rift in his Fatah party as it faces a serious challenge from the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas. Registration will re-open for six hours on Wednesday following a decision by election authorities. It gives Abbas the chance to merge rival lists within his party, which had threatened to undermine its power. A rival list to that of the traditional Fatah leaders is headed by Marwan Barghouti, who is serving life in prison for his role in the Intifada. The two sides have agreed to merge following intense talks. Hamas' recent success in municipal elections shows the extent of the party's popularity. In the face of the challenge, Fatah will have its work cut out to keep its parliamentary majority. Opinion polls credit Hamas with 30 percent of the potential vote. A united Fatah party could get more than 45 percent. But a divided Fatah would manage only half that. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bardian Yousef is a Christian. "We want all our voices to be heard," he says. "We want people to know that we want a united government that sees all Iraqis - whether Sunni, Shi;ite or Christian - as equals. We want to reconstruct Iraq." "We are against the division caused by colonialism and the US. Such a division will lead to sectarian violence." More than 40 different political groups are taking part in the march to call for a new election. Iraqi politicians will meet in the north tomorrow to look at the possibility of forming a national unity government. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A massive effort is being made to do just that in the centre of the coastal suburb. A year ago its mosque was the only building left standing among the debris after the tsunami swept everything around. Locals are now selling photos of the disaster. Aid groups say a big chunk of the 11-billion euros in pledged donations will be deployed for projects as early as next month. But it will takes years to rebuild what disappeared in minutes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated, 23 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blair and Rumsfeld make surprise trips to Iraq
It was a chance to rally the troops before Christmas, but also to make the most of a photo opportunity. The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has made a surprise visit to the city of Basra, where most UK soldiers have been based since the 2003 US-led invasion. On his fourth trip to the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Blair hinted that London could start cutting back its troop numbers in Iraq over the next six months if the security situation there improves. About 8,000 British troops are still based in Iraq, mostly around Basra. Poland's Prime Minister visited his country's troops yesterday. Also making an un-announced trip to Iraq was the US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He arrived from Afghanistan, only four days after vice-president Dick Cheney was there to meet Iraqi leaders and praise the recent elections. The success of those polls depends on who you talk to though. 35 Sunni Arab and secular Shi'ite political groups called a press conference in Baghdad to denounce the results of the election. They are threatening to boycott the new parliament unless claims of fraud are properly investigated. Iraq's Election Commission has rejected the complaints as being without substance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Another river pollution scare in China
A fuel slick that polluted a Chinese river has reached a southern Russian city, where experts have been battling to minimise the risks. Millions of litres of fresh drinking water have been trucked in to Khabarovsk. The slick of benzene, caused after a factory explosion in China, spread along the Songhua river and into the Amur river. Dams near Khabarovsk have been reinforced, while containers and sacks full of sand and special charcoal are being dumped into the water to try to neutralise the pollution. Meanwhile, China's southern province of Guangdong is rushing to protect water supplies after a second toxic spill, this time from a zinc smelter. A river near the city of Yingde has been polluted, and levels of cadmium have been found to be 10 times higher than normal. The leak apparently happened during maintenance work last week. China had already been forced to apologise to Russia over the benzene spill and the environment minister in Beijing resigned over the affair. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 22 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Italy investigates US marine over agent killing
Italian magistrates have placed a US marine under official investigation for murder over the killing of an Italian agent in Iraq in March. Intelligence officer Nicola Calipari was shot dead at an improvised checkpoint near Baghdad as he was accompanying freed hostage Giuliana Sgrena to safety. She was shot in the shoulder during the incident. Italy and US authorities held a joint inquiry, but they failed to agree on a result and instead issued conflicting reports. While the US military exonerated its troops of any blame, Rome said nervous and inexperienced American soldiers and a badly executed road block were at the root of the shooting. In the meantime, Italy's independent judiciary has pushed ahead with its own probe and has carried out forensic tests on the car Calipari was travelling in when he came under fire. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 21 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sir Elton ties knot with long-term lover
The British pop star Sir Elton John has wed his long-term partner David Furnish under a new law in the UK that allows gay couples to formalise their relationships. They are among hundreds of same-sex couples taking advantage of the legislation that comes into effect today for the first time in England and Wales. It came into force in Scotland and Northern Ireland earlier this week. The law gives gay couples the same property and inheritance rights as married heterosexuals and entitles them to the same pension, immigration and tax benefits. But, unlike in Belgium, Spain and Canada, it is not a marriage. The celebrity couple tied the knot in an exclusive civil partnership ceremony held in the royal town of Windsor, west of London. They signed the relevant documents in the same building where Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in April. Dozens of reporters from around the world descended on the town centre, and hundreds of fans and well-wishers gathered for what has been billed the showbiz "wedding" of the year. Among the guests likely to attend the reception are former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and singer George Michael. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 20 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bolivia set to have first Indian president
Celebrations are taking place among supporters of the man poised to become Bolivia's first ever indigenous president. Leftwing coca leaf farmer Evo Morales looks certain to take office after what appears to be the nation's biggest election victories. "Brothers and sisters, we have won," he told his supporters. Rivals of the 46-year-old have conceded defeat and early results suggest he has taken more than 50 percent of the vote. Morales has vowed to nationalise Bolivia's natural gas industry and reverse a US-backed programme to eradicate the coca plant - the leaves are a key ingredient to make cocaine, but also used by Indians for traditional medicine. Rival candidate, the former conservative president Jorge Quiroga, conceded defeat by saying that a democratic choice had been made. Critics of Morales, who has vowed to be what he calls a nightmare for Washington, are worried that huge amounts of financial assistance from the US could be in jeopardy. Morales' supporters, however, see him as the man who can turn around what they say has been centuries of discrimination under leaders of European descent. It is clear that tough challenges lie ahead for the new president; street protests over economic policies have toppled two presidents in the past three years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Family of German hostage celebrate her freedom
There is a collective sigh of relief in Germany with news that aid worker and archaeologist Susanne Osthoff is free after weeks of being held hostage in Iraq. The 43-year-old speaks fluent Arabic and is a convert to Islam. Her family celebrated with champagne at their home in Munich. Susanne's mother told reporters it was the best Christmas present ever, the "best feeling anyone could have". She said she did not expect that her daughter would be released so quickly. Her friends are also celebrating. One of them said despite what happened she could imagine that Susanne would continue to love Iraq and its people. People maintained a vigil ever since the aid worker was abducted just over three weeks ago. The German government has not given precise details about how her freedom was secured. Meanwhile, an Iraqi militant group says it has killed a U.S. security consultant named as Ronald Schultz, who was abducted earlier this month. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 19 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Questions about future of Ariel Sharon
As the Israeli Prime Minister recovers in hospital after suffering a mild stroke, questions are raised in the media about how long he can dominate Israeli politics. Ariel Sharon, who is 77, is said to be improving, and doctors say he suffered no damage from the stroke. The health scare, which comes only months before the former general is due to lead his new Kadima party into parliamentary elections, has sparked public debate. One woman in Jerusalem said: "It is quite clear that the two leaders are very old, of the party of Kadima -one is 82 and one 78 - and this is something to consider because the Prime Minister of Israel is a very intense position". One man said: "I am against him, but as a commanding figure in public life there is nobody who is close to him. There is nobody who is a strong public figure except him". The Prime Minister's aides are insisting that Sharon is not in danger and there is no need to transfer - even temporarily - his powers to somebody else. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bush: "Don't give in to despair over Iraq"
Not the end of the violence but the beginning of something new - constitutional democracy in the Middle East, is how US President George W Bush described last week's elections in Iraq. In an address to the nation from the Oval Office he added: "This vote, 6,000 miles away, in a vital region of the world, means that America has an ally of growing strength in the fight against terror. "Some look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude that the war is lost and not worth another dime or another day. I don't believe that. Our military commanders do not believe that. Our troops in the field, who bear the burden and make the sacrifices do not believe that America has lost. And not even the terrorists believe it. We know from their own communications that they feel a tightening noose - and fear the rise of a democratic Iraq." It was Bush's fifth recent speech on Iraq as he struggles with low approval ratings and wide public discontent with the rising US death toll. Some 2,100 troops have died since the invasion in 2003. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 18 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WTO deal fades in and out of view
There has been a last-minute hitch in a deal to end farm export subsidies. Brazil has refused to agree to a cut-off date of 2013 offered by the European Union at the World Trade Organisation summit in Hong Kong. EU spokesman Peter Power said: "We have made a major effort to save these talks. We have proposed an end date for the elimination of export subsidies. However the goalposts moved at the last moment and we are now informing the member states of the situation." The US and developing countries had been angling for a cut-off date of 2010. Meanwhile, Hong Kong saw its worst violence for years as protesters clashed again with police in the streets, coming within 30 metres of the conference centre. Nearly 100 people were injured. Officers used tear gas, batons, pepper spray and fire hoses to hold back the crowds, many of whom are farmers from South Korea who say free trade is ruining them. Some 900 people have been arrested. But organisers say two huge planned marches for later today will still go ahead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bush admits authorising domestic spying.
The US President has admitted authorising a secret order allowing domestic spying after the September 11th attacks. George W Bush has defended the programme he says monitored people with links to al-Qaeda or related terrorist organisations: "This is a highly classified programme that is crucial to our national security, and its purpose to detect and prevent terrorist attacks against the United States, our friends and allies," he said. The order allowed the tracing of international telephone calls and emailswithout referral to courts. The revelation comes as key parts of the US Patriot Act, one of the centrepieces of the president's war on terror, were blocked by senators demanding increased protection of civil liberites. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WTO protests turn violent
Anger has boiled over outside the WTO summit in Hong Kong, with anti-globalisation protesters breaking through police lines to reach the convention centre where the meeting is being held. The demontrators appear to have been prevented from getting inside the building where trade delegates from around the world are making a last ditch attempt to rescue a global pact. Police in riot gear are said to have fired tear gas on the demonstrators. But it seems the violence has not had any immediate impact on the negotiations that have stalled over reaching a firm date on ending export subsidies for agriculture. Agriculture is proving one of the biggest obstacles - the EU is refusing to give into to any more concessions reducing barriers protecting its farming market. It has so far turned down a suggested 2010 date to end subsidies indicating it wants to see more committments made in other areas first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EU leaders clinch budget deal
An accord at last. After wranglings into the early hours at the Brussels summit, European Union leaders have agreed on the bloc's budget for 2007 to 2013. The deal represents 1.045 percent of the EU's income, and reduces the British rebate by more than 10 billion euros. Britain's prime minister and current EU president Tony Blair said it had been a very complicated negotiating process that highlighted the need for a fundamental reform of the EU's finances. The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said the deal sent an important signal that Europe was moving ahead. Under the agreement, the budget is bigger than the original figure floated by the UK presidency, but not as big as the Commission and some member states wanted. Blair stressed that the cut in the British rebate would be used exclusively to boost the economies of new member states, and not on the Common Agricultural policy which he wants overhauled. In other developments, the leaders granted EU candidate status to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Screws turn tighter on Fazio
His friends have begged him to go, his allies and enemies alike have demanded he quit, but still Italy's central bank boss Antonio Fazio stays on, under a cloud of suspicion of fraud, and wearing the look of a hunted man as he jets from meeting to meeting. Tonight the Italian government seems ready to act and force him out of his office-for-life, after news broke Fazio was to be the centre of a criminal investigation into charges including embezzlement and insider-trading.He continues to deny he has done anything wrong. ECB head Jean Claude Trichet says Fazio may have broken EU rules, and Italy's Prime Minister Berlusconi says his position is untenable; "The job's to be amended, we're going to change the way the bank governor is nominated, his length of office, and also ways of initiating confidence votes in his performance", he said. Fazio's close friend Gianpiero Fiorani was arrested midweek and is questioned by police on Saturday into the affair implicating them both. It concerns a takeover of an Italian bank, Antonveneta, by Banca Popolare Italiana. Rival buyers ABN-AMRO from the Netherlands alleged Fazio helped then BPI boss Fiorani to win the bidding, a claim backed up by a sensational leaked tape recording. ABN-AMRO are now busy absorbing Antonveneta after the courts intervened and BPI pulled out of the deal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Poisoned river flows into Russia
Pollution has reached Russia from the poisoned Amur river, which suffered a massive Benzene spill a month ago in China. It prompted the Chinese authorities to cut off drinking water to people downstream; now the Russian city of Khaborovsk lies on its path. The slick is now 180 kilometres long, and moving at 30 kilometres an hour. "We're ready of course", says Emergencies minister Serguei Shoigu, "because we've worked really hard, including building a dam, the water purification facilities...and there's the entire system of preparing the city and the region for the passing of the slick". Unlike in Harbin, the major Chinese city to be affected, the Russian authorities have not yet detected any abnormal pollution levels. They have not needed to cut off public water supplies, but are prepared to if there is an emergency. Tests on the river water will be conducted on a regular basis, and cleaning is being attempted using carbon filters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 17 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ US Senate blocks parts of anti-terror law
The Bush administration has suffered a setback. Key parts of the USA Patriot Act, one of the centrepieces of the president's war on terror, have been blocked by a group of senators demanding increased protection of civil liberties. This caps a difficult week for Bush, who earlier admitted going to war in Iraq on the basis of faulty intelligence. The Patriot Act expanded the authority of the federal government in the wake of 9-11. Its supporters say the nation will be at increased risk if the law is allowed to expire. However opponents in the Senate on Friday said the act had to change to reflect a balance between national security and civil liberties. The developments come amid fresh allegations that Bush signed a secret presidential order after the September 11 attacks allowing the National Security Agency to monitor phone calls and emails without court approval. The New York Times report said the directive marked a major shift in US intelligence-gathering. Bush administration officials have declined to comment specifically on the story, saying its security measures had remained firmly within the law. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Still no world trade deal as activists continue to protest
South Korean activists added their voices, and some even shaved their hair in protest at the on-going world trade talks in Hong Kong. The activists specifically targeted the US complaining that the major power had forced their country to buy American farm products threatening South Korean livelihoods. While outside the anti-globalisation demonstrations continued, inside, trade ministers were hitting other barriers. No progress seems to have been made towards the elusive pact, freeing up global trade. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson was particularly pessamistic: "I see no point in an outcome here that simply locks in low ambition, diminishes bebefits for developing countries and falls short of our responsibilities to the global economy", he said. WTO supporters claim a deal should inject impetus into the global economy,lifting millions out of poverty, but in a move which could lead to a new developing-country alliance, poorer nations have together vowed to block any deal which is reached at their expense. Non-governmental bodies have applauded the move saying it could help developing nations to punch above their economic weight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 16 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Protests as troubled WTO talks begin
Dozens of anti-globalisation activists plunged into the sea to get their message across in Hong Kong where a World Trade Organisation conference is underway. They are among around 2,000 people who have gathered to protest against the talks aimed at securing a global trade agreement. There have already been some minor clashes outside the venue - several people are reported to have been injured and a number arrested. The six-day summit was initially intended to agree a deal on a new draft trade treaty. But delegates from rich and poorer nations are deeply divided over agriculture subsidies and tariffs. The EU has faced intense pressure to make deeper cuts in tariffs than the average 39 percent it has offered. But it is refusing to move further without pledges from developing states to open their markets to industrial goods. WTO chief Pascal Lamy joked that someone had lent him a magic wand but that he did not think it was going to work very well. "The magic only works if all the world believes in it," he said in his address. The conference was disrupted for a short time by protestors who had managed to get inside the hall. Outside, the police acted swiftly after demonstrators set fire to a mock coffin symbolising the death of the WTO. But, so far, there has been none of the intense violence seen during the last WTO meetings in Cancun in Mexico and Seattle in the US. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 15 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ California executes former gang leader
Former gang leader Stanley 'Tookie' Williams has been executed in the US. After 24 years on Death Row for the murder of four people, Williams was put to death by lethal injection this morning. There had been national and international appeals for clemency as he had spent years in prison campaigning against gang violence. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected final appeals to spare his life. He and others said his continued protestations of innocence negated any claim that he had redeemed himself. "Without an apology and atonement for these senseless and brutal killings there can be no redemption," the former actor said. Journalists who witnessed the execution say it took longer than normal because of apparent difficulties in inserting needles into Williams' veins. The case has generated widespread interest and fierce debate over the death penalty in the US because Williams had written a series of books warning young people against gangs. Some 2,000 opponents of the death penalty had gathered outside the gates of San Quentin prison in the hours leading up to the execution. The execution in California came just over a week after a double murderer became the 1,000th prisoner to be executed in the United States since capital punishment was reintroduced in 1976. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cabinet divisions after latest Lebanon murder
With Lebanon reeling from yet another political assassination, deep divisions have been highlighted within the country's government. The latest bomb attack targeted a newspaper magnate and prominent anti-Syrian member of parliament. It sparked a cabinet call for the UN Security Council to investigate this and other recent murders. But as an appeal was made for an international tribunal to be created to probe the February killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, several pro-Syrian members of the government announced that they were suspending participation in the cabinet. The heightened tension triggered by Gebran Tueni's death was also evident outside the headquarters of the liberal newspaper he ran in Beirut. As news of his killing spread, supporters shouted insults at Syria and men and women wept in the street. The father of the murdered man was among those who gathered. Ghassan Tueni's son had only just returned to Lebanon from Paris where he had been staying amid fears he was on a hit list for assassination. The latest killing came as a UN inquiry into Hariri's murder said new evidence further implicated Syria. Damascus has denied any role in the killings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 14 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No pardon for Italian political prisoner Sofri
One of Italy's most high profile political prisoners will have to return to jail despite having undergone major surgery. Adriano Sofri's 22-year sentence was temporarily suspended last month after he was rushed to hospital. Reports claim the 62-year-old was seriously ill and had to have an operation on his oesophagus. Supporters of Sofri had hoped that he would be pardoned on compassionate grounds, but Italy's Minister of Justice has refused. Sofri's case has attracted much attention and even raised questions in the European Parliament. Prior to his conviction he was a renowned left-wing journalist. It was in 1972 when a police commissioner was shot dead - Sofri was suspected of ordering the killing. The police commissioner had at one time been investigated in connection with the death of an anarchist. The day after the policeman was murdered, Sofri's newspaper ran the headline "justice has been done". Amnesty International has repeatedly objected to what
is calls the excessive length of Sofri's 22-year sentence and has
questioned the safety of his conviction. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 13 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UK Police treating depot fire as major industrial accident
There has been a huge explosion followed by several other blasts north of London at Buncefield oil depot, near junction 8 on the M1 motorway, which has been closed in both directions between junctions 6a and 12. A column of flames and thick black smoke is shooting hundreds of metres into the sky. Buncefield depot services Luton and Heathrow airports, and is one of Britain's biggest fuel storage facilities, operated by Total and part-owned by Texaco, and is directly connected by pipeline to Linsey oil refinery and Heathrow. Many houses have been damaged, and structural damage is widespread in the surrounding light industrial estate, with reports of a number of buildings that have collapsed. Many local residents in Hemel Hempstead have left their homes in shock, and police are evacuating the nearest residential areas. Police confirm there are minimal casualties, and for the moment two depot workers are unaccounted for. Police have added they are currently working on the assumption that this is an industrial accident. Luton airport is managing to operate normally. The blasts were felt 60 kilometres away, and heard as far away as Surrey and Norfolk. The fire is now burning out of control. Security guards on duty reported smelling gas before the explosion, and there is now an overpowering smell of petrol and aviation fuel in the area. Police and rescue workers are being called in from weekend leave to cope with what is being described as a major incident, with emergency services from outside Hertfordshire coming into the area to assist in the emergency operation. The depot is also a major supplier of fuel and gas to the entire south-east of England, and it appears none of the storage tanks in the plant have survived unscathed. The site contains 20 fuel tanks, each holding over 13.5 million litres of fuel. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nigeria plane crash leaves 103 people dead
An investigation is underway to find out why a Nigerian plane crashed during a storm killing 103 people onboard. Dozens of the dead are school children who were on their way home for Christmas. Seven people survived. The aircraft was flying from the capital Abuja to Port Harcourt where it reportedly missed the runway. The crash raises major questions over Nigeria's air safety record. This is the second major plane accident in Nigeria in seven weeks and follows a string of near misses. Distraught family and friends of those onboard Saturday's Sosoliso flight endured an agonising wait amid chaos as little information was available. Eye witnesses say they saw the DC 9 plane in flames before it touched down. They believe fuel onboard caught fire when the aircraft was reportedly hit by lightening. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 12 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Italy promises environmental study of planned Lyon-Turin rail link
The Italian government has tried to appease protesters angry at a planned high-speed railway link between France and Italy. Ministers have promised to carry out a study on the environmental impact of a tunnel being drilled under the Alps between Lyon and Turin. At the same time, however, Rome has insisted the project will go ahead. Dozens of people have been hurt in clashes over the past week. All of the mainstream parties in Italy support the high speed train project, saying it will link the country to a network stretching from Spain to Eastern Europe. Protesters claim the work could release dangerous asbestos and uranium. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fate of four hostages in Iraq unknown as deadline passes
A candle-lit vigil has been held in Munich for a German archaeologist taken hostage in Iraq over two weeks ago. Susanne Osthoff was snatched with her Iraqi driver. The kidnappers threaten to kill her unless the German government cuts all its ties with Iraq's government. The fate of four western peace workers who have also been abducted in Iraq remains unknown as a deadline set for their killing passed yesterday. A group calling itself Swords of Truth is holding the two Canadians, a Briton and an American. It is demanding the release of thousands of prisoners held in Iraqi jails. Senior muslim leaders around the world are demanding the mens release. Earlier this week, a rally was held for the peace activists in the West Bank city of Nablus. Palestinian protesters and religious leaders called on the kidnappers to show mercy, reminding them that their hostages oppose the US intervention in Iraq. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 11 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chileans go to polls in triple vote
Chile goes to the polls today in a presidential election that could see a woman win the top job for the first time in the country's history. Voters are also choosing a new parliament made up of 120 deputies and are to fill 20 seats in the senate. Current President Ricardo Lagos is leaving with approval ratings at 60 percent and with the economy booming. He will step down in March after six years in office. The centre-left front-runner in the poll, Michelle Bachelet, was handpicked by Lagos, his popularity is said to have helped her campaign. She is not expected to get more than 50 percent of the vote needed to take the first round though is touted to win a run-off in January. Polls show she has about twice as much support as her two nearest rivals. Sebastian Pinera is a billionaire businessman considered a modern conservative, he promises to create a million jobs. The other right winger is Joaquin Lavin, he is more strongly linked to the old fashioned conservatism of the past. A member of Opus Dei, the former mayor of Santiago narrowly lost out to Ricardo Lagos in the last election. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UN conference clears air on climate change
The UN climate change conference in Montreal has ended with environmental activists claiming a limited breakthrough in tackling global warming. It was a marathon conference that stretched beyond its scheduled two week duration and 11th hour problems threatened to derail the entire process. It needed an all-night session to forge the two key components of the deal. Kyoto's greenhouse gas limits will continue beyond 2012 even if no new deal has been reached by then, and America will join new global talks on climate change. Conference head Stéphane Dion said: "This represents a major victory for the global community. Now national governments will have the forum to exchange experiences and analyse strategic approaches, and to free our imaginations to find innovative solutions that I know we are capable of," he said. The UN is saying that with 40 decisions agreed on for adoption the conference is one of the most fruitful it has ever organised. However major polluters like China, India, and America have made no commitment to Kyoto's limits, and world output of greenhouse gases continues to rise. Even signatory countries are struggling to stay on target to make their cuts in output, so the immediate effects of the conference may be slight. Montreal's importance may lie in the beginnings of a global consensus on the problem: that it really exists, and can and must be tackled. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 10 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Ante Gotovina has been arrested in Spain
One of the most wanted men from the Balkan war has been arrested in Spain according to UN chief war crimes prosecutor Carla del Ponte. Former Croat general Ante Gotovina has been on the run since the UN tribunal indicted him in July 2001. He's accused of war crimes against rebel Serbs in a government offensive in August 1995 during Croatia's war of independence. The European Union had made clear his capture was crucial to the former Yugoslav Republic's chances of joining the bloc. Membership talks were postponed in March after del Ponte accuses Zagreb of not trying hard enough to track down Gotovina. His arrest will only intensify pressure on Belgrade to help catch two top Bosnian Serb fugitives who also remain at large. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 9 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Extra police for Italian train protest
Police reinforcements have been sent to a village in the Italian Alps, where protests against a planned rail link to France have taken place. Organisers says today's protest - the third in consecutives days - will be the biggest so far. There have been minor clashes between police and protestors on previous occasions. The rail line will link the cities of Lyon and Turin and will involve the construction of a 50 kilometre-long tunnel. Local residents say it will harm the environment and peoples' health. "I'm a doctor and I'm very worried about the impact this will have on public health. We have a right and a duty to look out for the well-being of our population," one demonstrator said. The Italian government fully backs the project, which will more than halve the journey time between the cities. It says it has made every effort to minimise damage to the environment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 8 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Climate talks unlikely to end in agreement
The most important talks on climate change since the Kyoto Protocol are reaching a climax, but prospects for a unanimous agreement are grim. The discussions in Montreal are aimed at striking a new deal on reducing greenhouses gases. Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin said: "We're in this together. The developed world cannot walk away from its responsibility. It's as clear an simple as that." But the US, which opted out of Kyoto along with Australia, insists focusing on curbing emissions is not the right approach. US delegate Paula Dobriansky said: "It is our belief that progress cannot be made through these formalised discussions." The Kyoto Protocol was intended to reduce emissions by five percent of 1990 levels. It runs out in 2012. The Montreal conference ends tomorrow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 7 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Britain appeals to hostage takers to get in touch
Britain has appealed to the kidnappers of a Briton, an American and two Canadians in Iraq to get in contact. In the latest video aired on television stations around the world, 74-year old humanitarian worker Norman Kember is shown alongside his American colleague, saying: "I am a Christian peacemaker. I am a friend of Iraq. I have been opposed to this war, Mr Blair's war, since the very beginning." Their captors are threatening to kill them unless all Iraqi detainees are freed. The deadline originally set for today has been extended until Saturday. The four men were kidnapped two weeks ago in Baghdad. "Norman Kember and his colleagues are campaigners for peace dedicated to help others," said British Foreign Affairs minister Jack Straw. "We ask for their release. We remain in close touch with Mrs Kember and it's hard to imagine the terrible distress that Mr Kember's family are suffering throughout this terrible ordeal." In a worrying sign, Kember and the American captive are shown wearing orange jumpsuits - other hostages have been dressed in this manner shortly before being killed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thirty killed in Baghdad bus attack
Around 30 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in a further escalation of violence in Iraq ahead of next week's election The victims were on a bus in central Baghdad which was heading for the mainly Shi'ite city of Nassirya. The bomber is said to have got onto the bus then detonated his device. At least 13 people were reported to have been injured in the blast. Insurgents have stepped up their attacks in the run-up to the ballot to elect Iraq's first full-term parliament since the fall of Saddam Hussein. On Tuesday two suicide bombers killed at least 36 people in Baghdad. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 6 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Detainees discussed at Rice-Nato meeting
The issue which has overshadowed Condeleezza Rice's European trip has dominated talks again today on the final leg of her visit. The US Secretary of State faced further questions on the treatment of detainees during a meeting with Nato allies in Brussels. Earlier European ministers expressed their concerns over allegations that the CIA has been running secret prisons in eastern Europe. Rice has said the US respects international treaties on prisoners. Yesterday Washington announced it would now apply such agreements to detainees being held abroad as well as at home, changing its previous stance. Before leaving for Europe Rice sought to deflect criticism of US policy, saying that European intelligence agencies had helped Washington extract information from suspects. Nato says it abides by UN rules on detention. The formal purpose for the meeting was to make preparations to bolster international peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 5 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nazerbayev consolidates power in Kazakhstan
Polling stations have now closed in Kazakhstan's presidential election, a ballot in which long-standing Nursultan Nazerbayev is likely to be reconfirmed for another term. He has been in office in the oil-rich state since 1989, a hold on power that critics say has been with an iron fist. The leading opposition candidate made accusations of vote rigging even before the ballot stations opened, and complained of harassment during the campaign. Nazerbayev's opponents claim Washington and others will turn a blind eye to any irregularities in the poll because they are eager to maintain good relations with a vital oil-producing country. The president has dismissed criticism that the minority elite benefit from the country's oil wealth, while others are left in poverty. Nazerbayev says he is keen to pursue democracy, but it has to suit his people's needs and way of life. And while international observers say the country is yet to hold an election that is free and fair, people who vote for him say at least he has maintained stability and peace over the past 16 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 4 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fears grow over fate of German hostage
Around 100 German Muslims have gathered in the southern city of Offenbach, near Frankfurt, to call for the release of a German woman taken hostage in Iraq. Organisers said Saturday's show of solidarity was meant to send a signal that violence is incompatible with Islam. It comes amid rising concerns over the fate of archaeologist Susanna Osthoff, who was seized along with her driver just over a week ago. Some German media are reporting that a deadline given by her kidnappers in a video has already passed. Germany's foreign ministry says it's still heard nothing from her captors, who said Osthoff would be killed unless Germany withdrew all support for the Iraqi government. Meanwhile time is running out for four more Western hostages being held in Iraq, seen in a video broadcast on an Arabic news channel. One Briton was among the captives taken last week, along with two Canadians and an American. The militants holding the aid workers have threatened to kill them unless Iraqi prisoners are released from detention centres by December 8. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Violence spreads ahead of Iraqi election
A Shi'ite cleric was among the latest victims of an upsurge in violence in Iraq ahead of a parliamentary election in less than two weeks' time.The Imam, an ally of Shi'ite religious leader, Moqtada al Sadr was shot in east Baghdad in an attack likely to stoke tensions among Muslim groups. US and Iraqi security forces have borne the brunt of recent assaults by insurgents across the country. But civilians have also died, either directly targeted or caught up in the combat. As campaigning intensifies so too does the violence; November was one of the bloodiest months this year and December looks like it will be no better. Against this backdrop the trial of Saddam Hussein will re-open on Monday.He has only been in court for six hours but analysts are already expressing doubts about the proceedings, and particularly the standard of evidence produced so far. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 3 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Global protests call for action on climate change
Thousands of people have taken part in a demonstration in London calling for more international action against climate change. It was part of a worldwide protest taking place in cities in 32 countries. The organisers handed in a letter to Downing Street urging Prime Minister Tony Blair to stick to Britain's commitments on reducing greenhouse gases. The march ended in front of the American embassy in London. The focus of the worldwide protests was Montreal, where representatives of nearly 200 nations have been meeting to discuss action on global warming after the Kyoto Protocal runs out in 2012. Major demonstrations also took place in Washington, Johannesburg and Sydney. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 2 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acclaimed thriller dominates film awards
It was a night of triumph for Austrian director Michael Haneke at the European Film Awards in Berlin on Saturday. His acclaimed French language thriller "Hidden" dominated the ceremony, winning a total of five awards including best picture, best director and best actor for Frenchman Daniel Auteil. Auteil co-stars with Juliette Binoche as a couple besieged by menacing video tapes. The role of a father whose comfortable life unravels was tailor made for the French star, as Haneke explained in a recent interview with Euronews. "I wanted to write a role for Daniel Auteuil, because I like this actor very much and we'd met once and decided to work together," he said. The film beat off stiff competition from Belgium's Palme
d'Or winner "The Child" and Wim Wenders "Don't Come
Knocking". Germany's Julia Jentsch was named best actress for
her role in "Sophie Scholl - The Final Days". Jentsch plays
the eponymous heroine of the film, the true story of an iconic member
of Germany's anti-Nazi resistance who was executed with her brother
following their arrest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Updated, 1 Dicember, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy is facing a major pollution crisis after a cargo ship carrying tens of thousands of tonnes of fuel sank of the northern coast. Thirteen crew members were winched to safety from the vessel, the Margaret, after it ran onto rocks in the harbour at La Spezia in bad weather. It was heading from Genoa to the Bulgarian port of Varna. Italian authorities have declared a pollution alert as efforts continue to contain the spill. Two specially adapted craft have been sent to the area to prevent the slick reaching land. The extreme conditions have caused other problems in Italy. Heavy snowfalls blocked roads in the north of the country. Hundreds of people travelling on a motorway between Milan and Genoa were stranded in their cars for a time. In Venice it was rain that created the difficulties.
More than a third of the historic lagoon city, including Saint Mark's
square, was flooded after lengthy downpours.
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