Last Updated, 28 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Explosions wreck relative calm after Baghdad curfew
Two British soldiers have also been killed and a third wounded in a strike by militants in Amara, southeast of the capital. Earlier a Sunni mosque in Baghdad was damaged by a bomb, and police have found nine bodies near the religiously mixed city of Baquba. The area has been the scene of several sectarian attacks
since a suspected al Qaeda bomb destroyed a Shi'ite shrine on Wednesday.
Some families on both sides of Baghdad's religious divide have fled
their homes saying they feel threatened by neighbours. In a call for
unity, state television has been broadcasting images of Shi'ites and
Sunnis praying together in the capital. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ However the offer conspicuously bypassed the Palestinian Authority - sending a clear signal to Hamas.
Israel has already cut financial help to the Palestinians after Hamas triumphed in parliamentary elections. "The important thing is to get money to the Palestinian people, humanitarian aid, and the other important element is to ensure that the government that will be established will not be a terrorist government," said Raanan Gissin, spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says the militant organisation now has an opportunity to reshape itself, in order to become a credible political force. "History is replete with armed movements that have transformed themselves into political parties and are governing democratic countries today, and Hamas should aim to join those groups of movements which have gone through that transformation," he said. So far Hamas has shown little sign of moderating its hardline policies. An Israeli raid on suspected militants in the West Bank yesterday prompted clashes with Palestinian youths - and quick condemnation from Hamas. It vowed to take revenge for the eight Palestinians killed in the operation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brazil and New Orleans among Mardi Gras revellers
And beneath the glamour is tough competition. In Rio de Janeiro, the city's 14 elite samba schools are all vying for the carnival crown. In the US storm-ravaged city of New Orleans, residents have been showing the world that they have not lost their party spirit, as Mayor Ray Nagin explains: "There is a new day coming. A new day where all people come together to do something very special. And they are the reason why we are having Mardi Gras in 2006. So let's celebrate." With more than expected numbers of tourists streaming into the city, authorities hope this year's Mardi Gras will give New Orleans a well deserved boost. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sex, Religion & Politics
2006 issue - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi,
69, is one of President George W. Bush's most faithful—and flamboyant—friends
in Europe. And Berlusconi's not the only one to say that. Last time
the Italian leader came to Washington, in October, Bush made a point
of calling him "my friend" at a photo op, "because
it seems like we see each other a lot." Bush appreciated Berlusconi's
"advice and counsel," he said, thanking "Silvio"
for his "strong commitment to the freedom of people in Afghanistan
and in Iraq." When Europe split over the 2003 invasion, Berlusconi
sided with the United States, and he was one of the most willing members
of the coalition sending in troops after the fall of Baghdad. Italy: Berlusconi Gleefully Takes on His Critics Berlusconi openly despises the Italian press, mistrusts
foreign journalists, and yet—always full of surprises—he
spent 90 minutes last week chatting with correspondents from NEWSWEEK.
Over cappuccinos in Rome's spectacular 17th-century Palazzo Grazioli,
where he chooses to live, work and pay the rent himself, his vanities
were visible up close and personal: transplanted hair and what looked
like Pancake makeup. Quintessentially Latin, Berlusconi's style is
nothing like Bush's laconic folksiness. But there are common threads—not
least the proselytizing for democracy and the vilification of doubters.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 26 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Curfew fails to halt Iraq violence
South of Baghdad, a bomb exploded at a busy bus station in the mainly Shi'ite town of Hilla. Several victims are reported. In Basra, a bomb went off in a Shi'ite mosque, causing minor injuries. It came shortly after firebrand Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr held a rally in the city, calling on Sunnis and Shi'ites to hold joint prayers. As fears of civil war intensify, Iraqi security forces are on high alert amid a wave of sectarian violence, triggered by Wednesday's attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Samarra. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hamas signals terms for recognizing Isreal
While rejecting talks with the Jewish state, Hamas has signalled a readiness to accept interim peace deals with Israel, after US-led threats to withhold funding to the Palestinians, unless the group changes its stance. It is also under pressure from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who says he will resign if he is no longer in a position to pursue his peacemaking agenda when the new Hamas administration takes over. How to deal with Hamas is also a key issue for the Israeli cabinet. Acting Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Olmert was holding talks today with a top US envoy. It is thought they will agree on ways for Washington to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians without going through a Hamas-led government. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bird flu sends chill through EU poultry industry
Don't panic. That was the message from the European Union to its trading partners today as the fallout continued over a bird flu outbreak in France. Japan has temporarily banned all French poultry imports after the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus hit a farm in eastern France - the first case in domestic farm birds in the EU. It has also threatened to slap a similar ban on the Netherlands, sending a chill through Europe's multi-billion euro poultry industry. The EU trade commissioner has urged trading partners not to overreact. Most European countries now have confirmed cases of H5N1, mostly in wild birds.Experts fear domestic fowl in more regions could soon be infected. In northern Germany, searches for dead wild birds are being stepped up after a wild duck and a swan found dead near the Polish border tested positive for bird flu. Authorities are calling for calm, stressing that the virus is still difficult for humans to catch. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 19 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Italian election fever resumes after cartoon minister quits
Back on the campaign trail ahead of April's election, Silvio Berlusconi is on a damage limitation exercise after one of his ministers was blamed for triggering deadly riots outside an Italian consulate in Libya. "There is no other possibility but dialogue," Italy's premier told a political meeting in Verona. "We shouldn't end up with a clash of religions
or civilizations." Known for his inflammatory statements against immigrants and Muslims, he caused outrage when he revealed on television that he was wearing a T-shirt displaying controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad. Under mounting pressure, he has now stepped down as reforms minister. Centre-left opposition leader Romano Prodi seized on the controversy as proof of extremism within Berlusconi's coalition. "If we understand that no one civilization is better than any other, we could avoid tragedies like this," he said. At least 11 people died in the Libyan town of Benghazi as protesters trying to storm the Italian consulate clashed with riot police. Italy once ruled Libya as a colony and Rome is hoping Friday's bloodshed will not damage years of warming relations between the two countries. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cartoon protests continue worldwide
Fresh protests condemning the cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed are taking place across many countries of the Muslim world. But whilst some like one rally outside the US embassy in Indonesia have turned to violence - others are taking place peacefully. Nigeria has seen one of the bloodiest uprisings. At least 16 people have been killed mostly in the city of Maiduguri. Mobs are said to have gone on the rampage turning their anger on Christians, and torching churches, shops and vehicles. Clashes between Christians and Muslims are relatively common in Nigeria claiming thousands of lives in the past five years. In Turkey tens of thousands of people have turned out at a peaceful protest in Istanbul. Meanwhile, in Pakistan authorities banned a march after protests there left at least five people dead in the past week. The row over the cartoons Muslims see as blasphemous has reveberated around the globe - many see it as triggering a clash of civilisations between the West and Islam. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bird flu spreads in Europe and takes toll in Asia
The bird flu virus is quickly spreading across Europe - whilst in Asia the deadly disease continues to take its toll. In India, a man suspected of having the virus has died a day after the country reported its first infections in poultry. The borders of the Gujarat state where the 27 year old farm owner died are now reportedly sealed to all poultry trade. The H5N1 strain of the virus which is also lethal to humans has killed more than 90 people mostly in South East Asia. In Europe, seven countries have confirmed birds were infected by the deadly disease in the past week alone. And there has been a disturbing development close to where France detected its first case of H5N1 - a number of dead swans have been found nearby and are being tested. Visting the affected region the French Agriculture minister Dominque Bussereau was keen to talk to worried farmers. France is Europe's biggest poultry producer and there is real concern that consumers' fears over food safety could devestate the industry. For now at least many are shopping as normal. In neighbouring Italy it is a different story. Poultry sales have plummeted since the nation's bird flu outbreak began. Experts say that the sharp drop in consumption means
the industry could face losing million of jobs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 18 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Big step towards EU services industry liberalisation
The European Parliament has approved a watered-down version of a controversial bill to open up Europe's services industry to cross-border competition. 391 lawmakers voted for the reform, 213 voted against and there were 34 abstentions. The bill is designed to boost growth and create jobs in the enlarged European Union, but not everyone is convinced it will work. Earlier a large majority voted to abandon a clause that would have allowed service firms to operate anywhere in the 25-nation bloc according to their home country laws only. A compromise deal also allows member states to bar any service company on several grounds, provided it is non-discriminatory and proportionate. There has been fierce debate between supporters of open markets and those who see the measure as a drive to scale back worker protection and undermine the European social model. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rene Preval has been declared the winner of last week's presidential poll in Haiti, after an election marred by claims of voting irregularities. Diplomatic sources say it is part of an agreement reached early this morning by leaders of the country's interim government to recalculate votes. According to election officials, Preval, who was a close ally of deposed President Jean Baptiste-Aristide, has now been judged to have won 51.1 percent of the vote. He claimed "massive fraud" had been carried out after thousands of burned ballots were discovered in a garbage dump. Haiti's interim authorities had previously blocked publication of the results after bowing to Preval's demand for a fraud inquiry. Blank votes amounted to nearly five percent of the total and reduced the final percentage allocated to each candidate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ US under fresh fire over prison abuse
The United Nations has called for the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba to be shut down immediately. In a report on conditions at the jail, the UN says Washington should either put inmates on trial or release them without further delay. The UN also said that terrorism suspects face treatment akin to torture. The US has rejected most of the allegations, saying that the five UN investigators never actually visited Guantanamo Bay. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross has condemned what it calls clear violations of international humanitarian law at Abu Ghraib jail in Iraq. It follows an Australian television station broadcast of what it said were unseen images of abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Some of the pictures were shown last year at trials of US soldiers now serving time themselves for abuse, but the suggestion of further ill-treatment and sexual humiliation has refuelled anger against the United States. It comes after a British newspaper recently published images of British soldiers apparently beating Iraqi youths. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 17 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blair wins battle over terror law
Britain's prime minister has won a key vote over controversial plans to toughen anti-terrorism laws. MPs in the lower house of parliament backed the measure by 315 to 277 to reinstate the "glorification" of terrorism as a criminal offence. The House of Lords voted last month to remove the clause from the Terrorism Bill. Critics said use of the term "glorification" was too vague and could put free speech at risk. But Tony Blair argued it was vital to give security forces more powers to crack down on people they believed were encouraging attacks. He also said the new law was vital to protect Britain against people like the jailed Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri. The bill was drafted after suicide bombers killed 53 commuters on the London transport system last July. In its first reading, MPs voted down plans to allow police to hold suspects for up to 90 days without charge. It is not yet the end of the road for the government. Opposition peers will now have to decide whether to continue their fight against the "glorification" offence when the bill returns to the upper House of Lords.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 16 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Several countries throughout the EU have decided to take precautions against the potential spread of bird flu. It comes as more cases are confirmed in member nations. Eight countries have ordered poultry producers to keep their birds inside. Six of the 25 EU member countries have so far confirmed cases of the disease. The UN bird flu co-ordinator Dr David Nabarro said there is no immediate risk to human health: "That is a sign that this virus is with us in the world and is quite widespread, but it is not in itself a sign that our human health is endangered." Germany has confirmed that three wild birds found on an island in the Baltic were infected by the lethal H5N1 strain of the virus. A nationwide ban on keeping poultry outdoors has now been brought forward. Horst Seehofer is the Agriculture Minister: "We have here a dangerous animal epidemic with potential dangers for humans. We will work round the clock to understand and control the situation that has arisen now." Experts say migration patterns mean bird flu is likely to spread further. The World Health Organisation says at least 91 of the 169 people infected with the disease in Asia and the Far East have died. There are fears the virus could mutate into a form which can pass between humans, thus triggering a global pandemic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Georgian Parliament meets to call for Russian troops to leave South Ossetia
The Georgian parliament has passed a resolution calling for Moscow to withdraw its soldiers from the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Tbilisi claims the Russian presence in the confict zone amounts to annexation. Officials say it should be replaced by an international force.The resolution was carried by 179 votes to 235. Welcome news, says Giga Bkokeria from the Parliamentary Judiciary Committee: "There is absolute unified political will in Georgia to challenge this problem and to challenge the status quo created with the support of the Russian authorities and so-called peace keepers which in reality are just a cover up for an organised crime regime." Most of the Ossetian population is ethnic Russian and seeks closer ties with Moscow. Many people have Russian passports, and the Rouble is in common usage. 500 Russian soldiers are deployed in South Ossetia as part of a peacekeeping mandate. They were sent there after the region broke away from the central government in Georgia following a three year conflict which ended in 1992. The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned Georgia against behaviour which it claims could destabilise the region ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaiser Chiefs and James Blunt dominate Brit Awards
The Kaiser Chiefs and James Blunt were the big winners at the Brit Awards, the UK's biggest music awards. The indie quartet were named best British Group, Best British Rock Act and Best British Live Act. Former Army captain, James Blunt, walked off with the Best British Male and Best Pop Act awards. Madonna picked up the Best International Female award. She was also on hand to present the Best British Album and Single awards to Coldplay, who announced they are splitting up. However, singer Chris Martin hinted it was only temporary: "People are fed up with us, and so are we," he said. "You won't see us at one of these for many, many years," he added. Other winners included KT Tunstall who grabbed Best British Female and Lemar for Best British Urban Act, while Kanye West won Best International Male. Paul Weller was also honoured for an Outstanding Contribution to Music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 15 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Germany confirms first cases of bird flu.
Further tests on two dead Swans found on the Baltic island of Rügen have found they were infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. The discovery will strengthen speculation the disease will spread north and west as migration begins this spring. National Parks spokesman Ingolf Stodian says it is unclear how the virus reached the area, but he believes means of transport such as car wheels or shoes of tourists may be responsible. Bulgaria reported its first avian flu cases over the past few days, joining Romania, Austria, Italy and Greece. Samples are being sent to Britain for final confirmation. All affected countries have now introduced emergency measures which include a ban on keeping poultry outdoors and mass slaughters. The disease is also present in the Middle East and in Nigeria. Scientists fear the virus could mutate into a form that transfers easily between humans. Bird flu has killed 91 people worldwide, most of them in Asia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Another big test for UK's Tony Blair
The authority of the British Prime Minister is being put to the test again today. Members of parliament are voting on the government's controversial new anti-terrorism Bill, which has already suffered setbacks in previous readings. Yesterday MPs voted for a total ban on smoking in pubs and clubs, with no exceptions, rejecting an earlier government proposal for a partial ban. While MPs voted in favour of biometric ID cards on Monday, the passing of new anti-terror laws may be more difficult. Plans to hold suspects for up to 90 days in light of the July 7 bombings have already been rejected by parliamentarians. Being voted on today is another disputed part of the bill - whether it should be an offence to glorify terrorism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Three arrested in connection with alleged Iraqi abuse video
Three people are now in custody in connection with video footage appearing to show British soldiers beating protestors after a demonstration in the southern Iraqi city of Amarah. The British Defence Ministry has confirmed one is a serving soldier. There are no details about the others being held. Meanwhile, two Iraqis who claim to be among the alleged victims in the video have announced they plan to sue the British Army. One of the alleged victims, 27-year-old Bassem Shaker, said they would be seeking compensation. The allegations of abuse have fuelled anger among locals. Authorities in the area around Basra where the British troops are based have severed all relations with the force. It is further evidence of a breakdown in relations which began last month after British and Danish raids on the homes of Iraqi policemen suspected of criminal activities. Around 80,000 British troops have served in Iraq since the start of the US-led invasion in March 2003. Until recently, they have been credited with establishing good relations with local authorities and communities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 14 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Europe on alert as birdflu arrives in EU
As the European Union grapples with the arrival of bird flu, Greece says two people suspected of having the virus have been placed in quarantine. Initial tests came back negative, but a further round of samples have been ordered. This two days after the country confirmed the deadly strain of the virus had been found in three dead swans. Europe is on high alert, with news over the weekend that the H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found in Italy and Bulgaria. Slovenia is also testing a sample taken from a swan. European officials have been trying to ease concern, stressing that no human cases have been confirmed so far in the EU. They say while H5N1 has killed at least 88 people in Asia and the Middle East, and measures to stop it spreading are essential, human to human transmission has never been detected anywhere. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Italy and Greece report deadly bird flu strain
As the first cases of avian flu in wild birds in the European Union were reported, finance ministers of the Group of Eight wealthiest nations said more must be done to help poor nations fight the spread of the virus. Three swans found near Thessaloniki in Greece and sent to a testing laboratoryin Britain tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain that has killed more than 80 people, mostly in south-east Asia. Bulgaria says the lethal strain has been confirmed among swans in wetlands close to its border with Romania. Meanwhile Italy said five wild swans found dead on the southern island of Sicily and the southern regions of Puglia and Calabria had tested positive for H5N1. Greece is taking preventive measures include isolating poultry and keeping flocks indoors. One Athens resident said: "I'm not someone who's particularly scared, I believe proper measures have been taken. From then on it will depend on developments." It was the same message at the lake in Rome's Villa Borghese, where people fed breadcrumbs to the swans and ducks. One man said: "I feel safe here in Italy. I think influenza is concentrated in Asia, in Turkey, but not here." But one Sicilian, at least, thought people would still have to be on the lookout. This week a UN official said the virus could soon mutate into a form that can spread from human to human. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investigation launched after disturbing video is released
Britain's military authorities have launched an investigation after an amateur video has come to light showing soldiers beating Iraqi detainees. The video has been released by the British Sunday paper , The News of the world. The video shows soldiers beating youngmen.Accompanying the tape is a comentary by the cameraman who is heard laughing. The tabloid newspaper claims the video was given to them by a so-called whistleblower.It says that it has established the soldiers involved were British but has not disclosed which unit or regiment. Brigadier Martin Rutledge: " Images of the video amount to very serries allegations. They're very disturbing and are subject of an urgent military police investigation. We alsways initiate a service police investigation where there are any grounds to suspect that a criminal or serious act had happened." The incident is said to have taken place two years ago in southern Iraq but the authenticity of the video has not been verified. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thousands demonstrate against EU services directive
Marching to the European Parliament to protest against one of the EU's most controversial plans, several thousand French and German demonstrators gathered in Strasbourg yesterday to denounce the Bolkestein directive. On Tuesday the parliament debates the measure that would throw open the EU's 25 national markets to cross-border competition in services. Marie-George Buffet, national secretary of France's Communist Party, said:"We hope they heed the aspirations of the people of the EU who don't want this free-market Europe any more. They want a Europe with a social harmony, one that's a source of progress (for everyone). Currently we're pitting workers in the EU against each other." MEPs are scheduled to take a decision on the directive next Thursday. One protestor said he hoped it would be withdrawn, adding he hoped previous agreements like the Treaty of Nice would be abandoned. The original directive was blamed for fuelling the "No" vote in the French referendum last year on the EU Constitution. Trade unions claimed it would allow cheaper services from the newer EU members to undercut peers in western Europe. One of Saturday's largest demonstrations was in Berlin where German union boss Michael Sommer joined about 35,000 anti-globalisation protesters. Among the slogans was "Europe yes- social dumping no". A compromise between the main groups in the European Parliament, that limits the scope of the directive, means the legislation is likely to be approved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 13 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sharon critical but stable after emergency operation
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in a coma at a Jerusalem hospital, following last month's massive stroke. But he was said to be out of immediate danger after what the hospital director called a "dramatic event" on Saturday morning. The 77-year-old premier underwent emergency surgery to remove parts of a damaged intestine, which doctors said were putting his life in danger. One young Israeli told reporters: "We believe, the Jewish people, that everything is in God's hands so all we can do is pray for him." Another Israeli said: "Since he has been in a coma, I think we've got such a soft landing of the whole news and maybe it is better to be gone than to lay like a vegetable the rest of your life." In Ramallah in the West Bank, one Palestinian man said: "He is a human being, he is already off the political stage right now and it is (up to) God will." Another remarked: "If Sharon (is) healthy or wakes up again it will make no difference (to) Palestinian people, believe me. That is my belief. It is the same." Sharon's failure to wake up after being taken off sedatives last month led to speculation that he had suffered severe brain damage. Interim prime minister Ehud Olmert will lead the newly-formed centrist party Kadima in the general election on March 28. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Iran threatens to withdraw from nuclear treaty
Iran's president has warned he may re-consider his country's membership to the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he may revise his approach to the accord if Iran were forced to abandon its nuclear activities. The leader made the comments in a speech marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. The West has successfully pushed for Tehran to be reported to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions amid suspicion Iran is trying to develop a nuclear bomb.
Last Updated, 12 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rallies across Europe against Danish cartoons of Prophet Mohammed
Muslim communities have mobilised across Europe holding mass demonstrations in protest against the publication of controversial Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The rallies appear to have been peaceful, in London's Trafalgar Square an estimated 4000 people gathered. Organisers say the aim was to allow British Muslims
to show their concern over what they see as growing Islamophobia but
also to call for calm. There are over three million Muslims in the country - for many the pictures are concrete proof of Europe's hostility to Islam. And in France, the Muslim Council has urged the nation's five million believers to stay calm. At a rally in Strasbourg an Islamist leader warned that the cartoons now reproduced in much of the western press, had woken up the Muslim world. "You will unite all Muslims be they salafists, integrationists, Islamists or terrorists," he said. The French President has condemned the publication of the pictures as overt provocation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ G8 gears up for a future with steady growth
Finance Ministers from the G8 leading industrialised nations have ended their meeting in Russia with a positive statement on global growth. They believe economic growth will again be good this year but they say that high and volatile energy prices posed a threat. They also called for more progress in trade liberalisation negotiations. The talks in Moscow marked Russia's first turn as G8 president and focused primarily on concern over the cost and reliability of supplies of oil and gas. Russia is one of the world's biggest energy providers but a recent row with Ukraine, in which it closed the gas taps, has triggered ill-ease among others in the wealthy club. The diplomatically phrased final communique made no reference to that issue but officials say they are keen for Russia itself to allow more foreign investment in its energy sector and to loosen the grip of the Gazprom monopoly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Let the Games begin!
A passionate celebration of sport and all things Italian in the opening ceremony of the 20th Winter Olympics, which showcased centuries of culture and creativity. Tens of thousands of people watched the spectacular song and dance extravaganza and outside the stadium fans from across the world gathered in Turin's Piazza San Carlo. "It's stupendous, a unique thing for us, especially for us residents of Turin. It's marvellous thing, to see all the people so united especially at such a critical time," said one Italian woman. A Russian spectator added: "It was amazing like a fairytale. I've never seen this kind of an opening ceremony before. It was really one of the best ceremonies ever." While another fan was full of praise for the show: "I thought it was absolutely superb. It was colourful and brilliant. And noisy, very, very noisy. Excellent!" At the end of the ceremony former cross country skier Stefania Belmondo, the final torch bearer, lit an arc of fireworks which wound their way round the stadium to light the Olympic cauldron. Investigation launched after disturbing video is released
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 2 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IAEA meets for key decision on Iran
To refer or not to refer - the question being considered in Vienna this morning by the UN's nuclear watchdog in discussions on Iran's atomic research. The body could decide today whether Iran should be brought before the UN Security Council because of its nuclear programme. The West fears Tehran is using the technology to try to develop the bomb - the Iranian government insists its only aim is generate electricity. The situation came to a head when the five main world powers which are permanent members of the Security Council overcame differences and backed calls for Iran's referral - a move that could ultimately lead to sanctions. Tehran has reacted angrily warning it will end cooperation with the IAEA and begin uranium enrichment on an industrial scale. Diplomats have said they expect the 35 members of the UN agency to approve the motion to refer Iran by a large majority. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Iran to retaliate against any IAEA action
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may have lost important international backing but he can still count on strong domestic support, if recent rallies and demonstrations are anything to go by. Yesterday he lambasted western powers at a gathering in Tehran and said Iran would not be intimidated. One retaliatory measure which Iran could take immediately if referred to the Security Council would be to end snap inspections by the IAEA of its nuclear sites. Tehran also appears set to accelerate research activities. It was the resumption of these after a two and a half year moratorium that prompted the EU to seek a UN crackdown. Whatever decision the agency takes today there will still be time to resolve the standoff. No action will be taken until the IAEA chief delivers his final report on March 6, giving Iran a month to show its not trying to develop nuclear weapons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Israel witholds tax and duty payments in protest at Hamas election result
Israel has frozen monthly tax payments due to the Palestinian Authority.It comes a week after the shock election victory of the militant group Hamas. The money is needed to pay the salaries of 130,000 Palestinian civil servants. 35 million euros should have been handed over yesterday. Palestinian Economy Minister Mazen Sonnoqrot accused Israel of acting illegally: "Israel has no right to freeze the money. It is an illegal issue. It cannot be a one-sided measure. It cannot be a tool for the upcoming election campaign. We cannot have this collective punishment in order to serve a certain party in Israeli politics." But Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev says it is a legitimate action: "It is clear to see that there is an emerging international consensus that the international community will not consider 'business as usual' with the Palestinian Authority if the Palestinian Authority is to be run by people committed to suicide bombings, people opposed to peace, people who want to destroy the state of Israel." Unemployment in the Palestinian territories is high and half the population lives in poverty. Israel says the payments will not be made until the completion of a government policy review. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ US scientists claim new bird flu vaccine
Scientists in the US are claiming to have produced a possible H5N1 bird flu vaccine which can be easily mass-produced. Current vaccines are made in fertilised eggs and can take up to six months to produce. Researchers in Atlanta say enough doses of the new product could be made to significantly reduce the risk of a pandemic among humans. Global health officials fear the H5N1 virus could mutate into a strain that could pass easily between humans. It has spread westwards from Asia - several people in Turkey were among the latest victims. Now tests carried out by a British laboratory on a dead Iraqi teenager have confirmed that she died of bird flu. Officials in the north of the country say they are treating a further 12 patients suspected of having bird flu. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated, 1 February, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Putin's 5th annual press conference is a marathon
Russia's President Vladimir Putin is giving his fifth annual press conference to domestic and foreign journalists at the Kremlin in Moscow. It is of particular interest this year as Russia is currently president of theG8 group of major industrialised nations. Doubts have been expressed in some quarters about Russia's suitability to belong to an organisation built around free-market economics and democracy. Putin took a swipe at those critics: "We are a nation whose economy and society is in full-blooded development, and we understand better than any other G8 member the problems facing developing countries. So, the participation of Russia in the G8 is completely natural. Moreover, who can imagine discussions on global security and nuclear issues without the participation of the world's biggest nuclear power?" Putin spoke briefly on domestic economic issues before taking questions from the floor and said he was, on the whole, satisfied at his government's performance last year. Returning to nuclear issues, he outlined Russia's ideas on defusing the impasse with Iran: "We intend to create a entire network of nuclear cycle centres to reprocess uranium that will be open to all nations that want to participate in a common project to develop nuclear energy. Access will be without discrimination to all, including our Iranian partners". In the nuclear crisis with Iran the Russian offer for the moment appears to be the only avenue open that will head off confrontation. However, Iran continues to insist it wants control of its own fuel cycle, and the relevant technology. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Israel likely to freeze Palestinian tax payments
In a potential body blow to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, Israel said it expects to suspend monthly tax payments after the shock election victory of Islamic militants Hamas. Israeli Foreign ministry spokesman Mark Regev said: "The review, at the moment, is ongoing. But pending a final decision, and a final decision hasn't been reached, I think it's fair to presume that Israel will not be automatically transferring funds to the Palestinian Authority." Under the Oslo Peace Accord, Israel collects customs revenue on behalf of the Palestinians and hands it over to the Authority. The next automatic payment of about 36 million euros is due on Wednesday. Following a meeting of the quartet of major powers trying to broker peace in the Middle East, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Tuesday: "The quartet concluded that it was inevitable that future assistance to any new government would be reviewed by donors against that government's commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and the acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map." Hamas has rejected as "blackmail" the quartet's demands it renounces violence against Israel or risk losing money. A spokesman said the decision punished the Palestinian people for using what he described as their freedom of choice in a democratic and fair election. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ World powers want Iran referred to Security Council
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council have agreed that Iran should be referred to the international body over its nuclear programme. After lengthy talks in London, the foreign ministers of China, Russia, the US, France and Britain decided to call on the UN nuclear watchdog the IAEA to transfer Iran's case to the Security Council. However, in an apparent concession to Moscow, which does not want any immediate steps taken against Tehran, it was agreed there would be no action until a report by the watchdog in March. Coinciding with the meeting, exiled Iranians living in Britain held a demonstration in London to call on the international community to contain the Iranian government, shouting "They are terrorists, they must go!". Western nations suspect Iran of planning to use its
nuclear technology to develop atomic bombs. Tehran insists its programme
is meant only for peaceful purposes and says moves to send its case
the Security Council are not legally justified. In Iran, thousands
of demonstrators gathered outside a major uranium plant in the central
city of Isfahan to protest against growing international pressure
on their country's nuclear programme. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
