Domenica, 30 Novembre, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq: Spain vows not to bow to terror despite ambush deaths
In the worst single attack against Spanish forces in Iraq since combat was officially declared over, seven of the country's intelligence agents have been killed in an ambush on a convoy they were travelling in. Moments after the strike on Saturday local Iraqis were seen standing over some of the bodies. Reports from the scene say pro-Saddam Hussein chanting could be heard. Another agent is said to have been slightly hurt. Rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles were used in the attack, which took place about 30 kilometres south of Baghdad. Only hours earlier, Iraq's top US commander had said that strikes against US forces had fallen sharply in recent weeks, despite figures showing this month has been the deadliest for American troops since the war began in March. Spain, a strong backer of the US-led invasion of Iraq, has around 1,300 troops stationed there. Madrid had earlier lost two other military personnel: an intelligence officer attached to the Spanish embassy gunned down in the street, and a naval officer among 22 killed in a suicide bombing on the UN mission. Just over two weeks ago, 19 Italians were killed in a strike on a military police base in southern Iraq. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Japanese diplomats murdered on way to Iraq reconstruction talks
Two Japanese diplomats have been killed in an ambush in northern Iraq, the first Japanese victims of the conflict. The pair were on their way to a conference on the reconstruction of northern Iraq. A non-Japanese driver was injured in the attack. It's certain to complicate Tokyo's decision on when to send troops to help rebuild Iraq. The ambush happened about 5pm on Saturday near Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit about 175 kilometres north of capital Baghdad. Japan condemned the incident as "unforgiveable" but said it remains undaunted in its determination to fight terrorism. It has passed a special law to enable it to send troops to Iraq but, because of the country's pacifist constitution, they can only take part in reconstruction and humanitarian work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European foreign ministers have taken major strides forward in clinching a deal on the new constitution, but agreement over voting powers within the bloc looks as elusive as ever. Spain and Poland are determined to stick to the present system - the 2000 Nice Treaty - which gives them a disproportionate say in decision making. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has come up with a possible solution - procrastination: "It's only 2003 now, why do we have to have an unnecessary argument about this? Why not have a rendez-vous clause for somewhere closer to 2009 and, in the light of experience, we can decide then whether either Nice is working or not." But this has not gone down well with his German counterpart Joschka Fischer, who argued that postponing such a core issue is just not good enough: "If there are unresolved topics left over from this meeting then we have failed. We have failed in fundamental arguments. We have seen from the example of Nice that if certain issues remain pending then problems follow." Perhaps the biggest achievement at the Naples meeting has been the agreement on future defence arrangements giving the EU its own operational planning capabilities, while recognising NATO primacy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the new defence arrangement presented at Naples, the key ministers involved are stressing that it is not aimed at undermining the current US-led NATO alliance. The new plan, described by some as an important breakthrough, is expected to be endorsed at the upcoming EU summit in Brussels on December 12 and 13. Britain's Foreign Minister Jack Straw told a media conference: "Structured cooperation is not about the running of military operations. It's about a group of countries getting together to develop their capabilities. The French Foreign Minister, Dominique Villepin, also spoke on the issue. "Everyone clearly understands that when we speak of European defence we are obviously speaking about complementing what exists and I am thinking clearly about NATO," he said. "It's not about creating - or duplicating - new contradictory systems but, on the contrary, about moving forward with something coherent and responsible." It is still to be seen whether these assurances will ease reported concerns in Washington that the arrangements could end up being a rival to NATO. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flu puts French hospitals under pressure
Just months after a heatwave caused a health crisis in France, flu is now taking its toll. An emergency plan has swung into action in the Paris region, with hospitals overwhelmed with patients suffering flu, gastro-enteritis and bronchitis.Young children have been particularly hard hit. The special measures mean extra beds are being provided and more staff are being put onto the wards. Similar emergency action was taken during the summer heatwave when nearly 15,000 people died in France as temperatures soared. Much soul-searching followed in the corridors of power and the government later announced thousands of new health jobs and additional hospital beds. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anger in Germany over university budget cuts
More than 10-thousand students have taken part in demonstrations in Berlin. They are concerned about plans by three universities to reduce their budgets between now and 2009, to make savings of 75 million euros. The cutbacks have been ordered by Berlin's regional government. Earlier this week, students briefly occupied the offices of Berlin politicians in charge of finance and science, as well as the PDS party headquarters. There has been student unrest in other German centres, where regional governments are also trying to reduce education spending. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 29 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EU foreign ministers attempt to narrow their differences
In Italy, European Union foreign ministers are involved in tense talks in Naples over a new constitution, ahead of next year's inclusion of 10 new members. The debate takes place amid a storm over France and Germany escaping disciplinary action for their budget blow-outs. There has already been friction between the European Commission and the Italian EU Presidency. Brussels is against Rome's proposal to limit the Commission's power to enforce budget discipline. Then there is the thorny issue of making decisions. Should there be a right of veto and should some countries' votes carry greater weight?. Italy is yet to find a compromise and the issue looks set to be put off until an EU Summit in Brussels in a few weeks time. And on the question of whether each nation should at least have one commissioner each, that is also likely to be decided in Brussels and not Naples. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EU worry lines show up over constitution
So what negotiations are likely to take place at the EU meeting in Naples? Changes to the voting system will probably top the agenda. Spain and Poland are against any modification to the Nice Treaty which could reduce their voting rights. The treaty laid out qualified majority powers for a union of 25. Spain and Poland would each get 27 votes, just two short of the four much larger countries of Germany, Britain, France and Italy. But the Constitution presents a new simpler plan with a majority representing 60 percent of the EU's total population. The row has raised diplomatic stakes already heightened over Ecofin's decision not to punish France and Germany for breaking EU Stability Pact rules. It has set up a them-against-us scenario with Europe's big boys seen by smaller states as riding roughshod over their interests. Spain's prime minister said consequences of the move would be felt in negotiations at Naples, sentiments shared by his Polish counterpart, Leszak Miller. "The convention's document is not free of its own shortcomings. They are mostly visible when referring to the voting system. In this respect, the Convention crossed its mandate," he said. The eventual number of European Commissioners will also be a hot subject. Again the main faultlines lie between larger and smaller states. Until 2009, the Constitution proposes that each country gives up one of its Commissioners. After that only 15 will have voting rights. The remaining ten will have to wait until jobs are rotated - a solution that has not pleased anyone. Even God might have a role to play in the proceedings. Christianity has not been mentioned as part of Europe's heritage in the text of Valery Giscard d'Estaing. Poland heads eight countries calling for religious recognition, but if Christianity is mentioned, which other religions will want a line as well? The real negotiations, it seems, are only just about to begin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hardliners do well in Northern Irish poll
What now for Northern Ireland's peace process? That is the question facing Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern following election results in the province that show significant gains by radicals opposed to the Good Friday agreement. The hardline Protestant DUP scored a big success but its leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, will not talk to the ballot's other big winners, the IRA's political ally Sinn Fein. "We don't sit down with murderers to negotiate the future of our country," he said. Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams supports the peace deal. He was relaxed and even sarcastic about Ian Paisley's strong showing. "In terms of Dr Paisley or Mr Paisley refusing to talk to me, it is a strange type of politics and, if I may say so, because he is also the leader of a church, a strange type of Christianity that refuses to converse with the neighbour, which refuses to talk to sinners," he said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 28 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bush drops in on Iraq troops under cloak of extraordinary secrecy
President George W. Bush's surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq has given beleaguered US troops a much-needed morale boost amid mounting American casualties, guerilla violence and a re-election campaign. He landed in Baghdad in complete secrecy and spent two and half hours talking to soldiers and serving some their traditional turkey dinner. The White House had released details of his holiday menu in Texas to throw journalists off the scent and even his visiting parents were kept in the dark. Last month rockets were fired at the Baghdad hotel where deputy defense secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying and this month guerilla missiles hit a plane over the city. Bush's risky trip may blunt criticism he is not showing enough concern for the soldiers by failing to attend any of the funerals of servicemen killed in action. Soldier Viso Claudio's not sure how the visit will go down in America: "The Americans are spending a lot of money for us being here you know but I'm not sure how that will go down with the people back home. It is probably bringing up the economy though. It might be a good thing or a bad thing." But another soldier was impressed by the presidential visit: "This is a good move for the morale. It makes us feel better that our leader is actually here on a holiday." But morale is in desperate need of a boost. Since President Bush declared major combat over in May around 300 US soldiers have died. November's seen the heaviest losses to date. It is reported more than 8,000 wounded military personnel have been flown out of Iraq. And in the past seven months at least 14 soldiers have committed suicide. With troops under daily attack from increasingly-daring guerillas and no chance of leaving in the near future, every morale boost is crucial. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Explosive found in British Al Qaeda suspect's house
Police in Britain have found explosives at the house of the 24-year-old man arrested earlier on terrorism charges. He is suspected of having links to Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network. There are unconfirmed reports linking him to Richard Reid, the British-born bin-Laden follower jailed for life in January for trying to blow up a transatlantic flight with explosives stuffed in his shoes. The British-born man of Asian origin was arrested in Gloucester in western England on "suspicion of involvement in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism". Officers later said they had removed explosives from the building. They are also searching two addresses in northern England including an Islamic college where the suspect was a former student. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy has arrested five people suspected of recruiting bombers for suicide attacks in Iraq. One of them, Mahous Abderrazak, is thought to be a senior member of Al Qaeda. He has previously been detained in Germany. Investigators believe the cell, which was based in Milan, sent militants to training camps in Syria and Turkey before they ended up in Iraq. No specific link has been established between the suspects and the Istanbul bombings or the attack in Nassiriya, which killed 19 Italians. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italy bows to protests over nuclear bunker
The Italian government has scrapped plans to dump nuclear waste in a southern town after weeks of environmental protests. Activists feared the nuclear bunker would destroy the Basilicata region's thriving economy, based on tourism and agriculture. Dubbed "Italy's California," it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. One campaigner said: "We will continue to call demonstrations until the government has made it clear it's going to abandon the idea of a single national site for storing radioactive material. We want each region to take its fair share of waste." Italy closed down its nuclear power plants in 1987, but storing material remains a headache. And the possibility of terrorists using it for a dirty bomb send shudders down the government's spine. It wants to find a single site to replace the 150 currently spread throughout the country. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 27 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apathy favours hardliners in northern Ireland election
Votes are being counted in a make-or-break parliamentary election for the Northern Ireland peace process. A low turnout has been blamed on disillusionment with moderate politicians - good news for hardliners who oppose the idea of unionists and republicans sharing power. According to exit polls, David Trimble's moderate unionists have a narrow lead. They are struggling to revive the power-sharing Stormont assembly. But snapping at Trimble's heels is Ian Paisley. His Democratic Unionist party has vowed to renegotiate the Good Friday agreement, which paved the way for the devolved parliament. Now in his late seventies, Paisley's trademark anti-Catholic and anti-Unionist rhetoric is as fiery as ever. Analysts have predicted a drop for the moderate republican SDLP, which got the second largest share of the vote in the last election five years ago. That would make Trimble's position even shakier. Exit polls suggest the SDLP is neck-and-neck with Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's main republican movement. Its leader Gerry Adams has warned hardline unionists they will have to eat their words and work with him if Sinn Feinn overtakes the SDLP. British Prime Minister Tony Blair suspended Stormont
last year after an IRA spy scandal rocked the administration. The
elections were postponed twice in May. Last month a deal between
Trimble and Adams collapsed when Unionists said moves by the IRA
to disarm were not sufficient. Official results are expected by
Friday evening but, with hard bargaining ahead, the new parliament
is not likely to take effect until early next year. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Schroeder defends Stability Pact breach
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has been responding to criticism after Germany and France escaped EU penalties for breaching budgetary pact rules. The decision by EU finance ministers to absolve two of the bloc's largest members has caused an unprecedented internal row and infuriated the guardian of the rules, the European Commission. "One can't act as of everything the Commission does is sacrosanct," said Schroeder in parliament. The Chancellor had come under harsh criticism from the opposition conservatives who have accused him of compromising the future of the heritage of the deutschmark. France and Germany had argued that sticking to the Growth and Stability Pact could endanger their economies. European Commission president Romano Prodi has described the situation as unsatisfactory: "There cannot be rules a la carte. We all have to play by the rules of the treaty and the pact." The Commission has not ruled out taking the case to the European Court of Justice. The crisis has once again opened the debate on changing the rules of the pact, with France suggesting a revision, but not before 2005, when Finance Minister Francis Mer says the current row will have settled. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greek authorities have released seven anti-globalisation protesters, including five who were close to death after going on a hunger strike for nearly two months. The so-called "Salonica Seven" were detained during riots at an EU summit in June. Their personal doctor, Cleanthis Grivas, said: "Their bodies have weakened so drastically that the slightest infection could be fatal. They have all lost an incredible amount of weight. We're talking about 15 to 25 kilograms." The protesters, who include two Spaniards, a Briton and a Greek, were arrested on charges of possessing explosives and weapons. They have yet to go on trial. Recently, international pressure had added to the Greek government's embarrassment over their plight. A group of European parliamentarians had expressed "deep concern" and human rights organisations had demanded their release.
Last Updated: 26 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anger of eurozone stability pact decision
The horns were locked but no blood was spilt as the eurozone's finance ministers and the european commission gave their opposing points of view on the ministers' decision to effectively let France and Germany off the hook over their excessive budget deficits. Italian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti argued that giving the pair extra time to bring their finances back in line with Growth and Stability Pact rules was nothing out of the ordinary. He said it just part of the everyday application of the pact, following it in a "flexible and intelligent way". Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes had other ideas. The EC has made no secret of its frustration at what it views as an entirely political decision. "The Commission deeply regrets that the council has not followed the spirit and the rules of the pact, a pact that was agree unanimously by the member states. We think that only a rules-based system can guarantee that these commitments are enforced and that all member states are treated equally," he said. The European Central Bank reacted angrily, saying the result of the finance ministers meeting carried "grave dangers" for the eurozone. It reiterated its commitment to maintaining stable prices and confidence in the single currency. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraqi guerrillas claim responsibility for plane attack
A French magazine has received a videotape of masked Iraqi insurgents claiming responsibilty for an attack on a civilian aircraft at the weekend. The group did not give its name, but showed footage of what it said was a pratice for Saturday's missile strike on a DHL cargo plane which was forced to make an emergency landing at Baghdad airport. It was the first non-military aircraft to be hit by Iraqi guerrillas since the end of major combat was declared in May. The US is adamant the security situation is improving. General John Abizaid, head of Central Command, has claimed that intensified military strikes and searches have halved the number of attacks on his forces in the last two weeks. However, attacks on Iraqis co-operating with the Americans are increasing, and the atmopshere is jittery with US troops on high alert for bombings to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 25 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blair, Chirac talk up unity on EU defence amid Iraq splits
There were smiles and laughter at the Franco-British summit in London, but a lingering sour taste in the mouth months after divisions over the Iraq war poisoned relations between the two countries. Iraq remains the main sticking point despite efforts by Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac to mend fences. The French President said: "I think we're on the right track but there is still a long way to go." At least European defence is one area where the two nations see more or less eye to eye. Blair pledged to build on a bilateral accord signed five years ago in St Malo aimed at boosting defence ties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia's new interim leader has met security officials and told a key minister to quit, following the resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze. Life is returning to normal after three weeks of street protests following elections that were marred by irregularities. The crisis came to a head on Saturday when opposition supporters, led by National Movement leader Mikhail Saakashvili, stormed parliament. A state of emergency was declared- but within hours it was clear the demonstrators had achieved what they called their "velvet revolution", a reference to the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia in 1989. Shevardnadze resigned his ten-year presidency after talks with Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov as well as opposition leaders on Sunday. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana has sent an envoy to Tbilisi to meet the acting president, former parliamentary speaker Nino Burdzhanadze. She has insisted Georgia still hopes to join NATO and the European Union as soon as possible, and said the country must strengthen ties with Russia. She also called a meeting of the outgoing parliament on Tuesday to set a date for a fresh presidential vote. 35-year-old Mikhail Saakashvili, a US-trained lawyer, is one of the favourites to win. Georgia is asking the US for almost five million euros to stage the election, which must be held by early January. Meanwhile Shevardnadze has been quoted as saying he wants to stay in Georgia- after initial reports that he had flown to Germany. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shevardnadze's resignation has prompted unease in Moscow, Georgia's former colonial master. Despite sour relations between the two governments in recent years, Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin regretted Shevardnadze was pressured into stepping down. Speaking on television, Putin said: "What is evident - and I'd like to emphasise this - is that Shevardnadze was never a dictator. We are naturally worried because the transfer of power took place against the background of a threat to use force." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tight US security in Iraq as Ramadan ends
Iraqis have begun celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month, Ramadan. Thousands of Sunni Muslims gathered at dawn to pray and participate in the Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of a month of dawn to dusk fasting. However some Iraqis say the event has been spoiled by the presence of US-led forces. Troops are on high-alert for an escalation in attacks with Ramadan ending later this year for Shi'ite Muslims who make up 60 percent of Iraq's population. Some Islamic experts say the spiritual incentive Ramadan provides had helped fuel a frenzy of violence. More than 130 people have been killed in suicide bomb attacks that have ripped through the Middle East from Turkey to Saudi Arabia during the holy month. First the Red Cross in Baghdad was targetted. Then a housing compound in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The conflict claimed the first Italian casualties just three days later. It was followed by two strikes on synagogues in Istanbul and then bombings of British interests in the same city. It has all contributed to the creation of an ever more subdued atmosphere which for some will not end until the occupation is over. However, other Iraqis say they are now experiencing a new era of freedom because of Saddam Hussein's demise. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 24 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is the end of an era - Georgia 's veteran President Eduard Shevardnadze has stepped down in a velvet revolution
Thousands of protesters have been on the streets for weeks to condemn parliamentary election results which they say were rigged in favour of Eduard Shevardnadze. He declared he resigned to avoid a bloodbath. He told a Georgian TV channel that he could see the standoff leading to violence, and felt it was better to leave beforehand. "It's not a big tragedy," he said. "I still have a lot of things to do in life. I'm going home." Shevardnadze enjoyed wide respect as the Soviet Union's foreign minister in the last days of the Cold War. He was also popular in his early days as leader of independent Georgia from 1992, especially for his handling of the separatist conflict in Abkhazia. The failure to tackle pervasive poverty and corruption finally sealedShevardnadze's fate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tight finish expected in Croatian election
Croatia's general election is expected to produce a
tight race between the two main parties. Racan's chief rival is Ivo Sanader of the Croatian Democratic
Union. He hasattempted to revamp the party, which was once identified
with hardline nationalism, by sacking radicals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 23 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kremlin sends mediator to Georgia as crisis deepens
Russia's Foreign Minister has travelled to Georgia to
try to resolve the country's political crisis. The man dispatched from the Kremlin spoke to the tens of thousands who had gathered on the streets in what was the culmination of two weeks of demonstrations, sparked by claims an election this month was rigged in Eduard Shevardnadze's favour. His message was that the Russian and Georgian people will work together to resolve the problem, in a constitutional and peaceful way. Opposition protesters have already proclaimed what they are calling a bloodless or "velvet" revolution. Meanwhile, after being forced to flee, President Shevardnadze declared a state of emergency. His spokesman said the army would take control unless parliament endorsed the measure, within 48 hours. Troops are on the streets but they have, so far, failed to intervene. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uuprising in Georgia - President hounded out of parliament
A state of emergency has been declared in Georgia. It follows the storming of the parliament chamber by supporters of opposition leader Mikhail Saakashvili who has dubbed it a bloodless revolution. Upto 25,000 thousand people have been protesting peacefully on the streets of the capital Tblisi - they are calling for President Eduard Shavardnadze to resign after claiming this month's parliamentary elections were rigged in his favour. Security forces are trying to keep order, there were fears of clashes as supporters of the government held their own demonstrations but so far the protests have been peaceful. Shevaradnaze, who was swearing in the new government at the time, has refused to heed their demands and said he will use the military to restore order. And already, armoured personnel carriers, buses and mini-buses with soldiers have taken up position outside Georgia's Interior Ministry. More soldiers were surrounding the building. Mikhail Saakashvili has said he wants Shevarnadze to go, but he wil agree for him to stay on, providing Shevarnadze is willing to call early elections. But there are some reports saying Shevarnadze has given the opposition supporters 48 hours to get out of the parliament building so it can be reconvened. Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov is planning to travel to Georgia, but Moscow has apparently said the event is an internal matter. Meanwhile, another leading opposition figure Nino Burdzhanadze has declared she will act as president. If Shevarnadze does step down, she would become acting president before new elections are held. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 18 people have died after suicide bombers have blown up their cars packed with explosives outside two police stations in Iraq. In the town of Khan Bani Saad a vehicle is reported to have sped towards the police station and detonated as Iraqi police opened fire. Some witnesses say the attacker in the blast in Baquba was wearing a police uniform as he drove towards the building. These are the latest in a string of attacks targeting the US-backed police force. Baquba and Khan Bani Saad are north of Baghdad and are located in the restive Sunni Triangle area. At Baghdad airport there were raw nerves. A plane that had taken off there is believed to have been hit by a surface to air missile. It made an emergency landing and there were no casualties. Missiles have been fired several times at incomings planes, but this is the first time a fixed wing aircraft is reported to have been hit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 22 November, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tensions climax in Georgia
The storming of Georgia's presidential chamber was the climax of weeks of escalating political tensions there. Opposition supporters broke down the door to enter the room where President Eduard Shevardnaze was delivering a speech. The 75 year old was hustled out by his bodyguards. Supporters of opposition leader Mikhail Saakashvili surged into the room and seized microphones to make political speeches. Crowds outside and inside chanted and waved flags. Shevardnadze had been due to address the inaugural session of the new parliament which was elected this month in a poll denounced as rigged by the opposition and international observers. Once firmly in the parliament the opposition called for calm, Saakashvili later said he was proud at the people's behaviour describing it as a bloodless revolution. Shevardnadze has said he will not resign and told a pro-presidential rally outside parliament that no enemy would deter them. He also said he wants to pursue talks with opposition leaders who have led the protests. Security forces massed outside parliament appeared to offer no resistance to the tide of opposition supporters when they stormed the building. There were a few scuffles and several injuries were reported, including police. For many, the events represent the culmination of years of simmering anger and frustration at the difficult economic situtation there. Average wages stand at about one euro a day, Georgia is one of the poorest- ex-soviet republics. The November 2nd elections branded as fraudulent were for many the last straw. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four decades since JFK's death
It is 40 years to the day since the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The US President's drive through Dallas on November 22, 1963 was to end in tragedy when he was shot dead, from a distance. History tells us that Lee Harvey Oswald pulled the trigger, before himself being gunned down. Conspiracy theories, however, have, ever since, suggested that might not be the full story. "This whole country is full of conspiracies, you know what I am saying? But I think they got the right individual," said one young American. "I think it was the CIA. Just because of all the bullet theories and all the things I have read about it," added another. "I don't think it was Oswald at all." The killing of JFK marked one of the most painful times in US history. Other members of his family were later to die in tragic circumstances, while, until her death, his widow Jackie would remain in the public spotlight. Whatever the controversies surrounding his life and assassination, four decades on, one thing is certain - John Fitzgerald Kennedy has not been forgotten. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 20 November, 2003 Archives
George W.Bush: guest of honour at Buckingham Palace
George W.Bush has been received as guest of honour by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. The US President is on a high-profile three-day visit to London, his first since the war in Iraq, for which he received unconditional backing from British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Queen referred to the "special relationship" between Britain and the US: "I believe it admirably describes our friendship. Like all special friends, we can talk frankly, and we can disagree from time to time. Even sometimes fall out over a particular issue." Bush used a keynote speech earlier to justify his action in Iraq, reaffirming his staunch alliance with Blair. He also warned critics in Europe that the United Nations risks extinction if it does not show the sort of Anglo-American backbone that toppled Saddam Hussein. Police have set up the biggest security operation ever for any state leader, but failed to stop a tabloid newspaper reporter from getting a job at Buckingham Palace on false pretensions ahead of Bush's arrival. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tough talking Bush defends US invasion of Iraq
President George Bush has defended America's invasion and occupation of Iraq. In a keynote speech marking the first full day of his state visit to Britain, he said war was sometimes necessary as a last resort to promote peace, democracy and freedom. There were also strong words of warning for Israeli and Palestinian leaders whom he urged to work harder for peace. "Israel should freeze settlement construction, dismantle unauthorised outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people and not prejudice final negotiations with the placement of walls and fences," he said. Bush also called on Arab states to end anti-Israeli
incitements in their media and cut off funding for terrorism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Huge London protest expected as Bush meets Blair
London got a foretaste last night of a planned march expected to attract 100,000 protestors to the capital today. About 600 protesters made themselves heard outside Buckingham Palace where President Bush and his wife have spent their second of three nights in Britain. Police were out in force to ensure activists did not breach a cordon in front of the palace. Sixteen thousand officers are being deployed during President Bush's visit, 14,000 of them from the capital's own police force. Since President Bush arrived on Tuesday night, 31 people
have been arrested in connection with the nation-wide anti-Bush protests,
mainly for minor offences. This afternoon's anti-war protest march
will go past government buildings in Whitehall as well as the Houses
of Parliament in Westminster. In February, a month before the invasion
of Iraq, one million people demonstrated in London against the war.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Isreal: Palestinian militants agree on truce talks
The main Palestinian militant factions have agreed in principle to talks in Egypt next week on a truce with Israel. It follows their meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei and Egyptian mediators. Talks are planned with Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in early December, with President Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction due to attend as well. Qurie eventually hopes to secure a ceasefire that would bind the Israelis too. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has voted unanimously to endorse the stalled Middle East "road map". It lays out steps both sides must take towards the creation of a Palestinian state in 2005. It was formulated a year ago by the so-called Middle East quartet - the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia, which pushed through this latest UN resolution. Israel has ruled out any truce with Islamist militants until the violence stops. An Ecuadorian tourist has become the latest victim of
the cycle of violence when she was shot at a passport check on the
border with Jordan near the Israeli city of Eilat on Wednesday. Another
four people were wounded. The gunman was shot dead by guards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US offers reward for Ibrahim's capture
He is said to have been second in charge in Saddam Hussein's regime. Now the US-led administration in Iraq is offering a 10 million dollar bounty for information leading to the capture or killing of Izzat Ibrahim. Ibrahim is the most senior member of the deposed regime still on the run, aside from Saddam Hussein. American satellite-guided missiles destroyed his home near Saddam's hometown of Tikrit early on Wednesday. It was not clear whether anyone was in the building. The military believes Ibrahim is directly behind some recent attacks on US troops. In the same area, US forces have arrested two Iraqis suspected of plotting to shoot down an American aircraft, while in Ramadi, 110 kilometres west of Baghdad, they killed eight Iraqis involved in anti-US attacks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Jackson faces new accusations of child molesting
A decade after similar allegations were brought against him, American popstar Michael Jackson is once again being accused of child molesting. An arrest warrant has been issued against the singer who has returned home to California from Las Vegas where he was shooting a music video. Bail has been set at three million dollars. Officials expect Jackson to turn himself in on Thursday. Police have declined to give any details about the allegations. Media reports say they involve a 12-year-old boy. Jackson denied similar accusations by a 14-year-old boy ten years ago. Criminal charges were never filed and Jackson reached a multi-million-dollar out-of-court settlement with the boy's family. Police spent more than 14 hours searching his Neverland ranch near Santa Barbara on Tuesday. The singer is said to be angry at the allegations. In a statement, he suggested they had been deliberately timed to undermine the imminent release of his new compilation. The charges brought against him carry a minimum sentence of three years in jail and a maximum of eight years each. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 19 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq: Italy buries 19 dead in Iraqi attack
Italy is in mourning. It has buried its dead following last week's suicide bombing in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya which killed 19 people. It was the deadliest assault on Italian armed forces since World War II. Several thousands of people gathered in Rome's second largest church, St Paul's Basilica, for the funeral service. Thousands were able to watch on large screens outside as the names of the nation's heros were read out one by one. In his sermon, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Pope John Paul's vicar for Rome, urged the faithful not to run away from terrorist assassins, but to face them with courage, determination and energy. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has said the attack will not affect his country's commitment to the US-led coalition in Iraq. Among the dead were 12 Carabinieri, from Italy's military police, five soldiers and two civilians. Twelve Iraqis were also killed. Italy is the third largest force present in Iraq after the US and the UK. Its 2,700 troops are part of the UK-led multinational force in southern Iraq. Despite their government's backing of Bush, a majority of Italians opposed the war. The Nassiriya bombing seems for a time to have united the country in grief and pushed disputes to one side. But as one mourning relative said: "The war was a far-away thing before. Now it has come to Italy." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bush makes first London visit since Iraq war
George W Bush is on his way to London for his first visit to the UK since the war in Iraq. While the US president is expected to be given a warm welcome by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, tens of thousands of protestors have vowed to give him his first taste of European anger at the war. A massive anti-war march is scheduled in the capital on Thursday. Among those applauding the protest is maverick London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who called Bush "the most dangerous man on the planet" and said that, even if asked, he would refuse to shake hands with the American leader. British police have mounted the biggest security clampdown ever for a visiting leader. They have deployed more than 14,000 officers for the three-day visit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jews and muslims unite for Istanbul funerals
Thousands of mourners have attended the funeral in Turkey of half a dozen of those killed in suicide bombings at two Istanbul synagogues. Jews and muslims huddled together under heavy rain, many of them covered in cuts and bruises after the weekend attack. A total of 25 people died in Saturday's blasts, with a further 300 injured. Two vehicles packed with 400 kilograms of homemade explosives had been used. Those buried today were carried in coffins wrapped in the Turkish flag, an honour usually reserved for dignitaries and members of the armed forces. The victims have been buried alongside the graves of 22 people who lost their lives in an earlier attack on one of the two synagogues. The funerals took place as the Turkish Government says it has discovered a link between the bombings and Afghanistan, the clearest statement yet that authorities believe Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network is responsible. It is little consolation for the mourners, but Turkish police are said to be hot on the trail of the culprits. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Isreal looks forward to the future
Belgium and Israel have agreed to mend fences after two years of frosty relations over a failed war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Israel's Foreign Minister, Silvan Shalom has been in Brussels to restore bilateral ties on the sidelines of an EU meeting where he spoke to EuroNews. SS: "I'm very satisfied. I think it was a very good meeting and it will tie relations between Israel and EU. We don't agree about everything but among friends we can agree to disagree and I believe from now on we will better understand one with each other in order to work one with each other to have better relations in future. EN: "Are you satisfied with the position the EU is taking now toward Yasser Arafat?" SS: "We don't think that Arafat should be a player. I've told my colleagues in the EU that while they were talking to him so many years, they didn't have even one achievement that they can show us. We believe that while they are talking to Arafat, they are weakening the prime minister. This new nomination was created by the EU and by talking to Arafat who needs the prime minister? We think that the only partner that we can talk to is Abou Ala. EN: What about the fence? Is it a political line or a security line? SS: "The number of terrorists attacks are declining because of the fence and because of other reasons but we will continue to do it. We believe it's very important to do it because it's the only way to keep the peace process alive. We are not going to have parallel tracks in the same time. I mean terrorism and funerals by day and negotiation by night. If we would like to have negotiations, and negotiations only we should put an end to terrorism and violence. If the Palestinians are not doing it themselves, we should do it instead of them. That's our obligation and that's what we will do in the new future in order to protect our people more than that. This fence is a security fence. It's reversible. If we will have any kind of agreement, of a final status agreement that won't be exactly war defenses this now, it can move. But until then we should do everything in order to protect our people. That's what every other country would have done, in order to protect it's people." EN: What do you think about the parallel negotiation that Yossi Beilin has undertaken? SS: "There is only one plan that was agreed by
all parties. It's the road map, and that's the only game in town."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 18 November, 2003 Archives
The casualty list included Muslims and Jews .
As Turkey comes to terms with the suicide bombings which killed 24 people and brought international terrorism within its borders hundreds have taken part in a protest against the attack. Under the banner of "Tolerance for Peace" The demonstration wound its way though the city to the scene of the double explosions which devasted a synagogue. The marchers unveiled a statue in tribute to the victims. A London-based Arabic newspaper said a branch of Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the blasts and pledged more strikes against western states. Turkish authorities believe the attack was planned abroad. The suicide bombers were captured by security cameras and investigators are hoping an examination of the video footage will give vital clues. Police are reported to be questioning a man who owned one of the vehicles involved in the bombing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tense times for Turkey's Jews
In 1986 the Neve Shalom synagogue in Istanbul was attacked by gunmen, believed to be Palestinians, who killed 22 worshippers during a Sabbath service. But, in general, the country's Jews have co-existed peacefully with the Muslim majority for some five centuries. Renata Juana Aji said the weekend's bomb attack shook the Jewish community to its core: "It is our entire life. For ages now we have gone twice a week to that area. But I also pity all the people with shops there who hadn't taken security measures." The Ajis, like most of Turkey's Jews, arrived more than 500 years ago, rescued from the Spanish inquisition of 1492 in ships sent for them by the then Turkish sultan. At 35,000, the Turkish Jewish community is the biggest in a Muslim country. Some 27,000 live in Istanbul. The ancient bond was strengthened after World War Two when neutral Turkey became a refuge for many Jews. And, four years ago, when an earthquake shook Istanbul, Israeli rescue crews became the heros of the hour amid the chaotic governmental response. Youssef has lived in Istanbul all his 80 years. He is the sole Jewish employee in a Muslim-owned restaurant. The owner Yaver Yahabettin said: "It's like he belongs to our family, for example, we call him father. When this terrible event happened I thought immediately of him and called him." Youssef is still trying to deal with the attack: "What can I say? Just that it touches us so deeply. My family was just so happy to see me alive. At the moment I'm still in shock but hopefully with time..." As Istanbul's devastated Jewish community struggles to come to terms with its loss, it remains to be seen whether the attack will also shatter one of the few enduring examples of tolerance through the ages. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq: Italy mourns car bomb victims
A sombre atmosphere hung over Rome today as Italians paid tribute to 19 of their troops killed in a bomb attack in Iraq. The soldiers' bodies lay in state in the Vittoriano monument at the heart of the country's capital - the focus of mourning for a nation grieving its greatest military loss of life since World War II. President Carlo Ciampi led the ceremony honouring the victims, along with Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. Ciampi paused to console father of one of the soldiers who said his son, himself a widower, had left behind three children. The soldiers were killed when a bomb ripped through a Carabinieri police base in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriyah on Wednesday. The government has declared Tuesday a national day of mourning. People have left flowers and tributes on the steps of the Vittoriano. Thousands are expected to turn out for the state funeral in St Paul's Basilica, one of Rome's largest churches. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mounting death toll prompts acclerated Iraq handover
The sudden decision by the United States to hand over sovereignty to Iraq sooner than expected has been seen by some as a recognition its present policy has failed but the American Plan B may still be something of a gamble. President George Bush says he's happy with the agreement to turn over power by June 2004: "The Iraqi Governing Council has laid out a timetable for the transfer of sovereignty. We're pleased with that timetable, we think it makes sense. On the other hand, we're going to stay tough and deal with the terrorists." A transitional Iraqi government is due to be formed by June 2004 then, under its auspices, a constitution will be drawn up and national elections organised by the end of 2005. The new sovereign government will have control over all issues from finance to security. Most significantly for Washington it will be in a position to re-negotiate the terms of the foreign troops, turning the coalition forces from the legally-defined 'occupation forces' into - possibly - an invited 'military presence'. The question for ordinary Iraqis is whether the plan is the answer to their prayers or simply an excuse for America to cut and run. Current head of the Iraqi Governing Council, Jalal Talabani, is optimistic: "It will be an independent government with full sovereignty responsible for the security of Iraq, responsible for the internal security, responsible for the budget and it will control parts of the country." But several weaknesses have already come to light. Some US Democrats and France have asked why Iraq must wait until June, although the EU has expressed satisfaction with proposals. More importantly, the success of the plan depends on
whether the Iraqi people accept the legitimacy of the transitional
government. If the make-up of the new government is not truly representative
then the country could split apart, leaving it vulnerable to another
dictator. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protests in London ahead of Bush visit
A protestor has scaled the main gates at Buckingham palace in London, where the US President George W Bush is due to arrive on Tuesday. The woman stayed there for several hours before coming down. Tight security is in place ahead of the visit, amid heightened fears of a possible terrorist attack. Tens of thousands are also promising mass demonstrations against President Bush. As part of security preparations, police leave has been cancelled and five thousand officers are being put on duty in the capital. Some traditional outdoor events have also been dropped. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 17 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq "Saddam" tape calls for resistance
Saddam Hussein has called on Iraqis to step up resistance against the US led coalition. A recorded message, purported to feature the voice of the ousted leader, was broadcast on the Dubai-based Arabic television station, al Arabiya. Although its authenticity is unknown, US officials have said a similar taped message, broadcast in September, probably did feature Saddam's voice. In response, US President George W Bush who, along with British Prime Minister Tony Blair was described as a liar, said his mission would continue. "It's propaganda. We're not leaving until the job is done, pure and simple. A free and peaceful Iraq will be a historic event. I'm sure Saddam Hussein would like to see us leave and I know that elements of the Baathist party, those who used to torture, maim and kill in order to stay in power, would like to see us leave. We will do our job," he said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq Al Qaeda claims to be behinde Saturday's synagogue bombings
A London based arabic newspaper says it has received a statement from al Qaeda, claiming it was behind Saturday's synagogue bombings in Turkey. At least 23 people were killed and more than 300 injured when suspected suicide attackers blew up their vehicles outside the two synagogues in Istanbul. The al-Quds newspaper said it was emailed the statement from a division of al Qaeda. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is due to call a cabinet meeting to discuss the attacks, in response to them he said: "We have received information about the claims, our security and intelligence forces are working to clarify them." Distrught family members and friends have attended the funerals of victims of the bombings. Six Jews are among the dead. Many others were Turkish Muslim passers by. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 16 November, 2003 Archives
Coffins of Italian dead arrive home from Iraq
The coffins of 18 Italians killed in this week's suicide attack in Iraq have arrived home. A military aircraft carrying them touched down at Rome's Ciampino airport on Saturday. The coffins were brought from the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya earlier in the day after a solemn ceremony involving senior Italian army and diplomatic representatives. Sixteen Italian military personnel, two civilians and nine Iraqis died in the Nassirya attack on a police station. Another Italian soldier caught in the blast died today after his family gave permission for his life support machine to be switched off, taking the total Italian death toll up to 19. Yesterday around 20 wounded survivors landed at Ciampino. A state funeral will take place on Tuesday. Italy's worst military disaster since World War Two has stunned a nation where many did not seriously consider their forces in Iraq would be a target. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US helicopters crash in Iraq- 12 dead
Twelve coalition personnel were killed and nine wounded when two US Black Hawk helicopters crashed in the Iraqi city of Mosul. No immediate details were available about the cause of the incident. Elsewhere, an explosion rocked an area close to the headquarters of Iraq's US-led administration in central Baghdad. A cloud of black smoke hung in the air above the compound, the site of one of Saddam Hussein's sprawling palaces. The country's Governing Council has announed that the transitional government will take over in June from the US-led authority, in a far swifter restoration of Iraqi sovereignty than had been expected. The interim council, created by US administrator Paul Bremer in July, said an elected government would follow by the end of 2005 after a constitution had been drafted and ratified. While Iraq will then, no longer, legally be in a state of occupation, Washington expects the new government will request a sizeable US-led force to remain in place. Meanwhile, a Portuguese journalist was reported to have been released by the armed men who kidnapped him in southern Iraq on Friday. The radio station employing Carlos Raleiras, TSF, gave no immediate details about the circumstances of his liberation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bloodbath on Jewish Sabbath in Istanbul
Car bombs have ripped through two synagogues in Turkey, killing at least 23people and injuring around 300. Worshippers in Istanbul were celebrating the Jewish Sabbath when the blasts happened. The attacks have been claimed by a Turkish group calling itself the Islamic Great East Raiders, which carried out a number of bombings in the 1990s. It wants to replace the country's secular system with a strict Islamic state. It is said to share the ideas of Al Qaeda and Ansar al Islam, which is thought to be behind some of the anti-US attacks in Iraq. The blasts hit the central Neve Shalom synagogue, the city's largest, and the smaller Beit Israel synagogue in the commercial Sisli district. Foreign minister Abdullah Gul has described the incident as a terrorist attack with "international links." And the interior minister has refused to rule out the direct hand of Al Qaeda, which has been blamed for strikes on other Jewish targets around the world in the last 18 months. Israel was quick to draw a link with Al Qaeda and called on the international community to fight global terrorism. Numerous foreign governments have condemned the bombings. The blasts will have brought back nightmares of the attack on the Neve Shalom synagogue by Palestinians in 1986, which killed 22 Jews. The minority has lived in Turkey for centuries and has enjoyed peaceful relations with the secular Muslim majority.
Anti-globalization rally in French capital
Anti-globalisation activists from all over the world have poured into Paris for a demonstration marking the end of this year's European Social Forum. For days, participants have debated everything from citizens' rights to the war in Iraq. Organized by trade unions and non-governmental organizations, the event is a rallying point for the anti-globalisation movement. Last year's inaugural forum took place in Italy. Next autumn, London is set to host the thousands taking part. Although today's march was largely good-humoured, some minor clashes were reported - with tempers flaring between hooded demonstrators and Socialist activists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catalan nationalists face tough election battle
It is the end of a 23 year-long era in Catalonia this weekend when Jordi Pujol retires, and the veteran moderate nationalist leader of Spain's richest region hopes his anointed successor will be able to carry on where he leaves off. Artur Mas leads the nationalist and Christian Democrat coalition into the regional elections for the first time, but after holding power in Catalonia ever since the region won the right from Madrid to have its own assembly in 1980, they are being challenged as never before. On the right is the ultra-nationalist ERC party that seeks full independence from Madrid. Always a small grouping, it could nonetheless hold the balance of power after Sunday's vote. Catalonia was the first Spanish region to industrialise, becoming rich and powerful, and during the civil war the power base of Republicanism. Pujol's reign brought the Olympics, rapid development, and renaissance built around outward-looking euro-centric policies. The Socialists have also built a strong challenge this
time, stronger than the other Madrid-based party in contention, the
governing Popular Party being led by former foreign minister Josep
Pique. They are likely to come fourth, as Catalonia's five point three
million electors still identify them with the former repressive Franco
regime that crushed Catalonian aspirations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Islamic extremists claim deadly synagogue blast in Turkey
An islamic extremist group has claimed responsibility for the explosions at two synagogues in the Turkish city of Istanbul which have left at least 24 people dead and injured dozens. The so-called Islamic Great East Raiders, whose leader is currently in jail in Turkey, said it carried out the attacks. But Turkish security services have pointed the finger at Al Quaeda. Police have been quoted at saying that car bombs caused the blasts. They appear to have been coordinated at a time when the Jewish community was at prayer. The explosions took place at the Neve Shalom and Beit Israel synagogues in downtown Istanbul. Security has been tight at Jewish community centres since Neve Shalom, the city's largest synagogue, was targeted by Palestinian terrorists in 1986, when 22 Jews died. There is speculation here that the blasts were an attempt to disrupt the peaceful relations between the Jewish minority and the secular muslim majority in this country. The attack also has serious implications for Turkey which has until now escaped the terrorist attacks that have struck other middle eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Morocco in recent months. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dozen dead in Queen Mary 2 tragedy
At least 12 people have died after a dockside gangway to the world's biggest cruise liner, the Queen Mary 2, collapsed in western France. The accident happened during an official visit to the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, where the finishing touches are being put to the ship, ahead of its planned launch in January. A spokeswoman for the yard, owned by French heavy engineering firm Alstom, said the guests were family members of workers involved in the construction of the Queen Mary 2. Children are believed to be among the injured and dead. The Queen Mary 2, hailed as the most luxurious passenger ship ever built, is due to be handed over to her owners Cunard in a matter of weeks. She is then set to be launched on January 8 by Britain's Queen Elizabeth at the ship's homeport of Southampton on the southern coast of England. It is not yet clear whether today's events will delay the launch or the ship's maiden voyage on January 12 to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 15 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq: Nassiriya survivors touch down in Rome
Twenty Italians wounded in this week's devastating suicide attack in southern Iraq have arrived home. They touched down at Rome's Ciampino military airport to an emotional welcome by families and senior government and army figures. They were then whisked away for medical treatment at various military hospitals in the capital. Wednesday's blast in Nassiriya claimed the lives of 18 Italians, including 16 military personnel and two civilians. Another officer caught in the blast has been pronounced brain dead. Nine Iraqis were also killed in the attack. Earlier senior Italian military figures paid their respects to the dead in Nassiriya. The coffins are due to be flown home tomorrow. The attack has traumatised the nation and brought home the price of patrolling Iraq. Many Italians believed their forces would not be a target. The country is now preparing for one of its biggest state funerals in modern times. Thousands of spontaneous floral tributes and messages have been pouring into police stations across the country, and hundreds have queued to sign a book of condolences at the Carabinieri headquarters in the capital. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 14 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq: search for answers after Nassiriya bombing
After the bomb attack that killed 28 people in Nassiriya in southern Iraq, there is now the search for clues as to exactly who was behind it and how it was possible. For Italy's Defence Minister Antonio Martino there is no doubt who carried out the blast. During an inspection of the site, where 19 Italians died, he blamed Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network. "Behind all of this are the hallmarks of those trying to put a stop to the process of democracy," he said. "They don't want it to succeed." Martino vowed the blast would not push Italy out of Iraq. Hours later there was news that a new batch of 50 Italian paratroopers have left for Iraq to reinforce a contingent demoralised by Wednesday's blast. While Rome has vowed its troops will stay put, Japan has now ruled out any rapid dispatch of its forces to Iraq because of the instability. The bodies of those killed are due back in Italy in the coming days. And still the attacks continue, with another US soldier killed in Baghdad. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italian Defence Minister visits suicide bomb wounded
For the wounded Italian troops in Iraq, home must seem a long way away. Defence Minister Antonio Martino visited the injured in a makeshift hospital, set up near the bombed-out army base, to boost moral. More than 20 Italians were wounded in the suicide blast. Many are suffering from shock and trying to piece together the deadly chain of events. "It all happened in about three seconds. There were shots and then an explosion. It was unbelievable. Then I felt someone pick me up and rescue me. Next thing I remember, I was in a car with two locals taking me to hospital," recalled one soldier at the hospital. "Everything happened in a moment. There was a burst of machine gun fire and I ducked down on the floor and then there was an explosion. I saw my friend Frederico, he was under the tanker, and then we managed to get away," said another of the wounded troops. The attack occurred just days before many of the soldiers and Carabinieri were due to be sent home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berlusconi ribadisce: "I nostri soldati non lasceranno l'Iraq"
Semplici cittadini, scolaresche, famiglie, organizzazioni sindacali e di partito. Tutti, in queste ore, si sono stretti attorno ai carabinieri. Il sindaco di Roma Walter Veltroni e il presidente della regione Lazio Francesco Storace sono stati tra i primi a rendere omaggio ai vertici dell'Arma. Al comando generale sono giunte 8.500 e-mail provenienti anche dall'estero. Nonostante la tragedia di Nassiriya, il contingente italiano in Iraq non sarà ritirato. Solo una minoranza, anche tra le forze dell'opposizione, chiede il ritorno a casa dei soldati. Berlusconi e Fini, che, insieme al presidente della Camera, Casini, hanno manifestato solidarietà ai carabinieri, hanno confermato che la missione continua. Nel centro sinistra D'Alema e Fassino non chiedono il ritiro delle truppe ma la conclusione della fase postbellica e il passaggio dei poteri dall'amministrazione statunitense a una irachena. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 13 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq: US forces hit back in Baghdad as Italy mourns soldiers
President Bush has told Iraq's civil administrator Paul Bremer to speed up the transfer of post-war authority to the Iraqi people. After urgent consultations in Washington, Paul Bremer said he would discuss with the Iraqi Governing Council how to accelerate the transfer of power. The move draws Washington's policy closer to that of its sceptical European allies. It came as a suicide bombing at an Italian military police base in the southern Iraqi town of Nasiriyah killed at least 16 Italian servicemen and two Italian civilians. Two Iraqi civilians also lost their lives in the bloodiest single attack in Iraq since August. The Italian soldiers were the first non-British members of the southern multinational force to be killed by hostile action. Many of the 2,300 Italian troops in southern Iraq are stationed in Nasiriyah, which has been relatively calm. Yesterday's blast, on the Euphrates riverfront, tore the front off thebuilding used by Italian carabinieri. A truck crashed into the entrance, closely followed by a car, which detonated. Italian military sources say there were four suicide bombers, all of them supporters of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. The US military, meanwhile, displayed a new approach to its troubled occupation, bombarding a Baghdad building purportedly used by anti-American guerrillas. It used a Hercules aircraft modified for attack to destroy an abandoned Baghdad warehouse. The action came after a string of nighttime attacks on the headquarters of the US-led administration. Two Iraqis were killed in a helicopter strike against a van used to launch mortar attacks on the US military. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Italy committed to Iraq- Berlusconi
The Nassiriya attack was Italy's biggest military death toll since World War Two and the country's worst international tragedy since Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi came to power three years ago. The Italian leader told parliament that Italy would not waiver in its determination to continue its mission and he urged the country to unite behind its troops. He said Italy would continue to help Iraq along the road to democracy. Berlusconi has been one of George W. Bush's strongest supporters over Iraq. In expressing his condolences the US President paid tribute to the Italian leader. Italy's loss was also felt in Britain where dozens of families continue to grieve for loved ones killed in Iraq. Prime Minister Tony Blair said in parliament: "I'm sure the House would join with me in expressing our deep condolences to the Italian government and the Italian people, and the families of those people who have been tragically murdered in the latest terrorist attack in southern Iraq." Expressions of sympathy continue to pour in from around
the world. But the attack has served as a painful reminder to other
nations with forces in Iraq that the conflict is far from being America's
alone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italians pay tribute to peacekeepers killed in Iraq
In Rome, the messages of condolence have been mixed with calls for Italian troops to be brought back home. As tributes pile up outside carabinieri headquarters in the capital, there is a genuine shock at the attack in southern Iraq. There is a common perception that Italian servicemen engaged in post-war activities are friendlier towards local populations and therefore less of a target. Many Italians did oppose the deployment of troops in Iraq, and the nation's mixed feelings were reflected in initial reactions. One woman said, "They were helping others and this is what they get." Another commented, "It's a good thing to be helping to change things in Iraq, but today we've paid a very heavy price." The carabinieri say they have been inundated with sympathetic telephone calls from members of the public. Sicily, where at least five of the victims came from, has declared an official period of grief until funerals are held. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heavy jail terms in Elf case
Heavy jail terms have been handed down in what has been described as France's biggest ever corporate corruption case. The former chairman of the French Oil giant Elf, Loik Le Floch-Prigent, has been jailed for five years by a court in Paris, the maximum sentence available. He was one of 37 people due to be sentenced over the affair, accused of involvement in the misuse of hundreds of millions of Euros in public money between 1989 and 1993. The former chairman was also fined 375-thousand Euros. Also sentenced was Alfred Sirven, said to have been Floch-Prigent's right hand man at the time. He has received a five year sentence and a million Euro fine. And the company's former Africa director, Andre Tarallo, has been sent to jail for four years, with a two million Euro fine. Aside from purchases of luxury Paris apartments and villas, millions of Euros was allegedly siphoned out of the company. The former French foreign minister, Roland Dumas, also came under scrutiny in the case, but he was eventually cleared of receiving Elf-funded gifts. Elf, privatised in the mid 1990s, is now part of the energy group Total. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Court battle looms as "toxic" ship docks
It is north-eastern England's most unwelcome visitor. The first of 13 decaying US naval ships has arrived at the port of Hartlepool for dismantling. The voyage maybe over but the controversy rages on. Environmentalists have complained the operation to recycle the vessels is an ecological disaster in the making. The rusting hulks contain asbestos, chemicals and heavy fuel oil. Campaigners have persuaded the government to suspend the demolition. That is being contested in court by the company, which won the contract. Pete Stephenson, Able UK's Managing Director, said: "The court will decide in December and hopefully everyone will be satisfied there's no risk and we can begin working in January." Britain's Environment Agency, which ordered the temporary halt to the work, is playing down concerns of a toxic time bomb but is monitoring waters in the port. Three other ships are en route for Hartlepool while a further nine are awaiting developments before setting out from their home base in the US. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Palestinian cabinet sworn in
The Palestinian parliament has given the go-ahead for a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie. This is considered a crucial step in reviving the flailing US-backed peace plan. The new ministers are dominated by loyalists of President Yasser Arafat. His influence on security matters is seen by the US and Israel as an obstacle to peace making. Qurie and Arafat both pledged their wish to reach a ceasefire, but in a possible sign of things to come Israel rejected the President's speech. Qurie also said he wanted to hold a parliamentary and Presidential vote by June 2004. Palestinians claim they have not been able to hold elections because of continuing Israeli operations and that the Jewish State is keen to stall them because Arafat would get re-elected. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 12 November, 2003 Archives
London's Big Ben marked the time
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when guns fell silent in 1918 at the end of the First World War. Rememberance Day, led by Queen Elizabeth the Second in Britain, commemorates all those who have died in war, including more than 50 British soldiers who have fallen in Iraq. Their names were read out during the service. French President Jacques Chirac led ceremonies in Paris. He laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier and lit a flame in memory of the war dead by the Arc de Triomphe. Chirac spoke to a World War One Veteran, who was 108. This 85th anniversary could be the last one attended by First World War soldiers, there are only 36 veterans still alive in France, and they are all over 100 years old. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq: a rallying call from the US President on Veterans Day.
With an increasing number of coalition soldiers killed in Iraq, George W Bush raised the issue during commemorations at Virginia's Arlington Cemetery. He said thousands of young soldiers currently engaged in action were doing so with great risk. The President repeated the words of a young soldier who recently said that when he signed up for the army he pledged to protect the US from both internal and external enemies. Bush said the soldier was battling to make sure that future generations would never have to relive events like September 11. At least 37 US soldiers recently killed in Iraq are
among those buried in the Arlington Cemetery. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 11 November, 2003 Archives
Saudi king promised iron fist response to attackers
Saudi Arabia's King Fahd has vowed to strike with an "iron fist" whoever tries to violate his country's security following a suspected Al Qaeda attack on the capital Riyadh. Eighteen people were killed and more than 120 injured when a suicide car bomb blew up inside a housing complex last Saturday. Saudi Arabia had stepped up its crackdown on terrorism following another bombing in May at an expatriate compound, which killed 35 people. At least six hundred people have been arrested since then. The latest attack came only days after Western nations issued warnings of possible assaults and Washington shut down all its missions in the Kingdom. The US has also announced it is closing down its embassy in Sudan for a week. On a visit to Saudi Arabia, US deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said it was clear Al Qaeda wanted to topple the pro-Western government and the Saudi royal family. Meanwhile, nearly 5,000 soldiers are being deployed in Mecca, the most holy site in Islam, where tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected for the end of Ramadan at the end of November. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human rights groups have welcomed a decision by the US Supreme court to consider the cases of foreign nationals being held at an American military base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. A panel of judges will decide whether the detainees, whom Washington describes as "enemy combatants", have the right to challenge their imprisonment in US courts. In a statement, Amnesty International said it hoped the Supreme Court would bring to an end "the legal black hole" into which the detainees had been thrown. About 660 people are being held at Guantanamo, most of them captured during the war in Afghanistan. They have been held without charge or access to lawyers. The US insists the group comprising citizens from 40 different countries are being held in accordance with international law. A US federal judge court has previously dismissed cases being taken by 16 prisoners. An appeals court upheld that decision. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The US and Vietnam took another step along the road from enmity to alliance when Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hosted a visit by his Vietnamese counterpart. Pham Van Tra became the first Vietnamese defence minister to visit the Pentagon and the State Department since the war between the countries ended in 1975. Rumsfeld and Tra were said to have discussed ways to
"promote security cooperation". The Pentagon said the meeting
also dealt with joint efforts on "de-mining, disaster relief,
search and rescue, and medical assistance." Vietnam and the US
restored diplomatic ties in 1995 and signed a trade agreement, which
took effect in 2001. Despite warming relations Washington has, however,
expressed concerns about Vietnam's restrictions on religious freedom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Germany's CDU to expel MP after anti-semitic remarks
Germany's opposition conservatives are taking steps to eject one of their members after he made anti-Jewish remarks. Christian Democrat MP Martin Hohmann, an obscure backbencher from the state of Hesse, said in a speech last month that Jews, like Germans, could be seen as perpetrators, arguing that some had served in death squads during the Russian revolution. CDU leaders, facing massive pressure to sack him, took the decision after a two-hour discussion at the Reichstag on Monday. The party's Secretary General, Laurenz Meyer, said he had to ensure that words such as patriotism were used in the right context, and that certain boundaries were not crossed. Mr Hohmann, he added, had done so. The MP has since apologised for his views, but the scandal keeps growing. Even if he is ejected from the CDU, Hohmann will be able to keep his seat in parliament until 2006 since he was elected outright in the last election. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Putin pre-election bid to crack down on corruption
Russian president Vladimir Putin has reiterated his intention to fight corruption at all levels. He was speaking before members of the police, considered by many in Russia as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country. "Everyone is equal before the law," said Putin, in a thinly-veiled reference to the Yukos affair and the recent arrest of the oil giant's boss Mikhail Khordokovsky. A custody appeal is scheduled to be heard at Moscow City Court today following Khordokovsky's arrest on 25 October. Russian prosecutors accuses him of fraud and tax evasion. His lawyer denies all the charges, saying they are politically motivated, and is seeking non-custodial remand for his client. Merger talks are currently underway between Yukos's new bosses and US firms ExxonMobil and ChevronTexaco. The crackdown on Yukos's chief had stirred fears of a wider confrontation between the Kremlin and big business, but Putin has made clear he has no intention of revising privatisation. Recent events do not appear to have dented the Russian leader's popularity ahead of parliamentary elections in early December, and a presidential vote next March. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iran suspends nuclear enrichment programme
Iran has taken further steps to defuse a row over its nuclear ambitions. During a visit to Moscow, the head of the Supreme National Security Council announced that Tehran's uranium enrichment programme had been suspended. The UN's nuclear watchdog has also been given the green light to carry out more rigorous inspections of Iranian facilities. The news was welcomed by President Vladimir Putin who said there were now no obstacles stopping Russia from working with Tehran in the nuclear domain. The US has urged Moscow to freeze its multi-million
euro deal to help build Tehran's first nuclear power reactor, saying
it could help Iran develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies charges
it is using its atomic energy programme as a front for developing
a nuclear warhead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Georgian army deployed after poll protests
Soldiers have taken to the streets of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, as demonstrators continue to call on President Eduard Shevardnadze to resign. It comes after the government described the political situation as "practically out of control". The protests began after fraud allegations emerged following last week's parliamentary election. International observers said the contest was "spectacularly flawed" in favour of the pro-Shevardnadze bloc, "For A New Georgia". In a bid to end the crisis, the President met three opposition leaders on Sunday night. But the talks collapsed when Shevardnadze refused their demands to step down and call fresh elections. Mikhail Saakshvili, of the largest opposition bloc, National Movement, described the discussions as a waste of time. While Shevardnadze ranks high among the world's longest standing political survivors, Georgia has only had a minimum level of prosperity. Although he has been in power since Georgia gained independence in 1992, he has been unable to raise living standards. There are frequent power blackouts and monthly wages are around 40 euros. The former Soviet State contains three autonomous regions and Shevardnadze's failure to resolve separatist conflicts has also left him hugely unpopular. However, Georgia's geopolitical importance rose significantly when a consortium of western firms chose to run an oil pipeline through the country. The pipeline will carry oil from the Caspian Sea to Turkey via neighbouring Azerbaijan through Georgia. Political stability is crucial for the project, which is due to be completed in 2005. But unless a peace deal can be brokered it is feared the rallies against Shevardnadze's rule might lead to a return to the violence that plagued the country just after its independence. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Soham jury retraces Holly and Jessica's steps
In the second week of what is known in Britain as the "Soham trial", the jury has been taken to the village where Ian Huntley allegedly murdered schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells. Tomorrow, along with the judge and the prosecution and defence teams, jury members will see the spot where Huntley is alleged to have dumped and set fire to the bodies of the 10-year-olds. Huntley was a caretaker at the school attended by Holly and Jessica, who went missing in August 2002. He denies killing them, while his former girlfriend, Maxine Carr, denies attempting to pervert the course of justice and helping an offender. The girls were last seen alive at a leisure centre. Huntley was arrested two weeks later, after the girls' shirts were found in a school dustbin. The prosecution says fibres from the shirts were found on carpets in Huntley's house and on his clothes. By chance the girls' bodies were found in a remote ditch on the day that Huntley and Carr were arrested. Last Friday the court was told that they had probably been asphyxiated and may have been sexually assaulted before their deaths. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Baby food scare in Israel
There is panic in Israel over the recall of a kosher baby formula that may be linked to the deaths of three infants and the hospitalisation of 10 others. Experts are investigating whether the soya-based Remedia powder is behind a spate of nervous disorders. Israel's Health Ministry says the product had been revamped in June, and the first death occurred not long after it was re launched on the market. The Remedia brand belongs to an Israeli company partly owned by the American food giant Heinz, but the formula is actually made in Germany. Anxious parents have been flooding a special phone line that has been set up to answer their concerns. The powder is designed for children with lactose intolerance, or for those whose ultra-orthodox parents prefer a non-dairy formula. Doctors say three of the babies in hospital are in critical conditions, and 10 other suspicious cases are being investigated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lenin Mausoleum closes for two months
It is something of a Russian revolution in the heart of Moscow's Red Square. If you are expecting to visit the tomb of Vladimir Lenin, between now and the New Year, you will be left out in the cold. The Soviet leader's embalmed body has been displayed at the Mausoleum, backing onto the Kremlin, for almost 80 years. Now scientists at the All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants are set to carry out a series of measures to make sure the Bolshevik's body stays in its current condition. The Mausoleum opened for visitors in August 1924, just
months after Lenin's death. Russian experts believe the unique equipment
controlling the temperature and air humidity, as well as the embalming
techniques originally used, are the reasons why Lenin's body has weathered
so well. Visitors to the site, after it reopens, may notice one change:
Lenin is getting a new suit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 10 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq: suspected Al-Qaeda bomb kills at least 11 in Riyadh
The death toll in a suspected Al-Qaeda bombing in the Saudi capital Riyadh has reached at least 11. More than 120 people were injured when suicide bombers detonated a car loaded with explosives inside a housing compound. A Saudi source says at least two attackers disguised as Saudi security men drove into the compound in a vehicle similar to those used by the police. They are believed to have shot their way into the guarded Muhaya complex which houses 200 villas, and detonated a car packed with explosives. Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, has been fighting a surge of Islamist violence. Thirty-five people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at an expatritate compound in Riyadh last May. The attack came after Western nations issued fresh alerts of imminent terrorist strikes in the kingdom. There were at least 36 children among the injured, as well as three Americans and one Canadian. A family of four from Egypt and four Lebanese are among the dead. A Sudanese and an Indian national were also killed. The attack took place on the same day as Washington shut down all its missions in Saudi Arabia amid warnings of an imminent attack on US interests. The Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini has expressed his condolences on behalf of the European Union and said the attack confirmed the need to fight terrorism with the upmost determination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Isreali cabinet approves prisoner swap with Hizbollah
Under pressure from prime minister Ariel Sharon, the Israeli cabinet has voted by 12 to 11 in favour of a prisoner swap with the Lebanese militant group Hizbollah. The German-mediated deal involves trading some 400 jailed Palestinians and Lebanese for a kidnapped Israeli businessman and the bodies of three Israeli soldiers captured in 2000. It has been severely criticised by some over its exclusion of long-missing Israeli airman Ron Arad, who parachuted over Lebanon in 1986. The exchange is expected to include Mustapha Dirani, a Lebanese guerrilla leader held by Israel as a bargaining chip for Arad since the early 1990s. Hizbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah says he will reject the deal unless all the Lebanese prisoners are set free, but the Israeli cabinet reportedly ruled out releasing people convicted of killing Israelis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full lunar eclipse thrills Europe's stargazers
It has been called a "grand spectacle of nature" and on Saturday a total lunar eclipse was visible from Europe, Africa, the Americas and much of Asia. The phenomenon happens every six months or so, when the Sun, Earth and moon are aligned in space. The full moon passes through the Earth's shadow, changing in colour as it disappears and then reappears. The European Space Agency said the latest eclipse began
at about half past midnight central Europe time, and lasted for about
two hours. Stargazers in Paris were able to see the spectacle under
a completely clear sky. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 9 November, 2003 Archives
Iraq: bloodbath in Riyadh: al-Qaeda blamed for deadly attack
Suspected al-Qaeda suicide bombers have attacked a residential compound in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Between 20 and 30 people have been killed and up to 100 injured, according to diplomatic sources. The attack gutted the Muhaya compound in the west of the capital, just a day after Western countries warned of imminent terrorist strikes. The operation appears to have been carried out with explosives-laden cars.Saudi officials say it bears all the hallmarks of al-Qaeda, which was blamed for suicide bombings in Riyadh in May that killed 35 people. Most of the victims are Arabs nationals, according to residents. Few westerners lived in the compound, which was near the private homes of several Saudi royals. The injured, many of them young children, have been taken to hospital. Saudi Arabia is battling Islamic militants who resent the government's pro-American stance. Five Islamists have been killed in clashes with security forces since Monday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US retaliates after deadliest week for troops in Iraq
It has been the bloodiest week for American troops in Iraq since the official end of the war more than six months ago. In the latest assault, two US soldiers were killed when their tank was struck by a roadside bomb in the city of Fallujah, west of Baghdad. Most of the anti-US attacks take place in the Sunni Triangle, between Baghdad, Fallujah, and Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit. But the US is standing firm. US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage: "We are sobered by the problem but after discussions today with the commander of joint task force seven, Lieutenant General Sanchez, I am absolutely convinced that we have a very solid plan to go out and get these people who are killing us and killing Iraqis." Three American helicopters have been downed by guerrillas in the last two weeks killing more than 20 soldiers - the response was swift: US warplanes and armoured vehicles pounded suspected militant hideouts in Tikrit on Friday night. The American army said the offensive was a "show of force" aimed at destroying possible hiding places. The International Committee of the Red Cross has become
the latest aid organisation to announce it is pulling out of Baghdad
and the southern city of Basra amid concerns for its staff. Twelve
people were killed in a car bombing at the Red Cross headquarters
last month. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Civil unrest grows over controversial election results in Georgia
Tens of thousands of opposition supporters have demonstrated peacefully in the Georgian capital Tbilissi demanding their president step down. They accuse the government of rigging last week's parliamentary vote. The results have still not been declared, but in official interim figures, pro-government parties are in the lead. Initial polls had suggested the opposition might win. International observers have reported numerous violations. The vote is seen as an important indicator of who could
win the 2005 presidential election. It followed yesterday's violent clashes in the western town of Zugdidi, where hooded gunmen shot at opposition protestors. At least one person was injured. The former Soviet state has been plagued by violence since independence in 1992. Western nations are keen to maintain stability in Georgia which will soon be home to a pipeline transporting Caspian oil to the Mediterranean Sea. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Isreal: Palestinian leaders compromise for new government
Palestinian leaders have finally reached an agreement for a new government. Security powers, which are key to the US-backed peace plan, will be handed over to a council controlled by President Yasser Arafat. The decision follows weeks of arguments between Arafat and Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie over the composition of the cabinet. The compromise also includes the new interior minister:
Qurie had wanted pro-reformer General Nasser Yousef but finally agreed
to accept Arafat's candidate - Hakam Balaawi. The appointment of a new government will lead to the renewal of high level talks with Israel which in turn will give momentum to the stalled "road map" to peace. Sponsored by the US, EU, Russia and the UN, the plan aims to create a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by 2005. It has been held up by violence and the failure of Palestinians and Israelis to carry out commitments they made under the plan. Meanwhile, a teenage Palestinian stone-thrower has been killed after Israeli troops raided the West Bank city of Jenin. Israeli soldiers were reportedly attempting to impose a curfew and searched several homes in the area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Media frenzy continues over Prince Charles allegations
Prince Charles will return to the UK on Sunday, as rumours run riot over an alleged sexual incident involving the heir to the British throne. The Prince of Wales has continued his tour of Oman, including a visit to a centre for children with disabilities, despite the media frenzy back home. The allegations made by a former royal servant cannot be revealed for legal reasons after Michael Fawcett, Prince Charles' former aide, won an injunction stopping newspapers from printing them. Rumours were fuelled even more by the Prince's denial of the unspecified claims against him. He described them as ludicrous. Speculation is rife that the complete story will appear in the Sunday newspapers despite the injunction. Already internet sites and international newspapers have revealed the story that everybody is talking about. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 8 November, 2003 Archives
Gunmen fire on Georgian opposition protestors
Masked men have shot over a crowd of protestors in the western Georgia town of Zugdidi, scattering the marchers and wounding several of them. The protestors were gathered for a political rally of the opposition party Saakashvili-National Movement. They are contesting government results from last Sunday's parliamentary election, which place the party headed by Mikhail Saakashvili in second place behind President Eduard Schevardnadze's "For a New Georgia!" party. Various opposition parties have called on Shevardnadze to resign. They say that the government rigged the election through inaccurate voter lists, ballot-stuffing and intimidation. Mikhail Saakashvili said on Thursday: "With all the violations, the results are not recognised, which we qualify as a usurpation of power, and as a kind of coup d'etat committed by the government with an abuse of power." Both the United States and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which sent election observers to Georgia, say the vote was tainted by irregularities. But they also reported some progress towards full and fair democracy. Western government are watching developments closely
because of Georgia's importance in the pipeline project taking Caspian
oil to the Mediterranean Sea. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- France and Russia closer since Iraq war
Following the EU-Russia summit, Vladimir Putin flew into Paris to hold brief talks with his French counterpart Jacques Chirac. The two leaders talked about trade ties and said they have become closer since the Iraq war - both were opposed to the US led mission. The Russian President's trip to the French capital came after Thursday's EU-Russia summit in Rome which focussed on common economic goals and future relations between the two sides as the bloc prepares its expansion eastward. But Putin was unable to leave his domestic problems back home. Growing concern over the recent arrest of former Yukos head, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, was brought up during talks. Faced with questions over the Kremlin's apparent crackdown on big business, Putin said his aim is to establish order in the country and not to target individuals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US helicopter crashes in Iraq as Turkey reverses troops decision
A US army Black Hawk helicopter has crashed near Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, killing six people on board. US soldiers nearby reported hearing two explosions- they say the aircraft was probably shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade. As Apache helicopters scoured the crash site, 175 kilometres north of Baghdad, looking for guerrilla fighters, the US military said two soldiers had been killed in separate incidents in the northern city of Mosul. One died in an ambush today and another in a bomb attack
yesterday morning. Thursday also saw a memorial ceremony for those
killed in the worst single attack against American forces. The victims were among dozens of US soldiers travelling in a Chinook helicopter to Baghdad from where they were scheduled to fly home on leave. The helicopter was shot down near Fallujah. Amid the mounting US death toll, officers hope to cut the total number of soldiers in Iraq from 130,000 to 100,000 by next May. Meanwhile the Turkish government has dropped plans to send thousands of troops to help secure Iraq. Turkey's parliament approved the deployment last month
but the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council objected, saying it did
not want troops from neighbouring countries on Iraqi soil. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Germany's opposition controlled Upper House of Parliament has voted to temporarily reject the government's labour market reform and tax cut plans. The legislation, which includes plans to cut benefits for the long term unemployed, is part of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's "Agenda 2010" package. It is designed to lift Europe's largest economy out of three years of stagnation. The rejection, which was engineered by conservative led states in the upper house, is likely to ignite weeks of negotiations. Demonstrations against the government's reform plans were held throughout Berlin. Around 100,000 people marched through the capital at the weekend to protest at the far-reaching reforms. Trade Unions and lobby groups also took part. Concerns that the welfare state is being dismantled were fuelled by the governments recent announcement of a freeze on pensions next year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italy finally returns Axum obelisk to Ethiopia
Three quarters of a century after it was looted from Ethiopia by Italy's fascist troops, an ancient obelisk is finally about to be returned. The 2000-year old granite column stands on a busy roundabout just down the road from the Colosseum in Rome. Now, work has started to break up the obelisk in three along the same lines which were cemented together when it was brought to Rome in 1937. The complex operation is expected to be completed by the end of the year. If everything goes as planned, the obelisk could be back in Ethiopia by next spring. The arrangement brings an end to a long-running diplomatic argument, which started more than 50 years ago when Ethiopia started campaigning to have it returned. It was taken from the holy city of Axum in northern Ethiopia when Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's troops invaded the east African nation. Some critics have opposed handing back the monument arguing that Italy lost many of its historic treasures to various invaders, and that the obelisk bears witness to an important chapter in its history. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last Updated: 7 November, 2003 Archives
Visas, WTO and energy main areas of EU-Russia dialogue
One of the issues left unresolved at the EU-Russia summit is visas for Russian citizens travelling to and from the Baltic port of Kaliningrad from the main part of the country. The enclave is sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, which are set to join the EU next year. The EU fears that, without strict controls, Kaliningrad could become a gateway for illegal immigrants and rampant organised crime. Some estimates suggest its residents are 65 times poorer than EU citizens. Its AIDS rate is among the highest in Europe. The Rome summit focused on implementation of agreements reached in May in Saint Petersburg. These are on economic coordination, cooperation in domestic and external security - information exchange including terrorism, and culture, education and science. The two sides agreed to pursue talks aimed at securing Russian membership of the World Trade Organisation, by the end of next year. This has been stalled by Moscow's reluctance to raise domestic energy prices to world levels. This is another stumbling block. European industry pays
five times what Russian industry pays for energy. The EU considers
this unfair competition. Putin said half of all Russian trade would
be with the EU after enlargement and that Russia was willing to conduct
energy transactions in euros if the right system could be set up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Polish soldier killed in Iraq
A Polish military officer has been killed in an ambush in Iraq, the first Polish fatality since the government sent a contingent to lead a multinational security force in September. The soldier's death is likely to increase public unease about Poland's role in Iraq, although ministers said the troops would stay. The officer was shot in the neck when unknown assailants fired on his convoy near Al Mussayib, a town south of Baghdad. Poland was a strong supporter of the American-led war to overthrow President Saddam Hussein. The government readily accepted a request from Washington to lead a 10,000-strong security force in south-central Iraq. Poland's Prime Minister Leszek Miller is due to meet Polish troops in Iraq during a Middle East tour this weekend. Spain captivated by royal engagement
Spain's most eligible bachelor, Prince Felipe, and his bride-to-be, Letitia Ortiz, appeared before hundreds of journalists and photographers in Madrid on Thursday to celebrate their formal engagement. The 35-year-old prince requested his girlfriend's hand in marriage in a ceremony at which both families were present. The engagement had been announced last Saturday. Ortiz, 31, held up her hand to show the engagement ring of diamonds and white gold. Her gift to the heir-to-the-throne was a pair of sapphire and gold cufflinks. As the only son of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe's love life has been a constant source of interest to the media. He told reporters that above all, the marriage would
symbolise the continuity of the Bourbon dynasty. He said that Ortiz,
who will become the Princess of Asturias, would help him to fulfil
his duty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 6 November, 2003 Archives
Yukos on EU-Russia summit agenda
With the pomp and ceremony of his one-day summit with Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi behind him, Russian president Vladimir Putin will likely face some tougher questioning when he meets with European Union leaders in Rome today. Putin is unlikely to escape some grilling over the Yukos saga which has rattled international investor nerves ever since the arrest of the company's former boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky two weeks ago. Berlusconi, who enjoys a close relationship with Putin, took the view that the matter was an internal Russian affair. EU leaders may not be so polite. The European Commissioner for External Affairs, Chris Patten, who will be attending today's summit, has already criticised the Russian government over the way it has handled the affair. Putin has sought to take the heat out of the Yukos saga which has been widely viewed as an attempt by the Kremlin to hit back at Khodorkovsky for funding opposition parties in the lead up to parliamentary elections next year. He told reporters in Rome he has no intention of destroying Yukos. EuroNews will report live from the EU-Russia summit from 14.30 CET. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Report clears way for enlargement
The ten candidate countries due to join an enlarging Europe have cleared the final hurdle to membership despite a less than glowing report card. In its final accession report, the Commission warned that all the countries could do more to prepare for membership but said the problems would not delay their entry in May. There were no such assurances for Turkey however. EU enlargement commissioner Guenter Verheugen said the Cyprus dispute could still thwart its membership ambitions: "We simple note the fact that the continued absence of a solution to the Cyprus issue is an important obstacle to Turkey's European aspirations." Turkey is not part of the group of 10 joining in May
but hopes to open talks with the EU next year. Turkey's foreign minister
Abdullah Gul vowed to step up efforts to end the decades' old division
of Cyprus. But he added that it shouldn't be used to delay the opening
of membership negotiations. The United States is keen to see Turkey
join the EU. It described the Commission's assessment of Turkey's
progress towards entry as both positive and objective. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bush signs partial abortion ban
A battle has been won for anti-abortion groups in the US after President George W.Bush signed a new law banning so-called "partial birth" terminations. Under the bill, doctors could face up to two years in jail for performing the procedure, which is defined as intentionally killing a foetus that has been partially delivered. The legislation has Bush's firm support. "The executive branch will vigorously defend this law against any who would try to overturn it in the courts," he said. But challenges are already brewing. There were noisy protests outside the Ronald Reagan building where Bush chose to sign the bill in honour of another staunchly anti-abortion Republican. Before the ink was dry a judge in Nebraska began legal moves against the new measure. Opponents are angry because the new law provides no exception for cases where the mother's health is at risk. Only if a woman's life is in danger can an exception be made. Abortion-rights groups say the measure could criminalise other safe and common procedures. They see it as the first step towards a comprehensive ban. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 5 November, 2003 Archives
Delay in creation of new Palestinian government
Putting together a permanent Palestinian government is proving far from easy, with a power struggle between President Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie continuing to create difficulties. The mandate of the existing emergency cabinet was due to run out at midnight on Tuesday and, although its term has been extended, there is no announcement yet about a more fixed cabinet line-up ready to govern for the foreseeable future. It is something considered crucial to reviving peace efforts with Israel. A key sticking point is Yasser Arafat's opposition to the nomination of General Nasser Yousef, Ahmed Qurie's choice of interior minister. The prime minister insists he will be in a position to present his new government within days. Elsewhere, there is some optimism over the prospects for renewing dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis, with both sides indicating that they may now be ready to talk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While efforts to revive the US road-map to peace hang in the balance, a fresh attempt to bring Israelis and Palestinians together has been taking place. As Labour party figures came together to mark the anniversary of the death of Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres spoke of the importance of finalising a new deal: "To do what should've been done a long time ago, namely in addition to the strike against the terrorists, we have to negotiate with the people who want peace and they are headed today by Abou Ala." Leading doves from both sides came together last month in Geneva to discuss ways of breaking the cycle of violence. Although their agreement to forge new ties is non-binding, their proposals will no doubt force others to sit-up and take notice. The initiative began in Taba two years ago. When peace talks failed, two negotiators took matters into their own hands. For Israel, it was Yossi Beilin, one of the authors of the Oslo accord. For the Palestinians, it was Yasser Rabbo, one of Arafat's closest aides. Their plan follows the lines of the US backed road map which includes the removal of hundreds of Israeli colonies. The oldest settlements will remain intact - in exchange the Palestinians will be given equitable land. The plan also calls for Jerusalem to be divided. Israeli would retain the Jewish quarter and the Wailing wall. The Palestinians would take over the rest while Temple Mount and the esplanade of mosques would come under international control. Some government figures have described the proposals as irrational, but one of the Geneva negotiators, Shaul Ariely, says this is the only way forward: "The deal calls for both sides to make sometimes painful concessions, and we've done that. This is surely the only compromise acceptable to all, we can change minor details, but the main foundation is solid." The Geneva accord revives point by point all the proposals set out in the Oslo agreement that have since been allowed to fall by the wayside. But without the support of the ruling Likud party, the peace plan may end up being no more than a pipe dream. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 170 feared dead in Indonesian floods
Indonesian officials fear more than 170 people may have been killed in flash floods on the island of Sumatra. A village, which is a popular tourist destination, was destroyed by the surging waters. The army has been leading efforts to find more victims who may be buried in the mud. In the hours after the disaster more than 120 people were reported missing. At least four Europeans are among the dead. One Swedish traveler said he had a narrow escape: "I'm just lucky to be alive. It's a shock. When
I woke last morning it was horrifying to see everything. Families
erased, houses gone, the whole village disappeared, just look at it,
so I am lucky to be alive." Deforestation is being blamed for
worsening the effects of the floods. Authorities have said illegal
logging in the hills above the village was the cause. But locals claim
the government had allowed hundreds of trees to be cut down for the
construction of a motorway. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Last Updated: 4 November, 2003 Archives
Ship that made waves leaves Gibraltar
A cruise ship with sick passengers onboard has left Gibraltar leaving a storm of controversy in its wake. The episode re-ignited tensions between Spain and Gibraltar after Madrid closed its border with the British territory because of concerns the viral infection could spread across the frontier. Only those free of the stomach-bug had been allowed to disembark. But for the hundreds ailing passengers on board, there are a few more gloomy days on the horizon. Their troubled holiday will end on Wednesday when the ship finally docks in England ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq: US Chinook survivors begin journey home
US soldiers injured in the weekend shooting-down of a transporter helicopter in Iraq which killed 16 have been flown to Germany for treatment. At least five of the 21 wounded are in a grave condition. It was the most devastating attack on US forces since the fall of Saddam Hussein, and it has sent shockwaves across America. US military commanders say they can alter tactics to deal with the threat posed by surface-to-air missiles. Iraqi fighters may have thousands at their disposal and it appears it was one of these which brought down the Chinook in a field near Fallujah. Meanwhile the Iraqi death toll continues to rise. A total of 11 people were killed in violence on Sunday, including six shot by American troops. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Last Updated: 3 November, 2003 Archives
Gay Bishop is consecrated in the US
Gene Robinson has been consecrated as the first openly gay bishop of the Anglican Church. The consecration ceremony took place in a New Hampshire ice hockey rink, despite warnings from conservatives that it will cause a schism within the Anglican Communion. The Most Reverend Frank Griswold presided over the service. There were objectors who were given their chance to have their word. Bishop Suffragan, David Bena said:"The Ministry of this one bishop will not be recognised by most of the Anglican world and many provinces are likely to consider themselves out of communion with the Episcopal Church USA." The opponents walked out after making their statements and the service continued, to the delight of the liberal congregation that remained. The Anglican Church regards homosexual practice as incompatible with the scriptures and conservative church leaders are now expected to call for a break with the US Episcopal Church. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq: recriminations in the US over downing of Chinook helicopter
There've been recriminations in the United States over the shooting down of a Chinook helicopter that left 15 soldiers dead. Military analysts have asked why troop-carrying helicopters were allowed to fly over hostile territory near Falluja when the threat of ground to air missiles was known. Democratic party leaders have laid the blame on the unilateralist policies of George Bush, which, they say, have left US soldiers exposed to unacceptable risk. But US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he believed the American people understood the need to fight terrorists outside the United States of America rather than in. Two Americans were killed by a roadside bomb in Falluja and in a bomb attack in Baghdad, making Sunday the worst day for coalition forces since formal hostilities came to an end. Three Iraqis were also killed when a bomb hit a commuter bus in Falluja. An estimated 1500 Iraqis and 150 coalition forces have died in the unrest in Iraq in the last six months. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamas leader offers Israel pact over civilian casualties.
Palestinian militant group Hamas has ruled out a ceasefire
to kick start the peace process, but spokesman Abdel Aziz Al Rantissi
has said he'd offer a pact to avoid civilian casualties when he meets
with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie. 'If he is going to speak
about truce we are going to speak something else which is continuation
of resistance by all means and we are ready at the same time to avoid
civilians on both sides, if the Israelis are ready for that then we
are ready' he said. The Palestinian Authority has been seeking to
create a dialogue with the Hamas organisation in a bid to control
it's actions - one of the conditions of the 'road map' peace initiative.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Georgian opposition denounces alleged voting irregularities
Exit polls from Georgia's parliamentary election suggests the opposition has won the majority of votes. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe has sent more than 400 observers to monitor the polls. Amid reports of irregularities, opposition groups have warned they will hold massive demonstrations if there is evidence the vote has been rigged. Although official results are not expected until later this morning, it looks like President Eduard Shevardnadze has suffered a setback. His former party won a majority in the 1999 election but was trounced by the opposition in local elections last year, and a new party was formed in its place. Much of the electorate was initially unable to vote yesterday. One polling station in the capital Tbilisi and another in Khobi in western Georgia were closed down because voter lists were incorrect. With hundreds of special forces deployed, voting proceeded with minimal disruption in most places. An opposition bloc led by former justice minister Mikhail Saakashvili is expected to make substantial gains.
Death toll climbs in Spanish immigrant drowning
Six more bodies have been found in Spain's worst mass
drowning of its kind this year. The death toll has now reached 34.
The victims were trying to reach Spain illegally across the Strait
of Gibraltar. Most of them are thought to be from Morocco, just 20
kilometres away at the narrowest point in the strait. Out of the 45
to 50 people who set out, only a handful reached the shore after their
boat disintegrated. Officials are bracing themselves for more grizzly
finds on the coast as good weather improves conditions for the search.
Thousands attempt the dangerous crossing in flimsy boats every year,
and a watery grave awaits many who dream of a better life in Europe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiennes finishes seventh marathon in seven days
Britain's Ranulph Fiennes has finished the New York
marathon and with it an incredible feat. Running with his doctor Mike
Stroud, he has completed seven marathons in seven days. Just to make
things interesting, each 42 kilometre run was in a different part
of the world. Fiennes told reporters: "The ones by night were
bad because you trip and the ones with all the uneven gravel and stuff
down in South America were bad. And Singapore was bad because there's
90 percent humidity." After Chile, the Falkland Islands and Sydney,
Australia, the pair struggled to finish in Singapore, but they battled
on in Cairo and London. 59-year-old Fiennes suffered a heart attack
just four months ago.
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Last Updated: 2 November, 2003 Archives
Shevardnadze under pressure in Georgia.
Georgians are voting today in legislative elections that look like presenting a tough challenge for veteran leader Eduard Shevardnadze. The former soviet foreign minister has been out on the hustings to give his candidates support. But Shevarnadze's party was trounced in recent local elections and if opinion polls are to believed it's facing the same fate in the vote for the 235 seat assembly. The speaker of the parliament Ninon Burdzhanadze, a former supporter of Shevardnadze is expected to do well in what is being seen as a springboard for the 2005 presidential elections. Also in contention is the left wing former justice minister
Mikhail Saakashvili. Georgia is a strategically vital transit country
for oil pipelines from the Caspian sea, but Shevardnadze is accused
by many of letting corruption and the black economy drain away the
country's natural wealth. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Germany...
At least 100 thousand people have marched peacefully in Berlin to protest against the German government's plans to cut welfare payments. The action was called by the major trade unions, Verdi and IG Metall, alongside the far-left PDS party, and anti-globalisation activists. This woman explained 20 "if nothing happens, the government will continue like that and will take all our social benefits away. That can't be allowed..our parents worked for what we have today"30This activist said 30 "it's the beginning of a new movement, a resevoir for those against globalisation, for trade unionists, for the unemployed.." Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder wants cuts to health care,
unemployment benefit and pensions to pull Europe's largest economy
out of stagnation. Parliament's approved part of his reforms but many
remain to be convinced.56 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq: Sanchez says bobmbs won't distract the US from it's mission
The commander of the American led coalition in Iraq has said the attacks that shook Baghdad last week wouldn't have long term stragetic importance. Ricardo Sanchez said there was no doubt the coalition would pass what he called a test of commitment. The US believes Saddam Hussein loyalists are behind at least some of the unrest and on Saturday raided a suspected stronghold in Baquba, but just one arrest was made. In his weekly radio address, President George Bush said leaving Iraq prematurely would only encourage terrorists and increase the dangers to the United Status. But the killing of two American soldiers in the normally
calm northern city of Mosul was a reminder that there are dangers
too, in staying.
Italian village erects crucifix in protest at school order
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Last Updated: 1 November, 2003 Archives
Yukos affair: US urges Russia to reassure foreign investors
The Yukos affair is drawning criticism from within and without Russia. The arrest of the oil giant's boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the government's freezing of nearly half the company's shares could frighten off foreign investors, says the United States. It is calling on Moscow to act. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher: "We think the Russian authorities need to dispel concerns that the Yukos case is politically motivated. They need to ensure that it's judged faily and with full regard for due process of law applied in a non-selective fashion." Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov became the harshest critic at home when he said he was greatly concerned after the government froze more than 40 percent of Yukos shares. Some analysts believe it was an accident waiting to happen. French social scientist Jacques Sapin: "Boris Yeltsin, with the help of young liberals and American consultants, conducted a policy of privatisation which was, in effect, a kind of organised plundering of Russian resources. We know, for example, that a company such as Yukos was sold to Khodorkovsky for one hundredth of its value, and it's this policy that's largely to blame for the fall of the Russian economy." Russia's richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovski, was arrested a week ago on charges of fraud and tax evasion. Critics see the move as an attempt by the Kremlin to quash the political drive of a man who openly backed the opposition and was believed to harbour presidential ambitions. The affair has shaken Russian markets but president Vladimir Putin has told bankers he remains committed to a market economy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A US soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division was killed in a bomb attack on Friday near the Iraqi town of Khaldiya. The attack brought to 118 the number of US troops killed in action since Washington declared major combat in Iraq over on May 1. During the war in Iraq in March and April, 114 American soldiers were killed in combat, according to Pentagon figures. In Falluja, west of Baghdad, furious Iraqis have set the governor's office building ablaze after police reportedly shot and killed a local man nearby. After what witnesses said was a bomb blast inside the building, two police cars were also set alight. It is believed there were no casualties from the blast as the offices were empty. But after the explosion Iraqi police opened fire outside, killing one man. Falluja is one of the flashpoint towns in the so-called "Sunni triangle" region where resistance to the US-led occupation is strongest. Earlier this week a car bomber blew himself up outside a school near a police station there, killing at least four other people. Meanwhile there have been deadly clashes at a market in Abou Gharib, in the western suburbs of Baghdad. At least three civilians and a policeman were killed and two US soldiers wounded. This week has been Baghdad's bloodiest since coalition forces ousted President Saddam Hussein in April. Congress has approved a bill providing 87 billion dollars in aid for Iraq and Afghanistan, mostly for military operations. But new warnings about imminent guerrilla attacks mean there is precious little for troops to celebrate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US forces seal off Saddam's birthplace
The American military has sealed off the village of Al-Awja, where former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was born. US soldiers, Iraqi police and civil defense forces erected a fence of barbed wire around the perimeter of the village, about 10 kilometers southeast of Tikrit. All residents over the age of 18 have had to register with the coalition forces. They had to show where they lived within the village on a satellite photo, before receiving identity cards that will allow them to move in and out of al-Awja. Senior US officials have told the New York Times they believe Saddam is playing a major role in coordinating violence against American troops. It is feared that the attacks, which happen on an almost
daily basis in this part of Iraq, may be stepped up over the first
weekend of Ramadan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Italian premier releases album of love songs
Is it time he gave up his day-job? Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has produced an album of love songs and today it has gone on sale. The billionaire-turned-politician has gone back to his first love, music. He started his working life as a singer on a cruise ship. The album is called "Better a Song" and features 14 ballads, including"Heart in My Throat" and "This False Goodbye". But you will not hear Berlusconi's dulcet tones; he has recruited Mariano Apicella to perform the songs he penned. The singer said Berlusoni's lyrics were 'written from the heart'. The two met in a hotel bar two years ago and after playing a few tunes together, they have not looked back since. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
