Category: WORLDS

  • Kofi Annan, former UN leader, dies at EIGHTY

    United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan smiles in front of UN logo at a press conference 21 November 2006 Image copyright AFP

    Kofi Annan, the previous UN secretary-normal who won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian paintings, has died elderly 80, his aides say.

    He “kicked the bucket peacefully on Saturday after a brief sickness”, the basis named after him mentioned on Saturday.

    Annan was once the first black African to absorb the function of the world’s most sensible diplomat, serving from 1997 to 2006.

    He later served because the UN different envoy for Syria, leading efforts to seek out a relaxed strategy to the conflict.

    In a statement announcing his loss of life, the Kofi Annan Foundation defined him as a “world statesman and deeply dedicated internationalist who fought all over his lifestyles for a fairer and more non violent world”.

    “Anyplace there has been struggling or need, he reached out and touched many of us along with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating authentic kindness, heat and brilliance in all he did.”

    Kofi Annan: The international’s best diplomat Annan speaks to BBC on 80th birthday

    The diplomat, who was once at the start from Ghana, died in the Swiss city of Geneva, where he had been residing for a few years.

    He was provided the Nobel Peace Price in 2001 for serving to to revitalise the world body.

    His tenure as UN secretary-common coincided with the Iraq Conflict and the HIV/Aids pandemic.

    Kofi Annan defined his largest achievement as the Millennium Building Objectives which – for the first time – set international targets on problems reminiscent of poverty and child mortality.

  • Russia: The scandal Trump cannot shake

    Trump Putin compositeImage copyright AFP/Getty Symbol caption Donald Trump has been dogged by means of suspicion over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin

    Inside The confusion of Donald Trump’s campaign and the chaotic occasions of his early days within the White Area, one controversy has clung to the Trump educate like glue: Russia.

    The surprising departure of Michael Flynn from his function as national safety adviser in February and the revelations of Legal Professional Basic Jeff Periods’s conferences with Russia’s ambassador Sergei Kislyak are among a string of controversies tying the administration to apparent Russian interests.

    FBI Director James Comey additionally confirmed for the primary time on Monday that the bureau is investigating attainable hyperlinks among Mr Trump’s campaign aides and the Russian government as part of a broader probe into Moscow’s alleged interference within the 2016 election.

    Early caution signs

    It was again in May 2016 that the first reviews emerged of hackers focused on the Democratic Celebration. Over the following months, the stories recommended US intelligence agencies had traced the breaches again to Russian hackers.

    In July, on the eve of the Democratic Nationwide Conference, Wikileaks printed 20,000 interior emails stolen through the hackers. US intelligence officials said they believed with “high trust” that Russia was behind the operation, however the Trump marketing campaign publicly refused to accept the findings.

    As A Substitute, at a press conference, Mr Trump led to outrage by inviting Russian hackers to target Hillary Clinton’s controversial non-public e-mail server, announcing: “Russia, if you’re listening, i’m hoping you are able to find the 30,000 emails which are missing”.

    Image copyright AP Image caption Michael Flynn dines with Russian chief Vladimir Putin in December 2015

    The Primary casualty

    About the same time the hacking scandal used to be starting to spread, Mr Trump’s then campaign manager, Paul Manafort, used to be accused of accepting millions of dollars in cash for representing Russian pursuits in Ukraine and US, including dealings with an oligarch with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    While Mr Manafort was once running the campaign, the Republican Birthday Party changed the language in its manifesto regarding the war in Ukraine, casting off anti-Russian sentiment, allegedly on the behest of 2 Trump campaign representatives.

    Mr Manafort was once investigated through the FBI and quit as Mr Trump’s marketing campaign chairman. Like Mr Flynn, Mr Manafort, a political operative with more than 40 years’ enjoy, was once imagined to marshal some of the chaos and controversy round Mr Trump, but ended up falling prey to it.

    Subsequently, further allegations have been made in Ukraine about secret budget mentioned to have been paid to Mr Manafort, and it has additionally been claimed that he secretly worked for a Russian billionaire to assist President Vladimir Putin’s political ends.

    Mr Manafort has denied each allegations.

    More on Trump’s first 100 days

    Where Trump stands on key problems Are issues as bad as Trump says? Is US heading for constitutional trouble?

    At odds with the intelligence

    In October, the us intelligence group launched a unanimous commentary formally accusing Russia of being the culprit behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

    Mr Trump continued to argue towards the finding, claiming in a presidential debate that it “may well be Russia, however it could also be China, it will also be quite a lot of other folks. It also may well be any person sitting on their mattress that weighs FOUR HUNDRED pounds”.

    the similar day that the intelligence agencies launched their discovering, the explosive “Get Right Of Entry To Hollywood” recording emerged of Mr Trump’s obscene remarks approximately girls in 2005. An hour later, Wikileaks started dumping thousands more leaked Clinton emails.

    Mr Trump persisted to refuse to recognize the consensus that Russia used to be at the back of the hack.

    ‘I all the time knew Putin used to be sensible!’

    In December, the FBI and Division of Native Land Security published a record of the u.s. intelligence findings linking Russia to the hack.

    In response, President Barack Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats and levied new sanctions on Russia. the sector awaited Mr Putin’s response but he selected now not retaliate. Mr Trump, through then the president-pick, sided with the Russian president, tweeting: “Nice move on lengthen (via V. Putin) – I at all times knew he was very smart!”

    Mr Putin’s resolution not to reply in sort struck many as a canny PR transfer, but reportedly induce suspicions among US intelligence officers that Russia was assured the sanctions would not last.

    the similar month, Mr Trump picked Rex Tillerson as his nominee for secretary of state, arguably the most necessary task within the cupboard. the biggest hurdle for Mr Tillerson’s affirmation? Close ties to Mr Putin.

    As CEO of the ExxonMobil oil company, Mr Tillerson cultivated a close private courting with the Russian leader, leading many to take a position on whether or not he used to be have compatibility to function America’s so much senior overseas diplomat.

    Mr Tillerson used to be sworn in as secretary of state on 2 February.

    Image copyright AP Image caption Rex Tillerson has cultivated close ties with Vladimir Putin

    The ‘compromising claims’ file

    In January, Buzzfeed revealed a file compiled by Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence official and Russia expert, which alleged that Moscow had compromising subject matter on the then-president-elect, making him vulnerable to blackmail.

    Among most of the memos within the dossier used to be an allegation that Mr Trump were recorded by way of Russian safety services consorting with prostitutes at a Moscow hotel.

    Mr Trump brushed aside the claims as pretend news.

    CNN discovered that President Obama and President-choose Trump were briefed on the existence of the dossier via intelligence officials, and Buzzfeed went one further, publishing all the thing.

    The record went off like a hand grenade tossed into the already febrile political scene and generated a backlash against Buzzfeed for publishing what have been necessarily unverified claims.

    Image copyright AP Image caption A former Hillary Clinton aide took a dig at Michael Flynn over his resignation, in addition because the sacking of his son, Michael Flynn Jnr (L), on the finish of last 12 months Image copyright Reuters Image caption Michael Flynn encouraged a softer coverage on Russia

    The proof in opposition to Flynn…

    In February, probably the most concrete and damaging Russia scandal in any case surfaced, months after suspicions have been raised amongst intelligence officers.

    A Washington Put Up document said Mr Flynn had mentioned the possible lifting of Mr Obama’s Russia sanctions with the Russian ambassador, Sergei Kislyak, ahead of Mr Trump took office.

    Mr Flynn, who had appeared continuously on Russian propaganda channel RT and once attended dinner with Mr Putin, resigned as Mr Trump’s nationwide security adviser, saying he had “inadvertently briefed the vice-president-opt for and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador” past due ultimate yr.

    It is prohibited for personal citizens to habits US international relations.

    … and Periods

    Lawyer Normal Jeff Periods is being accused of lying at his confirmation listening to while he said he had had “no communications with the Russians” through the election marketing campaign.

    It has now emerged that he too had met Mr Kislyak – at an individual assembly in September and as a part of a gaggle of ambassadors in July ultimate 12 months.

    The Alabama senator was once one of probably the most distinguished gamers in Mr Trump’s bid to take the White Space.

    But he says his meetings with Mr Kislyak have been related to his function as a member of the Senate Armed Products And Services Committee and had nothing to do with the election marketing campaign.

    The Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says he lied below oath and will surrender, and Mr Sessions is also under pressure to recuse himself from an FBI research into the Russian hacking claims, an research he’s overseeing.

    Mr Trump has made no secret of his regard for Mr Putin and his want to determine closer ties with Russia. however the extra urgent question, and one which the president just can not seem to shake, is simply how shut the ones ties already cross.

    FBI research showed

    At a unprecedented open hearing of the home Intelligence Committee, Mr Comey confirmed that the company is investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

    It is an “ongoing” research that began in July 2016, he mentioned.

    The probe contains inspecting possible links between Mr Trump’s campaign and the Russian government.

    The FBI director said the company could look at any collusion and check whether any crimes were dedicated.

    But he brought the inquiry was once “very advanced” and he couldn’t give a timetable on its finishing touch, nor which individuals in the Trump campaign could be subject to it.

    “we will practice the facts wherever they lead,” he mentioned.

    FBI confirms Trump-Russia research

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  • Imran Khan being sworn in as Pakistan high minister

    Imran Khan at a session of the National assembly in Islamabad, Pakistan, 17 August 2018 Image copyright EPA Image caption Imran Khan has vowed to carry “corrupt” politicians to account

    Former cricketer Imran Khan is being sworn-in as the new top minister of Pakistan, greater than twenty years after he entered politics.

    He was elected top minister in a vote at the united states’s National Assembly on Friday.

    His PTI celebration won the most seats in July’s elections and Mr Khan has turn out to be PM with the help of small parties.

    Correspondents say his priority will be to deal with a financial trouble, with the economy in want of an enormous bailout.

    In Friday’s vote, Mr Khan was sponsored through 176 participants. His opponent, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shahbaz Sharif, gained NINETY SIX votes.

    In a speech to parliament, 65-year-vintage Mr Khan reiterated his campaign promise to hold “corrupt” politicians to account, and to enhance opportunities for teens.

    “First of all, we can start strict accountability. I promise to my God that everybody who looted this country might be made accountable,” he mentioned.

    “I did not climb on any dictator’s shoulders; I reached this place after struggling for 22 years.”

    Can Imran Khan amendment Pakistan? From cricket hero to next Pakistani PM Seven sports stars who was politicians

    Opposition events have claimed elements of final month’s elections have been rigged. Despite this, they agreed to take their seats in the assembly.

    In the lead-as much as the election, Mr Khan was broadly observed as the favoured candidate of the powerful military, which was accused of meddling to turn opinion against his rivals.

    Before the election Mr Khan instructed the BBC that if he were to be elected, his preliminary focal point could be on the economic system. Pakistan’s currency, the rupee, has declined significantly in the ultimate year. Inflation is on the rise and the usa’s industry deficit is widening.

    Exports reminiscent of textiles have taken a success from less expensive merchandise made by way of local competition, including China. Analysts say the new government might have to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the us of a’s 2d bailout considering the fact that 2013, which might complicate efforts to boost welfare.

  • George Papadopoulos: Mueller proposes sentence for ex-Trump aide

    George Papadopoulos is seen on the street in this undated photo. Image copyright Twitter Symbol caption George Papadopoulos mentioned he was informed the Russians had “dirt” on Hillary Clinton

    US unique recommend Robert Mueller has recommended a prison sentence of as much as six months for former Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos.

    Mr Mueller, head of an investigation into alleged Russian meddling within the 2016 election, stated the sort of sentence used to be “warranted and appropriate”.

    Mr Papadopoulos has admitted mendacity approximately his contacts with Russians whilst a member of the Trump campaign team.

    Sentencing is due to take place on 7 September.

    “The Government doesn’t take a place with admire to a selected sentence to be imposed, however respectfully submits that a sentence of incarceration inside the appropriate guidelines vary of zero to 6 months imprisonment is acceptable and assured,” Mr Mueller’s memorandum to the judge in the case says.

    Key history

    Who’s who in Russia drama? How Trump-Russia scandal has opened up what is the different counsel?

    Mr Papadopoulos – a Chicago-primarily based world power attorney – is considered one of 3 ex-Trump campaign officers who have admitted mendacity to investigators, together with former National Safety Adviser Michael Flynn and businessman Richard Gates, who served as deputy campaign chairman.

    Separately, former Trump marketing campaign supervisor Paul Manafort faces fees of financial institution and tax fraud in the first trial stemming from the inquiry into alleged Russian meddling. He denies any wrongdoing.

    Prosecutors say the 69-yr-antique dodged taxes on hundreds of thousands of dollars he made lobbying for Ukrainian politicians.

    The allegations in opposition to him are not linked to Mr Trump and centre on his consultancy work with professional-Russian politicians in Ukraine.

  • Kerala floods: PM Modi inspects flood rescue attempt

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Cochin. 18 Aug 2018 Symbol copyright Indian Government Image caption Top Minister Narendra Modi was once welcomed at Cochin by local officials

    Indian Top Minister Narendra Modi is in the southern state of Kerala to look for himself the devastation resulting from what officers say is the worst flooding in a century.

    He arrived past due on Friday and is as a result of be flown over the worst-hit areas.

    At least 324 folks were killed and more than TWO HUNDRED,000 are homeless after weeks of rain triggered landslides and floods.

    Troops sponsored by way of military helicopters are fascinated about an enormous rescue effort.

    More rain is forecast and a red alert in position. Sturdy winds are also anticipated for Saturday and Sunday.

    he is because of habits an aerial survey of the worst affected areas, Indian media reported.

    The country’s home minister has additionally presented his support for Kerala.

    Anil Vasudevan, the head of the Kerala health crisis reaction wing, has said they’re ready to help sufferers and are setting arrangements in position to deal with the prospective risks of water-borne illnesses when the flooding recedes.

    Why is the placement so bad?

    it’s commonplace for Kerala to get a few of the country’s easiest rainfall during monsoon season, but the India Meteorological Division mentioned it had been hit with 37% greater than same old as a result of a spell of low force over the region.

    Further downpours are forecast for the weekend, major many to worry the placement might get worse.

    Environmental scientists are also blaming deforestation, particularly the failure to offer protection to ecologically fragile mountain levels within the house, native media file.

    Mr Vijayan, the region’s chief minister, has said the placement in Kerala has been made worse by means of neighbouring governments.

    Image copyright AFP Image caption Volunteers in Kozhikode district in Kerala type through flood aid provides

    Earlier this week, he and his counterpart in Tamil Nadu entered a public spat over the discharge of water from a dam.

    Kerala has FORTY ONE rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea, and EIGHTY of its dams are actually stated to be open after being overwhelmed.

    “just about all dams are actually opened. Such A Lot of our water remedy crops are submerged. Automobiles are damaged,” Mr Vjayan stated.

    ‘Neck-deep water’

    BBC Tamil’s Pramila Krishnan spoke to individuals who had escaped the flooding in Cochin.

    Krishna Jayan, 58, said she was at house drowsing when her friend woke her up.

    “I opened the door and water gushed in,” she stated. “after we stepped into the street, we have been neck-deep in water.”

    She said locals had tied ropes alongside the streets to help other people stroll throughout the water, allowing her and her friend to achieve a bus to escape.

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  • Italy bridge cave in: Genoa prepares for state funeral

    Mourners hold each other by the coffin of a victim of the Morandi bridge collapse in Genoa, on August 17, 2018. Symbol copyright EPA Symbol caption Grieving household accumulated at the corridor in Genoa where rows of coffins have been laid out

    Italian President Sergio Mattarella is due to preside over a state funeral for 18 of the sufferers of Tuesday’s bridge cave in in Genoa.

    Mr Mattarella and High Minister Giuseppe Conte will lead mourners on the ceremony at a corridor in the city.

    So far 38 individuals are confirmed to have died in the disaster and five are still unaccounted for.

    Some households are reportedly staying clear of Saturday’s rite on account of anger on the govt.

    The cave in of a bit of the Morandi motorway bridge and the deaths of these crossing in cars have resulted in a fierce debate in Italy in regards to the nation’s infrastructure.

    Image copyright AFP Symbol caption Top Minister Giuseppe Conte, 2d proper, visited the scene of the disaster on Tuesday

    The remark stated the corporate “had the obligation to seem after the standard and strange repairs of the toll road” and had did not do so.

    It stated Autostrade had 15 days to provide counter-arguments.

    The corporate has insisted that it greater than fulfilled its tasks. It stated the bridge was monitored on a quarterly basis, as required by regulation, and extra checks had been performed by means of external experts.

    Shares in its discern company Atlantia plummeted within the aftermath of the disaster.

    Mr Conte has mentioned that during long run the government may compel corporations that had been granted concessions for Italy’s infrastructure to take a position more income in repairs and safety.

    What came about to the Morandi bridge?

    The bridge is a chief street in and out of Genoa, linking it to the A10 highway and the street to France.

    Shortly before midday on Tuesday, an enormous segment approximately 200m (656ft) long all of sudden collapsed, falling 45m at the side of dozens of cars.

    Through Friday, the reliable rely was 38 lifeless, with five folks nonetheless lacking.

    Rescuers dangle little desire of finding anyone alive at this stage.

    The cause of the sudden tragedy is not but transparent. The bridge was having paintings performed to shore up its foundations on the time, and there has been also extraordinarily heavy rainfall.

    Interactive Genoa bridge collapse sooner than and after

    Italian police, August 2018

    This image shows the same bridge, shattered, with one of its vertical support columns missing

    Google, Would Possibly 2015

    An image shows the bridge as it stood in May 2015, spanning the stream below

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  • Putin set to wait Austrian overseas minister’s wedding ceremony

    President Vladimir Putin and Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Soviet World War II memorial in Vienna, Austria, June 5, 2018 Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The Marriage invitation has stirred controversy in Austria

    Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday – however no longer earlier than attending nuptials in Austria first.

    A Kremlin spokesman showed in advance this week that that Mr Putin would be a marvel visitor at the wedding of the Austrian overseas minister.

    Karin Kneissl is set to marry businessman Wolfgang Meilinger at a winery in Austria’s Styria state.

    He was invited to the ceremony during a trip to Austria in advance this year.

    Ms Kneissl, an impartial, was picked for the overseas minister activity by means of Austria’s some distance-right Freedom Birthday Celebration – a coalition spouse in the current government.

    Austria’s media has been abuzz concerning the Russian president’s look because it used to be introduced in advance this week.

    Some competition politicians have voiced concern in regards to the potential cost to taxpayers incurred via larger safety for the consult with.

    Members of the country’s Inexperienced Celebration are amongst those calling for the foreign minister to resign over Mr Putin’s invitation.

    The Russian president could also be set for casual talks with the German chancellor on Saturday a couple of choice of issues.

    Germany is facing power from the united states to halt work at the Nord Flow 2 gasoline pipeline mission that allows you to delivery gasoline from Russia.

    Speaking to the press on Friday, Mrs Merkel said she would like to discuss the possibility of a meeting on Syria with other Nato partners, but that “no particular results are anticipated” from Saturday’s working meeting.

  • Manafort’s indictment: The Place did all the money move?

    Video Manafort charges: The Place did money cross?

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  • Manafort pass judgement on refuses to call jurors over protection fears

    Manafort in court in February Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption If found to blame, Paul Manafort could be jailed for all times

    The judge within the trial of ex-Trump marketing campaign chairman Paul Manafort says he’ll now not liberate the names of jurors on account of fears for their safety.

    Judge TS Ellis additionally mentioned he had received threats himself over the case.

    Mr Manafort denies charges of bank and tax fraud, in the first trial stemming from the inquiry into alleged Russian meddling into the 2016 US elections.

    The court in Alexandria, Virginia, has heard remaining arguments and the jury has retired to think about a verdict.

    Prosecutors say the 69-yr-old dodged taxes on thousands and thousands of dollars he made lobbying for Ukrainian politicians.

    Key heritage

    Who’s who in Russia drama? How Trump-Russia scandal has opened up what’s the special recommend?

    what’s the history?

    Mr Manafort controlled Mr Trump’s marketing campaign for a couple of months in 2016 – and he was once guilty while Mr Trump received the Republican party’s nomination.

    Last October, he used to be charged by means of different counsel Robert Mueller as a part of the research into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

    The allegations in opposition to him, alternatively, are not associated with Mr Trump and as a substitute centre on his consultancy paintings with pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine.

    The Ukrainian govt discovered ledgers pledging more than $12m (£9.2m) in money to Mr Manafort for his advisory work with former President Viktor Yanukovych while he was in administrative center, the brand new York Times reported.

    It has additionally been alleged that he secretly worked for a Russian billionaire to help President Putin’s political targets in other parts of the previous USSR. Mr Manafort denied the allegation.

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