Monday, July 18, 2011
8:40 AM
Latest Breaking News
Veteran Clarke makes history with long-awaited British Open title
(CNN) -- It was wet, cold and windy, and he hadn't been in contention to win golf's oldest tournament for 10 years, but Darren Clarke finally made the breakthrough at the British Open on Sunday.
Two decades after he first entered the season's third major event, the 42-year-old made history as he triumphed by three shots from Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in its 140th staging at Royal St. George's in England.
Clarke, whose previous best finish was runner-up in 1997, lifted the coveted Claret Jug at his 21st attempt -- breaking the record of the tournament's previous longest wait, the 15-try streak that Zimbabwean Nick Price snapped in 1994.
He is the oldest British Open winner since Roberto de Vicenzo's 1967 victory aged 44, and the oldest of any major champion since 43-year-old Ben Crenshaw won the 1995 Masters."It's been a long and bumpy road, I have had some good things happen to me and some bad things, but I've had so much support from an awful lot of people," Clarke said at the prize-giving ceremony.
"I'd like to thank my parents and my fiancee Alison, and there's someone up there watching as well. To everybody, thank you very much."
Clarke became the third player from Northern Ireland to win a major title in the past 13 months, following Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open triumph last month and Graeme McDowell's success at the same tournament last year.
He is the first from his country to win the British Open since Fred Daly in 1947.
See highlights of the 2011 British Open on Golf.com
Clarke's agent Chubby Chandler now has three current major champions in his stable, with South African Charl Schwartzel winning the Masters in April before McIlroy's eight-shot triumph at Congressional.
Clarke has twice won World Golf Championship events, in 2003 and 2003, while he has finished second on the European Tour's money list three times.
He famously helped Europe win the Ryder Cup against the U.S. in 2006 -- his fifth appearance in the prestigious teams event -- a month after his wife Heather died from cancer.
Clarke dedicated his victory to his sons Tyrone and Conor, who were back in Northern Ireland where the family has returned after years living in London.
"It's for the kids. They played Royal Portrush (golf course) this morning and were watching on TV," he said.
Clarke, who last finished in the top-10 when he placed third at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's in 2001, could afford to bogey the final two holes as he carded a level-par 70.
It was his worst score in four rounds at the links course, which has been buffeted by the weather this week, as he took home the $1.45 million first prize to the cheers of the crowd in Sandwich.
Having started the final day one shot ahead of 27-year-old Johnson, Clarke faced a strong challenge from fellow 40-something Mickelson.
The left-hander, seeking to add the British Open to his three Masters and one U.S. PGA Championship crown, carded three birdies and an eagle to grab a share of the lead.
But Clarke restored his advantage as he also picked up two shots at the par-five seventh and then rattled off nine successive pars despite the difficult conditions, while his main rivals faltered.
Mickelson's challenge fell apart at the 11th hole, where he missed a routine short par putt. More bogeys followed at 13, 15 and 16 as he finished with a 68 to be two-under 278 for the tournament.
Johnson, seeking his first major title, drove out of bounds at the 14th and his double-bogey there handed Clarke a four-shot buffer. He also dropped a shot at 18 to fall back level with Mickelson.
First-round leader Thomas Bjorn, whose father died in May, finished fourth on 279 after the 40-year-old Dane closed with 71.
He was followed by three Americans -- Rickie Fowler (72), Anthony Kim (70) and Chad Campbell (69) -- who were tied for fifth on 280.
France's Raphael Jacquelin was eighth on 281, while Spain's Sergio Garcia, Englishman Simon Dyson and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love tied for ninth on 282.
Five-time champion Tom Watson tied for 22nd after a closing with 72, while McIlroy was equal 25th after a 73.
England's Tom Lewis was the top amateur, with the 20-year-old tied for 30th as he fell away after sharing the early lead with Bjorn following his opening 65.
Defending champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa was tied for 54th on 293 after ending with a 77.
Two decades after he first entered the season's third major event, the 42-year-old made history as he triumphed by three shots from Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in its 140th staging at Royal St. George's in England.
Clarke, whose previous best finish was runner-up in 1997, lifted the coveted Claret Jug at his 21st attempt -- breaking the record of the tournament's previous longest wait, the 15-try streak that Zimbabwean Nick Price snapped in 1994.
He is the oldest British Open winner since Roberto de Vicenzo's 1967 victory aged 44, and the oldest of any major champion since 43-year-old Ben Crenshaw won the 1995 Masters."It's been a long and bumpy road, I have had some good things happen to me and some bad things, but I've had so much support from an awful lot of people," Clarke said at the prize-giving ceremony.
"I'd like to thank my parents and my fiancee Alison, and there's someone up there watching as well. To everybody, thank you very much."
Clarke became the third player from Northern Ireland to win a major title in the past 13 months, following Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open triumph last month and Graeme McDowell's success at the same tournament last year.
He is the first from his country to win the British Open since Fred Daly in 1947.
See highlights of the 2011 British Open on Golf.com
Clarke's agent Chubby Chandler now has three current major champions in his stable, with South African Charl Schwartzel winning the Masters in April before McIlroy's eight-shot triumph at Congressional.
Clarke has twice won World Golf Championship events, in 2003 and 2003, while he has finished second on the European Tour's money list three times.
He famously helped Europe win the Ryder Cup against the U.S. in 2006 -- his fifth appearance in the prestigious teams event -- a month after his wife Heather died from cancer.
Clarke dedicated his victory to his sons Tyrone and Conor, who were back in Northern Ireland where the family has returned after years living in London.
"It's for the kids. They played Royal Portrush (golf course) this morning and were watching on TV," he said.
Clarke, who last finished in the top-10 when he placed third at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's in 2001, could afford to bogey the final two holes as he carded a level-par 70.
It was his worst score in four rounds at the links course, which has been buffeted by the weather this week, as he took home the $1.45 million first prize to the cheers of the crowd in Sandwich.
Having started the final day one shot ahead of 27-year-old Johnson, Clarke faced a strong challenge from fellow 40-something Mickelson.
The left-hander, seeking to add the British Open to his three Masters and one U.S. PGA Championship crown, carded three birdies and an eagle to grab a share of the lead.
But Clarke restored his advantage as he also picked up two shots at the par-five seventh and then rattled off nine successive pars despite the difficult conditions, while his main rivals faltered.
Mickelson's challenge fell apart at the 11th hole, where he missed a routine short par putt. More bogeys followed at 13, 15 and 16 as he finished with a 68 to be two-under 278 for the tournament.
Johnson, seeking his first major title, drove out of bounds at the 14th and his double-bogey there handed Clarke a four-shot buffer. He also dropped a shot at 18 to fall back level with Mickelson.
First-round leader Thomas Bjorn, whose father died in May, finished fourth on 279 after the 40-year-old Dane closed with 71.
He was followed by three Americans -- Rickie Fowler (72), Anthony Kim (70) and Chad Campbell (69) -- who were tied for fifth on 280.
France's Raphael Jacquelin was eighth on 281, while Spain's Sergio Garcia, Englishman Simon Dyson and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love tied for ninth on 282.
Five-time champion Tom Watson tied for 22nd after a closing with 72, while McIlroy was equal 25th after a 73.
England's Tom Lewis was the top amateur, with the 20-year-old tied for 30th as he fell away after sharing the early lead with Bjorn following his opening 65.
Defending champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa was tied for 54th on 293 after ending with a 77.
Debt fallback plan gains momentum as GOP plans symbolic votes
Washington (CNN) -- Top administration and congressional officials are expected to continue working this week on a measure to raise the federal debt ceiling by up to $2.5 trillion, embracing a version of a fallback plan designed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to avoid a potentially catastrophic default.
At the same time, GOP leaders are planning a series of votes on a proposed balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and sharp caps on future spending. The bills have no chance of clearing Congress or winning the approval of President Barack Obama, but would allow Republicans to demonstrate their preference for steps favored by their party's conservative base.
The maneuvering will take place against a backdrop of heightened anxiety as fears rise that Washington will not be able to pay its bills starting next month. If Congress failed to raise the current $14.3 trillion debt ceiling by August 2, Americans could be hit with rising interest rates, a plummeting dollar, and increasingly jittery financial markets, among other things.
The seriousness of the overall situation was reinforced Thursday when a major credit rating agency, Standard and Poor's, said it was placing the United States' sovereign rating on "CreditWatch with negative implications."
Moody's Investors Services -- another major rating agency -- said Wednesday that it would put the sterling bond rating of the United States on review for possible downgrade.
Obama warned last week that he could not guarantee older Americans will receive their Social Security checks next month if a deal is not reached in time. Republicans accused the president of resorting to scare tactics."I believe the debt will be extended," White House budget director Jacob Lew predicted Sunday on the ABC program "This Week." "Our efforts over the next days will be to ... do as much as we possibly can to make the tough decisions."
McConnell's plan appears to have gained momentum over the past few days as hopes have faded for a grand bargain including tax hikes on the wealthy and reforms to popular entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security. The Republicans leader's proposal would give Obama the power to raise the borrowing limit by a total of $2.5 trillion, but also require three congressional votes on the issue before the 2012 general election.
Specifically, Obama would be required to submit three requests for debt ceiling hikes -- a $700 billion increase and two $900 billion increases. Along with each request, the president would have to submit a list of recommended spending cuts exceeding the debt ceiling increase. The cuts would not need to be enacted in order to the ceiling to rise.
Congress would vote on -- and presumably pass -- "resolutions of disapproval" for each request. Obama would likely veto each resolution. Unless Congress manages to override the president's vetoes -- considered highly unlikely -- the debt ceiling would increase.
The unusual scheme would allow most Republicans and some more conservative Democrats to vote against any debt ceiling hike while still allowing it to clear.
McConnell, R-Kentucky, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, are also working on two critical additions to the plan, according to congressional aides in both parties. One would add up to roughly $1.5 trillion in spending cuts agreed to in earlier talks led by Vice President Joe Biden; the other would create a commission tasked with identifying additional significant spending cuts, tax increases, and entitlement reforms.
Changes agreed to by the commission -- composed of an equal number of House and Senate Democrats and Republicans -- would be subject to a strict up-or-down vote by Congress. No amendments would be allowed.
Sources say the panel would be modeled after the Base Closing and Realignment Commission, which managed to close hundreds of military bases that Congress could not otherwise bring itself to shut down.
As congressional leaders continue laying the groundwork for the plan, Republicans are moving ahead with a more partisan measure to "cut, cap and balance" future budgets. The plan includes major spending cuts, caps on future spending as a percentage of economic production, and a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
The debt ceiling proposal stands in sharp contrast to Obama's stated preference for a package of roughly $4 trillion in savings over the next decade composed of spending reforms and tax increases on the rich.
"I'm a little frustrated that (administration officials are) never willing to be specific about the reductions in spending that they would be willing to do," conservative Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, said Sunday.
"The president always just holds out this idea that, well, if you'll raise taxes, and he is very specific about the taxes he wants to raise, then (he) might be willing to look at cuts elsewhere," Kyl said.
"Well, of course, that's just not good enough. So, the point I'm trying to make is when the president says he's willing to compromise, understand why Republican leaders have been pretty reluctant to go along with this deal because we frankly don't know where the spending reductions come, but we do know where the taxes are."
Republicans have repeatedly insisted that they are the only side offering concrete proposals to address mounting deficits and the federal debt.
Democrats in turn have belittled the GOP's push for a balanced budget amendment, a perennial favorite of conservatives.
"This notion that we somehow have to change the Constitution to do what we were elected to do is just plain wrong," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"Bottom line is, those who want to push a balanced budget amendment are saying, 'I can't promise you that I won't steal again, but I will vote for the Ten Commandments.'"
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, insisted Saturday that "the only reason congressional Democrats would refuse to pass (a balanced budget amendment) is because they know the people of this country would rise up and quickly ratify it."
Obama evoked compromises of the past in calling Saturday for a commitment to shared sacrifice to break the current impasse on the debt ceiling.
"Let's be honest. Neither party in this town is blameless," the president said in his weekly address. "Both have talked this problem to death without doing enough about it. That's what drives people nuts about Washington."
Republicans insist they will not agree to any tax increases, arguing that such a move would derail an already weak economic recovery.
At the heart of the current debate is Obama's call for more tax revenue by allowing tax cuts from the Bush presidency to expire at the end of 2012 for families making more than $250,000. His plan would keep the lower tax rates for Americans who earn less.
Obama noted last week he is not looking to raise any taxes until 2013 or later. In exchange, the president said, he wants to ensure that the current progressive nature of the tax code is maintained, with higher-income Americans assessed higher tax rates.
But resistance to higher taxes is now a bedrock principle for most Republicans, enforced by conservative crusaders such as political activist Grover Norquist. Norquist's group, Americans for Tax Reform, has sponsored a high-profile pledge to oppose any tax increase.
The pledge has been signed by more than 230 House members and 40 senators, almost all of them Republicans.
At the same time, GOP leaders are planning a series of votes on a proposed balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and sharp caps on future spending. The bills have no chance of clearing Congress or winning the approval of President Barack Obama, but would allow Republicans to demonstrate their preference for steps favored by their party's conservative base.
The maneuvering will take place against a backdrop of heightened anxiety as fears rise that Washington will not be able to pay its bills starting next month. If Congress failed to raise the current $14.3 trillion debt ceiling by August 2, Americans could be hit with rising interest rates, a plummeting dollar, and increasingly jittery financial markets, among other things.
The seriousness of the overall situation was reinforced Thursday when a major credit rating agency, Standard and Poor's, said it was placing the United States' sovereign rating on "CreditWatch with negative implications."
Moody's Investors Services -- another major rating agency -- said Wednesday that it would put the sterling bond rating of the United States on review for possible downgrade.
Obama warned last week that he could not guarantee older Americans will receive their Social Security checks next month if a deal is not reached in time. Republicans accused the president of resorting to scare tactics."I believe the debt will be extended," White House budget director Jacob Lew predicted Sunday on the ABC program "This Week." "Our efforts over the next days will be to ... do as much as we possibly can to make the tough decisions."
McConnell's plan appears to have gained momentum over the past few days as hopes have faded for a grand bargain including tax hikes on the wealthy and reforms to popular entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security. The Republicans leader's proposal would give Obama the power to raise the borrowing limit by a total of $2.5 trillion, but also require three congressional votes on the issue before the 2012 general election.
Specifically, Obama would be required to submit three requests for debt ceiling hikes -- a $700 billion increase and two $900 billion increases. Along with each request, the president would have to submit a list of recommended spending cuts exceeding the debt ceiling increase. The cuts would not need to be enacted in order to the ceiling to rise.
Congress would vote on -- and presumably pass -- "resolutions of disapproval" for each request. Obama would likely veto each resolution. Unless Congress manages to override the president's vetoes -- considered highly unlikely -- the debt ceiling would increase.
The unusual scheme would allow most Republicans and some more conservative Democrats to vote against any debt ceiling hike while still allowing it to clear.
McConnell, R-Kentucky, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, are also working on two critical additions to the plan, according to congressional aides in both parties. One would add up to roughly $1.5 trillion in spending cuts agreed to in earlier talks led by Vice President Joe Biden; the other would create a commission tasked with identifying additional significant spending cuts, tax increases, and entitlement reforms.
Changes agreed to by the commission -- composed of an equal number of House and Senate Democrats and Republicans -- would be subject to a strict up-or-down vote by Congress. No amendments would be allowed.
Sources say the panel would be modeled after the Base Closing and Realignment Commission, which managed to close hundreds of military bases that Congress could not otherwise bring itself to shut down.
As congressional leaders continue laying the groundwork for the plan, Republicans are moving ahead with a more partisan measure to "cut, cap and balance" future budgets. The plan includes major spending cuts, caps on future spending as a percentage of economic production, and a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
The debt ceiling proposal stands in sharp contrast to Obama's stated preference for a package of roughly $4 trillion in savings over the next decade composed of spending reforms and tax increases on the rich.
"I'm a little frustrated that (administration officials are) never willing to be specific about the reductions in spending that they would be willing to do," conservative Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, said Sunday.
"The president always just holds out this idea that, well, if you'll raise taxes, and he is very specific about the taxes he wants to raise, then (he) might be willing to look at cuts elsewhere," Kyl said.
"Well, of course, that's just not good enough. So, the point I'm trying to make is when the president says he's willing to compromise, understand why Republican leaders have been pretty reluctant to go along with this deal because we frankly don't know where the spending reductions come, but we do know where the taxes are."
Republicans have repeatedly insisted that they are the only side offering concrete proposals to address mounting deficits and the federal debt.
Democrats in turn have belittled the GOP's push for a balanced budget amendment, a perennial favorite of conservatives.
"This notion that we somehow have to change the Constitution to do what we were elected to do is just plain wrong," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"Bottom line is, those who want to push a balanced budget amendment are saying, 'I can't promise you that I won't steal again, but I will vote for the Ten Commandments.'"
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, insisted Saturday that "the only reason congressional Democrats would refuse to pass (a balanced budget amendment) is because they know the people of this country would rise up and quickly ratify it."
Obama evoked compromises of the past in calling Saturday for a commitment to shared sacrifice to break the current impasse on the debt ceiling.
"Let's be honest. Neither party in this town is blameless," the president said in his weekly address. "Both have talked this problem to death without doing enough about it. That's what drives people nuts about Washington."
Republicans insist they will not agree to any tax increases, arguing that such a move would derail an already weak economic recovery.
At the heart of the current debate is Obama's call for more tax revenue by allowing tax cuts from the Bush presidency to expire at the end of 2012 for families making more than $250,000. His plan would keep the lower tax rates for Americans who earn less.
Obama noted last week he is not looking to raise any taxes until 2013 or later. In exchange, the president said, he wants to ensure that the current progressive nature of the tax code is maintained, with higher-income Americans assessed higher tax rates.
But resistance to higher taxes is now a bedrock principle for most Republicans, enforced by conservative crusaders such as political activist Grover Norquist. Norquist's group, Americans for Tax Reform, has sponsored a high-profile pledge to oppose any tax increase.
The pledge has been signed by more than 230 House members and 40 senators, almost all of them Republicans.
Brazil pays penalty for Copa America exit
(CNN) -- Holders Brazil were knocked out of the Copa America Sunday, after a woeful penalty shoot-out display against Paraguay in Argentina.
The star-studded Brazilians missed all four of their spot-kicks as Paraguay went on to win 2-0 and earn a place in the last four of the competition.
A disappointing match ended goal-less, as both sides finished with 10 men on the pitch after Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva and Uruguay's Antolin Alcaraz were dismissed following an altercation in extra time.
Brazil dominated much of the possession but lacked a cutting edge, despite fielding an attack-minded line-up led by Robinho, Alexandre Pato, and Neymar.
Neymar was particularly profligate in front of goal, twice missing golden opportunities in the first half. The first chance came on seven minutes when his volley from close range dipped over the bar; while the second saw him blaze wide on the half-hour mark, after Ganso's pass found him unmarked on the right-hand side of goal.Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar was also in inspired form, showing particularly good reflexes late on to deny Milan's Pato as he raced through one-on-one.
After the match Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino admitted his side, which last won the competition in 1979, were fortunate to beat the much-fancied Brazilians.
"Brazil should probably have won it over the 90 minutes," he told reporters, in quotes carried by Agence France-Presse.
His goalkeeper Villar agreed. "It really took it out of us playing Brazil -- they dominated almost the whole match. But the team kept its shape and kept its concentration and those factors took us through."
Meanwhile Brazil's coach Mano Menezes was keen to look ahead to his team's future challenges.
"When you lose you know you made some mistakes," he told AFP. "But this happens in football and we have to live with it. The object has always been to get a strong team together for the World Cup in 2014."
The shocks continued in the second quarterfinal played Sunday as Venezuela beat Chile 2-1.
Oswaldo Vizcarrondo put Venezuela ahead on 34 minutes, but Humberto Suazo equalized for Chile midway through the second half.
Chile pushed for victory, but as extra time loomed it was Gabriel Cichero who gave Venezuela a semifinal clash with Paraguay.
The star-studded Brazilians missed all four of their spot-kicks as Paraguay went on to win 2-0 and earn a place in the last four of the competition.
A disappointing match ended goal-less, as both sides finished with 10 men on the pitch after Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva and Uruguay's Antolin Alcaraz were dismissed following an altercation in extra time.
Brazil dominated much of the possession but lacked a cutting edge, despite fielding an attack-minded line-up led by Robinho, Alexandre Pato, and Neymar.
Neymar was particularly profligate in front of goal, twice missing golden opportunities in the first half. The first chance came on seven minutes when his volley from close range dipped over the bar; while the second saw him blaze wide on the half-hour mark, after Ganso's pass found him unmarked on the right-hand side of goal.Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar was also in inspired form, showing particularly good reflexes late on to deny Milan's Pato as he raced through one-on-one.
After the match Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino admitted his side, which last won the competition in 1979, were fortunate to beat the much-fancied Brazilians.
"Brazil should probably have won it over the 90 minutes," he told reporters, in quotes carried by Agence France-Presse.
His goalkeeper Villar agreed. "It really took it out of us playing Brazil -- they dominated almost the whole match. But the team kept its shape and kept its concentration and those factors took us through."
Meanwhile Brazil's coach Mano Menezes was keen to look ahead to his team's future challenges.
"When you lose you know you made some mistakes," he told AFP. "But this happens in football and we have to live with it. The object has always been to get a strong team together for the World Cup in 2014."
The shocks continued in the second quarterfinal played Sunday as Venezuela beat Chile 2-1.
Oswaldo Vizcarrondo put Venezuela ahead on 34 minutes, but Humberto Suazo equalized for Chile midway through the second half.
Chile pushed for victory, but as extra time loomed it was Gabriel Cichero who gave Venezuela a semifinal clash with Paraguay.
Bahrain's main opposition party withdraws from 'national dialogue
(CNN) -- Bahrain's main Shiite opposition party, Al-Wefaq, said Sunday that it has decided to withdraw from the so-called National Consensus Dialogue, called for by Bahrain's King Hamad.
The dialogue has been going on since the beginning of July and is intended to focus on reform, with the aim of reaching consensus on how to achieve it.
On its website, Al-Wefaq presented several reasons for pulling out, including that the talks are "not serious" and they do not create a "political solution" for the problems Bahrain faces.
"We feel that our participation is being taken advantage of in order to distort the meaning of national dialogue and national consensus," the group. "This will exacerbate the political impasse and our presence is being used to pass pre-planned results."
Al-Wefaq's website showed figures from the last election that indicate they have the votes and support of 64% of Bahrainis, but they only make up 1.6% of the dialogue group.
Representatives from the group made similar claims earlier this month, when Al-Wefaq's representatives partially withdrew from some workshops that were part of the dialogue.
"It must be noted that the authorities designed the dialogue so that all opposing views are diluted," Hadi al-Mosawi, an Al-Wefaq representative, told CNN at the time. Only about 35 of the 300 participants represented the opposition, and the agenda "has been set so that it is directed towards a pre-determined outcome," he said.
Al-Wefaq and other opposition parties have been experiencing increasing pressure from their members to pull out of the talks altogether. The February 14 Movement, which comprises activists on Facebook and Twitter, staged a protest in early July in Bilad al-Qadeem, south of the capital.
Both Al-Wefaq and the leftist Waad party were among groups invited to the capital, Manama, for talks intended to calm the political turmoil that has rocked the Persian Gulf nation.
The U.S. had welcomed Al-Wefaq's decision to join the talks. U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner called the party "an important voice (in) a process that has the potential to serve as a vehicle for reform and reconciliation."
Bahrain is a strategically important nation to the United States, and home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. It has been riven by five months of pro-democracy demonstrations and violent responses by government forces.
The dialogue has been going on since the beginning of July and is intended to focus on reform, with the aim of reaching consensus on how to achieve it.
On its website, Al-Wefaq presented several reasons for pulling out, including that the talks are "not serious" and they do not create a "political solution" for the problems Bahrain faces.
"We feel that our participation is being taken advantage of in order to distort the meaning of national dialogue and national consensus," the group. "This will exacerbate the political impasse and our presence is being used to pass pre-planned results."
Al-Wefaq's website showed figures from the last election that indicate they have the votes and support of 64% of Bahrainis, but they only make up 1.6% of the dialogue group.
Representatives from the group made similar claims earlier this month, when Al-Wefaq's representatives partially withdrew from some workshops that were part of the dialogue.
"It must be noted that the authorities designed the dialogue so that all opposing views are diluted," Hadi al-Mosawi, an Al-Wefaq representative, told CNN at the time. Only about 35 of the 300 participants represented the opposition, and the agenda "has been set so that it is directed towards a pre-determined outcome," he said.
Al-Wefaq and other opposition parties have been experiencing increasing pressure from their members to pull out of the talks altogether. The February 14 Movement, which comprises activists on Facebook and Twitter, staged a protest in early July in Bilad al-Qadeem, south of the capital.
Both Al-Wefaq and the leftist Waad party were among groups invited to the capital, Manama, for talks intended to calm the political turmoil that has rocked the Persian Gulf nation.
The U.S. had welcomed Al-Wefaq's decision to join the talks. U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner called the party "an important voice (in) a process that has the potential to serve as a vehicle for reform and reconciliation."
Bahrain is a strategically important nation to the United States, and home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. It has been riven by five months of pro-democracy demonstrations and violent responses by government forces.
Indonesian volcano rumbles again, spitting massive ash clouds
Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- An Indonesian volcano erupted twice Monday, spewing thick ash clouds a day after the number of evacuees rose to 5,200.
The two eruptions occurred within 10 minutes of one another, spitting ash clouds as high as 600 meters (1,970 feet) into the air.
Mt. Lokon in the northern Sulawesi province first erupted Thursday night. Since then it has erupted several more times.
Authorities worry that the latest eruption sent smoke so high into the sky that it could affect flights at nearby airports.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Indonesia is located on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of fault lines circling the Pacific Basin that is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The two eruptions occurred within 10 minutes of one another, spitting ash clouds as high as 600 meters (1,970 feet) into the air.
Mt. Lokon in the northern Sulawesi province first erupted Thursday night. Since then it has erupted several more times.
Authorities worry that the latest eruption sent smoke so high into the sky that it could affect flights at nearby airports.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Indonesia is located on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of fault lines circling the Pacific Basin that is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
UN: Thai, Cambodian troops must leave disputed temple area
(CNN) -- The United Nation's highest court ruled Monday that both Cambodia and Thailand must withdraw their troops from an area where a disputed border temple sits.
The International Court of Justice drew what it called a "provisional demilitarized zone" around the Preah Vihear temple and asked the two nations to allow neutral observers into the area to monitor the cease-fire.
Cambodia had asked the international court to intervene and order Thai troops out of the area.
The court, instead, said it ruled that both sides withdraw to avoid more casualties.
The 11th century temple sits atop a cliff on Cambodian soil but has its most accessible entrance on the Thai side. The two countries differ on whether some territory around the temple forms part of Thailand or Cambodia.
The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962. Thailand claims, however, that the 1.8 square mile (4.6 sq. km) area around it was never fully demarcated.
Thailand says the dispute arose from the fact that the Cambodian government used a map drawn during the French occupation of Cambodia -- a map that places the temple and surrounding area in Cambodian territory.
In 2008, the United Nations approved Cambodia's application to have the temple listed as a World Heritage Site -- a place the U.N. says has outstanding universal value.
The decision re-ignited tensions, with some in Thailand fearing it will make it difficult for their country to lay claim to disputed land around the temple.
Thousands have been displaced in the fighting and many have been killed.
The International Court of Justice drew what it called a "provisional demilitarized zone" around the Preah Vihear temple and asked the two nations to allow neutral observers into the area to monitor the cease-fire.
Cambodia had asked the international court to intervene and order Thai troops out of the area.
The court, instead, said it ruled that both sides withdraw to avoid more casualties.
The 11th century temple sits atop a cliff on Cambodian soil but has its most accessible entrance on the Thai side. The two countries differ on whether some territory around the temple forms part of Thailand or Cambodia.
The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962. Thailand claims, however, that the 1.8 square mile (4.6 sq. km) area around it was never fully demarcated.
Thailand says the dispute arose from the fact that the Cambodian government used a map drawn during the French occupation of Cambodia -- a map that places the temple and surrounding area in Cambodian territory.
In 2008, the United Nations approved Cambodia's application to have the temple listed as a World Heritage Site -- a place the U.N. says has outstanding universal value.
The decision re-ignited tensions, with some in Thailand fearing it will make it difficult for their country to lay claim to disputed land around the temple.
Thousands have been displaced in the fighting and many have been killed.
Rebels: Our forces have advanced closer to Libyan city of al-Brega
(CNN) -- Libyan rebel forces have advanced about 18 miles (30 kilometers) closer to the eastern city of al-Brega after dismantling thousands of landmines, a rebel spokesman told CNN on Monday.
"Our forces are only 9 kilometers away from al-Brega now after a small group clashed with Gadhafi troops over the weekend," said Col. Ahmed Banni, Libya's Transitional National Transitional military said.
There was no immediate comment from the government.
Fighting broke out after the rebels pulled out thousands of landmines over the last few days and secure a path for movement toward the strategic oil town, he said.
"Almost the entire area around Brega is full of landmines," Banni said.
A rebel expedition group entered al-Brega and clashed with pro-Gadhafi forces killing at least 11 and injuring dozens among rebels ranks, said a rebel fighter who did not want to be named.
Pro-Gadhafi troops dug a trench and filled it with oil only to set it alight as a line of defense near the eastern entrance of the city, Banni said.
"So this may delay our plan to take over the city since they have linked the trench to an oil pipeline so they keep the fire going," he added.
The rebels claim they are moving ahead slowly but steadily.
When rebels troops entered al-Brega, Gadhafi forces withdrew but they re-grouped and launched a counter-attack.
"I can tell that the communication between the Gadhafi Brigades is not too good since they did not immediately fire at our expeditionary troops with Grad missiles. That's what they usually do but there was hesitation this time," Banni said.
"Our forces are only 9 kilometers away from al-Brega now after a small group clashed with Gadhafi troops over the weekend," said Col. Ahmed Banni, Libya's Transitional National Transitional military said.
There was no immediate comment from the government.
Fighting broke out after the rebels pulled out thousands of landmines over the last few days and secure a path for movement toward the strategic oil town, he said.
"Almost the entire area around Brega is full of landmines," Banni said.
A rebel expedition group entered al-Brega and clashed with pro-Gadhafi forces killing at least 11 and injuring dozens among rebels ranks, said a rebel fighter who did not want to be named.
Pro-Gadhafi troops dug a trench and filled it with oil only to set it alight as a line of defense near the eastern entrance of the city, Banni said.
"So this may delay our plan to take over the city since they have linked the trench to an oil pipeline so they keep the fire going," he added.
The rebels claim they are moving ahead slowly but steadily.
When rebels troops entered al-Brega, Gadhafi forces withdrew but they re-grouped and launched a counter-attack.
"I can tell that the communication between the Gadhafi Brigades is not too good since they did not immediately fire at our expeditionary troops with Grad missiles. That's what they usually do but there was hesitation this time," Banni said.
4 killed after attack in China
(CNN) -- Four people, including two police officers, were killed Monday after assailants attacked a police station in the northwestern Chinese province of Xinjiang, the state-run Xinhua news agency of China reported.
The group attacked a police station in the city of Hetian, kidnapping six hostages and setting fire to the building, the news agency said.
Police officers opened fire on the attackers and rescued four hostages, Xinhua reported. Two police officers were killed and one was seriously injured while two hostages died, according to the news agency.
Investigators with an anti-terrorism unit will conduct an inquiry, Xinhua said.
The province of Xinjiang was the site of ethnic violence in 2009 that killed nearly 200 people and injured 1,800 others. Authorities blamed independence-seeking members of the Uighur ethnic group, a minority group of Turkic-speaking Muslims.
The 2009 violence came after long-simmering tensions between Uighurs and ethnic Han Chinese, who make up nearly 90 percent of China's 1.3 billion people.
The group attacked a police station in the city of Hetian, kidnapping six hostages and setting fire to the building, the news agency said.
Police officers opened fire on the attackers and rescued four hostages, Xinhua reported. Two police officers were killed and one was seriously injured while two hostages died, according to the news agency.
Investigators with an anti-terrorism unit will conduct an inquiry, Xinhua said.
The province of Xinjiang was the site of ethnic violence in 2009 that killed nearly 200 people and injured 1,800 others. Authorities blamed independence-seeking members of the Uighur ethnic group, a minority group of Turkic-speaking Muslims.
The 2009 violence came after long-simmering tensions between Uighurs and ethnic Han Chinese, who make up nearly 90 percent of China's 1.3 billion people.
Tropical storm Bret strengthens, turns east
(CNN) -- Tropical storm Bret continued to strengthen and came closer to the Bahamas Monday morning, but the forecast called for the storm to begin moving out to sea later in the day.
As of 8 a.m., Bret -- the second tropical storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season -- was located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Great Abaco Island, according to the National Weather Service. The storm had been about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the island Sunday night.
The storm is currently drifting to the northeast and is expected to pick up some speed and strength as it moves away from land, according to forecasters.
Grand Bahama Island and the Abaco Islands in the northwest Bahamas nevertheless remained under a tropical storm warning Monday, the forecasters expecting the most intense winds and rainfall Monday morning. Bret could dump two to four inches of rain in the northwest Bahamas.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) by Monday morning with higher gusts, the National Weather Service said.
As of 8 a.m., Bret -- the second tropical storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season -- was located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Great Abaco Island, according to the National Weather Service. The storm had been about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the island Sunday night.
The storm is currently drifting to the northeast and is expected to pick up some speed and strength as it moves away from land, according to forecasters.
Grand Bahama Island and the Abaco Islands in the northwest Bahamas nevertheless remained under a tropical storm warning Monday, the forecasters expecting the most intense winds and rainfall Monday morning. Bret could dump two to four inches of rain in the northwest Bahamas.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) by Monday morning with higher gusts, the National Weather Service said.
Petraeus hands over command in Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Gen. David Petraeus, the outgoing top commander of the NATO forces in Afghanistan, formally transferred authority Monday to incoming commander Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen.
Several senior Afghan and NATO officials, including U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, attended the change-of-command ceremony in Kabul.
"Throughout, we will keep our eyes on the horizon -- the future of Afghanistan, " Allen told the audience, " a nation of free people at peace, governed under its constitution, pursuing economic enterprise and development, in a secure and stable environment free from the extremism and terrorism that has plagued this wonderful country and its people for more than a generation.
In the end -- together we will prevail."
He inherits a force that is coming under renewed attack just as NATO prepares to begin the first phase of handing over provincial security to Afghan security forces.
On Monday, three service members with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force were killed in a blast in eastern Afghanistan.Their deaths bring to 34 the number of international troops who have died in Afghanistan in July..
Since the start of this year, 314 coalition soldiers have died in the country.
For his part, Petraeus plans to retire from the Army at the end of August and assume the CIA director's job September 6.
"I wanted this job," Petraeus, 58, said at his Senate confirmation hearing. "I am taking off the uniform I have worn for 37 years to do this the right way."
Dubbed King David for turning around what seemed like a losing battle as top U.S. commander in Iraq before he went to Afghanistan, Petraeus is considered a top general in his era, with Esquire magazine naming him one of the most influential people of the 21st century.
He took over in Afghanistan on July 4 last year unexpectedly after a Rolling Stone magazine article prompted the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal.
"We've jokingly said that I went to the White House for the monthly National Security Council meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan with President Obama, and came out with a new job," Petraeus said. "And that's not far from the truth."
The U.S. military is losing the architect of modern-day counterinsurgency operations.
Petraeus wrote his doctorate dissertation on the lessons America learned in Vietnam.
Later, he devised the Army/Marine field manual, challenging the military to think differently about how it relates to the civilian population in dealing with a bloody insurgency.
This week, ahead of his departure, Petraeus assessed the results of his strategy in Afghanistan.
"What we have done is implement the so-called NATO comprehensive approach, a civil-military campaign ... that does indeed embody many of the principles of the counterinsurgency field manual that we developed back in 2006, and which we employed in Iraq in the surge of 2007-2008," he said in an interview with NATO-TV.
"I think generally, it has borne fruit."
He said it has been a difficult journey, rife with setbacks, but coalition forces have halted the momentum of the Taliban in much of the country and reversed the insurgent hold in restive Helmand province.
Petraeus' experience in working with the CIA on counterinsurgency efforts in the field was cited as a reason for his nomination as the spy agency's director.
Several senior Afghan and NATO officials, including U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, attended the change-of-command ceremony in Kabul.
"Throughout, we will keep our eyes on the horizon -- the future of Afghanistan, " Allen told the audience, " a nation of free people at peace, governed under its constitution, pursuing economic enterprise and development, in a secure and stable environment free from the extremism and terrorism that has plagued this wonderful country and its people for more than a generation.
In the end -- together we will prevail."
He inherits a force that is coming under renewed attack just as NATO prepares to begin the first phase of handing over provincial security to Afghan security forces.
On Monday, three service members with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force were killed in a blast in eastern Afghanistan.Their deaths bring to 34 the number of international troops who have died in Afghanistan in July..
Since the start of this year, 314 coalition soldiers have died in the country.
For his part, Petraeus plans to retire from the Army at the end of August and assume the CIA director's job September 6.
"I wanted this job," Petraeus, 58, said at his Senate confirmation hearing. "I am taking off the uniform I have worn for 37 years to do this the right way."
Dubbed King David for turning around what seemed like a losing battle as top U.S. commander in Iraq before he went to Afghanistan, Petraeus is considered a top general in his era, with Esquire magazine naming him one of the most influential people of the 21st century.
He took over in Afghanistan on July 4 last year unexpectedly after a Rolling Stone magazine article prompted the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal.
"We've jokingly said that I went to the White House for the monthly National Security Council meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan with President Obama, and came out with a new job," Petraeus said. "And that's not far from the truth."
The U.S. military is losing the architect of modern-day counterinsurgency operations.
Petraeus wrote his doctorate dissertation on the lessons America learned in Vietnam.
Later, he devised the Army/Marine field manual, challenging the military to think differently about how it relates to the civilian population in dealing with a bloody insurgency.
This week, ahead of his departure, Petraeus assessed the results of his strategy in Afghanistan.
"What we have done is implement the so-called NATO comprehensive approach, a civil-military campaign ... that does indeed embody many of the principles of the counterinsurgency field manual that we developed back in 2006, and which we employed in Iraq in the surge of 2007-2008," he said in an interview with NATO-TV.
"I think generally, it has borne fruit."
He said it has been a difficult journey, rife with setbacks, but coalition forces have halted the momentum of the Taliban in much of the country and reversed the insurgent hold in restive Helmand province.
Petraeus' experience in working with the CIA on counterinsurgency efforts in the field was cited as a reason for his nomination as the spy agency's director.
Japan scrambles to protect damaged reactor from typhoon
Tokyo, Japan (CNN) -- Workers in Japan scrambled Monday to build a protective covering over a damaged nuclear reactor ahead of an approaching powerful typhoon, an energy company spokesman said.
Typhoon Ma-on -- currently a "Large" and "Very Strong" storm, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency -- should strike Japan well south of the damaged no. 3 reactor at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
But the Tokyo Power Company, which is responsible for the plant wracked by the March 11 tsunami that struck northeast Japan, is constructing a "roof-like structure to prevent rain from entering holes on the turbine building," said spokesman Satoshi Watanabe.
The energy company says it aims to complete construction late Monday.
Typhoon Ma-on -- currently a "Large" and "Very Strong" storm, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency -- should strike Japan well south of the damaged no. 3 reactor at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
But the Tokyo Power Company, which is responsible for the plant wracked by the March 11 tsunami that struck northeast Japan, is constructing a "roof-like structure to prevent rain from entering holes on the turbine building," said spokesman Satoshi Watanabe.
The energy company says it aims to complete construction late Monday.
South Africa marks Mandela's 93rd birthday with call to help others
Johannesburg, South Africa (CNN) -- Nelson Mandela turned 93 on Monday surrounded by family, as South Africans paid tribute to his legacy by performing at least 67 minutes of public service.
Sixty-seven is the number of years the former South African president devoted to public service.
Mandela -- affectionately known by his clan name Madiba -- was spending the day in Qunu, where he grew up.
South Africans held various activities to honor a man credited with helping bring together a nation separated by apartheid. Early Monday about 12 million students sang a special "Happy Birthday" song in unison nationwide before they started their lessons.
A group called "Bikers for Mandela" rode around the country for eight days doing volunteer service, including painting playgrounds and planting trees. Their trip was scheduled to end in Pretoria on Mandela Day.
Mandela rarely makes public appearances, with his last sighting at the closing ceremonies of the World Cup in South Africa last year.
He was briefly hospitalized in January for an acute respiratory infection, and continues to receive medical care at home.
Under South Africa's apartheid regime, Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of sabotage and attempts to overthrow the government. He was released in 1990 and became president in 1994.
The United Nations joined his foundation in urging the world to perform 67 minutes of public service.
"Together, the best way we can thank Nelson Mandela for his work is by taking action for others and inspiring change," U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said last week.
"Tutor a child. Feed someone less fortunate. Care for your environment. Volunteer at a hospital or community center. Be a part of a global movement to make the world a better place," Ban said.
U.S. President Barack Obama, whose wife, Michelle, met Mandela last month, said the icon is "a beacon for the global community" and for those who fight for justice.
"Madiba sets the standard for service worldwide, whether we are students, shopkeepers or farmers, Cabinet ministers or presidents," the president said in a statement. "He calls on us to serve our fellow human beings, and better our communities."
The United Nations designated July 18 as Mandela Day in 2009.
Sixty-seven is the number of years the former South African president devoted to public service.
Mandela -- affectionately known by his clan name Madiba -- was spending the day in Qunu, where he grew up.
South Africans held various activities to honor a man credited with helping bring together a nation separated by apartheid. Early Monday about 12 million students sang a special "Happy Birthday" song in unison nationwide before they started their lessons.
A group called "Bikers for Mandela" rode around the country for eight days doing volunteer service, including painting playgrounds and planting trees. Their trip was scheduled to end in Pretoria on Mandela Day.
Mandela rarely makes public appearances, with his last sighting at the closing ceremonies of the World Cup in South Africa last year.
He was briefly hospitalized in January for an acute respiratory infection, and continues to receive medical care at home.
Under South Africa's apartheid regime, Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of sabotage and attempts to overthrow the government. He was released in 1990 and became president in 1994.
The United Nations joined his foundation in urging the world to perform 67 minutes of public service.
"Together, the best way we can thank Nelson Mandela for his work is by taking action for others and inspiring change," U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said last week.
"Tutor a child. Feed someone less fortunate. Care for your environment. Volunteer at a hospital or community center. Be a part of a global movement to make the world a better place," Ban said.
U.S. President Barack Obama, whose wife, Michelle, met Mandela last month, said the icon is "a beacon for the global community" and for those who fight for justice.
"Madiba sets the standard for service worldwide, whether we are students, shopkeepers or farmers, Cabinet ministers or presidents," the president said in a statement. "He calls on us to serve our fellow human beings, and better our communities."
The United Nations designated July 18 as Mandela Day in 2009.
Japan's women inspire battered nation with World Cup win
Tokyo (CNN) -- It's not often that it's acceptable to open a bottle of champagne at 7 o'clock on a Monday morning, but this was one of those occasions.
David had beaten Goliath and the Japanese football fans crammed into a Tokyo bar had screamed themselves hoarse watching their national team play two-time winners the United States in the women's World Cup final in Germany.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions for 200 fans; twice they thought their team had been beaten as the U.S. took the lead but twice they pulled it back.Maiden World Cup crown for Japan's women
The timing could not have been more anti-social as the game kicked off at 3.45a.m. local time. But apart from a few snoozing supporters, potentially due to the free-flowing beer rather than the late hour, the passion stayed alive throughout.
There were plenty of Japanese football shirts on show in the Footnik Bar in central Tokyo but with the men's players' names on the back -- that could well change now.
"It wasn't conceivable that Japan would win the World Cup, and it wasn't even the men who did it but the women," said Futoshi Arai, a fan from Tokyo.
"I was surprised, their games aren't even aired on TV and they won the cup, it gave me goose-bumps."
After the March earthquake, tsunami, nuclear and political crises, this country was overdue some good news.
As the team progressed through the competition against the odds, the nation was inspired by the team and it became about more than just football or a trophy.
"After the disaster, the whole country was in the spirit of trying their best. What we saw was the soul of Japan," another Fan, Yasushi Tsuha, told CNN.
There were few dry eyes in the sports bar as the victorious Japanese players lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time. Men and women were overcome with emotion and pride in a team that few knew anything about before this competition.
The split between men and women was fairly even. Women who had no interest in football before had suddenly become die-hard followers.
When I see women like me giving so much spirit, it gives me energy to keep going in my daily life," said Ayako Nishi.
Japan had been the underdog and the sentimental favorite before the match. Now they are the best in the world.
David had beaten Goliath and the Japanese football fans crammed into a Tokyo bar had screamed themselves hoarse watching their national team play two-time winners the United States in the women's World Cup final in Germany.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions for 200 fans; twice they thought their team had been beaten as the U.S. took the lead but twice they pulled it back.Maiden World Cup crown for Japan's women
The timing could not have been more anti-social as the game kicked off at 3.45a.m. local time. But apart from a few snoozing supporters, potentially due to the free-flowing beer rather than the late hour, the passion stayed alive throughout.
There were plenty of Japanese football shirts on show in the Footnik Bar in central Tokyo but with the men's players' names on the back -- that could well change now.
"It wasn't conceivable that Japan would win the World Cup, and it wasn't even the men who did it but the women," said Futoshi Arai, a fan from Tokyo.
"I was surprised, their games aren't even aired on TV and they won the cup, it gave me goose-bumps."
After the March earthquake, tsunami, nuclear and political crises, this country was overdue some good news.
As the team progressed through the competition against the odds, the nation was inspired by the team and it became about more than just football or a trophy.
"After the disaster, the whole country was in the spirit of trying their best. What we saw was the soul of Japan," another Fan, Yasushi Tsuha, told CNN.
There were few dry eyes in the sports bar as the victorious Japanese players lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time. Men and women were overcome with emotion and pride in a team that few knew anything about before this competition.
The split between men and women was fairly even. Women who had no interest in football before had suddenly become die-hard followers.
When I see women like me giving so much spirit, it gives me energy to keep going in my daily life," said Ayako Nishi.
Japan had been the underdog and the sentimental favorite before the match. Now they are the best in the world.
Judge rejects Berlusconi objections in sex case
Milan, Italy (CNN) -- The judge in Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's trial on charges of sex with a minor rejected all defense motions Monday and scheduled the next hearing for October 3.
Judge Giulia Turri dismissed defense motions one by one in a hearing attended by neither Berlusconi nor the woman at the center of the accusations, dancer Karima el Mahroug -- nicknamed "Ruby the Heart-stealer."
Berlusconi's attorney, Niccolo Ghedini, slammed Turri. "It is shameful. It is a ruling without any logic," he complained to reporters after the proceedings. "It is not possible to hold a fair trial here. The judge rejected all of 16 objections. How is this possible?"
Berlusconi also faced a second hearing Monday in another case involving accusations of corruption.
It was the first time he has had hearings in both cases on the same day.
He's drawn the most international attention for the headline-grabbing allegations that he paid for sex with the dancer, and then tried to pull strings to get her out of jail when she was arrested for theft.
It's illegal to pay for sex with a minor in Italy. Both the prime minister and the dancer admit he gave her money, but deny it was for sex.
Separately, he is also fighting charges of bribing British lawyer David Mills to secure favorable testimony in legal cases.
Mills denied receiving bribes and his conviction in the case was overturned last year. Mills is the ex-husband of former British government minister Tessa Jowell.
The Mills case has been in and out of court for years.
Berlusconi at one point passed a law shielding top government officials from prosecution while they're in office, and then saw it struck down by judges.
Berlusconi denies all charges.
The court adjourned the Mills case until September 19.
Berlusconi did not appear at the Ruby trial on Monday. Ghedini said the prime minister "had other institutional commitments."
Berlusconi's political fortunes have been mixed in the face of the trials.
His ruling coalition suffered a major defeat in local elections in Milan and Naples at the end of May, with voters backing left-wing candidates in both cities.
Milan's turn to the left is a powerful setback for Berlusconi. Milan is his hometown and his political stronghold, and it has been led by a center-right mayor for the past two decades
But less than a month later, Italian lawmakers approved a vote of confidence for his economic reform package.
Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament approved the package in a 317-293 vote on June 21.
The measure -- which aims to boost growth in Italy, particularly in the southern regions -- wasn't a vote of confidence on the Berlusconi government but only on the reform package itself.
But the vote showed that Berlusconi has a stronger majority in the lower house than his critics thought.
Judge Giulia Turri dismissed defense motions one by one in a hearing attended by neither Berlusconi nor the woman at the center of the accusations, dancer Karima el Mahroug -- nicknamed "Ruby the Heart-stealer."
Berlusconi's attorney, Niccolo Ghedini, slammed Turri. "It is shameful. It is a ruling without any logic," he complained to reporters after the proceedings. "It is not possible to hold a fair trial here. The judge rejected all of 16 objections. How is this possible?"
Berlusconi also faced a second hearing Monday in another case involving accusations of corruption.
It was the first time he has had hearings in both cases on the same day.
He's drawn the most international attention for the headline-grabbing allegations that he paid for sex with the dancer, and then tried to pull strings to get her out of jail when she was arrested for theft.
It's illegal to pay for sex with a minor in Italy. Both the prime minister and the dancer admit he gave her money, but deny it was for sex.
Separately, he is also fighting charges of bribing British lawyer David Mills to secure favorable testimony in legal cases.
Mills denied receiving bribes and his conviction in the case was overturned last year. Mills is the ex-husband of former British government minister Tessa Jowell.
The Mills case has been in and out of court for years.
Berlusconi at one point passed a law shielding top government officials from prosecution while they're in office, and then saw it struck down by judges.
Berlusconi denies all charges.
The court adjourned the Mills case until September 19.
Berlusconi did not appear at the Ruby trial on Monday. Ghedini said the prime minister "had other institutional commitments."
Berlusconi's political fortunes have been mixed in the face of the trials.
His ruling coalition suffered a major defeat in local elections in Milan and Naples at the end of May, with voters backing left-wing candidates in both cities.
Milan's turn to the left is a powerful setback for Berlusconi. Milan is his hometown and his political stronghold, and it has been led by a center-right mayor for the past two decades
But less than a month later, Italian lawmakers approved a vote of confidence for his economic reform package.
Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament approved the package in a 317-293 vote on June 21.
The measure -- which aims to boost growth in Italy, particularly in the southern regions -- wasn't a vote of confidence on the Berlusconi government but only on the reform package itself.
But the vote showed that Berlusconi has a stronger majority in the lower house than his critics thought.
Friday, July 15, 2011
California governor signs bill requiring schools to teach gay history
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Democratic California Gov. Jerry Brown said Thursday he had signed a bill that will require public schools in the state to teach students about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
The bill, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, will also require teachers to provide instruction on the role of people with disabilities.
"History should be honest," Brown said in a statement.
"This bill revises existing laws that prohibit discrimination in education and ensures that the important contributions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life are included in our history books. It represents an important step forward for our state, and I thank Senator Leno for his hard work on this historic legislation."
The governor was referring to the bill's author, Sen. Mark Leno, a San Francisco Democrat.
California law already requires state schools to teach about the contributions of Native Americans, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Asian-Americans, among other groups.
"Today we are making history in California by ensuring that our textbooks and instructional materials no longer exclude the contributions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Americans," Sen. Leno said in a statement.
Separately, he said the bill is thought to be the first of its kind in the nation. It will take effect in January, however, state textbooks are not likely to be updated until 2015, he said.
Leno's office cited research that shows students who learn about LGBT people are more likely to report their schools are inclusive and fair.
The bill, which passed the state legislature this month and the senate in April, according to the senator's office, is not without controversy.
It has drawn criticism from some religious and conservative groups, like the Traditional Values Coalition, a lobby organization that says it speaks on behalf of more than 43,000 churches.
"It is an outrage that Governor Jerry Brown has opened the classroom door for homosexual activists to indoctrinate the minds of California's youth, since no factual materials would be allowed to be presented," Rev. Louis Sheldon, chairman and founder of the Traditional Values Coalition, said in a statement.
"If parents don't already have their children out of public schools, this should cause them to remove them," he said.
FBI to probe Murdoch's company over Sept. 11 allegation
Washington (CNN) -- The FBI has launched an investigation into Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. after a report that employees or associates may have attempted to hack into phone conversations and voice mail of September 11 survivors, victims and their families, a federal law enforcement source told CNN Thursday.
"We are aware of the allegations and are looking into them," said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation. "We'll be looking at anyone acting for or on behalf of News Corp., from the top down to janitors," to gather information and determine whether any laws may have been broken.
Because the investigation just began, it's too early to say when the first interviews will be conducted, the source said, adding the probe is a "high priority."
New York Rep. Peter T. King, a Republican, earlier this week asked FBI Director Robert Mueller to investigate the possibility that journalists working for Murdoch may have tapped into the phones of 9/11 victims and relatives.
News Corp. said Thursday it had no comment on the FBI investigation or the possibility of congressional hearings.
Meanwhile, News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch said in an interview late Thursday with the Wall Street Journal newspaper -- one of News Corp.'s own publications -- that he felt the company had handled the crisis "extremely well in every way possible."
He told the newspaper he had decided to appear before British politicians next Tuesday, after initially declining to attend the hearing, because he wanted to address "some of the things that have been said in Parliament, some of which are total lies. We think it's important to absolutely establish our integrity in the eyes of the public... I felt it's best just to be as transparent as possible."Concerns over the hacking of phones belonging to 9/11 victims and relatives appear to be traceable to a story published Wednesday by the Mirror, a British tabloid that includes a section it describes as "gossip gone toxic."
The newspaper cited "a source" who referred to a former police officer who now works as a private investigator. "The investigator is used by a lot of journalists in America and he recently told me that he was asked to hack into the 9/11 victims' private phone data," the source reportedly told the newspaper. The source told the Mirror the request came from News of the World, the newspaper at the center of the phone-hacking scandal in Britain.
"He said that the journalists asked him to access records showing the calls that had been made to and from the mobile phones belonging to the victims and their relatives," the newspaper said.
"His presumption was that they wanted the information so they could hack into the relevant voice mails, just like has been shown they have done in the UK. The PI said he had to turn the job down. He knew how insensitive such research would be, and how bad it would look.
"The investigator said the journalists seemed particularly interested in getting the phone records belonging to the British victims of the attacks."
Relatives of the victims of the terrorist attacks expressed outrage over the possibility they may have been hacking victims.
What they went through is "heartfelt stuff, and it shouldn't be out there for all to see unless the family approves," said Jim Riches, a retired New York Fire Department deputy chief who lost a son in the attacks.
"Until we get some accountability, they're just going to keep doing it," Riches said. "It's completely unethical, unprofessional and basically criminal."
Sally Regenhard, who also lost a son in the attacks, called it "very horrifying that privacy and personal security could be violated in such an egregious manner."
"I would hold these people accountable and responsible," she told CNN Thursday. "Someone has to defend the dead."
Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey said the September 11 families have "suffered enough" and deserve answers.
Pressure mounted for a federal investigation into Murdoch's media empire as a key member of a House oversight committee called for Congress to look into the allegation that one of his U.S.-based companies may have broken anti-bribery and other laws.
Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, told CNN that "Congress has important oversight responsibilities" in responding to the charges and "getting to the bottom of this evolving scandal."
"My number one priority is to protect U.S. citizens from violation of the law," he said.
News of the World, a 168-year-old British newspaper owned by Murdoch, folded over the weekend in the wake of accusations that its reporters illegally eavesdropped on the phone messages of murder and terrorist victims, politicians and celebrities. Police in the United Kingdom have identified almost 4,000 potential targets of phone hacking.
There also were allegations that reporters may have bribed law enforcement officers.
On Wednesday, several senators sent letters to Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to look into concerns that News Corp. violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The law, enacted in 1977, makes it illegal for a U.S. person or company to pay foreign officials to obtain or retain business.
Potential liability flows from journalists at News of the World to its parent, News International, and to its parent, News Corp., which is a publicly held company in the United States.
Rupert's News Corp. -- the parent company of Fox News -- may have engaged in "political espionage or personal espionage," Braley said.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-West Virginia, told CNN earlier this week he may start his own investigation.
"My bet is we'll find some criminal stuff," Rockefeller said. "This is going to be a huge issue."
In an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, which is owned by News Corp., Rupert Murdoch said the company would establish its own independent committee "to investigate every charge of improper conduct."
Murdoch said the committee, to be led by a "distinguished non-employee," also will draw up a "protocol for behavior" for the company's new reporters.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, told "John King USA" that he wrote a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron, asking that the British government share information from its investigation about any possible phone tapping of U.S. citizens.
"We are aware of the allegations and are looking into them," said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation. "We'll be looking at anyone acting for or on behalf of News Corp., from the top down to janitors," to gather information and determine whether any laws may have been broken.
Because the investigation just began, it's too early to say when the first interviews will be conducted, the source said, adding the probe is a "high priority."
New York Rep. Peter T. King, a Republican, earlier this week asked FBI Director Robert Mueller to investigate the possibility that journalists working for Murdoch may have tapped into the phones of 9/11 victims and relatives.
News Corp. said Thursday it had no comment on the FBI investigation or the possibility of congressional hearings.
Meanwhile, News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch said in an interview late Thursday with the Wall Street Journal newspaper -- one of News Corp.'s own publications -- that he felt the company had handled the crisis "extremely well in every way possible."
He told the newspaper he had decided to appear before British politicians next Tuesday, after initially declining to attend the hearing, because he wanted to address "some of the things that have been said in Parliament, some of which are total lies. We think it's important to absolutely establish our integrity in the eyes of the public... I felt it's best just to be as transparent as possible."Concerns over the hacking of phones belonging to 9/11 victims and relatives appear to be traceable to a story published Wednesday by the Mirror, a British tabloid that includes a section it describes as "gossip gone toxic."
The newspaper cited "a source" who referred to a former police officer who now works as a private investigator. "The investigator is used by a lot of journalists in America and he recently told me that he was asked to hack into the 9/11 victims' private phone data," the source reportedly told the newspaper. The source told the Mirror the request came from News of the World, the newspaper at the center of the phone-hacking scandal in Britain.
"He said that the journalists asked him to access records showing the calls that had been made to and from the mobile phones belonging to the victims and their relatives," the newspaper said.
"His presumption was that they wanted the information so they could hack into the relevant voice mails, just like has been shown they have done in the UK. The PI said he had to turn the job down. He knew how insensitive such research would be, and how bad it would look.
"The investigator said the journalists seemed particularly interested in getting the phone records belonging to the British victims of the attacks."
Relatives of the victims of the terrorist attacks expressed outrage over the possibility they may have been hacking victims.
What they went through is "heartfelt stuff, and it shouldn't be out there for all to see unless the family approves," said Jim Riches, a retired New York Fire Department deputy chief who lost a son in the attacks.
"Until we get some accountability, they're just going to keep doing it," Riches said. "It's completely unethical, unprofessional and basically criminal."
Sally Regenhard, who also lost a son in the attacks, called it "very horrifying that privacy and personal security could be violated in such an egregious manner."
"I would hold these people accountable and responsible," she told CNN Thursday. "Someone has to defend the dead."
Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey said the September 11 families have "suffered enough" and deserve answers.
Pressure mounted for a federal investigation into Murdoch's media empire as a key member of a House oversight committee called for Congress to look into the allegation that one of his U.S.-based companies may have broken anti-bribery and other laws.
Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, told CNN that "Congress has important oversight responsibilities" in responding to the charges and "getting to the bottom of this evolving scandal."
"My number one priority is to protect U.S. citizens from violation of the law," he said.
News of the World, a 168-year-old British newspaper owned by Murdoch, folded over the weekend in the wake of accusations that its reporters illegally eavesdropped on the phone messages of murder and terrorist victims, politicians and celebrities. Police in the United Kingdom have identified almost 4,000 potential targets of phone hacking.
There also were allegations that reporters may have bribed law enforcement officers.
On Wednesday, several senators sent letters to Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to look into concerns that News Corp. violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The law, enacted in 1977, makes it illegal for a U.S. person or company to pay foreign officials to obtain or retain business.
Potential liability flows from journalists at News of the World to its parent, News International, and to its parent, News Corp., which is a publicly held company in the United States.
Rupert's News Corp. -- the parent company of Fox News -- may have engaged in "political espionage or personal espionage," Braley said.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-West Virginia, told CNN earlier this week he may start his own investigation.
"My bet is we'll find some criminal stuff," Rockefeller said. "This is going to be a huge issue."
In an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, which is owned by News Corp., Rupert Murdoch said the company would establish its own independent committee "to investigate every charge of improper conduct."
Murdoch said the committee, to be led by a "distinguished non-employee," also will draw up a "protocol for behavior" for the company's new reporters.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, told "John King USA" that he wrote a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron, asking that the British government share information from its investigation about any possible phone tapping of U.S. citizens.
Murdochs to give evidence at phone-hacking hearing
London (CNN) -- Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son James will attend a hearing over the phone-hacking scandal before British lawmakers next Tuesday, their company, News International, told CNN Thursday.
The House of Commons had issued the pair a summons to appear after the Murdochs initially told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee they could not attend the July 19 hearing.
News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch wrote to the committee earlier that he was "not available to attend," although he said he was "fully prepared to give evidence to the forthcoming judge-led public inquiry."
That investigation was launched Wednesday by Prime Minister David Cameron in response to allegations that journalists working for Murdoch's media empire illegally eavesdropped on phone messages of thousands of people and bribed police.
James Murdoch, who heads the News International newspaper group, a News Corp. subsidiary, had said he could not appear before lawmakers before August 10 or 11. He holds dual U.S./British citizenship; his father is a U.S. citizen.
Former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks, who is now chief executive of News International, had already agreed to testify before the committee on July 19.The Culture, Media and Sport Committee issued a statement saying it wanted all three to appear "to account for the behaviour of News International and for previous statements made to the committee in Parliament, now acknowledged to be false."
Some of the most serious hacking claims relate to the period when Brooks was editor of News of the World, one of News International's papers.
In a letter to the select committee, Brooks said she was available to appear "and welcome the opportunity to do so." However, she said she would not feel able to respond to questions that might prejudice the police investigation into the allegations.
In an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, which is owned by News Corp., the elder Murdoch said the company would establish its own independent committee "to investigate every charge of improper conduct."
Murdoch said the committee, to be led by a "distinguished non-employee," also will draw up a "protocol for behavior" for the company's new reporters.
He dismissed as "pure rubbish" reports that said the company was considering spinning off or selling its newspaper assets.
And he offered support for his son James, who is News Corp.'s deputy chief operating officer. "I think he acted as fast as he could, the moment he could," Murdoch said.
The octogenarian predicted the company would recover. "We have a reputation of great works," he said. But, he added, the spate of negative press has left him "annoyed" and tired. "I'll get over it," he said.
The FBI, meanwhile, has launched an investigation into News Corp. amid an allegation that employees or associates may have tried to hack into phone conversations and voicemail of September 11 survivors, victims and their families, a federal law enforcement source told CNN.
In London, police announced they arrested a 60-year-old man Thursday morning in connection with the phone-hacking probe, the seventh person arrested in the investigation.
The suspect has not been named by police, but the Press Association news agency reports that he is Neil Wallis, a former executive editor of the News of the World.
Wallis also served on the Press Complaints Commission, the British newspaper industry's self-regulating body, which has been broadly criticized in recent days for failing to act against press misconduct.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman told CNN Thursday that a media consultancy company owned by Wallis, Chamy Media, had been appointed to provide communications advice to the Metropolitan Police Service from 2009 to 2010.Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May wrote Thursday evening to London's top police officer, Sir Paul Stephenson, asking about his links to Wallis, a Home Office spokesman told CNN. The spokesman would not divulge his name, in line with Home Office policy.
The commissioner appeared earlier before the Metropolitan Police Authority Thursday to answer questions about Scotland Yard's investigation into allegations of phone hacking and police bribery by journalists working for News International.
Asked if he regretted his decision in 2006 to have dinner with Wallis, then deputy editor of the News of the World, Stephenson said he had acted appropriately. "I am very satisfied with my own integrity," he told the independent regulators' meeting.
But he acknowledged that public perceptions of such meetings between senior police and media figures could be different. At the time of the dinner, police were investigating earlier complaints of misconduct by the News of the World.
The Metropolitan Police Authority meeting followed the announcement of an independent probe into the press, including journalists' relations with police.
A relative of a Brazilian man shot dead by London police weeks after the July 2005 terrorist attacks in London is the latest to say his phone number was on a list belonging to a private investigator at the center of the phone-hacking investigation.
The family of Jean Charles de Menezes, whom officers shot dead after mistaking him for a suicide bomber, called for the prime minister to extend the inquiry into the phone-hacking scandal to look at whether police leaked to the press information on his case.
Cameron launched the wide-ranging investigation into the British press on Wednesday, shortly before News Corp. withdrew its bid to take over British satellite broadcaster BSkyB.
The moves came in the wake of public and political fury at allegations that journalists working for Murdoch illegally eavesdropped on phone messages of thousands of people and bribed police.
"It has become clear that it is too difficult to progress in this climate," News Corp. Deputy Chairman Chase Carey said in announcing the company would end its attempt to increase its 39.1% share in BSkyB.
Cameron blasted Murdoch's company as he launched the high-powered inquiry, saying News Corp. executives need to focus not on taking over BSkyB, "but on clearing up the mess and getting their house in order."
He welcomed the withdrawal of the bid, which came hours before lawmakers voted across party lines to pass a symbolic measure urging Murdoch to give up his effort to take full ownership of the broadcaster, in which he already owns a controlling stake.
Opposition leader Ed Miliband of the Labour party -- who pushed the vote against the takeover -- welcomed the News Corp. decision and said it would not have happened had lawmakers not pressured Murdoch.
"The will of politicians was clear, the will of the public was clear, and now Britain's most powerful media owner has had to bend to that will," said Miliband, speaking as politicians rowdily debated the measure in the House of Commons.
In announcing the public inquiry into press practices and ethics, Cameron said anyone "found guilty of wrongdoing -- or of allowing it -- must not only be brought to justice, they must also have no future role in the running of a media company in our country."The judge leading the inquiry will be able to summon witnesses, including newspaper owners, and compel them to testify in public, under oath, Cameron announced.
The investigation will look at whether News International, or other newspaper groups broke the law, their relations with the police and politicians and press ethics and practices.
The aim is to "bring this ugly chapter to a close and ensure that nothing like it ever happens again," the prime minister said.
The inquiries come in the wake of the accusation that victims of phone hacking included a missing 13-year-old girl, Milly Dowler, who was later found to have been murdered.
Miliband hammered Cameron for having hired a former top News International journalist to be his communications director after the editor left his newspaper, News of the World, in the wake of one of its journalists going to prison over phone hacking.
The editor, Andy Coulson, insisted he knew nothing about the crime but resigned from News of the World because it happened on his watch. Coulson resigned as Cameron's spokesman this year when the scandal blew up afresh.
Journalists are accused of attempting to bribe police officers for information -- including personal contact details for members of the royal family -- in addition to the violation of privacy allegations.
The News of the World, which was Britain's best-selling newspaper, folded Sunday over other allegations of illegal breach of privacy at the order of James Murdoch.
Murdoch flew Sunday to London, hours after the final edition of News of the World hit the stands. The publication was the first British national paper Murdoch bought, in 1969, as he began to propel himself from Australian newspaper proprietor to international media magnate.
News International owns the Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times in Britain.
Murdoch's News Corp. also encompasses Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and Harper Collins publishers.
The House of Commons had issued the pair a summons to appear after the Murdochs initially told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee they could not attend the July 19 hearing.
News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch wrote to the committee earlier that he was "not available to attend," although he said he was "fully prepared to give evidence to the forthcoming judge-led public inquiry."
That investigation was launched Wednesday by Prime Minister David Cameron in response to allegations that journalists working for Murdoch's media empire illegally eavesdropped on phone messages of thousands of people and bribed police.
James Murdoch, who heads the News International newspaper group, a News Corp. subsidiary, had said he could not appear before lawmakers before August 10 or 11. He holds dual U.S./British citizenship; his father is a U.S. citizen.
Former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks, who is now chief executive of News International, had already agreed to testify before the committee on July 19.The Culture, Media and Sport Committee issued a statement saying it wanted all three to appear "to account for the behaviour of News International and for previous statements made to the committee in Parliament, now acknowledged to be false."
Some of the most serious hacking claims relate to the period when Brooks was editor of News of the World, one of News International's papers.
In a letter to the select committee, Brooks said she was available to appear "and welcome the opportunity to do so." However, she said she would not feel able to respond to questions that might prejudice the police investigation into the allegations.
In an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, which is owned by News Corp., the elder Murdoch said the company would establish its own independent committee "to investigate every charge of improper conduct."
Murdoch said the committee, to be led by a "distinguished non-employee," also will draw up a "protocol for behavior" for the company's new reporters.
He dismissed as "pure rubbish" reports that said the company was considering spinning off or selling its newspaper assets.
And he offered support for his son James, who is News Corp.'s deputy chief operating officer. "I think he acted as fast as he could, the moment he could," Murdoch said.
The octogenarian predicted the company would recover. "We have a reputation of great works," he said. But, he added, the spate of negative press has left him "annoyed" and tired. "I'll get over it," he said.
The FBI, meanwhile, has launched an investigation into News Corp. amid an allegation that employees or associates may have tried to hack into phone conversations and voicemail of September 11 survivors, victims and their families, a federal law enforcement source told CNN.
In London, police announced they arrested a 60-year-old man Thursday morning in connection with the phone-hacking probe, the seventh person arrested in the investigation.
The suspect has not been named by police, but the Press Association news agency reports that he is Neil Wallis, a former executive editor of the News of the World.
Wallis also served on the Press Complaints Commission, the British newspaper industry's self-regulating body, which has been broadly criticized in recent days for failing to act against press misconduct.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman told CNN Thursday that a media consultancy company owned by Wallis, Chamy Media, had been appointed to provide communications advice to the Metropolitan Police Service from 2009 to 2010.Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May wrote Thursday evening to London's top police officer, Sir Paul Stephenson, asking about his links to Wallis, a Home Office spokesman told CNN. The spokesman would not divulge his name, in line with Home Office policy.
The commissioner appeared earlier before the Metropolitan Police Authority Thursday to answer questions about Scotland Yard's investigation into allegations of phone hacking and police bribery by journalists working for News International.
Asked if he regretted his decision in 2006 to have dinner with Wallis, then deputy editor of the News of the World, Stephenson said he had acted appropriately. "I am very satisfied with my own integrity," he told the independent regulators' meeting.
But he acknowledged that public perceptions of such meetings between senior police and media figures could be different. At the time of the dinner, police were investigating earlier complaints of misconduct by the News of the World.
The Metropolitan Police Authority meeting followed the announcement of an independent probe into the press, including journalists' relations with police.
A relative of a Brazilian man shot dead by London police weeks after the July 2005 terrorist attacks in London is the latest to say his phone number was on a list belonging to a private investigator at the center of the phone-hacking investigation.
The family of Jean Charles de Menezes, whom officers shot dead after mistaking him for a suicide bomber, called for the prime minister to extend the inquiry into the phone-hacking scandal to look at whether police leaked to the press information on his case.
Cameron launched the wide-ranging investigation into the British press on Wednesday, shortly before News Corp. withdrew its bid to take over British satellite broadcaster BSkyB.
The moves came in the wake of public and political fury at allegations that journalists working for Murdoch illegally eavesdropped on phone messages of thousands of people and bribed police.
"It has become clear that it is too difficult to progress in this climate," News Corp. Deputy Chairman Chase Carey said in announcing the company would end its attempt to increase its 39.1% share in BSkyB.
Cameron blasted Murdoch's company as he launched the high-powered inquiry, saying News Corp. executives need to focus not on taking over BSkyB, "but on clearing up the mess and getting their house in order."
He welcomed the withdrawal of the bid, which came hours before lawmakers voted across party lines to pass a symbolic measure urging Murdoch to give up his effort to take full ownership of the broadcaster, in which he already owns a controlling stake.
Opposition leader Ed Miliband of the Labour party -- who pushed the vote against the takeover -- welcomed the News Corp. decision and said it would not have happened had lawmakers not pressured Murdoch.
"The will of politicians was clear, the will of the public was clear, and now Britain's most powerful media owner has had to bend to that will," said Miliband, speaking as politicians rowdily debated the measure in the House of Commons.
In announcing the public inquiry into press practices and ethics, Cameron said anyone "found guilty of wrongdoing -- or of allowing it -- must not only be brought to justice, they must also have no future role in the running of a media company in our country."The judge leading the inquiry will be able to summon witnesses, including newspaper owners, and compel them to testify in public, under oath, Cameron announced.
The investigation will look at whether News International, or other newspaper groups broke the law, their relations with the police and politicians and press ethics and practices.
The aim is to "bring this ugly chapter to a close and ensure that nothing like it ever happens again," the prime minister said.
The inquiries come in the wake of the accusation that victims of phone hacking included a missing 13-year-old girl, Milly Dowler, who was later found to have been murdered.
Miliband hammered Cameron for having hired a former top News International journalist to be his communications director after the editor left his newspaper, News of the World, in the wake of one of its journalists going to prison over phone hacking.
The editor, Andy Coulson, insisted he knew nothing about the crime but resigned from News of the World because it happened on his watch. Coulson resigned as Cameron's spokesman this year when the scandal blew up afresh.
Journalists are accused of attempting to bribe police officers for information -- including personal contact details for members of the royal family -- in addition to the violation of privacy allegations.
The News of the World, which was Britain's best-selling newspaper, folded Sunday over other allegations of illegal breach of privacy at the order of James Murdoch.
Murdoch flew Sunday to London, hours after the final edition of News of the World hit the stands. The publication was the first British national paper Murdoch bought, in 1969, as he began to propel himself from Australian newspaper proprietor to international media magnate.
News International owns the Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times in Britain.
Murdoch's News Corp. also encompasses Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and Harper Collins publishers.
Giuliani: Do not rush to judgment about Murdoch over hacking scandal
(CNN) -- Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is urging observers not to rush to judgment about mogul Rupert Murdoch over the alleged hacking scandal embroiling his News Corp. media empire.
"Give people the presumption of innocence," Giuliani told CNN's Candy Crowley in New Hampshire on Thursday. "I think that just how high up it goes is a big question and one we shouldn't be jumping to conclusions about."
Murdoch and Giuliani are longtime friends.
Murdoch attended the former mayor's wedding in 2003, and endorsed him in the 1993 mayoral race.
Also, a law and lobbying firm in which Giuliani is partner received $100,000 in lobbying fees from News Corp. in 2005, according to congressional disclosure filings.Giuliani said he's not spoken to Murdoch, but will see him soon.
"I'll probably see him at some point in the next couple of days or week," he said. "I see him all the time at various functions."
Giuliani maintained confidence in his longtime friend despite allegations that the News of the World tabloid may have hacked the phones of September 11, 2001, terror attack victims in New York City. Giuliani was mayor of the city at the time of the attacks.
"He's a very honorable, honest man," the former mayor said. "This can't be something that he would have anything to do with."
News of the World, a 168-year-old British newspaper owned by Murdoch, folded over the weekend in the wake of accusations that its reporters illegally eavesdropped on the phone messages of murder and terrorist victims, politicians and celebrities.
United Kingdom authorities have identified almost 4,000 potential targets of phone hacking.
The accusations have triggered a backlash in the U.S. and Britain, with the FBI launching an investigation into Murdoch's News Corp. after reports that employees may have attempted to hack phones of 9/11 survivors, victims and their families, a federal law enforcement source told CNN.
News Corp. said it had no comment on the FBI investigation or the possibility of congressional hearings.
Murdoch and his son, James, will attend a hearing before British lawmakers Tuesday, according to their company, News International.
If the company is involved in phone hacking, it should be brought to justice, according to Giuliani.
"They should have the common sense to know you cannot intercept telephone calls," Giuliani said. "That's a federal felony and a serious one in the United States, and I'm pretty darn sure it is pretty darn serious in England too."
In an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, which is owned by News Corp., the elder Murdoch said the company would establish an independent committee led by a nonemployee to probe "every charge of improper conduct."
A 60-year-old man was arrested in connection with the probe, London police said Thursday, the seventh person so far in the investigation.
The former mayor is traveling through New Hampshire this week as he contemplates a run for the White House-a decision he said he'll have by the end of summer.
"Give people the presumption of innocence," Giuliani told CNN's Candy Crowley in New Hampshire on Thursday. "I think that just how high up it goes is a big question and one we shouldn't be jumping to conclusions about."
Murdoch and Giuliani are longtime friends.
Murdoch attended the former mayor's wedding in 2003, and endorsed him in the 1993 mayoral race.
Also, a law and lobbying firm in which Giuliani is partner received $100,000 in lobbying fees from News Corp. in 2005, according to congressional disclosure filings.Giuliani said he's not spoken to Murdoch, but will see him soon.
"I'll probably see him at some point in the next couple of days or week," he said. "I see him all the time at various functions."
Giuliani maintained confidence in his longtime friend despite allegations that the News of the World tabloid may have hacked the phones of September 11, 2001, terror attack victims in New York City. Giuliani was mayor of the city at the time of the attacks.
"He's a very honorable, honest man," the former mayor said. "This can't be something that he would have anything to do with."
News of the World, a 168-year-old British newspaper owned by Murdoch, folded over the weekend in the wake of accusations that its reporters illegally eavesdropped on the phone messages of murder and terrorist victims, politicians and celebrities.
United Kingdom authorities have identified almost 4,000 potential targets of phone hacking.
The accusations have triggered a backlash in the U.S. and Britain, with the FBI launching an investigation into Murdoch's News Corp. after reports that employees may have attempted to hack phones of 9/11 survivors, victims and their families, a federal law enforcement source told CNN.
News Corp. said it had no comment on the FBI investigation or the possibility of congressional hearings.
Murdoch and his son, James, will attend a hearing before British lawmakers Tuesday, according to their company, News International.
If the company is involved in phone hacking, it should be brought to justice, according to Giuliani.
"They should have the common sense to know you cannot intercept telephone calls," Giuliani said. "That's a federal felony and a serious one in the United States, and I'm pretty darn sure it is pretty darn serious in England too."
In an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, which is owned by News Corp., the elder Murdoch said the company would establish an independent committee led by a nonemployee to probe "every charge of improper conduct."
A 60-year-old man was arrested in connection with the probe, London police said Thursday, the seventh person so far in the investigation.
The former mayor is traveling through New Hampshire this week as he contemplates a run for the White House-a decision he said he'll have by the end of summer.
Hacking scandal: Who is Rebekah Brooks?
London (CNN) -- Rebekah Brooks, who resigned on Friday as chief executive of News International, was the youngest person ever to edit a national British newspaper, and made a stellar rise through the ranks of Rupert Murdoch's media empire.
She held the top job at News International, the News Corp.'s British subsidiary, for two years after editing the country's best-selling daily tabloid, the Sun, and its best-selling Sunday tabloid, the News of the World.
But following sweeping allegations of illegal eavesdropping by News of the World journalists when she was editor, British lawmakers asked her to testify before a parliamentary committee investigating the scandal.
She had agreed to appear on July 19. Rupert Murdoch, who was also summoned, said he was unable to appear, while his son James agreed to answer questions but asked to come in August.
Brought up in Cheshire, northern England, in the 1970s, Rebekah Brooks is said to have decided on a career in journalism at the age of 14, beginning with a job as a "tea girl" at her local paper.On her return to the UK, she worked in regional papers before making the move to Sunday tabloid News of the World in the late 1980s.
Starting out as a secretary, Rebekah Wade -- her maiden name -- swiftly made her way up the editorial food chain, becoming deputy editor by the age of 27.
She tells of how, at a corporate golf day shortly after she was appointed, one senior executive ordered her to sew the buttons back on his shirt.
Sexism in the workplace aside, Brooks' rise through the ranks continued. She was named deputy editor of the hugely popular Sun newspaper, the News of the World's sister title, in 1998.
In 2000, she returned to the News of the World, this time in the top job, becoming the youngest-ever editor of a national British paper.
While editor of the weekly, Brooks argued for the creation of a U.S.-style "Sarah's Law," which would allow parents with young children to know about anyone convicted of child sex crimes living close to their homes.
As part of the controversial campaign, which was inspired by the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne in July 2000, Brooks took the decision to name and shame offenders in the pages of her paper.
The lists sparked witch-hunts and riots, as communities across Britain tried to hound pedophiles out of their neighborhoods. It was condemned by police, but Brooks remains unrepentant.
In a 2009 speech, she admitted the campaign was "a blunt and contentious way of informing the public... hard lessons were learnt but I don't regret the campaign for one minute."Two years later, in November 2005, she was arrested after an alleged assault on her then-husband, Kemp. No charges were ever filed against her. The couple divorced in 2009.
Later the same year she married horse trainer Charlie Brooks. The couple's wedding party was attended by a host of big names, including the Murdoch clan (Rupert, James and Elisabeth), then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and future-Prime Minister David Cameron.
Brooks held the Sun post until 2009 when she was handpicked for the role of News International chief executive by Rupert Murdoch.
The pair had been close for many years: Murdoch is said to treat Brooks like a daughter.
She held the top job at News International, the News Corp.'s British subsidiary, for two years after editing the country's best-selling daily tabloid, the Sun, and its best-selling Sunday tabloid, the News of the World.
But following sweeping allegations of illegal eavesdropping by News of the World journalists when she was editor, British lawmakers asked her to testify before a parliamentary committee investigating the scandal.
She had agreed to appear on July 19. Rupert Murdoch, who was also summoned, said he was unable to appear, while his son James agreed to answer questions but asked to come in August.
Brought up in Cheshire, northern England, in the 1970s, Rebekah Brooks is said to have decided on a career in journalism at the age of 14, beginning with a job as a "tea girl" at her local paper.On her return to the UK, she worked in regional papers before making the move to Sunday tabloid News of the World in the late 1980s.
Starting out as a secretary, Rebekah Wade -- her maiden name -- swiftly made her way up the editorial food chain, becoming deputy editor by the age of 27.
She tells of how, at a corporate golf day shortly after she was appointed, one senior executive ordered her to sew the buttons back on his shirt.
Sexism in the workplace aside, Brooks' rise through the ranks continued. She was named deputy editor of the hugely popular Sun newspaper, the News of the World's sister title, in 1998.
In 2000, she returned to the News of the World, this time in the top job, becoming the youngest-ever editor of a national British paper.
While editor of the weekly, Brooks argued for the creation of a U.S.-style "Sarah's Law," which would allow parents with young children to know about anyone convicted of child sex crimes living close to their homes.
As part of the controversial campaign, which was inspired by the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne in July 2000, Brooks took the decision to name and shame offenders in the pages of her paper.
The lists sparked witch-hunts and riots, as communities across Britain tried to hound pedophiles out of their neighborhoods. It was condemned by police, but Brooks remains unrepentant.
In a 2009 speech, she admitted the campaign was "a blunt and contentious way of informing the public... hard lessons were learnt but I don't regret the campaign for one minute."Two years later, in November 2005, she was arrested after an alleged assault on her then-husband, Kemp. No charges were ever filed against her. The couple divorced in 2009.
Later the same year she married horse trainer Charlie Brooks. The couple's wedding party was attended by a host of big names, including the Murdoch clan (Rupert, James and Elisabeth), then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and future-Prime Minister David Cameron.
Brooks held the Sun post until 2009 when she was handpicked for the role of News International chief executive by Rupert Murdoch.
The pair had been close for many years: Murdoch is said to treat Brooks like a daughter.
Apex Adelchi Footwear Limited to provide jobs for 800 youth
GAIBANDHA, July 15 (BSS): Apex Adelchi Footwear Limited (AAFL) has taken up a plan to provide jobs for 800 trained youth of Sadar Upazila in the district in their factories to solve their unemployment problems and help them make self reliant.
Gana Unnayan Kendra, a local organization, is providing the
need base training to the youth of disaster prone areas of the
upazila under its Reducing Extreme Poor by Skills Development on
Garments project funded by Shiree/eep: a GOB and DFID
partnership.
Under this project, a total of 1100 youths including women
would be provided with training in phases so that they could work
well in their respective working places properly and change their
socio-economic condition gradually.
Of the total, as many as 42 youth of first batch have already
been engaged in garments industries in Dhaka after receiving
training on Garments and 40 youths who received training on
footwear in second batch is going to join at the factories of
AAFL on Sunday, said an official of GUK.
On Thursday, a MoU was signed between AAFL and GUK at its
training center at Nashratpur area under Sadar Upazila in the
district.
Mominul Ahsan, head of human resources of AAFL and chief
executive of GUK signed the documents on behalf of their
respective organizations.
Under this agreement, jobs of a total of 800 trained youths
including women would be provided at the factories of AAFL .
After signing MoU, head of human resources of Apex Mominul
Ahsan said the footwear industry in Bangladesh is growing fast
but our biggest constraint is to find skilled and semi-skilled
labors.
NGOs and other development agencies can support the growth by
developing new manpower for the sector, he also said.
GUK Chief Abdus Salam expressed his thankfulness to AAFL and
said Apex would set an example in eradicating poverty and hunger
of the disaster affected youths through providing jobs to them.
The function was also addressed, among others, by deputy
director of Social Service Department M. Shahidur Rahman,
progrmme manager of shire Masud Rana, adviser of GUK Sarwar
Hossain Sharif and UP chairmen Nazmul Huda Badal and Aminuzzaman
Rinku.
A large number of people including the officials of the
organizations, public representatives and the journalists were
also present on the occasion.
Gana Unnayan Kendra, a local organization, is providing the
need base training to the youth of disaster prone areas of the
upazila under its Reducing Extreme Poor by Skills Development on
Garments project funded by Shiree/eep: a GOB and DFID
partnership.
Under this project, a total of 1100 youths including women
would be provided with training in phases so that they could work
well in their respective working places properly and change their
socio-economic condition gradually.
Of the total, as many as 42 youth of first batch have already
been engaged in garments industries in Dhaka after receiving
training on Garments and 40 youths who received training on
footwear in second batch is going to join at the factories of
AAFL on Sunday, said an official of GUK.
On Thursday, a MoU was signed between AAFL and GUK at its
training center at Nashratpur area under Sadar Upazila in the
district.
Mominul Ahsan, head of human resources of AAFL and chief
executive of GUK signed the documents on behalf of their
respective organizations.
Under this agreement, jobs of a total of 800 trained youths
including women would be provided at the factories of AAFL .
After signing MoU, head of human resources of Apex Mominul
Ahsan said the footwear industry in Bangladesh is growing fast
but our biggest constraint is to find skilled and semi-skilled
labors.
NGOs and other development agencies can support the growth by
developing new manpower for the sector, he also said.
GUK Chief Abdus Salam expressed his thankfulness to AAFL and
said Apex would set an example in eradicating poverty and hunger
of the disaster affected youths through providing jobs to them.
The function was also addressed, among others, by deputy
director of Social Service Department M. Shahidur Rahman,
progrmme manager of shire Masud Rana, adviser of GUK Sarwar
Hossain Sharif and UP chairmen Nazmul Huda Badal and Aminuzzaman
Rinku.
A large number of people including the officials of the
organizations, public representatives and the journalists were
also present on the occasion.
Around 2135 extreme poor women afoot to self-reliance in Badalgachhi
RAJSHAHI, July 15 (BSS)- Around 2135 hardcore-poor womenfolk are going to become self-reliance through the local resource mobilization with cash and kinds support from BRAC in Badalgachhi upazila of Naogaon district.
After a baseline survey, the BRAC picked them up under its
special programme titled "Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty
Reduction- Specially Targeting the Ultra Poor".
At one stage, the beneficiaries thought that their poverty
and hunger was the curse of fate and their hardcore poverty,
unconsciousness and ignorance crippled them mentally and
physically.
Last of all, the helpless families are on the door to attain
economic emancipation and social security by adopting various
rural level money-making activities like cow, goat, sheep and
poultry birds rearing, small business and homestead gardening.
Moreover, some of those have started enjoying the benefits of
self-reliance after freeing themselves from the vicious cycle of
poverty and hopeless condition.
"Now, I'm rearing three cows and six goats along with some
other poultry birds. I'm happy with growth rate of the domestic
animals," said Begum, 40, wife of late Mofiz Uddin, while talking
to some of the visiting journalists in her mud- house at Sohasho
village on Thursday last.
She told the newsmen that she had got cow, goat, sheep and
poultry birds besides receiving necessary training and guidelines
on how to rear those and homestead gardening and operating small
business from the local BRAC office since 2002 last.
Housewife Khairun Nessa, 40, a beneficiary of the program, is
a mother of three two daughters and a son. Her husband is a day-
laborer.
She became a member of the program around five years back.
After completing her training successfully, she started cow and
goat farming at her house. Now, she earns extra money.
Now, she becomes an owner of three cattle and six goats. Her
social dignity has been enhanced as she rotates her family into
happy and sends her children to school.
"We eat proteins food, fresh vegetables, drink safe water,
use sanitary latrine and maintain hygienic life," housewife
Khairun said adding that her two children are going to school
now.
Side by side with the male, she added that the females can do
everything with skill and competence if there is a will and
mental strength.
Similarly, Rabeya Khatun, 35, wife of Belal Hossain, Ashiya
Begum, 55, wife of Abul Kalam Azad, Salma Begum, 40, wife of
Rejaul Karim and Asma Khatun, 28, wife of Abdul Jalil expressed
their satisfaction over their income-generation activities.
They uttered that the rural poverty and helpless condition
could be curtailed significantly if the extreme poor and other
vulnerable communities are brought under need-oriented support
services effectively.
During the visit this reporter found that the uplift
condition are seen contributing themselves abstaining from
various social curses like child marriage and early pregnancy,
dowry, gender discrimination and violence against women.
Earlier, in a press-briefing at Badalgachhi BRAC office,
Senior Area Manager Ataie Rabbi informed that the beneficiaries
were given 2202 cows, 2342 goats, 625 sheep and 9,000 poultry
birds valued Taka 2.10 crore free of cost for uplifting their
livelihood condition.
Besides, he said the beneficiaries were imparted training on
rearing and farming of the disbursed animals.
Side by side with the income-generation activities, each of
the beneficiaries was given Taka 175 as allowance and 500 grams
of pulse per week so that they could intake nutritious meal.
In addition, they were provided 539 latrine sets and 33
tubewells free of cost for ensuring safe drinking water and
sanitation and hygiene coupled with extending healthcare support
to 7509 patients including 373 serious ones.
After a baseline survey, the BRAC picked them up under its
special programme titled "Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty
Reduction- Specially Targeting the Ultra Poor".
At one stage, the beneficiaries thought that their poverty
and hunger was the curse of fate and their hardcore poverty,
unconsciousness and ignorance crippled them mentally and
physically.
Last of all, the helpless families are on the door to attain
economic emancipation and social security by adopting various
rural level money-making activities like cow, goat, sheep and
poultry birds rearing, small business and homestead gardening.
Moreover, some of those have started enjoying the benefits of
self-reliance after freeing themselves from the vicious cycle of
poverty and hopeless condition.
"Now, I'm rearing three cows and six goats along with some
other poultry birds. I'm happy with growth rate of the domestic
animals," said Begum, 40, wife of late Mofiz Uddin, while talking
to some of the visiting journalists in her mud- house at Sohasho
village on Thursday last.
She told the newsmen that she had got cow, goat, sheep and
poultry birds besides receiving necessary training and guidelines
on how to rear those and homestead gardening and operating small
business from the local BRAC office since 2002 last.
Housewife Khairun Nessa, 40, a beneficiary of the program, is
a mother of three two daughters and a son. Her husband is a day-
laborer.
She became a member of the program around five years back.
After completing her training successfully, she started cow and
goat farming at her house. Now, she earns extra money.
Now, she becomes an owner of three cattle and six goats. Her
social dignity has been enhanced as she rotates her family into
happy and sends her children to school.
"We eat proteins food, fresh vegetables, drink safe water,
use sanitary latrine and maintain hygienic life," housewife
Khairun said adding that her two children are going to school
now.
Side by side with the male, she added that the females can do
everything with skill and competence if there is a will and
mental strength.
Similarly, Rabeya Khatun, 35, wife of Belal Hossain, Ashiya
Begum, 55, wife of Abul Kalam Azad, Salma Begum, 40, wife of
Rejaul Karim and Asma Khatun, 28, wife of Abdul Jalil expressed
their satisfaction over their income-generation activities.
They uttered that the rural poverty and helpless condition
could be curtailed significantly if the extreme poor and other
vulnerable communities are brought under need-oriented support
services effectively.
During the visit this reporter found that the uplift
condition are seen contributing themselves abstaining from
various social curses like child marriage and early pregnancy,
dowry, gender discrimination and violence against women.
Earlier, in a press-briefing at Badalgachhi BRAC office,
Senior Area Manager Ataie Rabbi informed that the beneficiaries
were given 2202 cows, 2342 goats, 625 sheep and 9,000 poultry
birds valued Taka 2.10 crore free of cost for uplifting their
livelihood condition.
Besides, he said the beneficiaries were imparted training on
rearing and farming of the disbursed animals.
Side by side with the income-generation activities, each of
the beneficiaries was given Taka 175 as allowance and 500 grams
of pulse per week so that they could intake nutritious meal.
In addition, they were provided 539 latrine sets and 33
tubewells free of cost for ensuring safe drinking water and
sanitation and hygiene coupled with extending healthcare support
to 7509 patients including 373 serious ones.
Barisal City Corporation budget announced
BARISAL, July 15 (BSS)-Mayor of Barisal City Corporation (BCC) Sawkat Hossain Hiron announced corporation's budget of Taka 253, 95, 02, 418 for the fiscal year 2011-2012 on Thursday.
He also announced the revised budget of Taka 105, 56, 18, 806
of previous year 2010-2011 at the auditorium of Barisal City
Corporation.
In his budget speech Mayor Sawkat said he did not impose any
new tax in the proposed budget for the year 2011-2012.
He said steps would be taken to remove city's sanitation and
water supply problem, repair roads and lanes, and develop
different schools and madrashas.
He sought cooperation of city people to implement the
development projects. Commissioners of Barisal City Corporation
and elite of the city were present.
He also announced the revised budget of Taka 105, 56, 18, 806
of previous year 2010-2011 at the auditorium of Barisal City
Corporation.
In his budget speech Mayor Sawkat said he did not impose any
new tax in the proposed budget for the year 2011-2012.
He said steps would be taken to remove city's sanitation and
water supply problem, repair roads and lanes, and develop
different schools and madrashas.
He sought cooperation of city people to implement the
development projects. Commissioners of Barisal City Corporation
and elite of the city were present.
IOC chief calls for help in graft battle
TOKYO, July 15 (BSS/AFP) - International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge called for government help on Friday to fight match-fixing and illegal betting as part of "ethical risks" that endanger the future of sport.
He said the global success of sport -- with 750 million
people practising competitive sports and more than one billion
engaged in recreational sports -- faced challenges from doping,
violence, racism and corruption.
Rogge said corruption was mostly seen "in the field of
match-fixing where the result of competition is being manipulated
where there is illegal betting." "The IOC has taken the
leadership in fighting against illegal betting and match fixing.
But we need the support of governments," he said in a speech at
an event in Tokyo marking the centenary of the Japanese Olympic
Committee.
"We are working very closely with major governments to try
to set up a platform where the world of sport and the world of
ministries and politicians can work together."
Corruption in sport has been making headlines worldwide.
Recently in Asia, football players in South Korea were indicted
and sumo wrestlers in Japan were expelled from the sport after
being involved in match-fixing scandals.
Identifying doping as the "biggest threat on sport," Rogge
said the IOC was making "bigger progress" than ever in fighting
it with "zero tolerance."
He said the number of doping tests had been doubled since
the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.
"While we will never be able to have zero doping, I must say
and I can say with great pleasure that we are making a bigger
progress and that today it is far more difficult to take doping
than it used to be a couple of years ago."
Rogge said violence, especially hooliganism, in and out of
venues was the second major danger.
"This is a major problem mostly in team sports, where we
need a good association between the public and the sports
authorities," he said. "Sport alone cannot solve it, but we have
to lead by example."
Rogge noted there had been "unacceptable racism against
players coming from Africa" at venues and stadiums especially in
Europe.
He welcomed moves in
He said the global success of sport -- with 750 million
people practising competitive sports and more than one billion
engaged in recreational sports -- faced challenges from doping,
violence, racism and corruption.
Rogge said corruption was mostly seen "in the field of
match-fixing where the result of competition is being manipulated
where there is illegal betting." "The IOC has taken the
leadership in fighting against illegal betting and match fixing.
But we need the support of governments," he said in a speech at
an event in Tokyo marking the centenary of the Japanese Olympic
Committee.
"We are working very closely with major governments to try
to set up a platform where the world of sport and the world of
ministries and politicians can work together."
Corruption in sport has been making headlines worldwide.
Recently in Asia, football players in South Korea were indicted
and sumo wrestlers in Japan were expelled from the sport after
being involved in match-fixing scandals.
Identifying doping as the "biggest threat on sport," Rogge
said the IOC was making "bigger progress" than ever in fighting
it with "zero tolerance."
He said the number of doping tests had been doubled since
the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.
"While we will never be able to have zero doping, I must say
and I can say with great pleasure that we are making a bigger
progress and that today it is far more difficult to take doping
than it used to be a couple of years ago."
Rogge said violence, especially hooliganism, in and out of
venues was the second major danger.
"This is a major problem mostly in team sports, where we
need a good association between the public and the sports
authorities," he said. "Sport alone cannot solve it, but we have
to lead by example."
Rogge noted there had been "unacceptable racism against
players coming from Africa" at venues and stadiums especially in
Europe.
He welcomed moves in
Myanmar paying efforts to promote industrial development
YANGON, July 15 (BSS/Xinhua) -- Myanmar is working to raise the role of private and public sectors in its efforts for industrial development, official media reported today.
"Only with industrial development will there be technological development, poverty alleviation, more and more job opportunities, and national economic development in compliance with the guidelines of the President," the New Light of Myanmar quoted Union Minister of Industry-2 U Soe Thein as saying.
"Myanmar is working hard for industrialization through agricultural development," U Soe Thein, who is also chairman of the Committee for Industrial Development, told the committee.
He called for cooperation between regional governments and private associations for the aim.
Myanmar is making harmonious efforts to shape the country as an industrialized nation by operating all factories at full swing to be able to manufacture the marketable products.
Myanmar's industrial sector contributes about 20 percent to the gross domestic product and private sector's contribution to the industrial sector stood 92.36 percent, statistics show.
According to the Myanmar Investment Commission, Myanmar national private companies made most investment in the sector of industry.
"Only with industrial development will there be technological development, poverty alleviation, more and more job opportunities, and national economic development in compliance with the guidelines of the President," the New Light of Myanmar quoted Union Minister of Industry-2 U Soe Thein as saying.
"Myanmar is working hard for industrialization through agricultural development," U Soe Thein, who is also chairman of the Committee for Industrial Development, told the committee.
He called for cooperation between regional governments and private associations for the aim.
Myanmar is making harmonious efforts to shape the country as an industrialized nation by operating all factories at full swing to be able to manufacture the marketable products.
Myanmar's industrial sector contributes about 20 percent to the gross domestic product and private sector's contribution to the industrial sector stood 92.36 percent, statistics show.
According to the Myanmar Investment Commission, Myanmar national private companies made most investment in the sector of industry.
Rupee appreciates three paise against dollar
Mumbai, July 15 (BSS/PTI) In lacklustre trading, the rupee yesterday appreciated by three paise to close at 44.49/50 against the US currency on mild dollar selling by exporters amid renewed capital inflows.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit opened strong at 44.45/46. It settled the day at 44.49/50.
Wednesday, it had gained 18 paise.
Forex dealers said the local unit gained as exporters sold dollars on expectations of a fall in the US currency overseas after Moody's Investors Service Wednesday warned that it was putting American debt on review for a possible downgrade.
Renewed Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) inflows also aided the rupee sentiment, they added.
Alpari Financial Services (India) CEO Pramit Brahmbhatt said,
"The rupee traded range bound to slightly strong, mainly taking
cues from local equities which closed on a positive side. Rupee
gain was capped as euro and GBP weakened against the greenback."
"The rupee closed better Thursday amid major Asian units
trading weaker this afternoon. One month offshore forward
contract is quoting at 44.68-71 levels," India Forex Advisors CEO
Abhishek Goenka said.
The dollar index was up by over 0.3 per cent against a basket
of currencies while New York crude oil was trading above USD 98 a
barrel in European market Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex
finished up by over 22 points or 0.12 per cent.
After pulling out USD 205.28 million from equities, FIIs
infused USD 33.73 million Wednesday, as per SEBI data.
The rupee premium for the forward dollar fell back on fresh
receivings by exporters. The benchmark six-month forward dollar
premium payable in December concluded lower at 124-1/2- 126 paise
from Wednesday's level of 127-129 paise. Far-forward contracts
maturing in June also ended down at 222-1/2-224 paise from 227-
229 paise previously.
The RBI has fixed the reference rate for the dollar at Rs
44.5278 and the euro at Rs 63.1503.
The rupee dropped further against the pound sterling to end
at 71.72/74 from Wednesday's close of Rs 70.99/71.01 and also
remained weak at Rs 63.17/19 per euro from Rs 62.63/65 yesterday.
It settled further down against the Japanese yen at Rs 56.33/35
per 100 yen from last close of Rs 56.16/18.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit opened strong at 44.45/46. It settled the day at 44.49/50.
Wednesday, it had gained 18 paise.
Forex dealers said the local unit gained as exporters sold dollars on expectations of a fall in the US currency overseas after Moody's Investors Service Wednesday warned that it was putting American debt on review for a possible downgrade.
Renewed Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) inflows also aided the rupee sentiment, they added.
Alpari Financial Services (India) CEO Pramit Brahmbhatt said,
"The rupee traded range bound to slightly strong, mainly taking
cues from local equities which closed on a positive side. Rupee
gain was capped as euro and GBP weakened against the greenback."
"The rupee closed better Thursday amid major Asian units
trading weaker this afternoon. One month offshore forward
contract is quoting at 44.68-71 levels," India Forex Advisors CEO
Abhishek Goenka said.
The dollar index was up by over 0.3 per cent against a basket
of currencies while New York crude oil was trading above USD 98 a
barrel in European market Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex
finished up by over 22 points or 0.12 per cent.
After pulling out USD 205.28 million from equities, FIIs
infused USD 33.73 million Wednesday, as per SEBI data.
The rupee premium for the forward dollar fell back on fresh
receivings by exporters. The benchmark six-month forward dollar
premium payable in December concluded lower at 124-1/2- 126 paise
from Wednesday's level of 127-129 paise. Far-forward contracts
maturing in June also ended down at 222-1/2-224 paise from 227-
229 paise previously.
The RBI has fixed the reference rate for the dollar at Rs
44.5278 and the euro at Rs 63.1503.
The rupee dropped further against the pound sterling to end
at 71.72/74 from Wednesday's close of Rs 70.99/71.01 and also
remained weak at Rs 63.17/19 per euro from Rs 62.63/65 yesterday.
It settled further down against the Japanese yen at Rs 56.33/35
per 100 yen from last close of Rs 56.16/18.
Venezuela's Chavez urges Libyan leader to resist
CARACAS, July 14 (BSS/AFP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Thursday sent a message of support to embattled Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi, urging him to resist and calling on European nations to worry about their own domestic issues.
"There is Kadhafi resisting. Until when will this outrage last?" Chavez said at a meeting of his ministers. Part of the event was broadcast on the state television network VTV.
"Libya is a country of free and restless people that responds only to itself, and not the interests of the empire. Long live Libya and its independence!" Chavez proclaimed.
Chavez routinely describes the United States as "the empire."
"European leaders," he then said, "take care of the crisis that you have within."
He complained that the leaders of France, Britain, Italy and Spain are now opposed to the Libyan regime, "when just a year ago they were going business with Kadhafi."
Chavez continued: "There is old Kadhafi, resisting. Take courage, Kadhafi, take courage, Libya!"
The Chavez administration has consistently denounced the
months-long military operation in Libya as an oil grab by Western
powers.
Chavez in 2004 was awarded the Al-Kadhafi International Prize
for Human Rights, a prize granted by the Libyan leader. Cuba's
Fidel Castro and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega have also won the
award.
Libyan rebels on Thursday pulled back from an assault on a
gateway to Tripoli and set their sights on the oil city of Brega,
as NATO dismissed charges of having killed more than 1,100
civilians.
"There is Kadhafi resisting. Until when will this outrage last?" Chavez said at a meeting of his ministers. Part of the event was broadcast on the state television network VTV.
"Libya is a country of free and restless people that responds only to itself, and not the interests of the empire. Long live Libya and its independence!" Chavez proclaimed.
Chavez routinely describes the United States as "the empire."
"European leaders," he then said, "take care of the crisis that you have within."
He complained that the leaders of France, Britain, Italy and Spain are now opposed to the Libyan regime, "when just a year ago they were going business with Kadhafi."
Chavez continued: "There is old Kadhafi, resisting. Take courage, Kadhafi, take courage, Libya!"
The Chavez administration has consistently denounced the
months-long military operation in Libya as an oil grab by Western
powers.
Chavez in 2004 was awarded the Al-Kadhafi International Prize
for Human Rights, a prize granted by the Libyan leader. Cuba's
Fidel Castro and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega have also won the
award.
Libyan rebels on Thursday pulled back from an assault on a
gateway to Tripoli and set their sights on the oil city of Brega,
as NATO dismissed charges of having killed more than 1,100
civilians.
Rebekah Brooks' resignation letter from News International
At News International we pride ourselves on setting the news agenda for the right reasons. Today we are leading the news for the wrong ones.
The reputation of the company we love so much, as well as the press freedoms we value so highly, are all at risk.
As Chief Executive of the company, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the people we have hurt and I want to reiterate how sorry I am for what we now know to have taken place.
I have believed that the right and responsible action has been to lead us through the heat of the crisis. However my desire to remain on the bridge has made me a focal point of the debate.This is now detracting attention from all our honest endeavours to fix the problems of the past.
Therefore I have given Rupert and James Murdoch my resignation. While it has been a subject of discussion, this time my resignation has been accepted.
Rupert's wisdom, kindness and incisive advice has guided me throughout my career and James is an inspirational leader who has shown me great loyalty and friendship.
I would like to thank them both for their support.
I have worked here for 22 years and I know it to be part of the finest media company in the world.
News International is full of talented, professional and honourable people. I am proud to have been part of the team and lucky to know so many brilliant journalists and media executives.
I leave with the happiest of memories and an abundance of friends.
As you can imagine recent times have been tough. I now need to concentrate on correcting the distortions and rebutting the allegations about my record as a journalist, an editor and executive.
My resignation makes it possible for me to have the freedom and the time to give my full cooperation to all the current and future inquiries, the police investigations and the CMS appearance.
I am so grateful for all the messages of support. I have nothing but overwhelming respect for you and our millions of readers.
I wish every one of you all the best.
Rebekah
The reputation of the company we love so much, as well as the press freedoms we value so highly, are all at risk.
As Chief Executive of the company, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the people we have hurt and I want to reiterate how sorry I am for what we now know to have taken place.
I have believed that the right and responsible action has been to lead us through the heat of the crisis. However my desire to remain on the bridge has made me a focal point of the debate.This is now detracting attention from all our honest endeavours to fix the problems of the past.
Therefore I have given Rupert and James Murdoch my resignation. While it has been a subject of discussion, this time my resignation has been accepted.
Rupert's wisdom, kindness and incisive advice has guided me throughout my career and James is an inspirational leader who has shown me great loyalty and friendship.
I would like to thank them both for their support.
I have worked here for 22 years and I know it to be part of the finest media company in the world.
News International is full of talented, professional and honourable people. I am proud to have been part of the team and lucky to know so many brilliant journalists and media executives.
I leave with the happiest of memories and an abundance of friends.
As you can imagine recent times have been tough. I now need to concentrate on correcting the distortions and rebutting the allegations about my record as a journalist, an editor and executive.
My resignation makes it possible for me to have the freedom and the time to give my full cooperation to all the current and future inquiries, the police investigations and the CMS appearance.
I am so grateful for all the messages of support. I have nothing but overwhelming respect for you and our millions of readers.
I wish every one of you all the best.
Rebekah
13 police officers re-appointed in South Sudan
DHAKA, July 15 (BSS) - Thirteen police officers have been re- appointed by the government to work in South Sudan under the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission.
The police officers are: Additional DIG Mohammad Manzur Kader Khan, SP Md Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Ahsan Habib Palsh, Additional SP Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Sarwar Murshid Shamim, Mohammad Rashidul Hasan and Mohammad Haroon or Rashid, inspectors Mohammad Mahbub-ur-Rahman Tafadar, Mahmud Bari, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Abdur Rasheed, Abu Maruf Mohammad Shahnoor and Nasir Ahmed Hawlader, according to a press release of Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations received here today.
The police officers are: Additional DIG Mohammad Manzur Kader Khan, SP Md Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Ahsan Habib Palsh, Additional SP Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Sarwar Murshid Shamim, Mohammad Rashidul Hasan and Mohammad Haroon or Rashid, inspectors Mohammad Mahbub-ur-Rahman Tafadar, Mahmud Bari, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Abdur Rasheed, Abu Maruf Mohammad Shahnoor and Nasir Ahmed Hawlader, according to a press release of Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations received here today.
Indonesian volcano erupts, spewing rock and lava
JAKARTA, July 15 (BSS/AFP) - An Indonesian volcano has erupted, spewing rocks, lava and ash hundreds of metres into the air, an official said Friday, just days after its alert status was raised to the highest level.
There has been a significant rise in volcanic activity at Mount Lokon on Sulawesi island since June 9, prompting more than 4,400 people to flee.
"There was a big eruption around 10:31pm local time (1531 GMT Thursday), which saw ash, sand and rocks thrown 1,500 metres (4,800 feet) into the air," government volcanologist Kristianto told AFP.
Grass and shrubs in an area stretching 500 metres around the volcano were on fire but there was no immediate danger to people living nearby, he said.
The volcano's status was raised to its highest red alert
level after it spewed ash 500 metres into the air over the
weekend, leading to a 3.5-kilometre (two-mile) evacuation zone
being established in case of a bigger eruption.
"There is no mass panic because the community has already
been warned of the situation and we are continuing to evacuate
people," added Kristianto, who like many Indonesians uses only
one name.
Around 28,000 people live within the evacuation zone.
North Sulawesi disaster management head Hoykee Makarawung
said more than 4,400 people have been evacuated so far.
"Thank God, the condition has eased off since last night.
The fire around the area has also vanished by itself," Makarawung
said.
"Earlier today the volcano also erupted but it was not as
great as last night," he said.
The 1,580-metre Mount Lokon is one of the most active
volcanoes in Indonesia. It erupted in 1991, killing a Swiss
tourist.
The Indonesian archipelago has dozens of active volcanoes
and straddles major tectonic fault lines known as the "Ring of
Fire" between the Pacific and Indian oceans.
The country's most active volcano, Mount Merapi in central
Java, has killed more than 350 people in a series of violent
eruptions that started in late October.
There has been a significant rise in volcanic activity at Mount Lokon on Sulawesi island since June 9, prompting more than 4,400 people to flee.
"There was a big eruption around 10:31pm local time (1531 GMT Thursday), which saw ash, sand and rocks thrown 1,500 metres (4,800 feet) into the air," government volcanologist Kristianto told AFP.
Grass and shrubs in an area stretching 500 metres around the volcano were on fire but there was no immediate danger to people living nearby, he said.
The volcano's status was raised to its highest red alert
level after it spewed ash 500 metres into the air over the
weekend, leading to a 3.5-kilometre (two-mile) evacuation zone
being established in case of a bigger eruption.
"There is no mass panic because the community has already
been warned of the situation and we are continuing to evacuate
people," added Kristianto, who like many Indonesians uses only
one name.
Around 28,000 people live within the evacuation zone.
North Sulawesi disaster management head Hoykee Makarawung
said more than 4,400 people have been evacuated so far.
"Thank God, the condition has eased off since last night.
The fire around the area has also vanished by itself," Makarawung
said.
"Earlier today the volcano also erupted but it was not as
great as last night," he said.
The 1,580-metre Mount Lokon is one of the most active
volcanoes in Indonesia. It erupted in 1991, killing a Swiss
tourist.
The Indonesian archipelago has dozens of active volcanoes
and straddles major tectonic fault lines known as the "Ring of
Fire" between the Pacific and Indian oceans.
The country's most active volcano, Mount Merapi in central
Java, has killed more than 350 people in a series of violent
eruptions that started in late October.
Ambassador Akramul calls for more US investment in Bangladesh
WASHINGTON, July 15 (BSS)- Bangladesh ambassador to USA Akramul Qader has urged the American businessmen to come up with more investment in Bangladesh to help making the country a middle incoming ones by 2021.
He said Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina is making strong efforts to achieve that
goal which might happen through massive investment from USA and
elsewhere.
The envoy said this while addressing a luncheon discussion
with high ranking executives of US companies, organized by
Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a
leading US think tank, here today. The event was co-hosted by
MetLife and Trans-Fast Remittance LLC., two US-based companies
having active business presence in Bangladesh.
Highlighting Bangladesh's achievements since its
independence, Ambassador Qader briefed the US businessmen of the
government's vision. He said Bangladesh is maintaining an average
GDP growth rate of 6 percent over the last decade and has been
able to attract more than one billion US dollar of FDI.
The Ambassador also highlighted the present government's
initiative for regional connectivity with a view to linking
Bangladesh to neighboring countries. Referring to Bangladesh's
initiative for a deep sea-port in Chittagong, Ambassador Qader
commented this would turn Bangladesh into a regional hub.
Director of International Government Relations of MetLife
LLC., Diana Keegan informed that MetLife is planning to expand
its operation by offering some new products. The other co-host
Samish Kumar informed that they are in a high regulated sector in
Bangladesh for last three years and are very satisfied with their
business. He expressed satisfaction for the cooperation he
received in interactions with the government functionaries.
President and CEO of BCIU Peter J. Tichansky said Bangladesh
is being quite wrongly portrayed only as a poor country, despite
its tremendous potential. The participants, who have a firsthand
knowledge of doing business in Bangladesh, spoke very positively
and also expressed great hope for the future of Bangladesh
economy.
Meanwhile, a group of students of Johns Hopkins University
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) visited
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington today.
Briefing the students, Ambassador Qader said the JHU has a
historic partnership with Bangladesh since the nation's
independence in 1971. He said the globally reputed academic
institution has played an important role in preventing diarrhoeal
disease in Bangladesh by helping set up the International Centre
for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) in the late
1970s.
Welcoming the students, Qader responded to them on a wide
range of issues encompassing Bangladesh's history, politics,
foreign relations as well as his experiences in Washington, DC
serving as Bangladesh's ambassador.
Dr. Brita Caminity, a Professional Lecturer of SAIS led the
students group representing different nations and professional
interests. The briefing was organized as part of the Embassy's
academic outreach programme.
He said Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina is making strong efforts to achieve that
goal which might happen through massive investment from USA and
elsewhere.
The envoy said this while addressing a luncheon discussion
with high ranking executives of US companies, organized by
Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a
leading US think tank, here today. The event was co-hosted by
MetLife and Trans-Fast Remittance LLC., two US-based companies
having active business presence in Bangladesh.
Highlighting Bangladesh's achievements since its
independence, Ambassador Qader briefed the US businessmen of the
government's vision. He said Bangladesh is maintaining an average
GDP growth rate of 6 percent over the last decade and has been
able to attract more than one billion US dollar of FDI.
The Ambassador also highlighted the present government's
initiative for regional connectivity with a view to linking
Bangladesh to neighboring countries. Referring to Bangladesh's
initiative for a deep sea-port in Chittagong, Ambassador Qader
commented this would turn Bangladesh into a regional hub.
Director of International Government Relations of MetLife
LLC., Diana Keegan informed that MetLife is planning to expand
its operation by offering some new products. The other co-host
Samish Kumar informed that they are in a high regulated sector in
Bangladesh for last three years and are very satisfied with their
business. He expressed satisfaction for the cooperation he
received in interactions with the government functionaries.
President and CEO of BCIU Peter J. Tichansky said Bangladesh
is being quite wrongly portrayed only as a poor country, despite
its tremendous potential. The participants, who have a firsthand
knowledge of doing business in Bangladesh, spoke very positively
and also expressed great hope for the future of Bangladesh
economy.
Meanwhile, a group of students of Johns Hopkins University
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) visited
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington today.
Briefing the students, Ambassador Qader said the JHU has a
historic partnership with Bangladesh since the nation's
independence in 1971. He said the globally reputed academic
institution has played an important role in preventing diarrhoeal
disease in Bangladesh by helping set up the International Centre
for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) in the late
1970s.
Welcoming the students, Qader responded to them on a wide
range of issues encompassing Bangladesh's history, politics,
foreign relations as well as his experiences in Washington, DC
serving as Bangladesh's ambassador.
Dr. Brita Caminity, a Professional Lecturer of SAIS led the
students group representing different nations and professional
interests. The briefing was organized as part of the Embassy's
academic outreach programme.
Bangladeshi engineer designs largest US civil work project
DHAKA, July 15 (BSS) - A Bangladeshi engineer has earned the repute of being the coordinator or principal engineer of the ever-largest project in US civil work's history to save its coastlines from hurricane onslaughts.
The United States army selected Anwar Zahid, a graduate of Bangladesh University of Engineers and Technology (BUET), to lead
the construction of the two multi-billion dollars giant structures for the protection of its New Orleans and Louisiana states coastlines from hurricane and storm surges.
"As the super hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and Louisiana, United States Army Corp of Engineers has taken the mega project at an estimated cost of around US$ 11 billion to build various types of mega engineering structures to protect the two states from future upsurge," Zahid said here today.
Talking to BSS on the sidelines of a technical presentation at the Institution of Engineers (IEB) in Dhaka where he shared his experiences with Bangladeshi engineers, 40-year-old Zahid said as he was selected as the designer of record (DOR) or lead coordinator and project manager of these complex projects for his research background on the issue.
"I was offered the task to rebuild the Twine Tower in New York, but I preferred the task of using my expertise in building the structures to prevent hurricane or cyclone damages thinking that it may benefit Bangladesh someday or someway as the coastlines of the two states are largely identical to that of Bangladesh," he said.
He said the US army chose him as the appropriate person on the basis of his Ph.D thesis on "wave propagation" which was considered crucial for the mega project that also needed expertise on electrical and electronics, mechanical engineering, social studies alongside the civil constructions.
"Under the project, we are constructing complex hydraulic structure ranging from floating steel gates, steel sector gates, vertical lift gates, closure gates, pump stations, concrete T- walls, levees, bridges and complex foundations," he said.
Zahid added that he needed to deal with alternative study phases for cost proposal preparation, alternative selection and later developing plans and specifications while his background encompasses project management, designing complex hydraulic structure and foundations, transportation projects and forensic analysis.
Asked how he thought Bangladesh could replicate the project considering the cost involvement, Zahid said the project he designed allowed the constructors to build them in phases taking a long time while deltaic Bangladesh could also partly replicate it to protect the most vulnerable or economically sensitive parts of "our southern coastlines".
"My experiences can be implemented, at least, to mitigate partly the recurring cyclone and flooding problems of Bangladesh," said Zahid, who had won the gold medal from Bangladesh government for his excellent academic performance in BUET.
A former associate professor of BUET, Zahid obtained a BS and MS from the same university and a PhD in structural engineering and mechanics from the US North Carolina State University and a researcher fellowship from the world's top Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The United States army selected Anwar Zahid, a graduate of Bangladesh University of Engineers and Technology (BUET), to lead
the construction of the two multi-billion dollars giant structures for the protection of its New Orleans and Louisiana states coastlines from hurricane and storm surges.
"As the super hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and Louisiana, United States Army Corp of Engineers has taken the mega project at an estimated cost of around US$ 11 billion to build various types of mega engineering structures to protect the two states from future upsurge," Zahid said here today.
Talking to BSS on the sidelines of a technical presentation at the Institution of Engineers (IEB) in Dhaka where he shared his experiences with Bangladeshi engineers, 40-year-old Zahid said as he was selected as the designer of record (DOR) or lead coordinator and project manager of these complex projects for his research background on the issue.
"I was offered the task to rebuild the Twine Tower in New York, but I preferred the task of using my expertise in building the structures to prevent hurricane or cyclone damages thinking that it may benefit Bangladesh someday or someway as the coastlines of the two states are largely identical to that of Bangladesh," he said.
He said the US army chose him as the appropriate person on the basis of his Ph.D thesis on "wave propagation" which was considered crucial for the mega project that also needed expertise on electrical and electronics, mechanical engineering, social studies alongside the civil constructions.
"Under the project, we are constructing complex hydraulic structure ranging from floating steel gates, steel sector gates, vertical lift gates, closure gates, pump stations, concrete T- walls, levees, bridges and complex foundations," he said.
Zahid added that he needed to deal with alternative study phases for cost proposal preparation, alternative selection and later developing plans and specifications while his background encompasses project management, designing complex hydraulic structure and foundations, transportation projects and forensic analysis.
Asked how he thought Bangladesh could replicate the project considering the cost involvement, Zahid said the project he designed allowed the constructors to build them in phases taking a long time while deltaic Bangladesh could also partly replicate it to protect the most vulnerable or economically sensitive parts of "our southern coastlines".
"My experiences can be implemented, at least, to mitigate partly the recurring cyclone and flooding problems of Bangladesh," said Zahid, who had won the gold medal from Bangladesh government for his excellent academic performance in BUET.
A former associate professor of BUET, Zahid obtained a BS and MS from the same university and a PhD in structural engineering and mechanics from the US North Carolina State University and a researcher fellowship from the world's top Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Autism conference in Dhaka to draw 5,000 representatives
DHAKA, July 15 (BSS) - A five-day autism conference set to begin here later this month is expected to draw nearly 5,000 experts, patients and their parents from different countries while high-profile global figures like Sonia Gandhi are to join
the meet to stimulate social awareness on the issue.
"We are expecting Indian Congress party President Sonia
Gandhi will join as the chief guest of the conference beginning
on July 25", Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)
vice chancellor Dr Pran Gopal Datta told BSS.
Datta, whose institution is a co-host of the conference
along with Autism Speaks America, added that Gandhi was specially
invited as she played a crucial role in addressing autism in the
neighbouring country as the chief patron of Action Autism India.
The other high-profile dignitaries expected at the meet
included parliamentary Speaker of Pakistan Fahmida Mirza,
Indonesian first lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, Sri Lankan first
lady Shiranthi Rajapakse, Maldivian vice president Dr. Mohammed
Waheed Hassan and his wife Iham Hassan.
Organisers earlier said autism expert and chairperson of
Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Autism Saima Wajed
would moderate the meet while its inauguration session was set to
be chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They said Saima Wajed, also the premier's daughter who
spearheads a campaign in addressing disorders of neural
development characterized by impaired social interaction and
communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior in
Bangladesh, played a pivotal role in staging the international
event.
The conference also expected to be joined by a number of
health ministers of different countries and chiefs of different
global organisations including the World Health Organization
(WHO). ,
Ministries of foreign affairs, health & family welfare,
social welfare and other government and non-government agencies
extended their hands for the conference aimed at minimising the
miseries of autistic children and their family members.
"We are trying to form a bridge between professionals and
parents of autistic children," said Datta as their BSMMU runs a
specialised unit for the autistic children.
Datta said currently there was no statistics about the number
of autistic patients in Bangladesh as many of them were feared to
be remained undetected or their parents were unaware of the real
problem of their offspring in trouble or preferred not to make it
public for social reasons.
He said the conference would particularly try to generate
awareness for early detection of autism as it could help their
parents to take steps to improve their health condition, early
treatment and early rehabilitation.
"Family care especially from parents was the most important
factor to bring autism victims to the doctor for diagnosis and
treatment . . . but in Bangladesh they are grown up as family
burden and they treated as mad children in society due to lack of
the required awareness," said Datta .
Organisers said the conference would split into two parts
with the second part being a three-day workshop for
psychologists, doctors, autistic patients and their parents.
The two-day conference will be held at the Hotel Ruposhi
Bangla or formerly Sheraton, while the subsequent workshop
sessions will be held at different seminar and conference rooms
of BSMMU.
the meet to stimulate social awareness on the issue.
"We are expecting Indian Congress party President Sonia
Gandhi will join as the chief guest of the conference beginning
on July 25", Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)
vice chancellor Dr Pran Gopal Datta told BSS.
Datta, whose institution is a co-host of the conference
along with Autism Speaks America, added that Gandhi was specially
invited as she played a crucial role in addressing autism in the
neighbouring country as the chief patron of Action Autism India.
The other high-profile dignitaries expected at the meet
included parliamentary Speaker of Pakistan Fahmida Mirza,
Indonesian first lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, Sri Lankan first
lady Shiranthi Rajapakse, Maldivian vice president Dr. Mohammed
Waheed Hassan and his wife Iham Hassan.
Organisers earlier said autism expert and chairperson of
Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Autism Saima Wajed
would moderate the meet while its inauguration session was set to
be chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They said Saima Wajed, also the premier's daughter who
spearheads a campaign in addressing disorders of neural
development characterized by impaired social interaction and
communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior in
Bangladesh, played a pivotal role in staging the international
event.
The conference also expected to be joined by a number of
health ministers of different countries and chiefs of different
global organisations including the World Health Organization
(WHO). ,
Ministries of foreign affairs, health & family welfare,
social welfare and other government and non-government agencies
extended their hands for the conference aimed at minimising the
miseries of autistic children and their family members.
"We are trying to form a bridge between professionals and
parents of autistic children," said Datta as their BSMMU runs a
specialised unit for the autistic children.
Datta said currently there was no statistics about the number
of autistic patients in Bangladesh as many of them were feared to
be remained undetected or their parents were unaware of the real
problem of their offspring in trouble or preferred not to make it
public for social reasons.
He said the conference would particularly try to generate
awareness for early detection of autism as it could help their
parents to take steps to improve their health condition, early
treatment and early rehabilitation.
"Family care especially from parents was the most important
factor to bring autism victims to the doctor for diagnosis and
treatment . . . but in Bangladesh they are grown up as family
burden and they treated as mad children in society due to lack of
the required awareness," said Datta .
Organisers said the conference would split into two parts
with the second part being a three-day workshop for
psychologists, doctors, autistic patients and their parents.
The two-day conference will be held at the Hotel Ruposhi
Bangla or formerly Sheraton, while the subsequent workshop
sessions will be held at different seminar and conference rooms
of BSMMU.
PM visits grief-stricken Mirsarai : Consoles bereaved family members of victims
MIRSARAI (Chittagong) , July 15 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself wept profusely and made the bereaved people of Mirsarai cry incessantly after coming over here this morning to express her deepest sympathies to the shattered members of the families who lost their beloved offspring in the tragic road accident on 11 July.
"On this painful occasion I seek blessings of the Almighty
Allah to save the nation from witnessing any such grave tragedy
in future" she said while attending a condolence meeting held at
Abu Torab High School ground in memory of the innocent school
students who met tragic deaths in the mishap.
"May Almighty give courage and fortitude to the family
members of the victims, their well-wishers and the countrymen as
a whole to bear this great shock and tragedy", she added.
Comparing the tendered boys with 'fragrant flowers' Sheikh
Hasina said with their tragic deaths innumerable petals of
blooming flowers have been dropped into dust plunging the nation
into an ocean of endless tragedy.
In an emotion-choked voice, tearing Sheikh Hasina said nobody
other than her could feel so deeply the agony and anguish of
loosing one's near and dear ones. "One day I have lost my father,
mother, brothers and many relatives in a cruel incident", she
said adding "I feel the fragrance of my brother Russell and his
reflection among those who lost their promising lives in the
incident".
The Prime Minister called upon the countrymen to pray to
Almighty Allah to give courage to the bereaved family members to
bear such misfortune.
The prime minister has handed over cheques for Tk 1 lakh to
each of the families of the 39 people, including 37 schoolboys,
who were killed in the accident. She also gave out cheques for Tk
50,000 to each of the families of the 12 injured in the accident.
The prime minister also instructed authorities concerned to
ensure better treatment for those who were injured in the mishap.
While taking cheques from the prime minister, the wailing
relatives of the victims broke into tears. Apparently depressed
Sheikh Hasina hugged them and consoled them saying that the
"whole nation is with them".
Earlier, alighting from the helicopter, the Prime Minister
visited the spot where the incident took place. She was surprised
and shocked to see that so many innocent lives rolled down on the
laps of death in such a tiny ditch.
As soon as the prime minister reached the venue of the
condolence meeting the crying and weeping members of the victims
rushed to Sheikh Hasina enfolded her and started lamenting at the
loss of their beloved offspring. A heart-touching scenario was
created on the premises of Abu Torab High School that would have
to bear this painful memories for years to come.
The prime minister assured that fair inquiry would be made
into the incident and henceforth no vehicles with defective
documents and engine conditions would be allowed to ply the
streets. She said strict measures would be taken so that no
driver can use mobile phones while sitting on the steering seats.
The prime minister strictly ordered to remain vigil so that
no vehicles without any valid documents can ply the streets.
While asking people to abide by the traffic rules, the
Prime Minister said necessary awareness should also be
created among the members of various law enforcing
agencies to avert such tragic incidents. She gave on the spot
directives to the authorities concerned to make the school
children knowledgeable on traffic rules and laws.
She said , " A few days back I came to Mirsarai to
inaugurate a development project. On that occasion I came
with happiness - but today I have to come here again with
heavy heart. It will not be possible to give back those who
have been lost from among us as I could not get back my
beloved brother Russell. I have to work burying pangs within
my heart. My only aim is to bring smiles on the lips of
millions of people of the country - I want to give them the
touch of development and prosperity. I seek blessings from
the countrymen for making my mission success."
While returning to Dhaka, the prime minister again visited
the cruel spot where she remained standing for some times in
solemn silence. She instructed the teachers of the ill-fated
school to construct a befitting museum to make the memories
of the victims immortal.
The prime minister became deeply saddened when she
heard that a poor father died instantaneously of heart attack
after hearing the tragic death of his affectionate son. Sheikh
Hasina donated Taka one lakh to the wife of the deceased.
At the outset of the condolence meeting, special munajat
was offered seeking salvation and lasting peace of those who
lost their lives in the tragedy. One minute silence was also
observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
Among others, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Engineer
Mosharraf Hossain MP, ABM Abul Kashem MP, Nurul
Islam B.Sc. MP and Awami League leaders from Chittagong
and Mirsarai also addressed the condolence meeting.
Ministers, Advisers to the PM, MPs and elites were present.
"On this painful occasion I seek blessings of the Almighty
Allah to save the nation from witnessing any such grave tragedy
in future" she said while attending a condolence meeting held at
Abu Torab High School ground in memory of the innocent school
students who met tragic deaths in the mishap.
"May Almighty give courage and fortitude to the family
members of the victims, their well-wishers and the countrymen as
a whole to bear this great shock and tragedy", she added.
Comparing the tendered boys with 'fragrant flowers' Sheikh
Hasina said with their tragic deaths innumerable petals of
blooming flowers have been dropped into dust plunging the nation
into an ocean of endless tragedy.
In an emotion-choked voice, tearing Sheikh Hasina said nobody
other than her could feel so deeply the agony and anguish of
loosing one's near and dear ones. "One day I have lost my father,
mother, brothers and many relatives in a cruel incident", she
said adding "I feel the fragrance of my brother Russell and his
reflection among those who lost their promising lives in the
incident".
The Prime Minister called upon the countrymen to pray to
Almighty Allah to give courage to the bereaved family members to
bear such misfortune.
The prime minister has handed over cheques for Tk 1 lakh to
each of the families of the 39 people, including 37 schoolboys,
who were killed in the accident. She also gave out cheques for Tk
50,000 to each of the families of the 12 injured in the accident.
The prime minister also instructed authorities concerned to
ensure better treatment for those who were injured in the mishap.
While taking cheques from the prime minister, the wailing
relatives of the victims broke into tears. Apparently depressed
Sheikh Hasina hugged them and consoled them saying that the
"whole nation is with them".
Earlier, alighting from the helicopter, the Prime Minister
visited the spot where the incident took place. She was surprised
and shocked to see that so many innocent lives rolled down on the
laps of death in such a tiny ditch.
As soon as the prime minister reached the venue of the
condolence meeting the crying and weeping members of the victims
rushed to Sheikh Hasina enfolded her and started lamenting at the
loss of their beloved offspring. A heart-touching scenario was
created on the premises of Abu Torab High School that would have
to bear this painful memories for years to come.
The prime minister assured that fair inquiry would be made
into the incident and henceforth no vehicles with defective
documents and engine conditions would be allowed to ply the
streets. She said strict measures would be taken so that no
driver can use mobile phones while sitting on the steering seats.
The prime minister strictly ordered to remain vigil so that
no vehicles without any valid documents can ply the streets.
While asking people to abide by the traffic rules, the
Prime Minister said necessary awareness should also be
created among the members of various law enforcing
agencies to avert such tragic incidents. She gave on the spot
directives to the authorities concerned to make the school
children knowledgeable on traffic rules and laws.
She said , " A few days back I came to Mirsarai to
inaugurate a development project. On that occasion I came
with happiness - but today I have to come here again with
heavy heart. It will not be possible to give back those who
have been lost from among us as I could not get back my
beloved brother Russell. I have to work burying pangs within
my heart. My only aim is to bring smiles on the lips of
millions of people of the country - I want to give them the
touch of development and prosperity. I seek blessings from
the countrymen for making my mission success."
While returning to Dhaka, the prime minister again visited
the cruel spot where she remained standing for some times in
solemn silence. She instructed the teachers of the ill-fated
school to construct a befitting museum to make the memories
of the victims immortal.
The prime minister became deeply saddened when she
heard that a poor father died instantaneously of heart attack
after hearing the tragic death of his affectionate son. Sheikh
Hasina donated Taka one lakh to the wife of the deceased.
At the outset of the condolence meeting, special munajat
was offered seeking salvation and lasting peace of those who
lost their lives in the tragedy. One minute silence was also
observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
Among others, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Engineer
Mosharraf Hossain MP, ABM Abul Kashem MP, Nurul
Islam B.Sc. MP and Awami League leaders from Chittagong
and Mirsarai also addressed the condolence meeting.
Ministers, Advisers to the PM, MPs and elites were present.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Woman accused of cutting off husband's penis appears in court
(CNN) -- Covering her face with her long dark hair to avoid television cameras, a Southern California woman accused of cutting off her husband's penis and throwing it into a garbage disposal appeared in an Orange County courtroom Wednesday.
In her first court appearance, Catherine Kieu Becker mumbled her response to the judge when asked if she understood she was due back in court for arraignment on July 22.
An initial police investigation alleges that Becker put a drug or poison in her husband's dinner Monday evening to make him sleepy.
"The victim went to lie down and he woke up tied to the bed with his wife tugging his clothes off," police said. "The suspect grabbed the victim's penis and cut it off."
Becker, 48, is charged with felony counts of torture and aggravated mayhem in the attack.
"The charges we have filed are some the most serious charges we could file short of someone being dead," said Susan Kang Schroeder with the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Becker also could face additional charges.
"We're looking at toxicology reports," Schroeder told CNN affiliate KTLA. "They have not come in yet and we don't have the evidence at this point to charge her with the poisoning."
Becker is being held in the Orange County Jail.
Becker told police he "deserved it" when they arrived at the scene after she called 911, the police report said. The couple is going through a divorce.
Her husband underwent emergency surgery at the UCI Medical Center, police said.
In her first court appearance, Catherine Kieu Becker mumbled her response to the judge when asked if she understood she was due back in court for arraignment on July 22.
An initial police investigation alleges that Becker put a drug or poison in her husband's dinner Monday evening to make him sleepy.
"The victim went to lie down and he woke up tied to the bed with his wife tugging his clothes off," police said. "The suspect grabbed the victim's penis and cut it off."
Becker, 48, is charged with felony counts of torture and aggravated mayhem in the attack.
"The charges we have filed are some the most serious charges we could file short of someone being dead," said Susan Kang Schroeder with the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Becker also could face additional charges.
"We're looking at toxicology reports," Schroeder told CNN affiliate KTLA. "They have not come in yet and we don't have the evidence at this point to charge her with the poisoning."
Becker is being held in the Orange County Jail.
Becker told police he "deserved it" when they arrived at the scene after she called 911, the police report said. The couple is going through a divorce.
Her husband underwent emergency surgery at the UCI Medical Center, police said.
Judges considering whether Assange should be extradited
London (CNN) -- Arguments over whether WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden to face questioning on sexual misconduct allegations wrapped up Wednesday with no immediate answer.
Lord Justice Thomas and Justice Ouseley, the two appeals court judges who will make the decision, said they will consider both sides.
They set no date for a decision and did not change the terms of Assange's bail. He remains under house arrest.
Outside the court, supporters of Assange and Wikileaks held banners reading "Free Assange" and "Free Manning," a reference to U.S. Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who is suspected of leaking classified information to WikiLeaks and is being held by the military pending a trial. The signs also said "Free Speech."
The case is not related to the work of Assange's website, which facilitates the publication of secret information. It made headlines last year for leaking documents and videos related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and thousands of U.S. diplomatic cables.
Assange's attorneys asked the appeals court to block his extradition to Sweden from the United Kingdom to face questioning on sexual misconduct allegations.
Lawyers for Assange told the court Tuesday that the European arrest warrant on which their client is being held was not a "fair and accurate description" of the facts of the case.
If the case had been accurately described, his lawyers said, the judges would see that the allegations did not constitute a crime under UK law.
Assange fought the case in London's High Court after a judge at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court ruled in February that the WikiLeaks head should be extradited.
At a news conference after the magistrate judge's extradition ruling on February 24, Assange lashed out at the decision to send him to Sweden.
He said to thrust someone into a foreign land where someone does not speak the language or understand the judicial system "is a very grave matter."
Assange has not been charged with a crime, but Swedish prosecutors want to question him in connection with sexual misconduct allegations related to separate incidents in August.
Assange denies the accusations, saying they are an attempt to smear him. His attorneys are fighting his extradition on procedural and human-rights grounds.
Judge Howard Riddell, however, dismissed almost all the arguments made by the defense when he made his decision in February. He ruled that the allegations against Assange are extraditable offenses.
Riddell rejected Assange's lawyers' argument that Swedish prosecutors did not have the authority to issue a European arrest warrant. He ruled that the warrant was valid.
Riddell also tossed out claims that Assange would not be able to obtain a fair trial in Sweden or that Swedish prosecutors had not made any effort to promptly interview Assange before he left Sweden last year.
"In fact this is untrue," the judge said in the ruling. He said Assange's Swedish lawyer had made a "deliberate attempt to mislead the court" and that it was Assange who had avoided interrogation before he left Sweden.
"It would be a reasonable assumption from the facts that Mr. Assange was deliberately avoiding interrogation before he left Sweden," Riddell wrote.
Assange's lawyers have raised the possibility that Sweden would hand him over to the United States if Britain extradites him to Sweden.
The prosecutor representing Sweden has dismissed that claim.
Lord Justice Thomas and Justice Ouseley, the two appeals court judges who will make the decision, said they will consider both sides.
They set no date for a decision and did not change the terms of Assange's bail. He remains under house arrest.
Outside the court, supporters of Assange and Wikileaks held banners reading "Free Assange" and "Free Manning," a reference to U.S. Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who is suspected of leaking classified information to WikiLeaks and is being held by the military pending a trial. The signs also said "Free Speech."
The case is not related to the work of Assange's website, which facilitates the publication of secret information. It made headlines last year for leaking documents and videos related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and thousands of U.S. diplomatic cables.
Assange's attorneys asked the appeals court to block his extradition to Sweden from the United Kingdom to face questioning on sexual misconduct allegations.
Lawyers for Assange told the court Tuesday that the European arrest warrant on which their client is being held was not a "fair and accurate description" of the facts of the case.
If the case had been accurately described, his lawyers said, the judges would see that the allegations did not constitute a crime under UK law.
Assange fought the case in London's High Court after a judge at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court ruled in February that the WikiLeaks head should be extradited.
At a news conference after the magistrate judge's extradition ruling on February 24, Assange lashed out at the decision to send him to Sweden.
He said to thrust someone into a foreign land where someone does not speak the language or understand the judicial system "is a very grave matter."
Assange has not been charged with a crime, but Swedish prosecutors want to question him in connection with sexual misconduct allegations related to separate incidents in August.
Assange denies the accusations, saying they are an attempt to smear him. His attorneys are fighting his extradition on procedural and human-rights grounds.
Judge Howard Riddell, however, dismissed almost all the arguments made by the defense when he made his decision in February. He ruled that the allegations against Assange are extraditable offenses.
Riddell rejected Assange's lawyers' argument that Swedish prosecutors did not have the authority to issue a European arrest warrant. He ruled that the warrant was valid.
Riddell also tossed out claims that Assange would not be able to obtain a fair trial in Sweden or that Swedish prosecutors had not made any effort to promptly interview Assange before he left Sweden last year.
"In fact this is untrue," the judge said in the ruling. He said Assange's Swedish lawyer had made a "deliberate attempt to mislead the court" and that it was Assange who had avoided interrogation before he left Sweden.
"It would be a reasonable assumption from the facts that Mr. Assange was deliberately avoiding interrogation before he left Sweden," Riddell wrote.
Assange's lawyers have raised the possibility that Sweden would hand him over to the United States if Britain extradites him to Sweden.
The prosecutor representing Sweden has dismissed that claim.
