Ja zu milliardenschwerem Sparprogramm: Abstimmung im griechischen Parlament – Schwere Krawalle in Athen
NZZ ONLINE: Unmittelbar vor einem Krisentreffen in Berlin mit dem griechischen Regierungschef Papandreou hat das Parlament in Athen das milliardenschwere Sparpaket gebilligt. Bei einer Protestkundgebung vor dem Parlamentsgebäude kam es zu schweren Zusammenstössen.

Nach den Krawallen vor dem Parlament sprachen Beobachter vom heftigsten Ausbruch der Gewalt in Griechenland seit den Jugendunruhen von 2008. Damit gerät die griechische Regierung nicht nur finanziell, sondern auch innenpolitisch unter wachsenden Druck. Massiver Druck der EU >>> ddp | Freitag, 05. März 2010

Treffen mit Papandreou: Merkel droht den Griechenland-Spekulanten
WELT ONLINE: Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) will Spekulanten das Handwerk legen, die mit den Problemen Griechenlands Geld verdienen. Nach einem Treffen mit dem griechischen Premier Giorgos Papandreou lobt Merkel dessen Sparprogramm. Als erste Hilfe für den verschuldeten Staat gibt es eine neue Kommission.

Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) hat das Milliarden-Sparprogramm der griechischen Regierung als außerordentlich wichtigen Schritt begrüßt. Zugleich kündigte sie schärfere Maßnahmen gegen Spekulanten an den Märkten an.

Man habe mit Freude zur Kenntnis genommen worden, dass die griechische Regierung und das Parlament in Athen weiterführende Maßnahmen beschlossen hätten, sagte Merkel nach einem Gespräch mit dem griechischen Premierminister Giorgos Papandreou in Berlin. Dies sei ein wichtiger Schritt.

Merkel sprach sich für Maßnahmen gegen Spekulanten aus, die von der Krise in Griechenland profitieren. „Wir müssen es schaffen, den Spekulanten das Handwerk zu legen“, sagte die Bundeskanzlerin. Dies sei ein schwieriger Prozess. „Die Politik hat aber das Primat.“ >>> dpa/Reuters/oht | Freitag, 05. März 2010

David Miliband Tells EU’s Foreign Chief How to Do Job He Rejected
TIMES ONLINE: The storm over Baroness Ashton of Upholland’s faltering start as Europe’s top diplomat intensified yesterday when she was sent a letter on how to do her job — from David Miliband, the man whom many favoured for the post.

Lady Ashton, who was plucked from relative obscurity to represent the EU, was warned by the Foreign Secretary that she risked losing a Brussels power struggle over the scope of her empire.

Mr Miliband, adopting a lecturing tone, expressed concern over infighting between European institutions, warned that the Commission may try to take control of large parts of the fledgeling foreign service and urged her to expand EU missions in capitals such as Delhi, Islamabad, Beijing and Brasilia. >>> David Charter, Brussels | Friday, March 05, 2010

Scene from 'The Stoning of Soraya M.'

Carla Bruni and the Soutien-gorge She Left in Her Boudoir
Leave your abayah, burqah, chador, veil, dear musulmanes françaises at home! Carla gets away with leaving her bra at home for a State banquet in the palace, the Élysée Palace, that is. If God will forgive her for being bra-less, I’m sure He’ll forgive you for being veil-less! – © Mark


TIMES ONLINE: Should Carla Bruni have worn a bra? : France’s First Lady has divided opinion by hosting a state dinner wearing a tight Roland Mouret dress and no underwire [spelling deliberate, I assume] >>> | Friday, March 05, 2010

A Bitter Century: Istanbul's Yearning

A Bitter Century: Turkish Town Has Big Dreams
A younger generation in Tuzluca, Turkey wants to bridge the historical divide between Turks and Armenians. But as WSJ's Andy Jordan discovers, potentially opening the town's salt mine to Armenian workers is merely salt in the wounds of the past.

Warning! Some Images Are Very Graphic: A Bitter Century: Armenian Survivor

Ahmet Davutoglu, the Foreign Minister of Turkey. Photo: The Wall Street Journal
Genocide Vote Riles Turkey: Ankara Recalls Ambassador After U.S. Panel Condemns 1915 Slaughter of Armenians
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: A U.S. congressional committee approved a resolution condemning the 1915 slaughter of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, rejecting a last-minute Obama administration effort to derail it and putting a chill on relations with Turkey.

The House panel's resolution, approved on a 23-22 vote, faces an uncertain future in Congress. But it nonetheless could damage U.S. relations with Turkey, a vital ally in the Middle East and Central Asia. Within minutes of the vote, Ankara said it was recalling its ambassador from Washington for consultations. Turkey took the same step in 2007, when the committee passed a similar resolution.

Thursday's vote also raised concerns for big U.S. defense firms including Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., Raytheon Co., United Technologies Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. Turkey is involved in several weapons projects with such companies, including helicopters, missiles and the F-35 fighter jet, and the companies are worried about losing business.

The vote was carried live on most Turkish television and radio news channels and was seen as a significant blow to Turkey's already limping attempt at rapprochement with Armenia.

Armenians say as many as 1.5 million ethnic Armenians were killed in 1915 during the dying days of the Ottoman Empire in what they consider a precursor to the Jewish holocaust. Many historians agree that the executions and mass deportations into deserts amounted to genocide. Turkey argues the death toll was lower, and many Turks contend the deaths were a result of civil war stirred up by World War I opponents such as Russia, and included atrocities on both sides. >>> John D. McKinnon and Marc Champion | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Related:

US Labels Turkish Killing 'Genocide' >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Genocide Vote Riles Turkey: Ankara Recalls Ambassador After U.S. Panel Condemns 1915 Slaughter of Armenians
View interactive >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

WSJ Exclusive: Interview With Turkish PM Erdogan (Historic)

Six Million Muslims Leave Islam Every Year


Here is the transcript in Arabic (العربية) and here it is in English.

Son of Hamas Leader: Hamas Atrocities Led Me to Convert

The Terrible Truth About Hamas

Geert Wilders to Show Anti-Koran Film in Lords
Geert Wilders celebrates the outcome of the municipal elections in Almere. Photograph: Times Online
TIMES ONLINE: The Dutch anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders arrives in Britain today on the crest of an electoral triumph that could mean him entering government in a matter of months.

Mr Wilders’s Freedom Party made big gains in Dutch local elections this week, widely regarded as a dress rehearsal for the national poll on June 9.

He has been invited to the House of Lords by Lord Pearson of Rannoch, the UKIP leader, to show his controversial film Fitna. This has already provoked widespread anger for its crude juxtaposition of extremist atrocities, such as beheadings and the 9/11 attacks, with verses from the Koran.

The Freedom Party, founded by Mr Wilders in 2005, won in the town of Almere, near Amsterdam, and came second in The Hague, the only two places in which it fielded a candidate out of 394 cities and towns, aiming for maximum impact with minimum campaigning.

Opinion polls show Mr Wilders vying for the national lead with the Christian Democrats, whose coalition Government collapsed last month after the Labour Party walked out in a row over keeping Dutch troops in Afghanistan. >>> David Charter, Europe Correspondent | Friday, March 05, 2010


Fitna the Movie Geert Wilders' film (English)
Uploaded by groepwilders. - Up-to-the minute news videos.

This Is a MUST Read/Watch/Listen! ’Son of Hamas’ Who Spied for Israel
BBC: For Mosab Hassan Yousef, everything begins and ends with God.

The startling journey of the eldest son of a Hamas leader, a Christian convert, and former Israeli spy, has shocked, angered, and intrigued.

We meet in New York on the day his new book, Son of Hamas, is published in the country he fled to a few years ago.

Before we start our interview, a burly man in his entourage asks his own question.

I take him for a bodyguard, possibly an Israeli. "Could we say our prayers first?" he asks our BBC team.

And then, they bow their heads in Christian prayer asking for God's blessing.

Green Prince

Mosab Hassan Yousef repeatedly makes it clear in our wide-ranging interview that he now sees himself walking in the path of Jesus Christ, whom devout Christians regard as the son of God.

He says he is also suffering for his beliefs, "carrying the cross," as Jesus did, as told in the Bible.

The man whose Israeli code name became the Green Prince admits how he has gone from being "a prince in my country to the lowest possible level, of being a traitor".

But he is still a man on a mission: "I want my people to understand I am not doing what they want, but what they need."

His book tells the story of a young man raised in a strict Muslim family in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, in the folds of the Hamas movement.

But he lands in an Israeli prison before he is 20, experiences Israeli torture, but also witnesses torture by Hamas inmates against other Palestinians.

A young Palestinian's rage against Israeli occupation is soon matched by growing hatred of what he sees as the corruption of the Palestinian Authority, the violent ideology of Hamas and finally the precepts of his own Islamic faith.

His mood is still surprisingly upbeat.

"I am more optimistic than at any time in the past, and hopeful about the future. I am sure I will help my people as I helped them in the past, even though they didn't appreciate it."

But he expressed hope that one day they would, even if it was not in his own lifetime. Read on (with video and audio) >>> Lyse Doucet, BBC News, New York | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Mosab Hassan Yousef on Facebook >>>

Vatican Chorister and Usher in Gay Prostitution Scandal
THE TELEGRAPH: One of Pope Benedict's ceremonial ushers and a member of an elite choir in St Peter's Basilica have been implicated in a gay prostitution ring, in the latest sexual scandal to taint the Vatican.

Ghinedu Ehiem, a Nigerian, was dismissed by the Vatican from a prestigious choir after his name appeared in transcripts of police wiretaps.

In the wiretaps, Mr Eheim is allegedly heard negotiating over the procurement of male prostitutes.

The wiretaps were carried out in connection with a probe into corruption in contracts to build public works, including the planned venue in Sardinia of last year's G8 summit.

Among four people arrested last month in the corruption probe was Angelo Balducci, an engineer who is a board member of Italy's public works department and a construction consultant to the Vatican.

Balducci is also a member of an elite group called "Gentlemen of His Holiness" – ushers who are called to serve in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on major occasions such as when the pope receives heads of state or presides at big events.

Balducci was arrested on corruption charges and the allegations of prostitution emerged only later.

Excerpts of the wiretaps and police documents published in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica showed that Ehiem, 40, had been in regular contact with Balducci before Balducci's arrest last month and the subject of their conversation was gay sex. >>> | Friday, March 05, 2010

The Opportunity Geert Wilders Has Waited For
BBC: A party that calls Islam a backward religion, wants a ban on headscarves in public life and has compared the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf has made major gains in local elections in the Netherlands.

Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) has become the biggest party in the medium-sized city of Almere, and the second biggest in the political capital of the Netherlands, The Hague.

Mr Wilders was visibly buoyed by the results, but was also combative in his reaction, and called the results the first step in the upcoming campaign for parliamentary elections.

"The national campaign begins today. Today, in Almere and The Hague, tomorrow in all of the Netherlands… On 9 June, we'll conquer the Netherlands," he said.

The question remains whether the party will be able to join local government in those two cities. Dutch politics features a plethora of parties, and compromise is necessary to form coalitions.

Geert Wilders has said his party is ready to find the middle ground, but now he will be tested. Other Dutch parties are loath to work together with the PVV because of its outspoken standpoints. >>> John Tyler, Radio Netherlands Worldwide | Thursday, March 04, 2010

How to Handle Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

Libya Says Jihad Against Switzerland 'Not an Armed Struggle'
THE TELEGRAPH: Libya said its leader Colonel Gaddafi's call for "jihad" against Switzerland was not a reference to armed struggle.

Ali Aujali, Libya's ambassador to the United States, said: "It is a call for (an) economic and commercial boycott against Switzerland, this is true, but it doesn't mean by any means that it is an armed struggle."

On Feb 25, Col Gaddafi called for a "jihad" against Switzerland, branding it an infidel state that was destroying mosques – an apparent reference to a Swiss referendum in favour of banning the construction of minarets.

But Mr Aujali said that Tripoli still expects an apology for US criticism of his remarks.

Asked about the Libyan leader's "jihad" comment, State Department spokesman P J Crowley last month responded dismissively and drew a parallel to Col Gaddafi's one hour and 35 minute address to the United Nations last year.

"It just brought me back to a day in September, one of the more memorable sessions of the UN General Assembly that I can recall – lots of words and lots of papers flying all over the place, not necessarily a lot of sense," Mr Crowley said.

Mr Crowley has since said his comment was not meant as a personal attack but has refused to apologise outright, a stance that did not satisfy Libya. >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

US Labels Turkish Killing 'Genocide'
THE TELEGRAPH: Turkey has recalled their ambassador to Washington after a US congress panel voted to label the World War One-era killing of Armenians as genocide.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Photograph: The Telegraph
Prime Minister Recep Erdogan said he was seriously concerned that the resolution would harm ties between the US and Turkey, and the ambassador was being recalled for consultations.

The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee voted to label as "genocide" the massacre of Armenians by Turkish forces, despite pressure from the Obama administration and Turkey to drop the matter.

But it was unclear whether the measure will get a floor vote.
It calls on President Barack Obama to ensure US policy formally refers to the massacre as genocide, putting him in a tight spot.

On the one side is Nato ally Turkey, which rejects calling the events genocide.

On the other side is an important US Armenian-American constituency and their backers in Congress ahead of congressional elections in November.

Turkey had warned its ties with the United States would be damaged and Ankara's efforts to normalise relations with Armenia could be harmed if the resolution were approved.

"We highly appreciate the decision," Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said.

"This is further proof of the devotion of the American people to universal human values and is an important step towards the prevention of crimes against humanity." >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Déficit public : Les syndicats grecs se mobilisent
LE TEMPS: Les syndicats se mobilisaient jeudi contre le plan d’économies de 4,8 milliards d’euros décidé par la Grèce pour mettre fin à sa dérive budgétaire qui a placé la population en état de choc et alimente des craintes de récession prolongée

L’annonce des mesures décidées par le gouvernement socialiste a été reçue comme «un choc», «un électrochoc» par l’ensemble de la société, «c’est la fin d’une époque», a affirmé jeudi la presse grecque. Les partis, les syndicats du public et du privé fourbissaient leurs armes pour réagir.

Le Front de lutte syndicale (PAME), proche des communistes, a ouvert la danse des protestations. Il a organisé dès mercredi soir plusieurs manifestations dans le pays, appelé ses membres à une grève vendredi et préparait de grands rassemblements dans une soixantaine de villes du pays, jeudi soir. Dans la matinée, ses militants ont bloqué l’entrée du ministère des Finances, scandant des slogans contre «les mesures anti-populaires». Ils ont déployé une immense banderole sur la façade du ministère, face au Parlement, appelant les Grecs à réagir pour que «les mesures ne passent pas». >>> AFP | Jeudi 04 Mars 2010

Außenminister Westerwelle: König Guido und sein Schloss
SUEDDEUTSCHE.de: Die Macht der Pracht: Außenminister Guido Westerwelle lädt Prominente gern in die Villa Borsig ein - bezahlt wird aus der Ministerschatulle. Die Opposition ist irritiert.

Als Außenminister Guido Westerwelle seinen Kollegen Sergej Lawrow jüngst nach Tegel bestellte, wunderte sich der Russe. Die Adresse ließ einen schmucklosen Treffpunkt in der Nähe des Berliner Flughafens befürchten. An Ort und Stelle zerstreuten sich die Sorgen. Westerwelle lud seinen Moskauer Gast zu Tisch in die Villa Borsig, ein neobarockes Schloss mit herrlichem Blick auf den Tegeler See. >>> Von D. Brössler | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

Libyer boykottieren die Schweiz: Gaddafi ist beleidigt
SUEDDEUTSCHE.de: Der libysche Staatschef ist beleidigt und verhängt ein Wirtschaftsembargo gegen die Schweiz. Diplomaten hatten sich über Gaddafis Aufruf zum Heiligen Krieg gegen die Schweiz lustig gemacht.

Der libysche Staatschef Muammar al-Gaddafi ist beleidigt, weil sich Diplomaten über seinen Aufruf zum Heiligen Krieg gegen die Schweiz lustig machen. Vom US-Außenministerium fordert er nun eine Entschuldigung, weil sich Außenamts-Sprecher Philip Crowley ironisch über seine kämpferischen Reden geäußert hatte. Das libysche Allgemeine Volkskomitee für auswärtige Beziehungen bestellte am Mittwoch die Geschäftsträgerin der US-Botschaft in Tripolis ein, um gegen die Äußerung Crowleys zu protestieren.

Sollte sich das Ministerium weigern, sich bei Gaddafi "offiziell zu entschuldigen", werde dies negative Folgen für die Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Staaten haben, erklärten die Libyer nach Angaben der staatlichen Nachrichtenagentur JANA. Gleichzeitig betonte das Volkskomitee, Oberst Gaddafi habe sich seinerseits stets respektvoll über US-Präsident Barack Obama geäußert. >>> dpa/segi | Mittwoch, 03. März 2010

Muammar Gaddafi ruft zum „Heiligen Krieg” gegen die Schweiz auf

Schweizer Armee trainiert für Einsatz in Libyen / Swiss Army Trains for Duty in Libya / Swiss Army formés pour une utilisation en Libye

Iran : Khamenei appelle à l'unité islamique contre la "tumeur cancéreuse Israël"
LE POINT: Le guide suprême iranien, l'ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a appelé à l'unité des pays islamiques contre Israël qu'il a qualifié de "tumeur cancéreuse", a rapporté jeudi la télévision d'État.

"Les gouvernements islamiques doivent défendre l'unité des musulmans et leurs droits, en particulier contre la tumeur cancéreuse Israël et ceux qui soutiennent" l'État hébreu, a déclaré le numéro un iranien dans un discours devant les hauts responsables iraniens à l'occasion de l'anniversaire de la naissance du prophète Mahomet. Il a ajouté que "malheureusement l'unité du monde islamique est affectée par les complots américains et britanniques qui veulent créer des divisions entre chiites et sunnites". >>> AFP | Jeudi 04 Mars 2010

Gay Marriage Law Comes into Effect in Mexico City
BBC: A law allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry comes into effect on Thursday in Mexico City.

The law, which was passed by the city's local assembly in December, gives gay people full marital rights, including the right to adopt.

Several gay couples are now expected to register to get married as early as next week.

Mexico City is one of the first capitals in Latin America to fully recognise gay marriages.

Judith Vazquez and partner Lol-kin Castaneda hope to become one of the first couples to marry under the new law.

"It's the end of our fight and the beginning of life in freedom in Mexico City," Ms Vazquez told the BBC.

"This is a great, historic moment for the whole of society in Mexico City," added Ms Castaneda. >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Slowakei macht "Heimatliebe" zur gesetzlichen Pflicht
DIE PRESSE: Das "Gesetz zur Unterstützung der Heimatliebe" soll den slowakischen Patriotismus fördern. Politische Sitzungen und nationale Sportveranstaltungen müssen etwa künftig mit der Hymne beginnen.

Die Slowakei hat "Heimatliebe" zur gesetzlich vorgeschriebenen Pflicht gemacht. Das "Gesetz zur Unterstützung der Heimatliebe" soll in der Bevölkerung Patriotismus und Identifikation mit dem eigenen Staat fördern. Dennoch stieß das vom Parlament verabschiedete Gesetz am Mittwoch auf Kritik von Medien und Opposition. 



Das Gesetz, das am 1. April in Kraft tritt, schreibt vor, dass künftig alle Sitzungen von Parlamenten und Regierungen vom nationalen Abgeordnetenhaus bis hin zu kleinsten Gemeindevertretungen und sogar öffentlichen Bürgerversammlungen mit dem Absingen der Nationalhymne beginnen sollen. Auch alle von nationalen Verbänden organisierten Sportveranstaltungen müssen mit der Hymne beginnen. >>> APA | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

North Korean Man Executed for Calling a Friend in South Korea on Mobile Phone
MAIL ONLINE: A North Korean man has been executed by firing squad for calling a friend in South Korea on his mobile phone.

The brutal communist regime, which is technically at war with South Korea, has warned its 24 million population that any contact with the nation south of its borders is a crime punishable by life in prison or death.

News of those who have been caught and punished for making contact with the south rarely leaks out - because anyone disclosing information about punishment also risks imprisonment.

But a radio station in Seoul, South Korea, said it had learned that a man identified only as Jung has been executed after security officials raided his home and found a Chinese-manufactured mobile phone.

He was taken away and subjected to extreme torture, when he confessed that he had told a defector friend in South Korea about the harsh living conditions in the communist state.

He revealed that he had given his friend details of how people were struggling to live and had also passed on information about the price of rice. >>> Richard Shears | Thursday, March 04, 2010

KRONE.at: Ein nordkoreanischer Fabrikarbeiter ist nach Informationen eines südkoreanischen Radiosenders öffentlich hingerichtet worden, weil er mit seinem Handy Informationen ins Ausland weitergegeben haben soll. Dem Mann sei vorgeworfen worden, den Preis für Reis und andere Informationen über die Lebensbedingungen an einen Freund verraten zu haben, der vor Jahren nach Südkorea geflohen sei, berichtete das "Offene Radio für Nordkorea" am Donnerstag. Reis-Preise verraten: Nordkorea richtet telefonierenden "Verräter" hin >>> | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

Geert Wilders, the next Dutch prime minister? Photograph: NRC Handelsblad International
Geert Wilders Is Major Winner in Dutch Polls
NRC HANDELSBLAD INTERNATIONAL: Dutch anti-Islam leader Geert Wilders scored major gains in local elections on Wednesday, making him a serious challenger for power in the June national election, preliminary results showed.

In the first test of public opinion since the collapse of prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende's coalition government last month, Wilders's populist Party for Freedom (PVV) led in the city of Almere and was second in The Hague, the only two municipalities where Wilders chose to compete.

The fall of the Dutch cabinet and the upcoming campaign for parliamentary elections overshadowed Wednesday's municipal elections. The actual results for the nearly 400 municipal councils hardly seemed to matter. All interest was focused on the implications for the upcoming parliamentary race.

If voters had elected a new parliament on Wednesday, the PVV would have won between 24 and 27 seats in the 150 seat parliament. In one poll, it would be the largest single party.

That would make it tough for Balkenende's Christian democratic CDA to forge a strong coalition without Wilders. Months of talks between parties, and the resulting policy vacuum, could threaten a fragile economic recovery and cast doubt on the scope of planned budget cuts. Dutch coalition governments are usually made up of two or three parties, but polls show the next coalition will likely need four or more parties to reach a majority in parliament.

The popularity of Wilders, who compares Islam to fascism and the Koran to Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf, has dented the image of the Netherlands as a country that has often portrayed itself in the past as a bastion of tolerance.

"The leftist elite still believes in multi-culturalism, coddling criminals, a European super-state and high taxes," Wilders told cheering supporters at a rally in Almere after polling ended on Wednesday. "But the rest of the Netherlands thinks differently. That silent majority now has a voice." >>> ANP, NRC, Reuters | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Major Victory for Geert Wilders in European Elections

Dette de la Grèce: et si elle vendait ses îles?
Quelle folie! – Mark
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: PROPOSITION | Des députés allemands ont appelé la Grèce à vendre des îles pour aider à financer sa dette.

Photo: Tribune de Genève
Le quotidien populaire allemand Bild révèle cette information jeudi, qu'il résume l’idée en ces termes: "On vous donne du fric, vous nous donnez Corfou".

"L’Etat grec doit renoncer à sa participation dans des sociétés, et vendre des propriétés foncières, comme par exemple des îles inhabitées", a affirmé au journal le député libéral Frank Schäffler, du parti FDP au pouvoir. >>> AFP | Jeudi 04 Mars 2010

Greece Should Sell Islands to Keep Bankruptcy at Bay, Say German MPs
What a stupid idea! Really dumb! – Mark
THE GUARDIAN: Fire sale of Greek islands, Acropolis and Parthenon suggested / Greek public reacts with outrage and boycotts German goods

Josef Schlarmann told Bild newspaper that Greece should consider selling its uninhabited islands for debt redemption. Photograph: The Guardian
Greece must consider a fire sale of land, historic buildings and art works to cut its debts, two rightwing German politicians said today in a newspaper interview that is bound to exacerbate tensions between Athens and Berlin.

Alongside austerity measures such as cuts to public sector pay and a freeze on state pensions, why not sell a few uninhabited islands or ancient artefacts, asked Josef Schlarmann, a senior member of Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, and Frank Schaeffler, a finance policy expert in the Free Democrats.

The Acropolis and the Parthenon could also fall under the hammer, along with temptingly idyllic Aegean islands still under state ownership, in a rush to keep bankruptcy at bay.

"Those in insolvency have to sell everything they have to pay their creditors," Schlarmann told Bild newspaper. "Greece owns buildings, companies and uninhabited islands, which could all be used for debt redemption." >>> Phillip Inman and Helena Smith | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Verkauft doch eure Inseln, ihr Pleite-Griechen ... UND DIE AKROPOLIS GLEICH MIT!
Welch eine Dummheit! – Mark
BILD.de: Jetzt machen die Griechen ernst, um ihr Land vor dem Bankrott zu retten, ohne auf EU-Hilfe angewiesen zu sein!

Gestern beschloss die Regierung in Athen: Die Mehrwertsteuer rauf (von 19 auf 21%), Alkohol, Luxusgüter und Tabak teurer, die Bezüge von Staatsdienern, Rentnern, Studenten gekürzt.

4,8 Mrd. Euro soll das Sparprogramm bringen – aber bei Staatsschulden von mehr als 300 Mrd. Euro ist das nicht mal ein Tropfen auf den heißen Stein ...

Was kann die Griechen dann noch retten?

Auch wenn es vielleicht verrückt klingt: Wenn wir den Griechen doch noch mit Milliarden Euro aushelfen müssen, sollten sie dafür auch etwas hergeben – z. B. ein paar ihrer wunderschönen Inseln. Motto: Ihr kriegt Kohle. Wir kriegen Korfu.

Tatsächlich ist es der größte Schatz der Griechen: 3054 Inseln, nur 87 davon bewohnt.

Und einen Markt gibt es! Derzeit bietet z. B. das Hamburger Maklerbüro Vladi Private Islands eine unbewohnte griechische Insel an – Verhandlungsbasis: 45 Mio. Euro.

Ob die Kanzlerin morgen mit ihrem Amtskollegen Papandreou bei dessen Berlin-Besuch die Insel-Frage anschneidet ...?

Der Koalitionspartner rät dazu. FDP-Finanzexperte Frank Schäffler zu BILD: „Die Kanzlerin darf keinen Rechtsbruch begehen, darf Griechenland keine Hilfen versprechen. Der griechische Staat muss sich radikal von Beteiligungen an Firmen trennen und auch Grundbesitz, z. B. unbewohnte Inseln, verkaufen.“

CDU-Mittelstandschef Josef Schlarmann: „Ein Bankrotteur muss alles, was er hat, zu Geld machen – um seine Gläubiger zu bedienen. Griechenland besitzt Gebäude, Firmen und unbewohnte Inseln, die für die Schuldentilgung eingesetzt werden können.“ >>> jan/pro/rok | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

Congratulations Geert! Dutch Anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders Makes Strong Showing in Local Polls
THE TELEGRAPH: Geert Wilders, the radical anti-Muslim Dutch politician, was celebrating a symbolic breakthrough on Thursday as his party won control of its first municipality in a show of strength ahead of June's general election.

Geert Wilders. Photograph: The Telegraph
Mr Wilders's far-Right Party for Freedom (PVV) made a strong showing in local polls held Wednesday, while the traditionally strong Christian Democratic (CDA) and Labour (PvdA) parties lost support, early results showed.

The PVV came first and second in the only two of 394 municipalities it contested.

It was the strongest party with 21.6 per cent of the vote in Almere, a city of 187,000 people near the capital Amsterdam previously won by the PvdA, and came second in the seat of government, The Hague - the Netherlands' third largest city with 442,000 residents.

"What is possible in The Hague and Almere is possible all over the country," said Mr Wilders, who is awaiting a hate speech trial for calling Islam a fascist religion and likening the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf. >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

German Islamist Fanatics Jailed for Planning '2nd September 11'
THE TELEGRAPH: Four Muslim fanatics who planned "bloodbaths" at US targets in Germany in an attempt to create a "second September 11" have been jailed.

(clockwise from top left) Daniel Schneider, Fritz Gelowicz, Adem Yilmaz and Atilla Selek. Photographs: The Telegraph
Fritz Gelowicz, the ring leader, got 12 years, his German sidekick Daniel Schneider - both converts to Islam - 11 years while two accomplices were sentenced to five years each for their roles in a plot to detonate explosives 100 times more powerful than those used in the London Underground bombings of July 2005.

The four men, known as the "Sauerland Cell" after the tourist region where they stockpiled massive amounts of chemicals for the bombs, were jailed at the end of a nine-month trial.

In a rare move, prosecutors allowed them to plea-bargain their guilt in return for what the defendants hoped would be far shorter sentences.

In closing speeches top prosecutor Volker Brinkmann said the gang "had planned a mass murder unrivalled in Germany. They acted out of blind hatred for American soldiers," he said.

"It is terrible to think they enjoyed the concept of terror attacks that would have killed at least 150 soldiers as well as women and children.

"They appointed themselves masters over life and death." >>> Allan Hall, in Berlin | Thursday, March 04, 2010

TIMES ONLINE: Muslim radicals jailed for up to 12 years for planning Frankfurt terror attack >>> Roger Boyes, Berlin | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Stampede for Free Clothes at Hindu Temple in India Kills At Least 63
TIMES ONLINE: A stampede at a Hindu temple in northern India killed at least 63 people today – mostly women and children – as thousands of devotees rushed to receive free clothes and food.

Local officials said another 44 people were injured in the crush at a temple compound in Kunda, a small town 110 miles (177km) southeast of Lucknow, the capital of the poor northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Thousands of farmers and villagers had gathered at the temple at noon to mark the anniversary of the death of the wife of Kripalu Maharaj, a local religious leader, according to local police.

They appeared to have panicked after the temple’s wooden gate collapsed. >>> Jeremy Page, Delhi | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Schweiz sei «rassistisch»: Arabische Liga stellt sich hinter Libyen
BASLER ZEITUNG: Im Streit zwischen Libyen und der Schweiz erhält Tripolis Unterstützung von 17 Staaten des arabischen Raums.

Da baut sich etwas auf gegen die Schweiz: Staatsführer der arabischen Liga an einem Gipfel vom letzten Jahr. Bild: Basler Zeitung
Die Schweiz habe sich «rassistisch» verhalten, indem sie mehr als 150 ranghohe Libyer zu unerwünschten Personen im Schengen-Raum erklärt habe, heisst es in der gemeinsamen Erklärung. Die Europäische Union solle die von der Schweiz angefertigte Liste zurückweisen. Minister von 17 der insgesamt 22 Mitgliedstaaten der Arabischen Liga hätten das Dokument unterzeichnet, berichtete die italienische Nachrichtenagentur Ansa am Donnerstag.

Erst gestern hatte Libyens Staatsführer Muamar al-Ghadhafi ein Wirtschaftsembargo gegen die Schweiz verhängt. Er begründete den Schritt mit der diplomatischen Krise zwischen den beiden Staaten. Libyen werde Medikamente, medizinische Geräte und Industriegeräte, die das Land bisher aus der Schweiz bezogen habe, aus anderen Ländern importieren, hielt Baayou weiter fest. Zum heiligen Krieg aufgerufen >>> cpm/sda | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

Wer bleiben will, muss eine Landessprache büffeln
BASLER ZEITUNG: Der Nationalrat will, dass Kenntnisse einer Landessprache zur Voraussetzung für eine Niederlassungsbewilligung werden.

Integration fängt mit dem Lernen der Landessprache an. Bild: Basler Zeitung
«Nur wer einer Landessprache mächtig ist, kann sich auch integrieren und zu einem friedlichen Zusammenleben der Kulturen etwas beitragen», sagt Nationalrat Lukas Reimann. Daraus folgert der SVP-Mann: «Wer keine ausreichenden Sprachkenntnisse hat, darf in der Schweiz auch keine Niederlassungsbewilligung erhalten.» >>> Von Pascal Schwendener | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

Die traditionelle Familie ist ein Auslaufmodell: Immer mehr Mütter sind erwerbstätig
NZZ ONLINE: Immer mehr Mütter gehen einer entlöhnten Erwerbsarbeit nach. Dies gilt sowohl für alleinerziehende Mütter wie auch für Frauen in einer Partnerschaft. Die Bereitschaft von Männern, ihr Pensum zu reduzieren, ist noch gering. >>> ubl. | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

Miss Me yet? Is the Last Laugh on Dubya?
MAIL ONLINE: With a big smile, being applauded by friends and supporters George 'Dubya' Bush last night stepped up to receive an award honouring him as a Texan.

'I love Texas, and I love the history of Texas, and I love the stories of Texas,' the rejuvenated former president, 63, said after accepting the History-Making Texan Award.

On receiving hers, his wife, Laura, added: 'I accept this award on behalf of all Texas women, all the cowgirls and all the ones who make history.'

Bush's demeanour, as he enjoys his retirement after two terms of leading the U.S., strongly contrasts with that of 48-year-old Barack Obama who took over from him last year and has appeared tired and haggard in recent weeks.

His health care reforms are bogged down in partisan politics, his national security strategy has come under increasing criticism and there is growing anger over the bailout given to Wall Street as families continue to struggle in the fragile economic climate. Is George 'Dubya' having the last laugh? Bush basks in acclaim of supporters as pressure builds on Obama after Texas vote >>> | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Income Tax
Tax is for the little people >>> | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Heiliger Krieg! Guerre sainte! Holy War! Wirtschaftsembargo gegen die Schweiz ist Anfang des Jihad
TAGES ANZEIGER: Nach versöhnlichen Worten kommt ein neuer Racheakt aus Libyen: Ghadhafi stellt jeglichen Handel mit der Schweiz ein. Wie am Abend bekannt wurde, ist dies für ihn der Anfang des Heiligen Kriegs.

Das Verwirrspiel in der Affäre Gaddafi geht weiter. Nachdem Libyens Aussenminister am Mittwochnachmittag eine Lösung der Krise in Aussicht gestellt hatte, verschärfte sich die Situation am Abend: Libyen verhängte ein totales Wirtschaftsembargo gegen die Schweiz.

Der nordafrikanische Staat begründet den Schritt mit der diplomatischen Krise zwischen den beiden Staaten. Das sagte der Sprecher der libyschen Regierung, Mohamed Baayou, der Nachrichtenagentur AFP.

Ankündigung wahr gemacht

Libyen werde ausserdem Medikamente, medizinische Geräte und Industriegeräte, die das Land bisher aus der Schweiz bezogen habe, aus anderen Ländern importieren, hielt Baayou weiter fest.

Gemäss der libyschen Nachrichtenagentur Jana ist das Embargo eine Antwort auf den Jihad-Aufruf von Staatschef Muammar al-Ghadhfi. Der libysche Staatschef hatte vergangene Woche wegen des Minarett- Verbots zum heiligen Krieg gegen die Schweiz aufgerufen.

Das Eidgenössische Departement für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA) wollte am Mittwochabend keinen Kommentar zur neusten Entwicklung der diplomatischen Krise abgegen. >>> oku/sda | Mittwoch, 03. März 2010

Obama’s Got More Flabbing to Do. This Time Down Under: Obama to Address Federal Parliament
Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: US President Barack Obama will address a joint sitting of Federal Parliament on March 23 when he makes his first presidential visit to Australia.

Leader of the House Anthony Albanese said Mr Obama's speech to the joint sitting would be the only business that day. However, Parliament would sit the previous day.

He said this visit would generate a great deal of interest.

"We will be honoured by his presence in Canberra on that day," he said. >>> AAP | Thursday, March 04, 2010

Clergy Could Be Sued If They Refuse to Carry Out ‘Gay Marriages’, Traditionalists Fear
THE TELEGRAPH: Clergy could be sued if they refuse to carry out “gay marriages” in church, leading figures have warned.

Traditionalist bishops and peers fear that vicars could be taken to court and accused of discrimination if they turn down requests to hold civil partnerships on religious premises.

Their concerns have been raised following a landmark vote by peers that will allow the ceremonies for same-sex couples to be held in places of worship for the first time.

It is also feared that the changes would blur the line further between marriage - which churches say must be between a man and a woman - and civil partnerships.

It comes after a Government drive to outlaw bias against minority groups such as homosexuals in the Equality Bill. >>> Martin Beckford and Heidi Blake | Wednesday, 03. March 2010

Nana Mouskouri - Ta pedia tou Pirea - Los niños del Pireo - Never on Sunday


Nana Mouskouri & Julio Iglesias - Se que volverás


Nana Mouskouri - The Power Of Love


Nana Mouskouri: Ximeroni


Related:

Greek Singer Nana Mouskouri Offers Her Pension to Help End Debt Crisis >>> | Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Aufruf in London: Islamgelehrter geißelt den Terror der Islamisten
WELT ONLINE: Der in Pakistan lehrende Scheich Dr. Muhamad Tahir ul-Qadri spricht eine Fatwa gegen islamistische Selbstmordattentäter und Terroristen aus. Angeregt zu diesem "Rechtsgutachten" wurde ul-Qadri durch die Serie blutiger Anschläge, von denen Pakistan in letzter Zeit heimgesucht worden ist.

Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri ist gebürtiger Pakistani. Die schwierige Lage in seinem Heimatland haben ihn nun zu seinen Äußerungen veranlasst. Foto: Welt Online
Eine der international bekanntesten Autoritäten der Islam-Forschung, der in Pakistan lehrende Scheich Dr. Muhamad Tahir ul-Qadri, hat in London eine Fatwa ausgesprochen gegen Selbstmordattentäter und Terroristen, die ihre Taten mit Hinweis auf den Islam zu rechtfertigen suchen. Basis der Fatwa ist seine 600-Seiten lange, in Urdu verfasste Quellen-Studie, die ul-Qadri, 58, gestern persönlich vorstellte, zusammen mit einer englischsprachigen Zusammenfassung.

„Ich spreche nicht anders als der Prophet“, deklarierte der Gelehrte, „diese Leute werden die Hunde der Hölle sein. Es gibt keinen islamischen Terrorismus – wer Terrorismus propagiert, ist kein Moslem, er stellt sich vielmehr außerhalb der islamischen weltweiten Umma und wird damit ein Ungläubiger.“ >>> Von Thomas Kielinger | Mittwoch, 03. März 2010

Dutch Anti-immigration Party Gains Ground in Vote
ASSOCIATED PRESS: AMSTERDAM — Early returns in Dutch local elections showed an anti-immigrant, anti-Islam party making big gains in a result seen as a possible foreshadowing of national elections in June.

"We're going to take the Netherlands back from the leftist elite, that coddles criminals and supports Islamization," said Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders early Thursday.

Wednesday's voting in 394 cities in theory elects city councils to deal with matters such as parking fees and taxes on dog ownership. But with national elections slated for June 9, Dutch media and politicians are treating the event as a dress rehearsal.

The Freedom Party was leading handily with half the votes counted in the medium-sized city of Almere, around 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Amsterdam.

Voting was conducted with paper and pencil, and full results won't be certified until Friday. >>> Toby Sterling, AP | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Greece Braces For Tough Times

Venezuela, Spain in Tiff: Chavez Thumbs His Nose at Spain

Farage Refuses to Apologise Over 'Damp Rag' Remarks
BBC: UKIP MEP Nigel Farage has been asked to apologise for remarks he made about the President of the European Council.

Mr Farage described Herman van Rompuy, the former Belgian prime minister, as a "damp rag" and "a low-grade bank clerk".

The Parliament is asking for an apology but Mr Farage has said he will not comply. Watch video here >>> | Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Couples Claim Washington's First Gay Marriage Licence
BBC: More than 120 gay couples have received marriage licences in the US capital, Washington DC.

The District of Columbia became the sixth US jurisdiction to allow same-sex unions after the Supreme Court threw out a last-minute legal challenge.

Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont also issue same-sex licences.

Many queued for hours outside Washington's marriage bureau to be among the first to get their licences.

The BBC's Madeleine Morris, in Washington, says that the couples were motivated both by a desire to marry as soon as they could, and a fear that further legal challenges could overturn the decision to allow same-sex marriages. >>> | Thursday, March 04, 2010

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: LOI | Cette loi fait de la capitale fédérale le sixième endroit du pays à autoriser le mariage gay.

Les couples homosexuels peuvent depuis ce mercredi s’inscrire pour se marier à Washington, au lendemain du rejet par la Cour Suprême fédérale d’un appel contre la légalisation du mariage gay dans la capitale américaine. Adoptée en décembre dernier par le conseil de district de Columbia et jugée constitutionnelle mardi, cette loi fait de la capitale fédérale le sixième endroit du pays à autoriser le mariage gay. >>> AP | Mercredi 03 Mars 2010

Guardian Viewpoint: All Eyes On Far-right Geert Wilders as Dutch Go to the Polls
THE GUARDIAN: Anti-Muslim populist hopes to establish Freedom party at local government level for first time as general election looms

Photo: The Guardian
The Dutch went to the polls today to elect local authorities in a ballot seen as a gauge of the national mood and the strength of the far right, 10 days after the government collapsed and three months before national elections.

With almost 400 local authorities being elected, the focus was on only two, the votes in the capital The Hague and the central town of Almere, because of the campaign by the anti-Muslim populist Geert Wilders to establish his Freedom party in local government for the first time.

Wilders, who likens the Qur'an to Hitler's Mein Kampf and wants Muslim immigrants deported, is bidding fair to win the general election in June, with the latest opinion polls giving him 27 of the 150 seats in The Netherlands' highly fragmented political scene.

The maverick rightwinger is expected at the House of Lords on Friday on an invitation from the UK Independence Party for a screening of his incendiary anti-Islamic film, Fitna, after the Home Office barred him from entering Britain last year, a ban that was rescinded.

Today the town halls in The Hague and Almere were under heavy security because of the tension fanned by the Freedom party campaign. In both towns and elsewhere scores of men and women turned up to vote wearing headscarves, in an ironic protest against Wilders's demand for a tax on Muslim headgear and for the wearing of headscarves to be banned in all public buildings.

His Freedom party is running for only two local authorities because of a lack of resources and candidates.

While local elections in Holland are usually a subdued affair focused on issues such as cycle paths and rubbish collection, today's poll was dominated by immigration and Afghanistan. >>> Ian Traynor, Europe editor | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Sing Along with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin

The Split Within: Two Years On Since Kosovo Declared Independence

Barack Obama: I'll Steamroll Health Reforms Through Congress
Here Obama goes again, wagging his finger as though only he could know what is good for American people. Big daddy knows best. So you listen to me, children!

How do the American people put up with this arrogance? Doesn’t Obama realise that he is supposed to be leading a democracy? Obama seems to have so little political experience. The fact that he came to high office as an empty suit is more and more evident with each passing day.

America’s health system does indeed need reforming, but the baby should not be thrown out with the bathwater; rather, the system needs to be controlled better, and it needs a lot of tweaking into shape. But a European healthcare system – a national health care system as there is in Britain or France – probably would not go down well in America. It would probably not sit well with the psyche of the American people, the people living in the ‘land of the free’.

I often wonder whether Obama understands his compatriots very well; he certainly indicates that he is ignorant of their character and ways. In a few words, he doesn’t seem to understand what makes his fellow countrymen tick.

If he rams this legislation through Congress, he will pay a very high price for his folly in future elections. It will ensure that his presidency will be nothing longer than one term. – © Mark

TIMES ONLINE: President Obama declared for the first time today that he is prepared to steamroll his troubled health reform legislation through Congress with only Democratic support, a move Republicans denounced as the “nuclear option”.

Signalling that his patience had now snapped after a year-long fight over health reform, Mr Obama laid the ground for Democrats in Congress to muscle the Bill through using a high-risk legislative maneuvre known as reconciliation, which overrides a Republican filibuster.

Although he did not use the word “reconciliation”, Mr Obama made clear that is the uncompromising route he now intends to take with his top domestic priority. White House aides and top Democrats on Capitol Hill have also stated in recent days that, in the face of unanimous Republican opposition, the legislation will now be forced through.

By using reconciliation, Democrats can get the health reform package through the Senate with a simple majority, rather than needing the Bill to pass the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. Mr Obama’s party ceded their 60-stong majority in the upper chamber after losing the late Edward Kennedy’s Massachusetts seat in January.

That shock defeat was in large part due to growing public hostility to Mr Obama’s health reforms, which many see as too expensive at a time of exploding deficits. Forcing the Bill through Congress is, therefore, a high-risk strategy that Republicans vowed to exploit.

In a speech from the White House, Mr Obama conceded the risks involved. “I don’t know how this plays politically, but I know it's right”, he said. >>> Tim Reid, Washington | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Multiple Suicide Bombers Strike Iraq

Carla Bruni Raises Eyebrows with Figure-hugging Dress
THE TELEGRAPH: It is not an obvious choice of dress for a first lady at a state dinner but then not all first ladies have Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's advantages.

The wife of Nicolas Sarkozy selected a figure hugging Roland Mouret dress that left only a very little to the imagination as she arrived with her husband at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

And while many may not have got away with it, Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy carried off the outfit, which she teamed with Christian Louboutin heels, with grace.

The dinner was held in honour of Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian President, and his wife Svetlana, who have been on a three-day visit to France. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy arrives at state dinner in figure-hugging dress >>> | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

THE TELEGRAPH: Carla Bruni wears RM by the designer Roland Mouret: Carla loved the French designer's creation so much, that she has ordered three more of his designs. >>> Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director at Paris Fashion Week | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

KRONE.at: Da hilft kein geboxter Unschuldsblick: Fotos beweisen eindeutig, dass Frankreichs "First Lady" Carla Sarkozy-Bruni beim Staatsempfang ihres Mannes für den russischen Präsidenten Medwedew ohne Büstenhalter als BH-lose Gastgeberin dagestanden ist. Aber Madame! Carla Sarkozy-Bruni ohne BH beim Staatsempfang >>> | Donnerstag, 04. März 2010

«Ob andere uns glauben, spielt keine Rolle» : Islamkritiker Geert Wilders über Freiheit und westliche Werte
NZZ ONLINE: Die niederländischen Lokalwahlen werden als Gradmesser für die Popularität des Rechtspopulisten Geert Wilders und von dessen Partei für die Freiheit (PVV) betrachtet. Der Brüsseler NZZ-Korrespondent Peter Winkler hat mit Wilders gesprochen.

Herr Wilders, Sie haben mit Ihren Aussagen zum Islam einigen Aufruhr ausgelöst. Gegen Sie läuft auch ein Gerichtsverfahren wegen Diskriminierung, Beleidigung einer Gruppe und Anstachelung zu Hass. Worum geht es für Sie?

Es geht um Freiheit. Das ist auch der Grund, warum ich meiner Partei den Namen «Partei für die Freiheit» gegeben habe. Ich glaube, es ist nicht nur unser Recht, sondern unsere Pflicht, für die Freiheit zu kämpfen. Ich glaube, dass der Islam – nicht Muslime, das möchte ich betonen, ich habe nichts gegen Menschen – als Ideologie eine Bedrohung für unseren Rechtsstaat, unsere Demokratie und unsere Freiheit ist. Darum geht es, dafür kämpfe ich, und deshalb bin ich auch vor Gericht.

Freiheit, alles zu sagen?
Wenn man für die Freiheit kämpft, ist es dann egal, was man sagt?

Nein, natürlich gibt es Grenzen. Ich glaube sehr an die Freiheit, an so etwas wie das First Amendment in der amerikanischen Verfassung, und es wäre schön, wenn dieses auch nach Europa exportiert würde. Aber selbst dann muss man Leute bestrafen, die zu Gewalt aufrufen oder Andere diskriminieren, wie zum Beispiel Ladenbesitzer, die sagen: Christen oder Juden oder Muslime sind nicht erwünscht. Man soll sagen können, was man denkt, aber nicht: «Tötet diesen Mann!»

Es gibt diese rote Linie, aber darüber hinaus, davon bin ich überzeugt, sollte man nicht mehr viel verbieten. Die Leute sollten sich verteidigen können. Wenn wir als Politiker nicht zu Gewalt aufrufen oder diskriminieren, sollte die Diskussion im Parlament geführt werden, nicht vor Gericht. Das Gericht sollte kein Korrekturmechanismus sein für Dinge, die man nicht hören will oder mit denen man nicht einverstanden ist. >>> Interview: win. | Mittwoch, 03. März 2010

Das gesamte Interview mit Geert Wilders lesen Sie morgen im Auslandteil der NZZ.

La Russie négocie avec la France l'achat de 4 navires de guerre
lePARISIEN.fr: Nicolas Sarkozy a affirmé que «la France et la Russie» avaient débuté lundi des «négociations exclusives» pour l'achat par Moscou de quatre navires de guerre français, lors d'une conférence de presse conjointe à Paris avec le président russe Dmitri Medvedev. Il s'agit de quatre BPC (bâtiments de projection et de commandement) Mistral. >>> leparisien.fr | Lundi 01 Mars 2010

Nucléaire iranien : accord de Moscou sur le principe de sanctions
lePARISIEN.fr: Le président russe Dmitri Medvedev a marqué lundi à Paris son accord pour de nouvelles sanctions contre l'Iran, à condition qu'elles n'aient pas de conséquences humanitaires pour la population iranienne. «La Russie est prête, avec nos autres partenaires, à réfléchir à l'introduction de sanctions», a-t-il déclaré à l'issue d'un entretien avec son homologue Nicolas Sarkozy.

«Nos appels (à l'Iran) pour travailler à un programme nucléaire pacifique sous le contrôle de la communauté internationale n'ont pas porté leurs fruits jusqu'à présent», a regretté le président russe. «Malheureusement, ces derniers temps, nous n'avons pas beaucoup avancé. Au contraire, la situation s'est détériorée», a-t-il jugé.
 >>> leparisien.fr avec l’AFP | Lundi 01 Mars 2010

La guerre économique! Economic Warfare! Wirtschafts-Krieg! Affaire Libyenne : La Libye décide un embargo économique «total» sur la Suisse
Mouammar Kadhafi. Photo: Le Temps
LE TEMPS: La Libye a décidé d’imposer un embargo économique «total» sur la Suisse dans la foulée de la crise diplomatique entre les deux pays, a déclaré mercredi à l’AFP le porte-parole du gouvernement libyen, Mohamed Baayou

«La Libye a décidé d’imposer un embargo total sur tous les échanges économiques et commerciaux avec la Suisse», a indiqué M. Baayou.

Elle a décidé par ailleurs d’»adopter d’autres alternatives en ce qui concerne les médicaments et les équipements médicaux et industriels» suisses importés par Tripoli, a-t-il précisé. >>> AFP | Mercredi 03 Mars 2010

«Totales Wirtschaftsembargo» gegen die Schweiz: Neues Manöver Ghadhafis
NZZ ONLINE: Libyen verhängt ein totales Wirtschaftsembargo gegen die Schweiz. Der nordafrikanische Staat begründet den Schritt mit der diplomatischen Krise zwischen den beiden Staaten. Das sagte ein Sprecher der libyschen Regierung am Mittwoch der Nachrichtenagentur AFP.

Libyen werde Medikamente, medizinische Geräte und Industriegeräte, die das Land bisher aus der Schweiz bezogen habe, aus anderen Ländern importieren, hielt Baayou fest. >>> sda | Mittwoch, 03. März 2010

Libya Imposes Economic Embargo on Switzerland
AL ARABIYA: Libya has decided to impose a "total" economic embargo on Switzerland, government spokesman Mohammed Baayou said on Wednesday, after Libyan leader Muammar Ghaddafi declared holy war on Bern.



"Libya has decided to impose a total embargo on all economic and commercial exchanges with Switzerland," Baayou said.



The country will "adopt alternative (sources) for medicines and medical and industrial equipment" imported from Switzerland, he added.

The announcement comes just hours after Libya protested against a U.S. State Department official poking fun at Ghaddafi after he called for jihad against Switzerland in an ongoing diplomatic spat with that country. >>> Tripoli, Agencies | Wednesday, March 03, 2010

WELT ONLINE: Libyen will den Streit mit der Schweiz jetzt auch auf wirtschaftlicher Ebene austragen und hat einen Handelsboykott verkündet. Ohnehin sind die Geschäfte zwischen den Ländern bereits um mehr als die Hälfte zurückgegangen. Unter anderem stehen Arzneimittel und medizinische Geräte auf der Embargo-Liste.

Gegen die Schweiz werde ein vollständiges Wirtschafts- und Handelsembargo verhängt, sagte ein Regierungssprecher. Der Handel zwischen beiden Ländern ist wegen der seit mehr als anderthalb Jahren andauernden Krise bereits um mehr als die Hälfte zurückgegangen.

Unter anderem sollten Arzneimittel und medizinische Geräte künftig anderswo beschafft werden, sagte Regierungssprecher Mohammed Baaju. Die Schweizer Exporte nach Libyen beliefen sich im vergangenen Jahr auf 156 Millionen Schweizer Franken und fielen damit um fast 45 Prozent geringer aus als noch im Vorjahr. Verglichen mit einem Exportvolumen von insgesamt 180 Milliarden Schweizer Franken ist das Geschäft mit Libyen eher gering. Libyen verkaufte 2009 Waren im Wert von 718 Millionen Franken an die Eidgenossen, dies bedeutete gegenüber dem Vorjahr ein Minus von über 78 Prozent.

Die Beziehungen zwischen Libyen und der Schweiz gelten als zerrüttet, seit im Juli 2008 ein Sohn des libyschen Machthabers Muammar el Gaddafi in Genf vorübergehend festgenommen wurde. Tripolis zog seitdem seine Bankguthaben aus der Schweiz ab, verwies Schweizer Unternehmen des Landes und kündigte einen Lieferstopp für Erdöl an. Libyen verhängt Embargo gegen die Schweiz >>> AFP/cl | Mittwoch, 03. März 2010

Taliban Network of 156 Caves Discovered in Pakistan Mountains
THE TELEGRAPH: A complex network of 156 caves used by the Taliban and al-Qaeda has been discovered by the Pakistan army dug into rocky mountains close to the Afghan border.

Photo: The Telegraph
The tunnels, which are thought to have been created over five to seven years, were carved into sheer rock within view of the snow-capped peaks of eastern Afghanistan.

The network was found during an offensive against Islamist militants in the country's semi-autonomous tribal areas in which 75 militants were killed. >>> | Wednesday, March 03, 2010