Fury as German Ex-football Boss Says: 'There's No Place in Football for Gays'
MAIL ONLINE: A former soccer boss today sparked fury by declaring: ‘There is no place in football for gays.’

Rudi Assauer, who formerly headed up Schalke 04 in Germany's Bundesliga, went on to say: ‘Perhaps they are OK in other sports but not in football.

‘If a player came to me and said he was gay I would say to him: “You have shown courage.” But then I would tell him to find something else to do.

‘That's because those who out themselves always end up busted by it, ridiculed by their fellow players and by people in the stands. We should spare them these witch-hunts.’

His outburst is set to enrage world footballing authorities who are making concerted efforts to rid the game of homophobia.

Asked whether he had ever met a gay footballer during his many years as both player and manager, 65-year-old Assauer replied: ‘No, never.

‘When I was in Bremen, I heard that our masseur was gay. So I went up to him and said: 'Look, son, do me a favour - look for another job.’

Assauer's comments come in a week when homosexuality has been in Germany's spotlight for other reasons.

Guido Westerwelle, the country's openly gay foreign minister, was criticised for taking his lover on an official government trip to South America. >>> Allan Hall | Friday, March 12, 2010

Germany Fights to Keep Holocaust Organiser's Files Sealed
THE TELEGRAPH: Germany is fighting to keep sealed the Eichmann files detailing the years the Holocaust's chief logistics organiser spent on the run before he was captured by Mossad agents.

Adolph Eichmann during his trial in 1961. Photograph: The Telegraph
Those hoping to have a 50-year secrecy order overturned believe the government is embarrassed by details within that may prove German and Vatican officials colluded in his escape and freedom.

The secrecy order is being challenged in a benchmark court case against the BND, Germany's domestic intelligence service, which wants the 4,500 pages of documents on Adolf Eichmann to remain out of the public domain. The service claims that intelligence agencies in other countries will be "frightened off" in future data-sharing if they are disclosed, Der Spiegel reported.

Critics believe this is a smokescreen designed to avoid official embarrassment both in Berlin and the Vatican. It is well documented that German Bishop Alois Hudal in Rome operated postwar "Ratlines," getting passports for wanted Nazis to allow them to escape justice.

Franz Stangl, commandant of the Treblinka extermination camp, admitted to British Nazi expert Gitta Sereny that Hudal helped him get away after the Nazi defeat in 1945.

Eichmann also escaped. He was the ultimate "desk murderer" of the Third Reich who, as head of department IVB4 of the SS in Berlin, was responsible for the trains that carried millions to their deaths at extermination centres in Nazi occupied Poland. >>> Allan Hall in Berlin | Friday, March 12, 2010

DER SPIEGEL: Adolph Eichmann: Alle Artikel, Hintergründe und Fakten >>>

Prada Ordered Manager to Get Rid of 'Old, Fat and Ugly' Staff
THE TELEGRAPH: A senior manager at Prada is suing the fashion label claiming that she was ordered to get rid of "old, fat and ugly" staff in its Japanese stores.

A spokeswoman at Prada's Tokyo headquarters told The Daily Telegraph that the company was currently unable to comment. Photo: The Telegraph
Rina Bovrisse, a senior retail manager at Prada Japan, also alleges that the chief executive wanted her to change her hairstyle and lose weight in order to fit into the company.

Ms Bovrisse, who oversaw 500 staff in 40 stores across Japan, has launched a discrimination and harassment case against the Italian fashion label in Tokyo's industrial tribunal courts.

Her allegations focus on an incident in May last year when she claims that Davide Sesia, the CEO of Prada Japan, allegedly asked her to "eliminate" around 15 managerial staff he described as "old, fat, ugly, disgusting or not having the Prada look," following a tour of 40 stores. >>> Danielle Demetriou in Tokyo | Friday, March 12, 2010

BNP Barred from Taking New Members
THE TELEGRAPH: The British National Party was barred from taking new members on Friday after a judge ruled its constitution could discriminate against non-white people.

Mr Griffin had been met with angry scenes as he arrived at court, with a small group of protesters chanting "Nazi scum". Photo: The Telegraph
Judge Paul Collins issued an injunction ordering the far-Right group to comply with race equality laws and said the membership list would have to be closed until it did.

Under the injunction, prospective BNP members will not in future have to be vetted at home before they are accepted.

Last month the BNP scrapped its whites-only policy in an attempt to avoid legal sanctions brought by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

But on Friday at Central London County Court, Judge Collins ruled: ''I hold that the BNP are likely to commit unlawful acts of discrimination in the terms on which they are prepared to admit persons to membership under their constitution.''

The judgment found that, while it is not unlawful to hold discriminatory views, it is unlawful for such principles to be used for controlled entry to a political party, the EHRC said. >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

Related:

Teachers Can Keep BNP Membership, Government Review Says >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

President Sarkozy Irritated by Questions Over His Marriage
THE TELEGRAPH: Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, has angrily rebuked a journalist for asking about rumours surrounding his marriage to Carla Bruni.


At a joint Downing Street press conference with Gordon Brown, Mr Sarkozy was twice pressed on the recent flurry of speculation that his marriage was in trouble.

He snapped at a French journalist who raised the subject calling his question idiotic.

And minutes later when a British member of the press asked him to deny the rumours the French president simply refused to answer before Mr Brown called the briefing to an end.

Mr Sarkozy’s irritation was plain when he responded to the first question.

He told the journalist: "You must know very little about what the President of the Republic actually has to do all day long. I certainly don't have time to deal with these ridiculous rumours, not even half a fraction of a second.

"I don't even know why you use your speaking time to put such an idiotic question." >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Friday, March 12, 2010

This reply, Mr President, was most unconvincing! No time to deal with such "ridiculous rumours" indeed! You had time for courting Carla, though; so why should we believe that you have absolutely no time to find out what's being said and tweeted about your marriage? By the way, M. le président, that photo of you is most unbecoming. You look as though you're clutching a broomstick for dear life at take-off! – © Mark

Grossbritanniens Premier Brown und Frankreichs Präsident Sarkozy sind nicht zufrieden mit dem Gebahren der USA. Bild: NZZ Online
Brown und Sarkozy werfen den USA Protektionismus vor: Reaktion auf verpassten Rüstungsauftrag für EADS
NZZ ONLINE: Nach dem verpassten Rüstungsgeschäft für die Lieferung von Tankflugzeugen für die US-Luftwaffe durch den EADS-Konzern hat es Vorwürfe aus Frankreich und Grossbritannien gegeben. Der britische Premier Brown und Frankreichs Präsident Sarkozy warfen den USA Protektionismus vor.

Der französische Staatspräsident Nicolas Sarkozy und der britische Regierungschef Gordon Brown haben den USA im Streit um einen verpassten Rüstungsauftrag für den europäischen EADS-Konzern Protektionismus vorgeworfen.

«Nicht die richtige Art»

«Das ist nicht die richtige Art, wie die USA ihre europäischen Verbündeten behandeln sollten», sagte Sarkozy am Freitag nach einem Besuch bei Brown. Der Brite erklärte, er sei wegen der entstandenen Situation enttäuscht. >>> ddp/sda/Reuters | Freitag, 12. März 2010

Hysterische Kontroverse um Westerwelle: FDP-Generalsekretär Lindner sieht Demokratie in Deutschland gefährdet
NZZ ONLINE: In Deutschland scheint es derzeit kein wichtigeres Thema zu geben, als die Begleiter von Aussenminister Westerwelle auf seinen Auslandreisen. Die Vorwürfe werden zum Teil ins Groteske gesteigert. Die Partei schlägt nicht minder heftig zurück.

Der deutsche Aussenminister Guido Westerwelle beendet am Freitag eine einwöchige Reise in lateinamerikanische Länder. Er tat dabei das, was Aussenminister bei solchen Anlässen so tun: Er traf verschiedene Minister, Industrielle und Vertreter gesellschaftlicher Gruppen. Er verhandelte über Exporte, Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen und Atomkraft. Zu wesentlichen Differenzen mit seinen Gastgebern oder gar einem Eklat ist es dabei nicht gekommen. Trotzdem titelt Spiegel Online: «Reise ins Fiasko». >>> spi./(ddp) | Freitag, 12. März 2010

SPIEGEL ONLINE VIDEO: Guido Westerwelle beantwortet die Kritik >>>

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Michael Mronz: Alle Artikel, Hintergründe und Fakten >>>

SPIEGEL ONLINE VIDEO: Mauschell-Minister? Westerwelle unter Druck >>>

Selma Aliye Kavaf, die türkische Familienministerin, die das Schwulsein für eine Krankheit hält. Sie glaubt sie soll „behandelt“ werden. Bild: Google Images
Streit in der Regierung: Türkische Ministerin hält Schwulsein für krank
WELT ONLINE: Die türkische Familienministerin hat in der islamisch geprägten Regierung einen Streit ausgelöst, weil sie Homosexualität für eine Krankheit hält, die behandelt werden müsse. Andersartige Sexualität ist in der Türkei ein heikles Thema. Die Intoleranz endete schon mehrmals tödlich.

Homosexuelle haben in der Türkei einen schweren Stand: Diese Gruppe portestierte 2008 in Istanbul gegen ihr Verbot. Bild: Welt Online
Seit einigen Tagen streiten türkische Minister um das Wesen der gleichgeschlechtlichen Liebe. Die Familienministerin der islamisch geprägten Regierung, Selma Aliye Kavaf, erklärte in einem Interview mit der Zeitung „Hürriyet“, Homosexualität sei eine „Krankheit“ und müsse „behandelt“ werden.

Der Reporter hatte sie nach ihrer Meinung über Eheschließungen zwischen gleichgeschlechtlichen Partnern gefragt, und dies war ihre Begründung für die Antwort, sie habe „keine positive Meinung“ über solche Ehen.

Istanbul mit grosser Schwulenszene

Da sie Schwulsein als Krankheit bezeichnet hatte, fühlte sich ihr Kabinettskollege Recep Akdag angesprochen, der Gesundheitsminister. Denn wenn Homosexualität eine Krankheit ist, dann wäre ja wohl sein Ressort gefragt, um sie zu bekämpfen.

Akdag ließ die Kollegin wissen, dass Homosexualität als gesellschaftliches Problem eher in ihren Bereich gehöre: Es sei ein Fall für „Freiheiten“ – also Toleranz und Gleichberechtigung. >>> Von Boris Kálnoky | Donnerstag, 11. März 2020

”Reporter ohne Grenzen”: 120 Blogger sind wegen Internetzensur eingesperrt
WELT ONLINE: Das Internet ist als Plattform für Diskussionen und freie Informationen häufig nicht akzeptiert. So haben weltweit fast ein Drittel aller Staaten eine Internetzensur und rund 120 Blogger sitzen im Gefängnis. Für "Reporter ohne Grenzen" ein Grund zur Besorgnis, auch wenn die Zensur umgangen werden kann.

Das Internet kann eine politische Waffe sein: In Diktaturen bietet es die Plattform für Debatten und freie Informationen. Soziale Netzwerke wie Facebook und Twitter werden für Protest und Widerstand genutzt, You Tube-Videos stellen autoritäre Regime bloß.

Etliche Regierungen allerdings haben etwas gegen Meinungsäußerung im und freien Zugang zum Internet und reagieren mit drastischen Maßnahmen. Etwa 60 Staaten haben im vergangenen Jahr Internetzensur ausgeübt. Derzeit sitzen fast 120 Blogger im Gefängnis, im vergangenen Jahr waren es zur gleichen Zeit rund 70 kritische Internet-Nutzer.

Das ruft die die Organisation Reporter ohne Grenzen auf den Plan, sie veranstaltet zum zweiten Mal den „Welttag gegen Internetzensur“. Die Journalisten prangern zwölf Staaten als „Feinde des Internets“ an. Diese verfolgen der Organisation zufolge unliebsame Internetnutzer systematisch und zensieren unerwünschte Online-Informationen.

In Nordkorea, Birma und Turkmenistan ist ein Großteil der Bevölkerung komplett vom World Wide Web abgeschnitten. >>> Von Jan David Sutthoff | Freitag, 12. März 2020

L'Amérique latine célèbre ses premiers mariages gays
Une cérémonie collective a été organisée jeudi dans l'Hôtel de ville de Mexico pour l'union de quatre couples gays. Photo : Le Figaro
LE FIGARO: Quatre couples homosexuels ont prêté serment jeudi à Mexico. La capitale mexicaine avait légalisé en décembre dernier le mariage homosexuel.

La scène est inédite. Deux femmes sont devenues jeudi à Mexico les premières homosexuelles à se marier en Amérique latine. Une union rendue possible par la légalisation du mariage gay, votée en décembre dernier dans la capitale mexicaine.

Un autre couple féminin et deux masculins se sont unis quelques minutes plus tard, lors d'une cérémonie collective organisée dans l'Hôtel de ville de la capitale et retransmise à la télévision. Ils avaient pris pour témoin le maire de Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard, une des principales figures de la gauche. Un parti minoritaire dans ce pays administré par le président conservateur Felipe Calderon.

«Je vous déclare unis légitimement par le mariage, avec tous les droits et prérogatives que le mariage impose, je vous souhaite beaucoup, beaucoup de bonheur», a annoncé le juge qui a officialisé les unions. Ces premiers couples homosexuels «constituent maintenant une famille reconnue par la loi», grâce à une révision de la législation «soucieuse des valeurs de tolérance, de respect et d'égalité», a ajouté le magistrat. >>> Par Marion Brunet | Vendredi 12 Mars 2010

Arabie saoudite : la vidéo qui fait scandale
LE FIGARO – BLOG – CHRONIQUES ORIENTALES: Les autorités saoudiennes auraient préféré que l'affaire ne s'ébruite pas. Mais force des nouvelles technologies oblige, la diffusion clandestine - par texto et par courriel - d'une vidéo embarrassante pour les bigots du royaume vient de pousser la police à en confirmer l'existence, et à annoncer publiquement l'arrestation d'un de ses auteurs...

De quoi s'agit-il ? Le petit film amateur de 2'30 (voir lien ci-dessus - avec sous-titres en anglais) y montre un jeune homme déguisé en policier « flirter », dans une voiture, avec le caméraman, en train de le filmer.


- Donne moi ton permis de conduire, lui demande-t-il.
Puis, après avoir constaté qu'il est périmé, il reprend :
- Je dois te donner une amende.
Face à la résistance du caméraman/chauffeur, il lui propose alors une solution de rechange, pistolet à la main :
- Procure moi du confort, lui ordonne-t-il.
La suite est prévisible. Sur fond de musique pop, le « policier » se met à déboutonner sa chemise en se caressant la poitrine...Scandale ! (avec vidéo) >>> Par Delphine Minoui | Jeudi 11 Mars 2010

Pope Defends Celibacy Rule Amid Sex Abuse Scandals
BBC: Pope Benedict XVI has defended celibacy among priests, saying it was a sign of "full devotion" to the Catholic Church.

He was speaking at a theological conference before meeting Germany's top bishop for talks about a new crisis over sexual abuse of children.

German Bishop Robert Zollitsch apologised again to victims of abuse by German priests.

The Archbishop of Vienna had suggested that the Church should examine celibacy and priests' training. >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

Ground Zero Workers Win $657m Settlement for Health Problems
THE TELEGRAPH: Thousands of workers who suffered health problems after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 have reached a settlement worth up to $657.5 million (£437m) with an insurer representing the city of New York.

An explosion rips through the South Tower of the World Trade Towers after the hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into it. Photograph: The Telegraph
Thousands of firefighters, police, contractors and others who worked at "Ground Zero" in the ruins of the World Trade Center sued the city and its contractors for claims of injuries associated with their rescue and clean-up work.

The settlement will be drawn from a federally financed insurance fund - the WTC Captive Insurance Company - created in 2004 with a $1 billion grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"The resolution of the World Trade Center litigation will allow the first responders and workers to be compensated for injuries suffered following their work at Ground Zero," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement.

The parties will appear before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein on Friday to request his preliminary approval of the settlement. >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

George Bush Adviser Karl Rove: I Am 'Proud' of Waterboarding
THE TELEGRAPH: Karl Rove, the senior adviser to George W. Bush, has said he is "proud" of the interrogation methods used by US intelligence services such as waterboarding.

He said they had helped prevent terrorist attacks.

Mr Rove also told the BBC in an interview that he did not believe waterboarding – a simulated drowning method – amounted to torture.

He said: "I'm proud that we used techniques that broke the will of these terrorists and gave us valuable information that allowed us to foil plots. I am proud that we kept the world safer than it was by the use of these techniques. They are appropriate, they are in conformity with our international requirements and with US law."

"Flying aeroplanes into Heathrow and into London ... bringing down aircraft over the Pacific, flying an aeroplane into the tallest building in Los Angeles" were all terror plots that were thwarted by tough interrogation, he insisted. >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

Rove 'Proud' of US Waterboarding Terror Suspects
BBC: A senior adviser to former US President George W Bush has defended tough interrogation techniques, saying their use helped prevent terrorist attacks.

In a BBC interview, Karl Rove, who was known as "Bush's brain", said he "was proud we used techniques that broke the will of these terrorists".

He said waterboarding, which simulates drowning, should not be considered torture. Read on (with video) >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

BBC: Profile: Karl Rove >>>

Anti-Semitism Rising Worldwide, US Report Finds
THE TELEGRAPH: Criticism of Israel and Zionism led to a rise of anti-Jewish sentiment around the world in 2009, the US said on Thursday in a report that denounced "new forms" of anti-Semitism.

"Traditional and new forms of anti-Semitism continued to arise, and a spike in such activity followed the Gaza conflict in the winter of 2008-2009," the State Department said in an annual report.

"Often despite official efforts to combat the problem, societal anti-Semitism persisted across Europe, South America, and beyond and manifested itself in classic forms," it said. >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

Teachers Can Keep BNP Membership, Government Review Says
THE TELEGRAPH: Teachers will be allowed to keep their membership of the BNP and the National Front after a Government review ruled that there was no justification for banning them from joining extremist organisations.

Maurice Smith, the former chief inspector of schools, said banning BNP members from teaching would be using a "very large sledgehammer to crack a very small nut".

His review of measures to prevent racism in schools, commissioned by Ed Balls, the children’s secretary, recommended against a ban because he said there was little public concern about extremism among teachers. >>> Heidi Blake | Friday, March 12, 2010

BBC: BNP membership rules still discriminatory, court rules: The British National Party's new membership rules are likely to discriminate against non-white people, a judge has ruled. >>> | Friday, March 12, 2010

On Air: The Gathering Storm Radio Show
I’ll be on air today at 12 noon PST, 3pm EST, 8pm GMT, and 9pm CET. Always On Watch, WC, and I will be discussing growing anti-Semitism in Europe, JihadJane, and much else besides. I'll be on for the full hour. We do hope you can join us. ALL are welcome. The number to call is (646) 915-9870. Click HERE for the show.

NY Restaurants Face Total Salt Ban If Politician Gets His Way
THE TELEGRAPH: The nannying tendencies of New York's civic leaders have reached a new level with a proposal to fine restaurants that add salt to food.

Felix Ortiz* has proposed a bill that would ban the use of salt in New York restaurants. Photograph: The Telegraph
Bill A10129 would fine restaurateurs $1000 (£600) each time they were caught adding salt to food.

Felix Ortiz, a New York assemblyman who proposed the bill, said it would allow diners to choose whether to do it themselves.

The administration of Michael Bloomberg, New York City's mayor, has already outlawed smoking from many public areas, banned unhealthy trans fats from prepared food and ordered many restaurants to list the calories in each item on the menu. He also favours a new tax on sweet fizzy drinks to help cut obesity. >>> Tom Leonard in New York | Friday, March 12, 2010

Is this man TOTALLY bereft of culinary knowledge? Does this man know ANYTHING about cooking at all? Does he not understand that salt has to be added when the food is being cooked to have any real effect on the taste? Salt added at table is simply not the same. One must ask oneself ONE simple question: Has Felix Ortiz EVER cooked ANYTHING in his life? It appears that he has NO CULINARY SKILLS WHATSOEVER! Furthermore, it appears that he also has NO MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE, for salt is a foodstuff. Without ANY salt, we would ALL be in very BAD shape! Dead!

That doesn’t mean to say that we don't all need to reduce our salt intake; but surely this is a matter of personal choice. The way we are going, with all these bans on smoking cigarettes and eating salt, etc., we might have a chance of living forever, but what a boring (and bland) bloody life it’s going to be! – © Mark

Greek Rioters Clash with Police as 10,000 Protesters Take to the Streets


THE TELEGRAPH: Protesters clashed with riot police as more than 10,000 people marched through central Athens during a nationwide general strike against the government's harsh new austerity measures. >>> | Thursday, March 11, 2010

Glenn Beck Talks Through His Hat! He Often Talks Nonsense, But This Takes the Biscuit!


HT: Atlas Shrugs >>>

Roger L. Simon: Beck, Krauthammer and the Geert Wilders Perplex [sic]
PAJAMAS MEDIA: Geert Wilders – the sometimes-libertarian Dutch politician currently on trial for “hate speech” in his country – has become a kind of Rorschach test for right-of-center American pundits. He has recently been under attack by Glenn Beck, who seems to have called him a fascist, and by Charles Krauthammer, who, while more judicious, claims Wilders does not understand, or misconstrues, the difference between Islam and Islamism (and is therefore not worthy of our support).

Beck’s criticism of Wilders is pretty dismissible since the populist TV commentator does not appear particularly versed in European affairs. Indeed, in the video linked at his name, Beck erroneously identifies French politician Dominique de Villepin as “far right” and then mispronounces his name – in fingers down a blackboard fashion – as if he had confused the Chirac protégé with the truly fascist Jean Marie le Pen. Maybe he had. Only his producers, who have served him poorly here, know for sure. And maybe even they don’t, which is the problem. (Beck should also have another look at Jonah Goldberg’s book and at Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom before he makes such simplistic conclusions about fascism, the left and the right across the pond.)

I could go on about how the American Right ought to become sophisticated about international affairs (not that the American Left is!), but I will pass on to Charles Krauthammer, a man many of us – myself included – regard as the sine qua non of conservative columnists. He too seeks to distance himself from Wilders:

What he says is extreme, radical, and wrong. He basically is arguing that Islam is the same as Islamism. Islamism is an ideology of a small minority which holds that the essence of Islam is jihad, conquest, forcing people into accepting a certain very narrow interpretation [of Islam].

The untruth of that is obvious. If you look at the United States, the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the U.S. are not Islamists. So, it’s simply incorrect. Now, in Europe, there is probably a slightly larger minority but, nonetheless, the overwhelming majority are not.

Read on >>> Roger L. Simon | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

NB: Glenn Beck, Charles Krauthammer, and Bill Kristol are talking TOSH. They are clearly in the employ of the Saudi Prince Al Waleed, who owns a large share of Fox News. Say no more! Krauthammer, based on what he has said, has absolutely NO UNDERSTANDING of Islam, and has destroyed his credibility. How can we ever trust him, pay any attention to what he says, again? Haven't these people just sold themselves out to their Saudi paymasters? How can we ever trust FoxNews again? – © Mark

Greece On The Brink: Civil Servants Fight Back


Greeks Clash over Austerity Plans

Sean Penn: Journalists Who Call Hugo Chávez a Dictator Should Be Jailed
THE GUARDIAN: Actor accuses US media of smearing Venezuelan president

Sean Penn, pictured, said journalist who smeared the Venezuelan president should be punished. Photograph: The Guardian
Sean Penn has defended Hugo Chávez as a model democrat and said those who call him a dictator should be jailed.

The Oscar-winning actor and political activist accused the US media of smearing Venezuela's socialist president and called for journalists to be punished.

"Every day, this elected leader is called a dictator here, and we just accept it, and accept it. And this is mainstream media. There should be a bar by which one goes to prison for these kinds of lies."

Penn, who has visited Chávez in Caracas, said Venezuela's poor majority had willingly embraced his leftist revolution, but that this view was concealed from Americans.

"We are hypnotised by the media. Who do you know here who's gone through 14 of the most transparent elections on the globe, and has been elected democratically, as Hugo Chávez?"

Penn, speaking on Bill Maher's HBO chatshow, is part of a small but vocal pro-Chávez Hollywood group which includes Oliver Stone and Danny Glover. >>> Rory Carroll in Caracas | Thursday, March 11, 2010

New Death Tax for All Shock
DAILY EXPRESS: LABOUR wants to hammer every home owner in Britain with a spiteful 10 per cent death tax, it emerged yesterday.

The levy would be charged on all estates up to the current inheritance tax threshold of £325,000.
Any amount above the existing threshold is already taxed at 40 per cent. But the extra charge would add a huge £32,500 on top of the tax bill for such properties.

It means people with an estate valued at £500,000 would find their relatives hit with a bill of £102,500 after their death. >>> Sarah O’Grady | Thursday, March 11, 2010

UN Calls for War Crimes Investigation in Burma
THE GUARDIAN: Special rapporteur on human rights details 'pattern of gross abuses' as junta unveils restrictive electoral laws

Karen villagers take shelter in Thailand after fleeing Burma following attacks by the junta. Photo: The Guardian
A senior UN official has called for Burma's military rulers to be investigated over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated against Burmese civilians, in a move that will sharply increase pressure on the isolated regime ahead of controversial national elections due later this year.

In a draft report to the UN Human Rights Council [pdf] in Geneva, Tomás Ojea Quintana, special rapporteur on human rights in Burma, described "a pattern of gross and systematic violation of human rights" which he said has been in place for many years and still continued.

"There is an indication that those human rights violations are the result of a state policy that involves authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels," he said. >>> Simon Tisdall | Thursday, March 11, 2010

La lutte contre le tabagisme marque le pas
LE FIGARO: Selon le rapport annuel de l'Observatoire français des drogues et des toxicomanies, la consommation de cigarettes repart à la hausse, et les ventes de traitements pour l'arrêt du tabac diminuent.

2009, mauvaise année pour les militants anti-tabac. Le constat de l'Observatoire français des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), qui vient de rendre son bilan annuel pour l'année 2009, est sans appel : au cours de l'année passée, les ventes de tabac sont reparties à la hausse (+2%), en particulier pour les cigarettes (+2,6%).

Le dernier net recul des ventes de tabac remonte à la période 2003-2004, suite aux fortes hausses des prix décidées par le gouvernement. Depuis, les ventes de cigarettes sont restées relativement stables. Preuve que les mesures d'interdiction de fumer dans les lieux publics entrées en vigueur successivement en février 2007 et janvier 2008 n'ont pas eu de réel effet sur le tabagisme actif. Pour l'OFDT, «l'évolution des ventes de cigarettes semble fortement liée à celle des prix». Les buralistes et l'industrie du tabac hyperactifs >>> Par lefigaro.fr | Jeudi 11 Mars 2010

Scandale: Familie Sarkozy verliert ihren Glanz
DIE PRESSE: Im Elysée-Palast geht es rund. Die Eheleute Carla Bruni und Nicolas Sarkozy sollen beide eine Affäre haben und der Sohn des Präsidenten ist in einem anzüglichen Video aufgetaucht.

Familie Sarkozy kommt in Verruf. Bild: Die Presse
Wilde Gerüchte gibt es derzeit um die Ehe des französischen Präsidentenpaares. Glaubt man dem "Journal du dimanche" [sic], gehen Carla Bruni (42) und ihr Ehemann Nicolas Sarkozy (55) seit mehreren Wochen fremd. Der First Lady wird eine Affäre mit dem Sänger Benjamin Biolay (37) unterstellt. Die beiden sollen seit Jahren befreundet sein und sich gerüchteweise auch schon eine Wohnung teilen.

Präsident Sarkozy dürfte wiederum mit seiner Umweltministerin Chantal Jouanno (40) mehr als nur beruflichen Kontakt pflegen. Die verheiratete Karate-Meisterin hat ihm einst die Reden geschrieben. In Frankreich wird nun heftig spekuliert, ob sich das Glamour-Paar par excellence bald trennen wird. Dem nicht genug, auch Sohnemann Pierre Sarkozy sorgt für fragwürdige Schlafzeilen. >>> APA/Red. | Donnerstag, 11. März 2010

Verbunden / Related:

Élysée Palace: Affaires d’amour >>> | Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Carla Bruni: 'Who Knows If It's Forever' >>> Henry Samuel in Paris | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Barbara Walters: Carla Bruni Interview
Part 1 and Part 2

Westerwelles Reisen: Unmut im Auswärtigen Amt
ZEIT ONLINE: Die Schlagzeilen über die Verquickung von Privatem und Politischem bei Westerwelle vergrätzen zunehmend die Außenamtsmitarbeiter. Der Dienstherr weist die Kritik zurück.

Im Fokus der Kritik: Vize-Kanzler und Außenminister Westerwelle mit seinem Lebensgefährten Mronz in Brasilien. Bild: Zeit Online
Die Südamerika-Reise von Außenminister Guido Westerwelle (FDP) wird durch neue Vorwürfe wegen der Mitnahme von befreundeten Geschäftsleuten überschattet. Dies sorgt nicht nur für wachsende Kritik von Seiten der Opposition, sondern Medienberichten zufolge auch für zunehmenden Unmut bei den Mitarbeitern des Auswärtigen Amts.

Demnach sind diese besonders verärgert darüber, dass das Ministerium fast fünf Monate nach Westerwelles Amtsübernahme seit Wochen nicht aus den negativen Schlagzeilen herauskommt. Die Mitarbeiter beklagen, dass wichtige außenpolitische Fragen im Haus derzeit kaum noch eine Rolle spielten. Wie es in der AA-Zentrale weiter heißt, haben die Anträge auf Entsendung auf diplomatische Auslandsposten in letzter Zeit zugenommen. Die Zahl liege deutlich höher als sonst nach einem Regierungswechsel. >>> Zeit Online, dpa, Reuters, AFP | Donnerstag, 11. März 2010

DIE PRESSE: Westerwelle bestreitet Vorwürfe der Vetternwirtschaft: Deutschlands Außenminister Guido Westerwelle wird vorgeworfen seinen Lebenspartner politisch zu begünstigen. Westerwelle soll Privates mit Dienstlichem vermischen. Er spricht von "persönlichen Attacken". >>> Ag. | Donnerstag, 11. März 2010

La Suisse rejette sèchement les attaques libyennes
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: AFFAIRE KADHAFI | La Suisse rejette «totalement» les reproches exprimés ce jeudi par la Libye lors d'un point de presse à Genève, a indiqué le DFAE* à l'ATS.

Berne «a toujours respecté ses engagements dans les accords passés jusqu'ici avec la Libye», a relevé le Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) dans une prise de position transmise à l'ATS. La Suisse est comme avant prête à négocier, avec des moyens diplomatiques et en commun avec la Libye, «afin de trouver une solution constructive». Et le DFAE de souligner que la Suisse est soutenue dans ces négociations par la présidence espagnole de l'Union européenne (UE) ainsi que par l'Allemagne.

L'ambassadeur libyen auprès de l'ONU Ibrahim Aldredi a lu jeudi lors d'une conférence de presse à Genève une déclaration écrite dans laquelle il justifie les actions de la Libye depuis le début de la crise et accuse la Suisse d'avoir refusé de négocier. Les relations entre la Suisse et la Libye peuvent être normalisées à quatre conditions, a indiqué l'ambassadeur. >>> ATS | Jeudi 11 Mars 2010

*Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten)

Chef Makes Cheese from Mommy's Milk


Related:

THE GUARDIAN – Blog: Breast Milk Cheese on the Menu in New York >>> Richard Adams | Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Behind the Scenes as Athletes Model

USA : les bébés blancs ne vont plus être majoritaires en 2010
LE FIGARO: Les démographes américains estiment que pour la première fois cette année, le nombre de naissances sera plus important chez les minorités ethniques que chez la majorité blanche.

Les Etats-Unis sont probablement à l'aube d'une révolution démographique. Pour la première fois de son histoire, le pays pourrait connaître en 2010 un nombre de naissances supérieur chez les minorités ethniques Afro-Américains, Hispaniques et Asiatiques- à celles constatées chez la majorité blanche, affirme un article publié mercredi par un sociologue américain, Kenneth Johnson. Le pays se rapproche vite de la barre symbolique. En 2008, 48% des enfants américains, contre 37% en 1990, étaient issus des minorités ethniques[.] >>> Par Constance Jamet | Jeudi 11 Mars 2010

Le doute grandit dans le camp Obama
De sérieuses questions se posent notamment sur la méthode diplomatique du président américain au Moyen-Orient. Photo : Le Figaro
LE FIGARO: Sa méthode du compromis à tout prix est de plus en plus critiquée.

En politique, la loi des séries noires ne pardonne pas. En pleine bataille sur le dossier de la santé, dont le succès est désormais perçu comme la seule chance pour Obama de ne pas «perdre définitivement sa présidence», le camouflet essuyé au Proche-Orient par Joe Biden tombe au plus mal. Car il vient s'ajouter aux interrogations et aux doutes d'un camp démocrate, de plus en plus divisé, qui n'avait certainement pas besoin de cela.

«Crachat au visage.» «Coup de poignard dans le dos.» Commentateurs et diplomates ne trouvaient pas de mots assez durs, ce mercredi, pour décrire la gifle diplomatique infligée mardi soir par ses hôtes au vice-président américain Joe Biden au deuxième jour de sa visite en Israël. Pied de nez israélien >>> Par Laure Mandeville | Mercredi 10 Mars 2010

André Shepherd: Das heikle Asylgesuch eines US-Soldaten
WELT ONLINE: André Shepherd meldete sich zur US-Armee. Als man ihn aber zum zweiten Mal in den Irak schicken wollte, verließ er unerlaubt die Truppe. "Ich wollte kein Blut an meinen Händen." Weil Shepherd in den USA eine lange Haft erwartet, hofft er in Deutschland auf Asyl – mit der heiklen Begründung, der Krieg sei völkerrechtswidrig.

André Shepherd will um keinen Preis wieder als Soldat in den Irak. Bild: Welt Online
Es gab eine Zeit im Leben von André Shepherd, da hielt er die US-Armee für die Lösung seiner Probleme. Jetzt aber ist sie sein größtes Problem. Denn André Shepherd hat der Armee nach mehreren Jahren als Soldat unerlaubt den Rücken gekehrt, um nicht noch einmal im Irak Dienst tun zu müssen. Ihm drohen nach Einschätzung seines Anwalts dafür mehrere Jahre Gefängnis.

Um die Bestrafung zu verhindern, hat Shepherd in Deutschland Asyl beantragt. Die Sache ist extrem heikel. Ähnliche Fälle aus der Vergangenheit, auf die sich das zuständige Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge bei seiner Entscheidung über den Asylantrag berufen könnte, gibt es nicht. Shepherd ist ein Präzedenzfall.

Als sich der Amerikaner aus Cleveland im Bundesstaat Ohio im Januar 2004 dazu entschied, Soldat zu werden, war er 26. „Damals habe ich in meinem Auto gelebt“, berichtet er . „Nach meinem Informatikstudium gab es keine Arbeitsplätze in der Branche, die Wirtschaft lag am Boden. Ich habe Jobs mit schlechter Bezahlung angenommen, bin Taxi gefahren, habe bei McDonald’s gearbeitet, solche Sachen.“

Die Armee erschien Shepherd in dieser Lebenslage als äußerst attraktiver Arbeitgeber. „Die bieten Dir Geld an, ein Zuhause, medizinische Versorgung, sie übernehmen Universitätsgebühren, helfen Dir später bei der Wiedereingliederung in einen zivilen Job. Jemand in meiner Situation musste so ein Angebot einfach annehmen.“ ”Unsere Anwesenheit machte überhaupt keinen Sinn” >>> Von Christina Neuhaus | Donnerstag, 11. März 2010

Biden Critical of Israel's Settlement Plan

White House Pushes for Passing of Health Bill

Cardinal Schönborn Says Celibacy Partly to Blame for Clerical Sex Abuse
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn is seen as a future candidate for the papacy. Photo: Times Online
TIMES ONLINE: A cardinal seen as a future candidate for the papacy has broken a Vatican taboo by raising the possibility that priestly celibacy is among the causes of the sex abuse scandal sweeping the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna and a protégé of Pope Benedict XVI, wrote in his archdiocese's magazine this week that the Church must make an "unflinching examination" of the causes of the scandal.

He said that these included "the issue of priests' training, as well as the question of what happened in the so-called sexual revolution of the generation of 1968".

He added: "It also includes the question of priest celibacy and the question of personality development. It requires a great deal of honesty, both on the part of the Church and of society as a whole." >>> Richard Owen in Rome | Thursday, March 11, 2010

Greece Brought to a Halt by Austerity Protest Strike
TIMES ONLINE: Much of Greece ground to a halt today as public and private sector unions called another general strike in opposition to tough government austerity measures and proposed pension reforms aimed at restoring fiscal order for the battered economy.

Traffic stopped moving around the centre of Athens with streets closed off as an estimated 20,000 demonstrators holding banners and chanting slogans marched towards the parliament building in Syntagma square. There were separate mass demonstrations in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

More than two million workers of the five million strong Greek workforce have walked off the job after a 24-hour nationwide general strike by ADEDY, the 800,000-strong civil servants’ union, was joined by the larger General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), which represents about two million workers in the private sector.

The mood was tense in parts of the capital as several hundred demonstrators aligned to anarchist or extreme leftist groups also took to the streets.

At one point, small groups of rock-throwing protestors clashed with riot police, who fired tear gas to disperse them. Although they constitute a relatively small minority of the largely peaceful but very vocal demonstrations, they were closely watched as they often clash with police or cause damage to property. >>> Philip Panaglos in Athens | Thursday, March 11, 2010

La Grèce paralysée par les grèves
LE FIGARO: Une grève nationale touchant les transports et les services publics continue de figer la Grèce pour le deuxième jour consécutif. Près de 10.000 personnes manifestent ce jeudi à Athènes contre le plan d'austérité.

La Grèce affronte ce jeudi sa deuxième journée de grève nationale, en moins d'une semaine. A l'appel des deux principaux syndicats du pays, les employés du secteur public et des transports ont cessé le travail pour protester contre le plan d'austérité. A Athènes, 10.000 manifestants défilent dans les rues, selon les chiffres de la police, aux cris de «pas de sacrifice pour la ploutocratie».

Les transports sont paralysés, le trafic aérien nul et les hôpitaux publics sont gérés par le personnel d'urgence. >>> Par lefigaro.fr | Jeudi 11 Mars 2010

THE TELEGRAPH: Greek rioters clash with police as 10,000 protesters take to the streets: Protesters clashed with riot police as more than 10,000 people marched through central Athens during a nationwide general strike against the government's harsh new austerity measures. >>> | Thursday, March 11, 2010

TELEGRAPH VIDEO: Violence flares as general strike hits Greece >>> | Thursday, 11. March 2010

Related:

Several articles and videos pertaining to the crisis in Greece >>>

Liens en relation avec ces articles:

De nombreux articles relatifs à la crise financière grecque >>>

Verbunden mit diesen Artikeln:

Mehrere Artikel über die Finanzkrise in Griechenland >>>

Plans for Giant Saudi-style Mosque Next to Sandhurst Scrapped Following Wave of Local Protest
MAIL ONLINE: A controversial plan to build a mosque with two 100ft minarets next to Sandhurst has been scrapped to the jubilation of thousands of residents.

The £3million building would have had a clear view over the military academy and is just 400 yards from its parade ground - prompting fears it could be a security threat.

A listed Victorian school building was set to be demolished to make way for the huge Saudi Arabian-style building.

More than 6,500 residents signed a petition to oppose the application because of fears it would change the Victorian character of the area.

The proposal for the mosque in Camberley, Surrey, has finally been rejected by the local council at a public meeting - to cheers of joy from residents.

Hundreds had lined the streets outside to protest against the mosque, waving placards which said 'Camberley Says No!' and 'Hands off Our Heritage! We Want Justice!'

Planning papers showed that the massive structure would have towered over local buildings.

As well as the two minarets, it would have featured a large central dome, five smaller outlying domes, a morgue, a library and a separate worship area for women.

It would have overlooked Sandhurst where hundreds of newly-commissioned Army officers take to the parade ground each year for the academy's passing out ceremony.

The event attracts senior members of the Royal Family, including the Queen when her grandson Prince Harry was commissioned in 2006. >>> Paul Bentley and Lucy Ballinger | Thursday, March 11, 2010

Greece Set for Second General Strike in a Month
BBC: Greece is expected to grind to a halt for the second time in a month as hundreds of thousands of state and private workers stage a general strike.

The stoppage is in protest at the country's austerity measures.

The head of the employers' federation has accused the strikers of trying to make Greece into a charity case.

More groups of workers are staging industrial action and officers from the police, fire and customs services are planning to join the street protests.

Greece's links to the outside world have been severed.

Air traffic controllers have closed the country's airspace for 24 hours and ferries are stuck in harbours as maritime unions join the strike.

The government says it sympathises with public anger over the tax rises and wage cuts, but it is refusing to water down the measures. >>> Malcolm Brabant, BBC News, Athens | Thursday, March, 11. 2010

L’ex-première dame de France reçoit Gala à Manhattan
Photo : Gala.fr
GALA.fr: Lundi dernier, le monde célébrait la Journée de la femme. Quatre jours plus tôt, à New York, où désormais elle réside, Cécilia organisait le premier dîner officiel de la Foundation for Women dont elle s’occupe activement depuis plus d’un an. Pour elle une nouvelle vie commence, une vie au service des autres… >>> | Mercredi 10 Mar 2010

Ungarn straft Holocaust-Leugner
DIE PRESSE: Wer in Ungarn den Holocaust leugnet, infrage stellt oder herabmindert kann mit einer Gefängnisstrafe bis zu drei Jahre rechnen. Ungarns Staatschef hat ein dementsprechendes Gesetz unterzeichnet.

Der ungarische Staatschef Laszlo Solyom hat am Mittwoch das Gesetz unterzeichnet, welches das Leugnen des Holocausts gesetzlich unter Strafe stellt. Die Rechtsregel sei nicht gesetzwidrig, zitierte die Ungarische Nachrichtenagentur MTI Ferenc Kumin, Hauptabteilungsleiter des Amtes des Staatspräsidenten.



Laut Kumin hätte Laszlo Solyom jedoch darauf verwiesen, dass "es nicht richtig war, dieses Gesetz in der Phase des Wahlkampfes zu verabschieden". Denn die Zeit der Kampagne "ist ungeeignet, derart gewichtige Fragen besonnen zu diskutieren". >>> Ag. | Mittwoch, 10. März 2010

Obama sagt Unterstützung gegen Spekulanten zu: Griechischer Ministerpräsident Papandreou bittet Washington um Hilfe
NZZ ONLINE: US-Präsident Barack Obama begrüsst nach den Worten des griechischen Regierungschefs Giorgos Papandreou europäische Initiativen im Kampf gegen Spekulanten. Papandreou war in Washington mit Obama zusammengetroffen.

Im Kampf gegen Spekulanten bekommt das hoch verschuldete Griechenland nach Gesprächen mit den Europäern auch von den USA Unterstützung. Nach Beratungen mit dem amerikanischen Präsidenten Obama sagte Regierungschef Papandreou, Obama begrüsse entsprechende Initiativen in Europa.

Er habe vom US-Präsidenten in dieser Frage eine «positive Antwort» erhalten, sagte Ministerpräsident Giorgos Papandreou nach Angaben der Finanz-Agentur Bloomberg in Washington. Obama habe auch seine Unterstützung für die Massnahmen im Kampf gegen die Schuldenkrise in Griechenland deutlich gemacht. >>> sda/dpa | Mittwoch, 10. März 2010

Neuer Trick gegen Aung San Suu Kyi: Burmas Oppositionsführerin muss vor den Wahlen die Partei verlassen
NZZ ONLINE: Die burmesische Militärjunta lässt offenbar nichts unversucht, um der Oppositionsführerin Aung San Suu Kyi zu schaden. So hat sie nun ein Wahlgesetz erlassen, gemäss dem Aung San Suu Kyi vor den Parlamentswahlen ihre Partei verlassen muss.

Burmas Oppositionsführerin Aung San Suu Kyi muss gemäss dem neuen Wahlgesetz der burmesischen Militärregierung vor den geplanten Parlamentswahlen ihre Partei verlassen. Wer zu einer Gefängnisstrafe verurteilt wurde, darf gemäss dem Gesetz nicht einer Partei angehören. >>> sda/afp | Mittwoch, 10. März 2010

'Jihad Jane' Accused of Terror Ties


'Jihad Jane' From Suburbs Facing Terror Charges

Middle East Peace Talks in Doubt Over Israeli Homes Plan
THE TELEGRAPH: Plans to restart Middle East peace talks have been thrown into doubt after Israel received worldwide condemnation over plans to build 1,600 homes in the occupied West Bank.

President Shimon Peres (R) with the visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at the President's residence in Jerusalem. Photo: The Telegraph
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of "the ruining of trust" and said there were questions over whether fresh negotiations could now take place.

Israel's announcement left visiting US Vice President Joe Biden deeply embarrassed after a day in which he had heaped praise and affection on the country's leaders.

He expressed his fury by arriving 90 minutes late for a private dinner with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, on Tuesday night and reiterated his condemnation yesterday.

Speaking in Ramallah after meeting Mr Abbas, he accused Israel of "undermining the trust that we need right now" and complicating efforts to restart peace talks with the Palestinians after a year in deep freeze.

Mr Netanyahu claimed he knew nothing about the announcement of the planned construction in a Jerusalem suburb in the occupied West Bank.
But it threatened to torpedo plans for indirect peace talks that should have crowned the first visit to the region by Mr Biden.

In Strasbourg, EU high representative for foreign affairs Baroness Ashton told the European parliament she wanted to "join Vice-President Biden in condemning the decision." UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said settlement activity "undermines any movement towards a viable peace process." >>> Matthew Kalman in Jerusalem | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dutch Plan to Let Healthy Elderly People Commit Suicide
THE TELEGRAPH: Healthy elderly people who are simply "tired of living" could be allowed to end their lives with a lethal injection under new euthanasia laws being debated by the Dutch parliament.

The country's MPs will discuss the "right to die" proposals after a campaign forced a debate by collecting over 100,000 signatures in support.

The influential Dutch "Right to Die" campaign, active since 1973, has launched new "vrijwillig levenseinde", or "of free will" [sic] [ending one’s life voluntarily], demands to extend euthanasia beyond assisted suicide for terminally ill people.

The group has proposed training non-medical staff to administer a lethal injection to healthy people over the age of 70 who "consider their lives complete" and want to die.

Under the plans, the suicide assistants would be certified and would be required to make sure that patients were not temporarily depressed and had a "heartfelt and enduring desire" to die. >>> Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Muhammad Cartoonist Lars Vilks Installs Panic Room and Booby-trapped Art
TIMES ONLINE: A Swedish cartoonist whose controversial image of the Prophet Muhammad led to a series of death threats said today that he had secured his property with a homemade panic room and booby-trapped artwork.

The latest threat to Lars Vilks emerged yesterday when seven people were arrested in Ireland accused of plotting to kill the 63-year-old artist.

Mr Vilks responded by saying that he was ready for them. “If something happens, I know exactly what to do,” he said.

His home in southern Sweden now contains a barbed-wire sculpture that could electrocute potential intruders, a secure space to hide in and an axe which will allow him “to chop down” anyone breaking in through his windows.

He said he had learned from American media reports that the woman held in the US Colleen R. LaRose, who had called herself Jihad Jane in a YouTube video, had visited the area where he lives, but he did not know whether that was true. “I’m glad she didn’t kill me,” Mr Vilks said.

The artist, who has dishevelled hair and thick-lenses glasses, said his life was like the plot of a film. “It’s a good story,” he said. “It’s about the bad guys and a good guy, and they try to kill him,” he said.

“They have this woman also which I think is a good part of the plot with this fantastic name, ‘Jihad Jane’ who is actually doing some scouting there in the surroundings,” Mr Vilks added. “As I can see it, you have something of a film there. But as I said, I believe they’re a bit low-tech.”

Three leading Swedish newspapers and the national broadcaster today carried the notorious cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad with a dog's body. >>> Nico Hines and David Charter | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Prize comment of the day in The Times apropos of this story:

The "Peaceful" religion of Islam strikes again. The Islamic religion/Muslims are the MOST intolerant of ALL people/religions in the world. The fact that their "moderate" wing doesn't stand up and protest their own extremists proves they are also gutless and cowards. Warm Regards, Eric [Simpson] [Source: The Times] | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

PM Report: Pressure Grows on Iran

Carla Bruni: 'Who Knows If It's Forever*'
THE TELEGRAPH: Carla Bruni has done little to end speculation about her relationship with Nicolas Sarkozy by giving a half-hearted response when questioned about whether her marriage "was forever".

In an interview with Sky News, the French first lady described her relationship as a "fairy tale" but went on to say she did not know how long it would last.

While discussing her husband, she was asked: "Is he for keeps – is he forever?"

After a long pause, she replied: "I guess marriage should be forever but who knows what happens. I wish it was forever, that's my hope ... but we could be dead tomorrow." >>> Henry Samuel in Paris | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

*By Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s own admission, she has always found the idea of monogamy boring. What reason have we got to believe that she has changed her mind? It is my belief that she will probably stick with Nico for as long as he is Président de la République. Being la première dame de la République, after all, is too good to miss out on. Isn’t living in the elegant Élysée Palace and all the trappings that come with the position the real "fairy tale"? One doesn’t usually walk away from a fairy tale while it's unfolding; but when the time comes that she’ll have to move out of there, when the fairy tale will be at an end, possibly with Nico at her side, it will be a different story. If I’m not greatly mistaken, when that time comes, she’ll cast Nico aside like an old shoe, and she’ll go for a newer model! Nicolas will be unable to offer her the excitement any longer, the excitement she so obviously craves. – © Mark

THE TELEGRAPH: To the picture gallery / À la galerie de photos / Zur Fotogalerie >>>

TIMESONLINE: Carla Bruni denies affair rumours sparked by Twitter and internet gossip >>> Charles Bremner, Paris | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Baroness Ashton drops opposition to Euro-army headquarters
THE TELEGRAPH: Baroness Ashton has dropped her opposition to a permanent European Union military headquarters that many believe will be the first step towards a Euro-army.

Baroness Ashton has not flourished in her current job. Photo: The Telegraph
Britain is staunchly opposed to a standing military headquarters in Brussels claiming it would duplicate Nato and be "an unnecessary use of resources".

But since becoming EU foreign minister last year, Lady Ashton has gone from "being unconvinced" to having an "open mind" over the move. It has been demanded by French and German supporters of a European army.

"People raise the question whether the EU should have its own permanent operations HQ. This is a serious issue that deserves a serious debate," she said to MEPs on Wednesday.

The Conservatives have accused Lady Ashton of "going native" and succumbing to pressure from France. >>> Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Affaire Kadhafi : La Libye accepte les excuses de Washington
20MINUTES.ch: La Libye accepte les excuses présentées par le département d'Etat américain après la querelle diplomatique qui a opposé Tripoli et Washington, a annoncé mercredi le ministère libyen des Affaires étrangères.

Un porte-parole américain avait ironisé sur l'appel au djihad contre la Suisse lancé par le colonel Kadhafi.

Le ministère libyen des Affaires étrangères «déclare qu'il accepte les excuses et les vifs regrets exprimés par le département d'Etat» américain, selon un communiqué diffusé mercredi.

Tripoli «accueille favorablement la reprise des échanges de visites de responsables des deux pays et insiste sur sa volonté de développer des relations bilatérales dans tous les domaines et dans le cadre d'un respect mutuel».

Le porte-parole du département d'Etat, P. J. Crowley, a présenté mardi des excuses pour les propos qu'il a tenus au sujet de l'appel au djihad (guerre sainte) lancé par Mouammar Kadhafi contre la Suisse le 25 février.

Le journal gouvernemental libyen «Al-fajr Al-Jadid» a qualifié mercredi de «victoire» les excuses de Washington. Selon le quotidien, les excuses ont «prouvé le bien-fondé de la position» de la Libye et sa «capacité à préserver sa dignité». Les «deux pays tournent ainsi la page de ce différend qui menaçait les relations bilatérales». «Pas beaucoup de sens» >>> ats | Mercredi 10 Mars 2010

Lien(s) en relation avec l’article:

BBC: US Apologises Over Gaddafi Comments >>> | Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Minarets : La Suisse sur le banc des accusés à l'ONU
20MINUTES.ch: La Suisse va être mise au banc des accusés devant le Conseil des droits de l'homme de l'ONU pour son interdiction de construire de nouveaux minarets.

Le projet de texte, actuellement mis en consultation par des Etats musulmans et africains, prévoit de «condamner fermement l'interdiction de la construction de nouveaux minarets», considérée comme une «manifestation d'islamophobie qui contrevient clairement aux obligations internationales en matière de droits de l'homme en ce qui concerne la liberté de religion», [,] selon un projet de résolution auquel l'AFP a eu accès mercredi.

De telles mesures sont de nature à alimenter «la discrimination, l'extrémisme et les préjugés, conduisant à la polarisation et à la division avec de dangereuses conséquences non voulues et inédites», avertit le projet de texte, qui devrait être soumis au Conseil des droits de l'homme avant la fin de sa session plénière, en cours jusqu'au 26 mars. >>> afp | Mercredi 10 Mars 2010

Schweiz droht Schelte von der Uno
TAGES ANZEIGER: Wegen des Minarett-Verbots muss sich die Schweiz auf deutliche Kritik des Uno-Menschenrechtsrats einstellen. Das EDA will die Verurteilung nicht einfach hinnehmen.

Umstritten: Plakat der Anti-Minarett-Initiative. Bild: Tages Anzeiger
Die Schweiz werde ihren Unmut über eine Resolution zum Ausdruck bringen, allerdings erst, wenn der Vorstoss im Menschenrechtsrat behandelt werde, sagte EDA-Sprecher Raphaël Saborit auf Anfrage der Nachrichtenagentur SDA. In der Schweiz erlaubte die Religionsfreiheit jedem Bürger, seine Religion frei auszuüben.

In einem Resolutionsentwurf, der am Mittwoch der Nachrichtenagentur AFP vorlag, verurteilt das Gremium das Minarett-Verbot als «Ausdruck der Islamophobie». Ausserdem wird das Verbot als Verstoss gegen «internationale Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Menschenrechte und Religionsfreiheit» bezeichnet. Die Massnahme nähre «Diskriminierung, Extremismus und Vorurteile, die zu Polarisierungen und Spaltungen mit gefährlichen Folgen führen», heisst es. Abstimmung über Text >>> vin/sda | Mittwoch, 10. März 2010

Suisse – Affaire Kadhafi : Max Göldi a déposé un recours devant la Cour suprême
20MINUTES.ch: Le Suisse Max Göldi, condamné en appel à quatre mois de prison pour «séjour illégal» en Libye, a déposé un recours devant la Cour suprême, a indiqué mercredi son avocat libyen Salah Zahaf.

Il avait déjà présenté une demande de grâce auprès de la haute cour de justice libyenne.

«Nous avons déposé lundi un recours devant la cour suprême», a indiqué Me Zahaf. «La grâce peut être accordée sur décision politique, tandis que le recours que nous avons déposé devant la Cour suprême est une affaire de justice», a précisé l'avocat. >>> ats | Mercredi 10 Mars 2010

Mali : Al-Qaïda libère deux otages
20MINUTES.ch: La branche maghrébine d'Al-Qaïda a libéré mercredi une Espagnole et une Italienne retenues en otage dans le nord du Mali depuis novembre et décembre.

Mais trois autres Européens - deux Espagnols et un Italien - demeurent aux mains des islamistes.

«Je peux vous dire que les deux otages sont libérées. Une autorité espagnole les attend à Ouagadougou», au Burkina Faso, a indiqué à Bamako une source diplomatique sous couvert de l'anonymat.

La ressortissante italienne, âgée de 39 ans, est d'origine burkinabè. Selon des sources proches de la négociation, elle avait dans un premier temps refusé d'être libérée pour rester avec son mari italien, toujours détenu. ONG espagnole >>> ats | Mercredi 10 Mars 2010

In Solidarity: Lars Wilks’ Cartoon
Muhammad as roundabout dog. Image: Google Images