D-Day Anniversary: Live

Follow all the latest as royalty and political leaders from around the world join veterans for D-Day commemorations, 70 years on from the momentous World War Two mission

La reine Elizabeth II, méga-star

La reine déchaîne toujours les passions. " Ce que je ressens ? De la joie et un
peu de stress", résume Mathilde, une étudiante, âgée de 17 ans.

LE POINT: Véritable "queen star" à 88 ans, elle sera la seule dirigeante présente aux commémorations du 6 juin 1944 à avoir connu la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

D'un pas sûr malgré ses 88 ans, un bouquet de fleurs à la main, Elizabeth II, souriante et vêtue de blanc, quitte la gare du Nord à Paris. La reine entame en "guest star" une visite d'État qui va la conduire des plages du Débarquement aux ors républicains de l'Élysée. Arrivée en Eurostar accompagnée de son mari le prince Philip, la souveraine britannique, vêtue d'une robe crème et d'une veste blanche à liséré noir, coiffée d'un chapeau de la même couleur et portant des gants noirs, est accueillie par une foule de quelque 300 personnes, avant de s'engouffrer dans une Bentley noire. "C'est merveilleux qu'elle soit là !" dit, un drapeau canadien à la main, Margaret Kittle, visiblement émue, dont le mari a pris part à la Seconde Guerre mondiale au sein de la Royal Air Force. "Parmi tous les dirigeants qui seront demain sur les plages, c'est la seule à avoir connu la guerre", fait-elle valoir. (+ vidéo) » | Source AFP | jeudi 05 juin 2014

Meriam Ibrahim 'Should Be Executed,' Her Brother Says

Al Samani Al Hadi said his sister should be put to death if she
does not 'return' to Islam

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Meriam Ibrahim "should be executed," her brother has said, if she refuses to abandon her Christian beliefs

Meriam Ibrahim, the woman sentenced to death in Sudan for apostasy, was “given a magic potion” to bewitch her into leaving Islam – and should be executed for doing so, her brother has said.

Al Samani Al Hadi Mohamed Abdullah said that he denounced his sister to the authorities because his family are “Muslim people.” He claimed that Ms Ibrahim, 27, was born as Abrar Al Hadi but changed her name when she was drugged by her husband, Daniel Wani. And he said that, if she did not return to the devout family fold, she should be hanged.

“It’s one of two; if she repents and returns to our Islamic faith and to the embrace of our family, then we are her family and she is ours,” he said.

"But if she refuses she should be executed," he told CNN.

His comments will fuel speculation that the denouncing of Ms Ibrahim was part of a family feud. An American NGO which is paying for the legal costs has claimed that Ms Ibrahim was targeted by jealous relatives who wanted to gain control of her clutch of successful small businesses - a supermarket, farm and beauty salon. » | Harriet Alexander | Thursday, June 05, 2014

EZB-Ratssitzung: Europas Notenbanker beschließen Minuszinsen

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Europäische Zentralbank sendet ein radikales Signal an die Märkte: Die Notenbanker senken den Einlagenzins für Banken auf minus 0,1 Prozent und den Leitzins auf das Rekordtief von 0,15 Prozent. Außerdem kündigte die EZB weitere unkonventionelle Maßnahmen an.

Frankfurt am Main - Die Europäische Zentralbank (EZB) hat ihren Leitzins auf ein Rekordtief gesenkt und erstmals einen negativen Einlagensatz beschlossen. Angesichts der zuletzt sehr niedrigen Inflationsrate wird der Zins, zu dem sich die Geschäftsbanken bei der Notenbank Geld leihen können, um 0,10 Punkte auf 0,15 Prozent gesenkt, wie die EZB am Donnerstag nach ihrer Ratssitzung in Frankfurt mitteilte.

Der Einlagensatz, zu dem Banken kurzfristig Geld bei der Notenbank parken können, wird erstmals in den negativen Bereich gedrückt. Er sinkt von bisher null Prozent auf minus 0,10 Prozent. Der Zins für kurzfristige Ausleihungen bei der Notenbank vermindert sich von 0,75 auf 0,40 Prozent. » | nck/dpa/Reuters | Donnerstag, 05. Juni 2014

Vladimir Putin on Hillary Clinton: 'It's Better Not to Argue with Women'

Vladimir Putin described Hillary Clinton as 'weak' in some
sarcastic comments about women

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vladimir Putin states "it's better not to argue with women" before describing Hillary Clinton as "weak" after she compared him to acting like Adolf Hitler in 1930s over Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has waded into US politics describing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – and possible 2016 presidential candidate – as "weak" in some sarcastic comments about women.

In an interview with French television, Putin was asked about Clinton's recent remarks that the Russian leader was trying to redraw the boundaries in eastern Europe just like Adolf Hitler did in the 1930s.

"It's better not to argue with women," Putin replied, adding: "But Mrs Clinton has never been too graceful in her statements."

Putin remarked that he met Clinton when she was the US top diplomat "and had cordial conversations at various international events. I think even in this case we could reach an agreement."

But as the Russian leader has come under fire in the West for his aggressive policies in Ukraine and Moscow's annexation of Crimea, he did not hide that he found Clinton's Hitler-like comments extreme.

"When people push boundaries too far, it's not because they are strong but because they are weak," said Putin, who then went on.

"But maybe weakness is not the worst quality for a woman." » | AFP | Thursday, June 05, 2014

Barack Obama Gym Session: US President's Workout Secretly Filmed in Poland

President Barack Obama secretly filmed lifting weights at Warsaw gym during visit to commemorate Polish democracy

Read the Telegraph article here | Andrew Marszal | Thursday, June 05, 2014

Michael Gove Accused of Using ‘Trojan Horse’ Row to Push Anti-Islam Agenda

THE INDEPENDENT: Michael Gove has been accused of cynically using the “Trojan Horse” schools row to push an ideological anti-Islamic agenda within the Government.

Whitehall sources revealed that behind the scenes the Education Secretary has been pressing David Cameron for months to widen the Government’s definition of Muslim “extremism”.

And they suggested that he has used allegations of a plot to “take over” a number of schools in Birmingham to press the Prime Minister to agree tough new measures to secularise schools in Muslim areas.

One said: “Michael Gove’s views are so incredibly black and white. It’s either his way or no way. He seems to think that anybody who strictly follows Islam is not really integrated.

“And he thinks anybody who holds conservative Muslim views is a bit of an extremist. He has been using Birmingham to pursue an ideological agenda that he’s had for many years.”

Mr Gove’s stance is understood to have caused unease among cabinet colleagues including the Home Secretary Theresa May and the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles. » | Richard Garner and Oliver Wright | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Germany Opens Inquiry into Claims NSA Tapped Angela Merkel's Phone

THE GUARDIAN: Unexpected inquiry, announced by federal prosecutor, will determine if US actively listened in to calls

Germany's federal prosecutor has defied public expectations by opening an investigation into the alleged tapping of Angela Merkel's mobile phone by the US's National Security Agency (NSA).

Federal prosecutor Harald Range announced on Wednesday: "I informed parliament's legal affairs committee that I have started a preliminary investigation over tapping of a mobile phone of the chancellor."

Merkel had complained to Barack Obama in person about the alleged tapping of her phone last October, but the federal court's investigation, which will be against unnamed persons, would constitute the first formal response to the affair. The German government has reportedly announced its support for the investigation.

The Karlsruhe-based court's decision comes as a surprise, not least since it appeared that both the German and the US governments had over recent months successfully calmed the waves stirred up by the revelations. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Wednesdat, June 04, 2014

Cameron Steps Into Extremism Row

BBC: David Cameron has asked for a full account of the row between the home secretary and education secretary over allegations of extremism in schools.

Theresa May has accused Michael Gove of not dealing with the alleged Islamist plot targeting Birmingham schools.

It is understood Mr Gove believes the Home Office does not react strongly enough to extremism generally.

Earlier, the pair issued a joint statement insisting they were "working together" on the issue.

The BBC's political editor, Nick Robinson, said the row amounted to "an old-fashioned Whitehall turf war", with two senior ministers differing over how to combat Islamic extremism. » | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Islam 'Satanic' Comments Defended

Islam Row: Peter Robinson Makes Public Apology for Causing Offence to Muslims after Meeting in Belfast

Peter Robinson along with Muslim leaders outside the Islamic
Centre in Belfast

BELFAST TELEGRAPH: First Minister Peter Robinson has publicly apologised for offence caused to Muslims following comments he made in defence of a firebrand pastor who denounced Islam as "satanic".

Speaking outside the Islamic Centre in Belfast following a meeting with Muslim leaders, Mr Robinson said he had made a "face-to-face, man-to-man" apology.

"I have had a very welcoming visit to the Belfast Islamic Centre. I have been received in friendship, and respect," he said.

"I came here to make it very clear that the members of the Islamic community are a very important and valued part of our society in Northern Ireland.

"I know many of you centre on an issue of an issue of an apology - I apologise to these gentlemen, if anything I said had caused them hurt.

"I can see in many cases, it has. I say I apologise, face-to-face, man-to-man. The way it should be done." (+ video) » | John Mulgrew and Michael McHugh | Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Prince Felipe Promises to Serve Spain 'With All My Strength'

Spanish Crown Prince Felipe, left, with his wife at the presentation
of the Prince of Viana prize for culture

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: In his first comments since King Juan Carlos announced his abdication on Monday, Prince Felipe, the future king, has vowed to take on "the challenges ahead" with gusto

Prince Felipe, the next king of Spain, has pledged to serve his country "with all my strength" when he takes over on June 18.

In his first public comments since his father, King Juan Carlos, announced his abdication 48 hours ago, the prince said he was looking forward to serving "our beloved Spain."

"My first words will be used to pledge all my strength and conviction in dedicating myself with hope and enthusiasm to serving our beloved Spain," he said, speaking at the presentation of the Prince of Viana prize for culture.

With his wife Princess Letizia by his side, he described Spain as "a united and diverse" community, and praised the tenacity of its citizens. » | Harriet Alexander | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Drug Smuggler Lindsay Sandiford Takes Death Penalty Case to UK Supreme Court

Lindsay Sandford at her trial last year.

THE GUARDIAN: British woman facing execution in Indonesia makes last appeal for UK government to fund her defence

A British woman facing execution by firing squad in Indonesia for drug smuggling has no funds to mount a legal challenge against her sentence, the UK's highest court has been told.

Lawyers for Lindsay Sandiford, 57, from Cheltenham, are arguing at the supreme court that the government's policy not to provide funding for legal representation to Britons facing capital charges abroad is unlawful. The court of appeal rejected this argument in May last year.

Her barrister, Aidan O'Neill QC, told five supreme court judges that previously Sandiford had been able to fund her legal fight against the death sentence in the Indonesian courts through donations.

He said the only two chances left to her now were appealing against her sentence at the Indonesian supreme court or submitting a petition for clemency to the country's government. The first course required "detailed knowledge of Indonesian law", the second "close knowledge of the Indonesian judicial and political situation and environment".

O'Neill added: "The appellant is however effectively without legal representation in Indonesia and she has no access to any further private funding which might otherwise allow her to instruct a suitably qualified lawyer." » | Steven Morris and agency | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Fotogalerie: Charles wartet noch: Diese Monarchen dankten ab

Somit gibt es in Europa mit Dänemark (Königin Margarethe), Schweden (König Carl Gustav), Norwegen (König Harald) und Großbritannien nur noch vier Herrscher der älteren Generation. Herausragend dabei ist wohl Großbritannien, wo Queen Elisabeth II. auch im Alter von 88 Jahren noch regiert. Sohn und Thronfolger Charles ist mit 65 Jahren der deutlich älteste Kronprinz in Europa. Auch sein Sohn William wäre bereits in königswürdigem Alter.
Zur Galerie »

Regierungserklärung: Merkel will Großbritannien unbedingt in der EU halten

Merkel im Bundestag: Verdienste Großbritanniens für Frieden in Europa

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Der Streit über die Personalie Juncker belastet das Verhältnis zwischen Brüssel und London, nun stellt Kanzlerin Merkel klar: Großbritannien soll auf jeden Fall in der EU bleiben. An Juncker als künftigen Kommissionspräsidenten hält sie aber fest.

Berlin - "Es ist alles andere als gleichgültig, ob Großbritannien in der Europäischen Union bleibt." Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel hat bei ihrer Regierungserklärung in Berlin deutlich gemacht, dass sie das Land unbedingt in der EU halten will.

Der britische Premier David Cameron hatte im Streit um den künftigen EU-Kommissionspräsidenten mit einem Austritt seines Landes gedroht. Er hatte nach SPIEGEL-Informationen zu verstehen gegeben, die Ernennung Jean-Claude Junckers mache es wahrscheinlicher, dass die Briten beim EU-Referendum 2017 gegen die EU stimmten.

Angesichts der Verdienste Großbritanniens für die europäische Einigung könne ein Austritt des Landes nicht leichtfertig hingenommen werden, sagte nun Merkel im Bundestag. Sie erinnerte an eine Rede Richard von Weizsäckers vor 30 Jahren, der herausgestellt hatte, dass Großbritannien mit seinem Widerstand gegen den Nationalsozialismus seine Existenz aufs Spiel gesetzt habe, um die Zukunft der europäischen Völker zu retten. » | sun | Mittwoch, 04. Juni 2014

Obama Condemns Russian 'Aggression' in Ukraine

Mr Obama said Poland's experience of democracy was a beacon for Ukraine

BBC: US President Barack Obama has condemned Russian "aggression" in Ukraine.

Speaking in Warsaw to mark 25 years since the fall of communism in Poland, he hailed Polish democracy as a beacon for neighbouring Ukraine.

"How can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th Century to define the 21st?" he said.

Earlier Mr Obama met Ukraine President-elect Petro Poroshenko, and pledged support for plans to restore peace to the country.

Mr Obama called Mr Poroshenko a "wise selection" to lead Ukraine, and said the nation could become a vibrant, thriving democracy if the world community stood behind it. (+ video) » | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Bowe Bergdahl Release Video: 'Don't Come Back to Afghanistan'

Footage released by the Taliban allegedly showing the handover at the weekend of their captive US army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl to the American military near the Afghan border with Pakistan. It ends with the caption: 'Don' [sic] come back to afghanistan [sic].' The handover was made in exchange for five militants held at Guantánamo Bay. Bergdahl, 28, is now in a military hospital in Germany, undergoing physical and mental assessments

David Cameron's House 'Fracked' by Protestors

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Greenpeace protestors turn the Prime Minister's country home into a 'fracking site' in protest at new pro-drilling laws, the environmental group reveals

David Cameron’s country home is being "fracked" by environmental campaigners in protest at new laws which could clear the way for more underground drilling, Greenpeace revealed.

Activists in hard hats and high-vis jackets turned up at the Prime Minister’s Oxfordshire cottage and began sealing off the property’s front gate before erecting a sign which read: “We apologise for any inconvenience we may cause while we frack under your home”, the group claimed.

The Greenpeace members also tried to deliver a giant cheque for £50, which is the maximum compensation ministers are willing to pay individual home and landowners to allow companies to drill under their properties.

Greenpeace said the stunt was a protest against legislation expected to be announced in the Queen’s Speech later, clearing the way for fracking firms to drill under people’s land and property without their permission. » | Miranda Prynne | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

British Consulates Open Doors to Same[-]sex Marriages in Russia

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Gay Britons living in Russia, China and Serbia are now be able get married in the British consulate

Same[-]sex marriages can take place in the British consulates of more than 20 countries where the ceremonies are not legal including Russia, Azerbaijan, Serbia and Hungary.

The Foreign Office has opened the doors of its missions to British nationals and their partners who wish to wed but are unable to under foreign laws.

Chris Bryant, the former Foreign office minister and openly gay Labour MP, said he hoped the move would be "celebrated" in countries like Russia where homosexuals face prejudice and persecution.

In June last year Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, signed into law a bill punishing people for homosexual "propaganda".

The law imposed fines on those who disseminate information aimed at minors ‘directed and forming non-traditional sexual set-up’, or which may cause a ‘distorted understanding’ that gay and heterosexual relationships are equal. » | Matthew Holehouse and Steven Swinford | Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Ann Coulter Sounds Off On Bowe Bergdahl's Case

Jun. 02, 2014 - 3:08 - Columnist reacts to the prisoner swap