Queen Goes Riding on Anniversary of Coronation as Spain's King Juan Carlos Abdicates

Queen Elizabeth II horseriding at Windsor Castle, Berkshire

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Constitutional historians say Spanish king's abdication will have no effect on the Queen

As the Queen marked the 61st anniversary of her coronation by going for a gentle pony ride in Windsor today, King Juan Carlos of Spain announced his abdication after 40 years on the throne.

His decision is unlikely to have been welcomed by the Queen, and nor will it have weakened her resolve to carry on as monarch for the rest of her life, according to constitutional historians.

The British monarchy, unlike Spain’s, is a sacerdotal system, meaning Kings and Queens are consecrated during a religious ceremony in which they swear before God to carry out their various duties. Edward VIII abdicated before he had been crowned, meaning he never took the Coronation Oath, thus avoiding a constitutional crisis.

The Spanish crown, in contrast, is a far more ceremonial position; monarchs are crowned, but not consecrated, meaning they are not bound by a religious oath to carry on for life.

The historian Hugo Vickers said that unlike King Juan Carlos, who is in poor health and has faced a slump in his popularity, the Queen, who is 88, is "firing on all cylinders". » | Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter | Monday, June 02, 2014

Bergdahl Family Friend Speaks Out After Rescue

Jun. 02, 2014 - 2:32 - America's last known POW released

Bergdahl: Hero or Deserter?

Jun. 02, 2014 - 4:22 - Media coverage of the controversial deal

Bergdahl Release Deal Critics Focus on Father’s Bushy Beard and Utterances in Arabic and Pashtu

President Barack Obama speaks during an appearance in the
Rose Garden of the White House, accompanied by Bowe Bergdahl's
parents Bob and Jani Bergdahl

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: After Robert Bergdahl celebrated the release of his son Bowe in a White House appearance next to Barack Obama, some are suspicious about his invocation of Allah and his past comments criticising US foreign policy

For Barack Obama, it must have seemed like a politically safe photo opportunity. His administration had just secured the release of America’s only known prisoner of war after years of negotiations and now he had invited the soldier’s parents to join him on the steps of the White House to proclaim the deal.

The images from the Rose Garden of a smiling president placing his arms supportively around Robert and Jani Bergdahl, whose son Bowe was freed in return for the release of five Taliban leaders in Guantanamo Bay, were broadcast around the world.

But past comments by Mr Bergdahl condemning US foreign policy - not to mention his bushy Islamic-looking beard, his command of Pashtu and Arabic and his use of an Islamic greeting while standing next to Mr Obama - have now been seized on by conservative critics of the president.

There was outrage on some social media sites yesterday at what appeared to have been a message that the soldier’s father issued via Twitter, which has since been removed from his account on the micro-blogging site.

“God will repay the death of every Afghan child, ameen!” the message read, using the Islamic equivalent of Amen. In the same message, he repeated his view that all Guantanamo Bay detainees should be released. » | Philip Sherwell, New York | Monday, June 02, 2014

Letizia d'Espagne : cette reine que les monarchistes détestent

Avec 'abdication de Juan Carlos, Letizia se retrouve reine aux côtés de son mari Felipe.

LE POINT: Issue d'une famille républicaine, rejetée par les monarchistes, elle incarne désormais avec Felipe l'une des plus anciennes dynasties d'Europe.

Le prochain roi d'Espagne n'est pas forcément celui que l'on croit... Derrière Felipe, les Espagnols savent bien qu'ils devront compter avec Letizia Ortiz, une femme ambitieuse, au caractère bien trempé, qui joue un rôle de conseillère occulte auprès de son mari, comme en son temps sa belle-mère Sofía d'Espagne. La grande différence, c'est que Sofia est née princesse de Grèce tandis que Letizia est roturière, fille d'un journaliste et d'une infirmière syndicaliste, petite-fille d'un chauffeur de taxi. Un pedigree incompatible avec le sang des Bourbons pour les aristocrates espagnols, qui ne lui ont jamais fait de cadeaux. Dès son mariage avec Felipe, au printemps 2004, ses détracteurs ouvraient un site anti-Letizia Ortiz pour souligner l'entrée par effraction de cette journaliste divorcée - elle a été mariée civilement à un professeur - au sein de la famille régnante. Les attaques n'ont jamais vraiment cessé avec son cortège de rumeurs et de boules puantes. » | Par Marc Fourny | lundi 02 juin 2014

Tony Blair: Nigel Farage Is Deceiving the British People over Immigration

The former Prime Minister said that it is "dangerous and wrong"
for Britain's political leaders to pander to "unpleasant prejudices"

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The former Prime Minister says the Ukip leader is fuelling grievances about immigration and it is 'dangerous' for other politicians to pander to such 'unpleasant prejudices'

Nigel Farage is "traducing" Britain and "deceiving" voters by fuelling "grievances" about immigration and Europe, Tony Blair has said.

The former Prime Minister said that it is "dangerous and wrong" for Britain's political leaders to pander to "unpleasant prejudices" and an "attitude which says we don't like foreigners".

He said that politicians should not tell the "white, working class, unemployed youth" that they would find jobs if there were fewer Polish people working in the UK.

He said that the answer should be to provide young people with the education and skills they need to "face the world's challenges and overcome them." » | Steven Swinford, Senior Political Correspondent | Monday, June 02, 2014

Spain's King Juan Carlos to Abdicate

Spain's King Juan Carlos delivers a speech to explain
the reasons for his abdication

THE GUARDIAN: Monarch says he is proud of country's transition to democracy but son Felipe has the maturity to 'open a new era of hope'

After 39 years on the throne, King Juan Carlos of Spain will abdicate in favour of his son Crown Prince Felipe, the king said in a televised address on Monday.

Hours after the prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, broke the news, the king explained his decision on Spanish television and radio. He highlighted his pride in the "transformation of Spain" and the "tremendous amount achieved by all" since the country's transition into democracy.

"Today, when I look back, I cannot help but feel pride and gratitude towards all of you," he said.

The decision to step down, he said, was made after his 76th birthday in January. His son Felipe, he assured Spaniards, "has the maturity, preparation, and sense of responsibility necessary to assume the title of head of state and open a new era of hope which combines the experience and momentum of a new generation." Read on and comment » | Ashifa Kassam | Monday, June 02, 2014

Anna Soubry: Some People with Immigration Concerns Are 'Frankly Racist'

Anna Soubry, the Conservative defence minister, says that the overwhelming majority of immigrants come to Britain to work not to 'scrounge'

Read the Sunday Telegraph article here | Sunday, June 01, 2014

New Dark Age Alert! Damning Reports Will Show State Schools in Birmingham Are Imposing Islamic Practices

Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted, will claim next week that
children in Birmingham are being denied a "rounded education"
to prepare them for life as British citizens

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The head of Ofsted is expected to reveal six schools have been placed in special measures following worrying evidence of religious interference in the classroom

Teachers are to be sent on training programmes to help them stop extremism entering the classroom, as damning reports show that some state schools have been imposing Islamic practices and attitudes.

The reports are due to be published by the education watchdog Ofsted next week, after inspectors carried out emergency checks in 21 schools in Birmingham following complaints of homophobia, the segregation of boys and girls in some lessons, refusal to teach sex education, bullying and invitations to extremists to speak at assemblies.

It is understood six schools, including Park View Academy, have been placed in special measures after inspectors found worrying evidence of religious interference in the classroom.

According to The Sunday Times [£], Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted, will claim next week that children in Birmingham are being denied a “rounded education” to prepare them for life as British citizens. » | Nicola Fifield | Sunday, June 01, 2014

Le Pen warnt Kanzlerin vor "Explosion der EU"

Wahlsiegerin Le Pen: "Vorwürfe mache ich unseren eigenen Anführern"

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Nach dem Triumph des Front National bei der Europawahl zeigt sich Parteichefin Le Pen selbstbewusst. Im Gespräch mit dem SPIEGEL warnt sie Kanzlerin Merkel vor dem Hass der Nachbarländer - und zeigt Bewunderung für Kreml-Chef Putin.

Hamburg - Marine Le Pen warnt nach dem guten Abschneiden ihrer Partei bei der Europawahl die deutsche Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel davor, ihre Sparpolitik fortzusetzen: "Wenn sie die Leiden nicht sieht, denen die übrigen europäischen Völker unterworfen sind, wird Deutschland sich verhasst machen", sagte die Vorsitzende des rechtsfranzösischen Front National im Gespräch mit dem SPIEGEL. (Lesen Sie das komplette Interview hier im aktuellen SPIEGEL) » | Sonntag, 01. Juni 2014

French Arrested Suspect in Brussels Jewish Centre Attack

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Alleged killer arrested for conducting attack on Jewish centre in Brussels that killed three

A Frenchman with suspected ties to Islamic radicals in Syria has been arrested over last week's fatal shooting at the Jewish Museum in Brussels, investigation sources told AFP on Sunday.

The suspected gunman, 29-year-old Mehdi Nemmouche, was arrested Friday in the southern French city of Marseille in possession of a Kalashnikov rifle and a handgun similar to the ones used in the attack on May 24, the sources said.

Nemmouche has been detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise, a judicial source said. » | AFP | Sunday, June 01, 2014

Sudan Backtracks on Pledge to Free Woman Sentenced to Death for Apostasy

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The foreign office said on Saturday that Meriam Ibrahim would be freed within days but has now said that only Sudan's courts can decide


Sudan’s foreign ministry on Sunday repudiated a pladge the government would order the release of Meriam Ibrahim, the mother sentenced to death for apostasy, warning only the country’s courts could order her freedom.

Western nations including Britain have expressed outrage that Ms Ibrahim, who gave birth to her daughter Maya in prison last week, had been convicted of changing her faith from Islam to Christianity.

Sudanese officials suggested late on Saturday that the 27-year-old was to be released and her death sentence annulled.

But Abu Bakr al-Sideeg, spokesman for the foreign ministry in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, said on Sunday that only the courts had such powers and foreign ministry officials would have no power over Ms Ibrahim’s case.

“[I am] not aware that any release is imminent”, he added. » | Mike Pflanz, Nairobi | Sunday, June 01, 2014

Museum Shooting: 'My Children Know That Being Jewish Means They Will Be Targets'

Head of the European Jewish Community Centre
Rabbi Avi Tawil says he encounters abuse every day

SUNDAY EXPRESS: A GUNMAN calmly walking into the Jewish Museum in Brussels and shooting four people without a shred of emotion has triggered fears of a resurgence of anti-Semitic violence across Europe.

The horror attack came the weekend before members of far-Right groups in France, Germany and Greece were elected to the European parliament that sits in the Belgian capital.

The rise of neo-Nazi groups, which are openly anti-Semitic, bears chilling hallmarks of the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany in the early 1930s.

This is at a time when young men from across Europe indoctrinated by radical Islamic preachers are returning home from fighting jihads in Syria and Chechnya, united with the far-Right in their hatred of Jewish ­people and also possessing the skills and mindset to target them.

Security camera footage showed the killer, in cap and sunglasses, stroll in, casually remove a Kalashnikov automatic rifle from a bag and open fire, before escaping on foot, all in less than two minutes.

An Israeli couple and a 65-year-old French woman volunteer died, while a 24-year-old Belgian member of staff is said to be “clinically dead” in ­hospital. » | Jon Coates | Sunday, June 01, 2014

Parliament Plea for Muslim and Hindu Bank Holiday in UK Calendar

SUNDAY EXPRESS: PARLIAMENT may have to consider introducing Muslim and Hindu bank holidays.

An online petition requesting a day off for Hindu festival Diwali and Muslim celebration Eid has attracted more than 119,000 signatures and has three months more to run.

Under the rules of the e-petition scheme, introduced in 2011, once the 100,000 signature mark is passed it should be considered for a House of Commons debate.

The debate will stir controversy because these could become the first non-Christian religious holidays in Britain and could lead to calls from other faiths for similar treatment.

It could also anger nationalists who have complained St George’s Day and St David’s Day are not holidays.

However an e-petition calling for these days to be marked has so far attracted only 34 signatures.

Details of the Eid/Diwali e-petition have been passed to the Backbench Business Committee, which will ­consider its suitability for debate. Read on and comment » | Geraint Jones | Sunday, June 01, 2014

Tony Blair the Return? Former PM 'Seeks EU Saviour Role'

THE INDEPENDENT: Tony Blair reportedly proposed a 'pro-European role' for himself in a meeting with Angela Merkel

Tony Blair is apparently angling for a come back to European politics as saviour to the European Union in the face of growing public scepticism.

Not content with his widely condemned performance and perceived failures as Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East, Blair now wants to get his hands back on the EU and Britain.

In a meeting with Angela Merkel, hours after the European elections, Blair pushed the case for him taking up a “pro-European role”, The Financial Times reports. » | Toma Jivanda | Saturday, May 31, 2014

Suffering Youth: Greeks Don't See Light at End of Austerity Tunnel

The IMF is about to send another cash injection to the Greek government. The public, however is failing to share the optimism of the authorities about what the new bailout will do to the economy. RT's Marina Kosareva is out in Athens to find out more.

Cameron soll Merkel mit EU-Austritt gedroht haben

Haben Unstimmigkeiten zu verzeichnen: Angela Merkel und David Cameron.

TAGES ANZEIGER: Die Besetzung des Spitzenpostens der Europäischen Union macht den Regierungschefs zu schaffen. Grossbritannien will sich nicht mit Jean-Claude Juncker abfinden – offenbar aus innenpolitischen Gründen.

Der britische Premier David Cameron hat laut dem deutschen Nachrichtenmagazin «Der Spiegel» beim EU-Gipfel am vergangenen Dienstag unter anderem Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel mit der Warnung unter Druck gesetzt, er könne bei einem Mehrheitsvotum der Staats- und Regierungschefs für Jean-Claude Junker als neuem EU-Kommissionschef den Verbleib Grossbritanniens in der EU nicht länger garantieren.

Nach Angaben aus Teilnehmerkreisen machte Cameron am Rande des Treffens deutlich, ein solches Votum könne seine Regierung derart destabilisieren,dass ein Austrittsreferendum vorgezogen werden müsste. Dieses werde mit grosser Wahrscheinlichkeit zu einem Nein der Briten zur EU-Mitgliedschaft führen werde. » | Samstag, 31. Mai 2014

'We Must Close Our Borders to Migrants Who Burden Britain': Senior Tory Adds Fuel to Incendiary Debate over Immigration from EU That Is Dividing the Cabinet

Former Defence Secretary: Leading Right-wing
flag-bearer Liam Fox has called on David Cameron
to seize the 'historic opportunity' to control our borders

MAIL ONLINE: The Cabinet has been at loggerheads this week over immigration from the EU, with Home Secretary Theresa May leading calls for an end to the influx of workers from poorer European countries – and Foreign Secretary William Hague arguing that it couldn’t be done.

Here, leading Right-wing flag-bearer Liam Fox calls on David Cameron to seize the ‘historic opportunity’ to control our borders.

In last week’s European elections, voters across Europe sent a signal to the bloated, hideously expensive and out-of-touch Brussels bureaucracy.

From Denmark to Greece and from Finland to France, the people of Europe made it clear that they increasingly reject the idea of open borders and mass migration.

Some see it as an economic threat, others as a challenge to their perception of national identity.

Whatever their reasons, political leaders in Europe must take note. I have lost count of the number of people who told me: ‘I wouldn’t dream of voting Ukip in a General Election but I wanted to send a message.’ Usually, this was about immigration. Read on and comment » | Dr Liam Fox | Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sudanese Woman Meriam Ibrahim Sentenced to Death for Apostasy 'To Be Freed'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese woman sentenced to death for apostasy, is to be freed in a few days, a senior Sudanese official has said. But her lawyers say they will not believe it until they see her walk out of prison

Sudan appeared to be bowing to international pressure on Saturday night to free a woman sentenced to death for apostasy. A foreign ministry spokesman said that Meriam Ibrahim would be released and not face further charges.

But lawyers for 27-year-old Ms Ibrahim expressed scepticism that she would be freed so quickly.

“It’s a statement to silence the international media,” said Elshareef Ali Mohammed. “This is what the government does. We will not believe that she is being freed until she walks out of the prison."

He said he had even heard reports that the spokesman was in the UK on medical leave when he told the BBC she would soon be freed.

“If they were to release her, the announcement would come from the appeal court, and not from the ministry of foreign affairs. But at least it shows our campaign to free Meriam is rattling them. We must keep up the pressure.” » | Harriet Alexander | Saturday, May 31, 2014

Related »

World Leaders Back Campaign to Drop Sudanese Woman's Death Sentence

Daniel Wani married his wife Meriam in 2011 but the court
ruled the union invalid and found Ibrahim guilty of adultery.

THE GUARDIAN: British PM David Cameron and US activist Jesse Jackson speak out against death row detention of Meriam Ibrahim

World leaders have added their voices to the campaign to lift the death sentence given to Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese woman sentenced to hang for apostasy. They join her husband, Daniel Wani, in calling for the sentence to be dropped.

The British prime minister, David Cameron, and the US civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson were among those to speak out after Wani appealed for international support to free his wife from death row, where she is being held with her two young children after giving birth in shackles this week.

Cameron said he was "absolutely appalled" when he heard of the decision. "The way she is being treated is barbaric and has no place in today's world. Religious freedom is an absolute, fundamental human right."

His words were echoed by the Labour and Lib Dem leaders, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg, and the former prime minister Tony Blair described the sentence as a "brutal and sickening distortion of faith". » | Harriet Sgerwood | Saturday, May 31, 2014

British Woman 'Sentenced to 20 Years in Iran for Facebook Posts'

Roya Saberi Hegad Nobakht

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Iranian court sentences British woman and seven others to up to 20 years in jail for 'anti-regime propaganda' posted on Facebook

An Iranian court has sentenced a British woman and seven others to up to 20 years in jail for crimes including posting comments on Facebook, an opposition website said yesterday.

Roya Saberi Negad Nobakht was arrested during a visit to Shiraz last autumn for comments she had made on her Facebook page, and was last week sentenced to 20 years in jail, the Kaleme website said.

Kaleme, which did not cite a source for its report, said the sentences were delivered last week.

Ms Nobakht, who was said to be "devastated", has dual British-Iranian nationality and had been living with her husband in Stockport, according to media reports.

"She is not doing well," a source said according to The Times. "She is just a housewife and is not an activist. » | Telegraph’s Foreign Staff | Friday, May 30, 2014

Reporting Saudi Arabia's Hidden Uprising

BBC: In Saudi Arabia's oil-rich Eastern Province, protesters inspired by the Arab Spring have been venting their anger against the government for the last three years. Saudi journalist Safa Alahmad got unprecedented access to the area.

Even inside Saudi Arabia, the protests in the coastal region of Qatif hardly ever make the news. It's nearly impossible for journalists to operate here.

But I travelled in under the radar. I know the area well, as I was born and raised nearby.

I visited the Eastern Province several times in the past two years without the knowledge of the Saudi authorities.

I wanted to find out why activists from the country's Shia minority were risking their lives to demonstrate against the monarchy.

How had frequent protests rumbled on without being silenced? » | Friday, May 30, 2014

Saudi Arabia ‘failing to address human rights concerns’ »

Provocative Islamic Sign That Says 'Do Not Walk Your Dog Here! Muslims Don't Like Dogs' Investigated By Police

THE INDEPENDENT: Park sign may have been put there by Islamists or EDL, says local MP

A sign declaring a London park an “Islamic area” and ordering dog walkers to stay away because “Muslims do not like dogs” is being investigated by police.

The warning, branded “alarming and divisive” by the local council, appeared in Bartlett Park in east London’s Poplar.

It read: "Do not walk your dog here! Muslims do not like dogs. This is an Islamic area now."

Local Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick alerted police to the sign after a dog walker complained.

"The question is whether it was put up by the EDL to be provocative or by religious zealots to be racist," he told the Evening Standard. » | Tom Payne | Friday, May 30, 2014

Monaco's Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene Expecting Baby

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene married in 2011

BBC: Monaco's Prince Albert II and his South African wife Princess Charlene have announced they are expecting their first child.

In a short statement, the couple - who married in July 2011 - expressed their "immense joy" at the news.

The statement said the birth was expected before the end of the year, but gave no further details.

The new baby will replace Princess Caroline - Prince Albert's older sister - as heir to the throne. » | Friday, May 30, 2014

House of Grimaldi »

LA PARISIEN/LA PARISIENNE: Monaco : le prince Albert II et Charlène attendent un enfant » | vendredi 30 mai 2014

Merkel Backs Jean-Claude Juncker for European Commission President

THE GUARDIAN: Move deals blow to David Cameron's attempts to block Luxembourg's former prime minister from taking up the role

Angela Merkel has thrown her weight behind Jean-Claude Juncker for the next European commission leader, dealing a blow to David Cameron's attempts to block Luxembourg's former prime minister from taking up the role.

The German chancellor said at the National Catholic Congress in Regensburg: "I will now lead all negotiations in the spirit that Jean-Claude Juncker should become president of the European commission."

Both Merkel and Juncker's parties are members of the European People's party (EPP) bloc, the centre-right group that gained the most seats in Sunday's European parliament elections.

David Cameron, whose Conservative party left the EPP in 2009, as well as Hungary and Sweden's prime ministers have opposed Juncker, lobbying for a more reformist candidate. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Friday, May 30, 2014


Merkel spricht sich klar für Juncker aus »

Bedbug Epidemic Spreads Across Spain

Reports of bedbug infestations in Spain have risen by 70 per cent
over the past five years

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Huge rise in the number of infestations of parasitic insects reported across Spain

Housing authorities in Madrid are complaining of “a plague of bedbugs” and called for extra measures to tackle the troublesome parasites.

According to pest control experts, the reports of bedbug infestations across Spain have risen by 70 per cent within five years and is now bordering on an “epidemic”.

A residents’ association in the Lavapies district of central Madrid is demanding city authorities provide temporary housing for those affected while their homes are fumigated.

Residents are blaming the proliferation of the insects, which bury themselves deep inside mattresses, on the rise in the number of buildings being squatted in the neighbourhood.

“We never had bedbugs until the squatters moved in,” one neighbour told Spain’s daily El Mundo newspaper. » | Fiona Govan, Madrid | Friday, May 30, 2014

'Eurasian Economic Union a Huge Wake-up Call for US and Its Power'

Russia has secured another huge economic deal, by bringing together some of its neighbours, to create the largest common market on Post-Soviet territory. It's hoped the new union - with Belarus and Kazakhstan - will compete with the economic powerhouses of the EU and the US. Patrick Young, an expert in global financial markets, joins RT to discuss this deal.

Royal Nightmare: Saudi Princesses Locked Up by Father Suffer from Hunger & Isolation

Living in a royal palace may sound like a dream for many - but for the four Saudi princesses it turned into a nightmare. They have been living in isolation for 13 years after falling out of favour with their father, King Abdullah. RT has again spoken to the women.

Les funérailles du général Jaruzelski ont eu lieu à Varsovie

L'ex-président Lech Walesa et le président actuel
Komorowski étaient présents à la messe.

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Le dernier dirigeant communiste polonais, toujours controversé dans son pays, est inhumé vendredi au cimetière militaire de Varsovie, après une messe à sa mémoire en présence de Lech Walesa.

Le général Wojciech Jaruzelski, dernier dirigeant communiste polonais dont l'action continue à diviser ses compatriotes, est inhumé vendredi au cimetière militaire de Varsovie, après une messe à sa mémoire en présence du président Bronislaw Komorowski et de l'ex-président Lech Walesa.

Célébré à la cathédrale de l'armée, l'office dédié au général, mort dimanche à l'âge de 90 ans, a débuté à 09h00 GMT.Né dans une famille catholique de petite noblesse polonaise, Wojciech Jaruzelski avait adhéré jeune au communisme et il s'est toujours déclaré comme non croyant.

Cependant, treize jours avant sa mort à l'hôpital, il a demandé à un prêtre, «en toute liberté et de façon lucide», de pouvoir se confesser et de recevoir l'extrême onction, a indiqué le curé de la cathédrale, le père Robert Mokrzycki, pour expliquer la tenue de cette messe. » | afp/Newsnet | vendredi 30 mai 2014

Des milliers de jeunes dans les rues contre le FN

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Des milliers de jeunes ont défilé jeudi dans plusieurs villes de France contre le Front national arrivé en tête des élections européennes dimanche dernier.

«France réveille-toi», «Péril FN en la demeure», «Non au F-Haine»: plusieurs milliers de jeunes ont manifesté jeudi en France. Ils se sont mobilisés contre le Front national, après la victoire historique du parti d'extrême droite de Marine Le Pen aux élections européennes. » | afp/Newsnet | jeudi 29 mai 2014

Dans les secrets du protocole de la visite d'Elizabeth II en France

Cette visite pourrait être le dernier déplacement d'Elizabeth II en France.

LE FIGARO: La souveraine britannique assistera la semaine prochaine aux commérations du 70e anniversaire du Débarquement. Depuis six mois, Buckingham et l'Elysée se plient en quatre pour que tout soit parfait : des fleurs au menu en passant par le cadeau officiel.

Avec Barack Obama, elle sera l'invité le plus prestigieux des commémorations du 70e anniversaire du Débarquement sur les plages de Normandie. Elizabeth II arrive en France jeudi prochain pour une visite d'Etat de deux jours. Un déplacement exceptionnel. À 88 ans, la reine d'Angleterre ne voyage plus beaucoup à l'étranger. Mais, ayant grandi pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale et étant très attachée à la cause des anciens combattants, elle a tenu à traverser la Manche. Cela sera sans doute son dernier déplacement dans l'Hexagone. Raison de plus pour que tout soit parfait. C'est ce à quoi s'emploient depuis six mois les équipes de l'Elysée et Buckingham, révèle Europe 1 qui a percé de nombreux secrets du protocole. » | Par Constance Jamet | vendredi 30 mai 2014

Les buralistes «choqués» par les mesures antitabac de Marisol Touraine

Pascal Montredon est le président de la Confédération des buralistes.

LE FIGARO: «Un gouvernement aux abonnés absents» qui «fait vraiment n'importe quoi». La réaction des buralistes ne s'est pas fait attendre après l'annonce des mesures antitabac de la ministre de la Santé, Marisol Touraine qui seront présentées le 17 juin prochain.

Après la loi Évin de 1991 interdisant la publicité pour les cigarettes et le décret sur l'interdiction de fumer dans les lieux publics en 2007, voici un nouveau coup dur pour les buralistes, qui reste toutefois à confirmer. Le ministère de la Santé a en effet déclaré qu'il réfléchissait également à d'autres pistes. Le coup dur est signé Marisol Touraine, la ministre de la Santé, qui présentera le 17 juin prochain ses nouvelles mesures antitabac. Le projet de loi relatif à la politique de santé prévoit trois mesures chocs: la mise en place de paquets neutres, la possibilité de faire des actions de groupe à la manière des class actions américaines et l'interdiction de la cigarette électronique dans les lieux publics. » | Par Charlotte Peyronnet | vendredi 30 mai 2014


Tabac, famille, malbouffe : arrêtez de nous dire comment vivre ! »

Related »

Edward Snowden will nach Hause

Der frühere NSA-Mitarbeiter Edward Snowden will zurück in die USA, traut sich aber nicht. Denn in den USA warte auf ihn ein Leben im Gefängnis, sagte Snowden in seinem ersten Interview mit einem US-Fernsehsender.

Pakistans Premier kritisiert Steinigung

Nawaz Sharif hat die Steinigung einer schwangeren Frau in der pakistanischen Metropole Lahore als «vollkommen inakzeptabel» bezeichnet.

France Moves to Ban e-Cigarettes from Public Places

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Health ministry due to unveil tough anti-smoking rules that could ban e-cigarettes and impose 'neutral' packets without logos

France could ban e-cigarettes in public places and force tobacco companies to remove logos and colours from packaging under tough new legislation due to be unveiled in June.

The measures are reportedly among several being considered by Marisol Touraine, the French health minister, and which will be outlined on June 17.

They could see all company branding and colour banned from cigarette packs dubbed “neutral”, in legislation similar to a landmark 2012 Australian rule.

A maximum of 65 percent of the package could be covered with written or visual anti-smoking messages, which would be a 25 percent increase over the current 40 percent limit, French daily Le Figaro reported.

It is hoped that by removing recognisable symbols, such as the bright red of Malboro packages, younger people will find the whole idea of smoking less appealing. » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Friday, May 30, 2014

Robert De Niro On Gay Father: ‘I Wish We Had Spoken About It Much More’

Robert De Niro has opened up
about his gay father

PINK NEWS: Robert De Niro has opened up about his gay father, saying he wishes they had spoken about his sexuality more.

The actor was speaking to Out Magazine, ahead of the launch of a documentary about his father – the artist Robert De Niro Sr – who died in 1993.

On his father’s sexuality, De Niro said: “I was not aware, much, of it. I wish we had spoken about it much more.

“My mother didn’t want to talk about things in general, and you’re not interested when you’re a certain age.

“Again, for my kids, I want them to stop and take a moment and realize that you sometimes have to do things now instead of later, because later may be 20 years from now — and that’s too late. » | Nick Duffy | Tuesday, May 27, 2014

EuroMillions Lottery Winner to Give Away €50 Million to Charity

The philanthropic Frenchman has been hailed a hero on social
media after giving away more than two-thirds of his Euro
Millions winnings to worthy causes

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: French winner donates lion's share of €72m jackpot to worthy causes in 'incredible act of generosity'

Amid all the gloom over a stagnating economy, serial scandals and a surge in support for the far-right, France finally had a good news story to celebrate on Friday.

A man who scooped more than €72 million (£58 million) on the EuroMillions lottery has decided to give €50 million of his jackpot to charity.

In what the Le Parisien tabloid hailed as "an incredible act of generosity," the unidentified winner from the Haute-Garonne area of southwestern France has said he will share his giveaway between around 10 NGOs working on behalf of the disadvantaged. » | AFP | Friday, May 30, 2014

Sir John Major: Ukip Is 'Very Intolerant' And Will Not Last

Sir John Major, the former Prime Minister, says Ukip is 'very intolerant'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir John Major warns that leaving the European Union would cost Britain billions and leave the country in a 'very isolated and very difficult' position

Ukip is a "very intolerant" party and its appeal is not likely to last for a "long time" despite its success in the European elections, Sir John Major has said.

The former Conservative Prime Minister said Nigel Farage has been "very smart" and proved "good at exploiting grievances".

But he warned that the arguments for quitting Europe are "absolute nonsense" and said it would cost billions and leave this country in a "very isolated and very difficult" position.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “Ukip are extremely good at exploiting grievances and people are very upset about Europe. Politically, Ukip have been very smart in exploiting those disagreements, but Ukip are not, frankly, a very tolerant party. » | Steven Swinford, Senior Political Correspondent | Friday, May 30, 2014

Edward Snowden Exclusive Interview with NBC Brian Williams

Are the Fascists Coming Back to France?

Is Marine Le Pen's smiling face a mask?

BBC: The Front National's victory in the EU elections - its greatest triumph ever - is attributed to the policy of "detoxification" conducted by Marine Le Pen since she took over in 2011.

But its enemies remain unconvinced that the FN has become in any sense a normal or acceptable political force.

Mainstream politicians regard the FN as a classic party of the nationalist extreme, exploiting economic distress to whip up hatred of the outsider, the immigrant.

For the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble, reacting to Sunday's vote, there is no question but that the FN is "fascist and extremist".

And in the UK, Nigel Farage of UKIP says he will never go into alliance with Marine Le Pen because of her party's "nasty, anti-Semitic past". » | Hugh Schofield, BBC News, Paris | Thursday, May 29, 2014

Clegg Under Pressure To Sack 'Disloyal’ Cable

Business Secretary Vince Cable (right) with Leader of Liberal
Democrats Nick Clegg

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Senior Liberal Democrats say Vince Cable should be stripped of his economic affairs title over plot to undermine Nick Clegg

Vince Cable should be stripped of his role as the Liberal Democrats’ voice on economic affairs over his links to a plot to undermine Nick Clegg, colleagues have said.

Senior Lib Dems are pushing Mr Clegg to sideline Mr Cable in the party’s general election campaign next year, giving control of economic policy to loyal younger ministers.

That could mean Mr Cable is denied a role in any pre-election television debates or a major position in any new coalition government the Lib Dems might join next year.

Mr Cable, the Business Secretary, is facing questions about his loyalty this week after it emerged that Lord Oakeshott, a friend and political ally, had secretly commissioned opinion polls that suggested the Lib Dems would win more votes if they ditched Mr Clegg.

Lord Oakeshott has said he told Mr Cable about some of his polling several weeks ago. Some Lib Dems say Mr Cable failed to stop “treacherous” moves to remove Mr Clegg and take his job. » | James Kirkup, and Georgia Graham | Thursday, May 29, 2014

Talk to Al Jazeera: Why Arab Women Still ‘Have No Voice’ (April 2012)

Amal al-Malki, a Qatari author, says the Arab Spring has failed women in their struggle for equality.

Talk to Al Jazeera: Marine Le Pen: The Threat of Radical Islam (December 2012)

The leader of the far-right National Front party explains why she sees Muslim immigration as a grave threat to France.

Reaktion auf Le-Pen-Wahlsieg: Frankreichs Regierung stoppt Einwanderer-Wahlrecht

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Der Europawahl-Sieg des rechtsextremen Front National setzt Frankreichs Regierung unter Druck: Das Wahlrecht für Nicht-EU-Ausländer in Kommunen werde doch nicht eingeführt, erklärte der sozialistische Innenminister.

Paris - Nach dem Sieg des rechtsextremen Front National (FN) von Marine Le Pen bei der Europawahl rückt Frankreichs Regierung vom geplanten Wahlrecht für Nicht-EU-Bürger auf Kommunalebene ab. Das Vorhaben habe nun keine Aussicht auf Erfolg mehr, sagte Innenminister Bernard Cazeneuve dem Fernsehsender LPC.

Präsident François Hollande hatte eine entsprechende Gesetzesänderung in seinem Präsidentschaftswahlkampf vor zwei Jahren in Aussicht gestellt. Davon profitiert hätten vor allem die in Frankreich lebenden Marokkaner und Algerier. » | ade/Reuters/AP | Donnerstag, 29. Mai 2014

Inside Story: Anti-Europe Protest Vote?

The far right and hard left make significant gains in European Parliament elections.

Drama: Clara Immerwahr

Breslau, 1880er Jahre. Clara Immerwahr ist intelligent und wissbegierig und wird darin von ihrer weltoffenen jüdischen Familie unterstützt. Angeregt von ihrem Vater Philipp hat sie großes Interesse an chemischen Forschungen. Clara will unbedingt das Abitur machen, was im deutschen Reich für Mädchen nur auf mühseligen Umwegen möglich ist.
Das Drama hier anschauen
Related »

Germans Rediscover First World War Heroine in New TV Drama

Clara Immerwahr was the first German woman to be awarded
a doctorate in chemistry

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: New film has reawakened interest in Germany in a largely forgotten feminist heroine from the war

A new TV drama is leading Germans to rediscover a long-forgotten heroine of the women’s rights movement – and tragic victim of World War One.

Clara Immerwahr was the first German woman to be awarded a doctorate in chemistry, and with her husband, Fritz Haber, a pioneer of chemical fertilisers. Together, they devised the process by which ammonia is produced to this day.

But with the coming of the First World War, Haber turned his talents to darker uses, and became the father of chemical weapons, supervising the use of chlorine gas in Flanders, the first deployment of a weapon of mass destruction in history.

Horrified at what her husband had done, Immerwahr committed suicide, shooting herself in the chest with his military pistol. Her death was hushed up, and for decades she has been forgotten. » | Justin Huggle, Berlin | Thursday, May 29, 2014