D-Day Anniversary: Queen 'Stirred' by Commemorations

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Queen speaks of her pride in the courage of the Allied forces who invaded Europe on D-Day - but warns peace and prosperity can never be taken for granted


On the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings the Queen travelled to the French coast with the Duke of Edinburgh, and spent the day with other heads of state honouring the actions of veterans and their fallen comrades.

Later at a banquet to mark her three-day state visit to France, the monarch described how the day's commemorations had left Philip and herself "filled with emotions".

She added: "With sorrow and regret, remembering the loss of so many fine young soldiers, sailors and airmen; with pride, at the sheer courage of the men who stormed those beaches, embodied in the veterans among us; and with thankfulness, knowing that today our nations are free and sovereign because allied forces liberated this continent from occupation and tyranny. » | Friday, June 06, 2014

D-Day : Documentary on the D-Day Invasion, Operation Overlord (Full Documentary)

Hillary Clinton May Have to Ditch Her Megarich Wall Street Friends If She Is to Make Another Run at the Presidency

THE INDEPENDENT: The former Secretary of State's ties to the banks that almost brought down the US economy may leave her vulnerable to challenges from the liberal left of the Democratic Party

Hillary Clinton might want to take the back door into Goldman Sachs, the investment house, in lower Manhattan on Friday. As she girds for the launch of her vaunted new book next week and thereafter – maybe, probably – a run at the presidency, fresh pictures of her on Wall Street will be unwanted.

Concern is growing among Hillary backers that her closeness to the banks that almost brought down the economy in 2008 could open her to potentially perilous challenges from the liberal left of the Democratic Party. Not helping has been a series by the leftist Mother Jones magazine highlighting those ties. » | David Usborne | New York | Thursday, June 05, 2014

Israël lâché par ses alliés

La réponse de Benyamin Netanyahou à l'isolement de son pays sur las scène international

LE POINT: Les États-Unis, l'Europe, la Russie, la Chine et l'Inde ont reconnu le gouvernement d'union nationale palestinien. Un camouflet pour Netanyahou.

Un mardi noir. C'est probablement ainsi que Benyamin Netanyahou se souviendra de ce 3 juin. En l'espace de quelques heures, et quasiment les unes après les autres, les grandes puissances ont annoncé soutenir le gouvernement palestinien d'unité nationale qui avait prêté serment la veille devant le président Abbas. Les premiers à ouvrir le bal de cette reconnaissance internationale furent les États-Unis. Vinrent ensuite l'Union européenne, les chefs de diplomatie de la France et de la Grande-Bretagne, le secrétaire général de l'ONU puis la Russie. Mais aussi la Chine et l'Inde. Deux pays qui n'ont posé aucune condition à leur soutien. Tandis que les gouvernements américain et européens fondent leur coopération avec le nouveau cabinet palestinien sur l'adhésion de ce dernier à trois principes : renoncement à la violence, respect des accords déjà signés et reconnaissance d'Israël. Des principes que Mahmoud Abbas et son Premier ministre, Rami Hamdallah, se sont engagés à respecter. » | Danièle Kriegel, corresponndante du Point à Jérusalem | vendredi 06 juin 2014

Israel gerät international in Isolation

DIE PRESSE: Die USA wollen mit neuer Palästinenserregierung kooperieren. In Jerusalem zürnt man über die US-Entscheidung.

Jerusalem. Benjamin Netanjahu kämpft auf einsamem Posten gegen die neu angelobte palästinensische Einheitsregierung. Anstelle der erwarteten internationalen Verurteilung wegen der Beteiligung der islamistischen Hamas an der Palästinenserregierung gerät Israels Premier selbst ins Visier der Weltöffentlichkeit. In Jerusalem zürnt man über die US-Entscheidung, mit der palästinensischen Übergangsregierung zu kooperieren. Dabei hat US-Außenminister John Kerry versprochen, das Technokratenkabinett unter Beobachtung zu halten. Saeb Erekat, der palästinensische Chefunterhändler, drohte Israel zudem mit rechtlichen Schritten. Die Palästinenser würden sich dazu an die „für Kriegsverbrechen zuständigen internationalen Institutionen“ wenden. » | Die Presse | Donnerstag, 05. Juni 2014

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

Exclusive: Dick Cheney Reacts to Release of Sgt. Bergdahl

Jun. 02, 2014 - 6:27 - Former Vice President on if the U.S. negotiated with terrorists

Exclusive: Former Platoon Mates Speak Out About Bergdahl

Jun. 02, 2014 - 6:31 - Story behind captive soldier's disappearance

Church of England Bans Clergy from ‘Un-Christian’ BNP and National Front

Bishops have formally declared the two groups to be "incompatible
with the teaching of the Church of England" because of their stance
on "equality of persons or groups of different races"

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Bishops declare race policies of far right parties such as the BNP and the National Front as a “blatant denial of the Christian faith”

Church of England clergy face being defrocked if they are found to be members of the BNP or National Front after bishops ruled that their views are un-Christian and promote the “sin of racism”.

It is the first time Anglican priests have formally been banned from membership of any political party.

Bishops declared the two groups to be “incompatible with the teaching of the Church of England” because of their respective stances on “equality of persons or groups of different races”.

Clergy who defy the ban would be subject to disciplinary procedures under a clause in canon law which requires them to be “wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ” in their public and private lives.

It follows a vote in the governing General Synod four years ago calling for the church to adopt a similar policy towards the two groups as police forces already have.

Bishops agreed to impose the ban after legal advice that the Church could not be sued under human rights law for curtailing clerics’ free speech. » | John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor | Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Preacher at Ian Paisley's Former Church Denounces Islam as a 'Wicked Religion'

Rev Ian Brown blasted Islam as a "violent intolerant wicked religion"

BELFAST TELEGRAPH: Just two weeks after a scandal was sparked by a preacher slating Islam as "satanic", another preacher has launched a broadside against the faith.

The minister at Lord Bannside's former church, Martyr's Memorial Free Presbyterian in east Belfast, has blasted Islam as a "violent intolerant wicked religion".

The Rev Ian Brown was speaking at a recent Sunday evening service in defence of Pastor James McConnell, whom he described as a "prophet".

The Free Presbyterian minister told his flock last Sunday evening he felt the situation had become "thoroughly ridiculous".

In an sermon posted on the Martyr's Memorial website, Rev Brown is heard saying: "Now the allies and sympathisers of Islam are up on their hind legs; what we can call that secularist Taliban who dominate our medium, they are sharpening their literary sabres and they are swinging for him, their attempt at their own version of a verbal hanging with a couple of blistering attacks which were passed off as interviews on the Nolan radio and television shows."

He blamed "anti-Christian intolerance" for the row.

"This all becoming thoroughly ridiculous. » | Rebecca Black | Monday, June 02, 2014

Second evangelical Christian minister joins James McConnell row as he compares Islamists to Hitler »

Edward Snowden: Russia Better Than Prison

The NSA whistleblower risks offending his Kremlin hosts with less than effusive description of Russia, and says he'd like to be granted asylum in Brazil

Read the Telegraph article here | Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Obama: Sergeant Bergdahl Was Never Forgotten

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.