Saudi Prince Has No State Immunity from £12 million 'Secret Wife' Claim, Court Rules

Janan Harb claims she was secretly married to King Fahd

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Decision by London court opens the way for a potentially embarrassing court case involving a British woman who claims she was secretly married to the late king of Saudi Arabia

A British woman who claims she was secretly married to King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has won a key victory in a multi-million pound legal battle as the High Court rejected a "state immunity" claim by the late monarch's son.

Janan Harb, 65, told the High Court in London that she wed King Fahd when he was a prince and an interior minister in 1968, but that she was forced to leave the country several years later, before he ascended to the throne.

She claims she is owed a lump sum of £12 million which was promised to her 11 years ago, plus the ownership of two high-value apartments in central London.

Lawyers for Prince Abdul Aziz, the king’s son, argued he had “state immunity” and the court had no jurisdiction to try Mrs Harb’s claim.

But Mrs Justice Rose threw out the prince’s argument, opening the way for a full hearing which risks embarrassing the House of Saud by exposing details of life inside what Mrs Harb has previously described as a royal harem, as well as new claims about their business dealings. » | David Barrett, Home Affairs Correspondent | Monday, June 09, 2014

Don't Threaten Me Over Juncker Appointment, Angela Merkel Warns David Cameron

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: German Chancellor issues public rebuke to Cameron over threat to quit EU if arch-federalist Jean-Claude Juncker gets top job

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, has warned David Cameron not to "threaten" her over the appointment of an arch-federalist as President of the European Commission.

Mr Cameron has warned that the appointment of Jean-Claude Juncker could make Britain more likely to leave the European Union in a referendum in 2017.

Mrs Merkel said that "threats" went against the "European spirit" and as she gave her public support for Mr Juncker, the former President of Luxembourg.

Mr Cameron said that if Europe fails to heed his calls to reform it will be "unhelpful" ahead of his pledged referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union in 2017.

He believes that the appointment of Mr Juncker, the former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, will damage his attempts to convince the British public that Europe should stay in the EU. » | Steven Swinford, Senior Political Correspondent, in Harpsand, Sweden | Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Al-Qaeda Seizes Iraq's Third-largest City as Terrified Residents Flee

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Militants storm northern city of Mosul, freeing thousands of prisoners, as Iraqi army retreats and prime minister asks parliament to declare state of emergency


Al-Qaeda seized control of Iraq's third biggest city on Tuesday, freeing thousands of comrades in a series of jailbreaks and sparking a mass exodus of refugees.

The assault on the city of Mosul, 225 miles north west of Baghdad, saw the Iraqi army retreat to the outskirts after a sustained assault by men armed with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

As well as seizing the main governorate building - forcing the city's governor to flee - the gunmen were also reported to have gained control of three different jails, numerous police stations and an airport, where several military planes and helicopters were based.

The loss of the city, home to around one million people, is potentially a huge challenge to the Iraqi government, which has been struggling to quell a regalvanised al-Qaeda insurgency for more than two years.

Terrified residents of Mosul spoke of seeing militants raising al-Qaeda's black flag from buildings, and of newly-released prisoners running through the streets in yellow jumpsuits. » | Colin Freeman, agencies | Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Marine Le Pen and Father in 'Unprecedented' Attacks on Each Other

Jean-Marie Le Pen

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Jean-Marie Le Pen fends off accusations of racism after commenting on Jewish singer

An unprecedented family feud has erupted at the heart of France's far Right between Marine Le Pen, leader of the Front National, and her father and FN founder, Jean-Marie, over his alleged anti-Semitism.

The filial slanging match has seen Miss Le Pen accuse her father of damaging the party with perceived racist comments while he has blamed her for turning France's main far Right party into an insipid "bizarre" grouping "without substance".

On Sunday, the 85-year old Mr Le Pen, who already has several race hate convictions, had sparked political outrage, even from within his own party, for pledging to make an "oven load" of the Jewish singer Patrick Bruel – interpreted as a reference to the furnaces used by the Nazis to dispose of their victims.

Mr Bruel is a vocal FN critic.

In a spectacular departure from the usual family unity, Miss Le Pen joined the chorus of criticism of her father, who is an MEP and the party's honorary president, saying he had committed a "political mistake". » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Monday, June 09, 2014

Princess Letizia: The Commoner Who Could Save Spain's Tarnished Crown

Princess Letizia of Spain: the Spanish monarchy is depending on her

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Can Princess Letizia, a divorced ex-TV journalist, restore credibility to the troubled Spanish monarchy, asks William Langley

"It is a common proverb, beauteous princess,” quoth Spain’s national bard, Cervantes, “that diligence is the mother of good fortune.” Princess Letizia Ortiz, the country’s 41-year-old queen-to-be, is certainly beauteous and has worked diligently to be accepted, but, phew!, does her husband need some good fortune.

Later this month, Felipe de Borbón, a hulking, ex-Olympic sailor, will take over the shambolic remnants of what used to be Europe’s most admired royal family. Tens of thousands of disenchanted Spaniards have already taken to the streets to demand the end of the monarchy, and the country’s equally unpopular government is under pressure to hold a national referendum on becoming a republic.

The abdication last week of Felipe’s 76-year-old father, King Juan Carlos, merely threw into stark relief the crisis that has been raging around the Zarzuela Palace for years. Spain’s economic woes have made all the country’s institutions look culpable, and as the old taboos against criticism of the royal family crumbled, Juan Carlos came increasingly to resemble a cardboard king, saying the right things for public consumption while covertly protecting his own interests.

Outraged by tales of scandal, profligacy and the king’s alleged womanising, the public demanded a change. While Felipe, 46, will assume the formal burden, it is, to a great extent, Letizia upon whom the monarchy’s survival now depends. A former television journalist from relatively humble roots, she is broadly popular – but not with everybody. Sections of the Spanish media, driven either by jealousy or the desire for a good story, have portrayed her as cold and manipulative and cast doubts on her fairytale story. » | William Langley | Saturday, June 07, 2014

Letizia d'Espagne : cette reine que les monarchistes détestent »

Spanish Royal Family's Popularity Boosted by King Juan Carlos's Abdication in Favour of Prince Felipe

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Approval ratings for King Juan Carlos's reign increase from 41 to 65 per cent following his abdication to hand the throne to 46-year-old heir Prince Felipe


Spains royal family has become more popular among Spainiards following the abdication of Juan Carlos for his son Crown King Felipe VI.

Overall, 55.7 per cent of those polled in the June 3-5 survey by Sigma Dos supported the institution of the monarchy in Spain, up from 49.9 per cent when the same question was posed six months ago.

57.5 per cent believed the prince could restore the royal family’s lost prestige.

An overwhelming majority of Spaniards believe the new king, Felipe VI, would make a good monarch and more than three-quarters believe King Juan Carlos was right to hand over the throne to his son.

The poll, published in Spain’s right-leaning daily El Mundo newspaper on Monday, is likely to encourage the departing King, who announced a week ago that he hoped the change would usher in a “new era of hope”. » | Fiona Govan | Monday, June 09, 2014

King Juan Carlos: 'I Don't Want My Son to Grow Old Waiting Like Prince Charles'

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Spanish monarch reportedly expressed a desire to hand the throne to heir while Prince Felipe was still a young man to stop him "withering" like Prince Charles

King Juan Carlos told courtiers that he wanted to abdicate in favour of his son because he did not want his heir to “grow old waiting for the throne like Prince Charles”.

The 76-year-old monarch, who announced last Monday that it was time for “a younger generation to step into the front line,” is said to have been influenced in his decision to abdicate by the situation of the Prince of Wales, who at 65 is the oldest heir to the British throne for 300 years.

It emerged on Sunday that King Juan Carlos had privately told those close to him that he felt it was right to pass the throne on while his heir was still a young man.

“I do not want my son to wither waiting like Prince Charles,” he reportedly told Rafael Spottorno, chief of the royal household, according to a report in Spain’s daily El Mundo newspaper. » | Fiona Govan, Madrid and Matthew Holehouse | Sunday, June 08, 2014

Worlds Apart: ’Militaries Outdated, They Should Go Like Cannibalism & Slavery’ Peace Researcher Dr Jan Oberg

Swedish and Finnish leaders have re-invigorated a push for their traditionally non-aligned countries to join NATO, in the face of what they say is a Russian threat. But does Russia really pose a threat to European security, or has it become a convenient scapegoat for growing militarism in Europe? How can Russia and the western world end the conflict in Ukraine, and rebuild peace by peace? Oksana is joined by the founder of the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, Dr Jan Oberg, to examine these issues.

Marine Le Pen: EU Robbed Us of All Liberties, We Should Fight to Get Them Back (Full Interview)

Elections to the European Parliament have brought groundbreaking changes in the structure of EU's most powerful body: right wing parties along with Eurosceptics, an outsiders just a few years ago, have now taken the political scene. Front Nacional party in France gets the majority - signifying that people want change; the same with other nations. But what now? Is the European change of course inevitable? What will happen to the Union itself? Today, we meet again with our special guest, the leader of the Front Nacional party. Marine Le Pen is on Sophie&Co today.

London Council 'Targeted in Trojan Horse-style Islamist Takeover Plot'

Jim Fitzpatrick warned of extremists infiltrating councils in London

LONDON EVENING STANDARD: A London MP today warned of the risk of a 'Trojan Horse'-style Islamist plot to infiltrate councils in the capital amid claims of schools being targeted in Birmingham.

As Ofsted criticised five schools at the heart of the row, Labour's Jim Fitzpatrick said there is a risk of "race politics" taking hold after the re-election of controversial mayor Lutfur Rahman in Tower Hamlets.

He said Labour had rejected "several hundred" applications from people the party believed could be "extremists" trying to infiltrate the borough's politics, as well as expelling party members during the past five years. » | Robin De Peyer | Monday, June 09, 2014

Trojan Horse Ofsted Report: Live

Ofsted report into alleged Trojan Horse plot at Birmingham schools finds "culture of fear and intimidation has developed" in schools after David Cameron wades in over Michael Gove and Theresa May row

Click here to read further and comment
My comment:

My God, these parliamentarians tie themselves up in knots trying not to criticise Islam. They keep splitting hairs about the distinction between Islam and Islamism. They argue about these things as though they were arguing about how many fairies can dance on the head of a pin.



Why the hell don't these cowards find their gonads and do something drastic about this problem? For indeed only drastic action will solve this problem. If this sort of thing is not STAMPED OUT NOW, ONCE AND FOR ALL, this country will be unrecognisable in just a few short years.



 The so-called political élite in this country have behaved in a treasonous manner vis-à-vis the indigenous population: They have given our country away to foreigners who have no intention of integrating into our way of life, and without the consent of the people.



No amount of money will solve this problem. This is not a matter of courses and guidance. The fact of the matter is that Muslims do not wish under any circumstances to integrate into our way of life. They see our way of life as being inferior to the Islamic way. They don't call us infidels for nothing!

The distinction that these idiotic and cowardly politicians try to make between Islam and Islamism is a phoney distinction. An Islamist is a devout Muslim – a person who follows his 'religion' to the letter. Nothing and no-one will change this fact.

Muslims will never properly integrate into our society. Being guided by their prophet, the Koran, and the Sunnah, it's not even an option for them. So wake up, parliament! – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

SS Songs and Antisemitism: The Week Golden Dawn Turned Openly Nazi

Golden Dawn supporters wave party and Greek national flags
during rally outside parliament on 4 June.

THE OBSERVER: Supporters of the far-right party gave Hitler salutes and sang the Horst Wessel song outside parliament last week. Helena Smith reports from Athens on how Golden Dawn has taken on a sinister new tone

It has been a bad week for democracy in Athens. All around this great Greek city, the politics of hate now lurk. On Friday I got a taste of it in the tiny Italian-style cafe I frequent off Syntagma Square.

It arrived in the form of two middle-aged men, both supporters of the neo-fascist Golden Dawn – and, by their own account, the holders of university degrees, well-travelled and well-informed. Over espressos, they began to engage in an animated discussion about all that is wrong with Greece.

The first, a self-described businessman decked out in designer suit, brogues and silk tie, blamed the country's economic collapse on malfeasance, corruption and uncontrolled immigration. "The only way to teach our filthy politicians is to bring in Golden Dawn," he trilled, his eyes locked in a fierce glare. "These gentlemen are patriots, proud Greek nationalists, and they know how to deal with the scum, the foreigners who never pay taxes, who steal our jobs, who have taken over our streets."

Dismissing charges that Golden Dawn is a criminal gang masquerading as a political group, the second – a self-described government employee – said the far right was the best response yet to the great Jewish conspiracy of an interconnected banking system that has come with globalisation. "Let's not forget all the faggots and the Jews, the wankers who control the banks, the foreigners who are behind them, who came in and fucked Greece," he insisted. "The criminals who have governed us, who have robbed us of our future, of our dreams, need a big thwack." » | Helena Smith | Saturday, June 07, 2014

We Can't Avoid the Threat of Islamism

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The truth about how the Home Office views Islamic extremism - by Theresa May’s former speech-writer

David Cameron was extremely angry that the Coalition’s final legislative programme before next year’s general election was pushed from the top of the news agenda last week by “May vs Gove”.

Despite the very public split between Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, and Theresa May, the Home Secretary, at the level of policy, their differences on how best to deal with Islamic extremism are more about emphasis and nuance than radically different approaches.

Beyond last week’s stories about leaked letters and statements from the ministers’ supporters is a profoundly serious argument about what must be done in order to ensure that Muslim communities in Britain adopt British values, and are integrated into British society.

It is not just an argument about how to prevent terrorism inspired by religious fanaticism. It is also about the future of our culture, and how to ensure that it does not fragment into a series of segregated and separate groups united only by their mutual suspicion and distrust.

That is the nightmare scenario that just about everyone wants to avoid. It is one conjured up as a serious possibility not just by political parties such as Ukip and pressure groups such as Migration Watch, but also by academic researchers who study the impact of immigration. » | Alasdair Palmer | Sunday, June 08, 2014

‘Bergdahl Has Converted to Islam and Now Describes Himself as a Mujahid’: Bombshell Docs Allegedly Describe Soldier’s Time in Captivity

THE BLAZE: U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl converted to Islam while held captive by the Taliban and declared himself a warrior for Islam, secret documents obtained by Fox News allegedly say. The reports which were prepared based on purported eyewitness accounts, indicate that Bergdahl, released over the weekend after being held for five years by the Taliban, declared himself a “mujahid” toward the end of his captivity and even at times fraternized openly with his captors, Fox News reported.

According to the reports, Bergdahl’s status with his captors changed over time. After he once escaped his captors for five days, he was recaptured and placed in a metal cage, the documents reportedly say. At other times, he appeared to maintain a friendly relationship with them. (+ video) » | Oliver Darcy | Thursday, June 05, 2014

Radical Islam in Secular Schools: Now the Shocking Truth Emerges

Schools should not become madrassas

TELEGRAPH BLOGS – DAMIAN THOMPSON: "Students' understanding of the arts, different cultures and other beliefs are limited." That's one of the complaints about Birmingham schools made by Ofsted in their leaked report. It sounds like a relatively mild criticism.

Not so. What the Trojan Horse scandal has revealed is that leaders of the Muslim community in Birmingham have been creating a Wahhabi-inspired counterculture in secular, not faith, schools.

Put simply, the interpretation of Islam that's sweeping through the Muslim world, thanks to Saudi money, seeks to deprive children of any exposure to the arts, which it condemns as idolatrous. Even listening to music is haram, forbidden. The underlying teaching is that the arts, by seeking to create beauty, blaspheme by detracting attention from the only source of true beauty, Allah, which can be appreciated only in the natural world he created. » | Damian Thompson | Saturday, June 07, 2014

The Queen in Paris: Flower Market Honour for Her Majesty

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Queen visits Parisian flower market named Marche [sic] aux Fleurs - Reine Elizabeth II in her honour


The Queen was paid the ultimate compliment by the people of Paris on Saturday when a flower market was named after her to reflect the “enormous affection” the French have for her.

In the city that executed France’s own monarch in 1793, the unlikely cry of “Long Live the Queen!” echoed around what is now known as the Queen Elizabeth II Flower Market.

Her Majesty received the honour from the city’s Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, on the final day of her State visit to France.

“This reflects the enormous affection of Parisians,” said Ms Hidalgo.

“It gives me great joy to give this lovely flower market your name.”

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were clearly moved by Ms Hidalgo’s gesture in the square near Notre Dame Cathedral.

Despite the excited crowds cheering on the Queen, who was dressed in light pink dress and hat, not everybody was happy about the new name of Marche [sic] aux Fleurs - Reine Elizabeth II. » | Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter | Saturday, June 07, 2014

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