Valentine’s Day Is Banned by the Religious Police in Saudi Arabia

THE JOURNAL: But people still buy chocolates and roses in secret.

RED ROSES LURK hidden in flower shop back rooms and heart-shaped chocolates are sold under the counter, but Saudis still manage to buy Valentine’s gifts and defy the religious police.

Florist Hussein came up with a simple solution to a ban on red tokens of love: he filled his window with white roses, orange irises and violet hydrangeas.

“I’ve hidden everything red in the shop, so when a religious police patrol comes along, they find nothing to complain about,” he said.

Anti-Valentine’s Day patrols by the Muttawa religious police, formally known as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, started on Wednesday.

They began entering premises stocking chocolates, flowers and souvenirs to warn proprietors against selling anything red or heart-shaped and linked to the annual “infidel celebration” of matters romantic. » | © AFP | Friday, February 14, 2014

Valentine's Day 'Leads to Fraud and Baby-dumping', Says Malaysia's Islamic Watchdog

A number of Acehnese Muslim senior high school students
students hold a protest against Valentine's Dat celebrations
in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Muslim authorities in Malaysia blame Valentine's Day for social ills from abortion to alcoholism, but members of minority Chinese community celebrate with mass wedding

Malaysian Islamic authorities took their annual swipe at Valentine's Day Friday, calling it a threat to Muslim values, but 138 couples took part in a mass wedding to mark the date.

In its official Friday sermon text distributed to mosques in the Muslim-majority country, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department blamed Valentine's Day for everything from alcoholism to abortion.

"Social ceremonies such as this are a stepping-stone towards greater social ills such as fraud, mental disorder caused by alcohol, abortion and baby-dumping, and other negative ills that can invite disaster and moral decay among youths," it said.

Known by its Malay-language acronym JAKIM, the department is an official watchdog of Muslim values. It regularly denounces Valentine's Day as encouraging vice and promiscuity. » | AFP | Friday, February 14, 2014 | Valentine’s Day

Whiteout: Monster Snowstorm Wipes Out Power for Half Million

Read the article here | Erik Ortiz | Thursday, February 13, 2014

La Belgique, premier pays à élargir l'euthanasie aux mineurs sans limite d'âge

Manifestation anti-euthanasie, dimanche à Bruxelles

LE FIGARO: Malgré l'opposition de l'Église catholique et des voix dissonantes dans le corps médical, 73 % des Belges sont favorables à la légalisation de l'euthanasie pour les mineurs, sans âge minimum.

La Belgique est devenue jeudi soir le premier pays d'Europe à permettre aux enfants atteints de maladie incurable de choisir l'euthanasie sans âge minimum, afin d'abréger leur souffrance. Seuls les Pays-Bas disposent jusqu'ici d'une loi comparable, mais elle ne s'applique qu'aux mineurs de 12 ans et plus..

La question de la «capacité de discernement» d'un enfant confronté à la douleur et à une mort certaine a été l'un des rares sujets de controverse d'un débat très serein, tant pour la classe politique que dans la société civile. La réalité, exprimée par les praticiens, est que les pédiatres et les infirmiers répondaient déjà dans l'illégalité à la demande des enfants en fin de vie, souvent relayée par des parents eux-mêmes anéantis par un combat sans espoir.

Malgré l'opposition de l'Église catholique et des voix dissonantes dans le corps médical, 73 % des Belges sont favorables à la légalisation de l'euthanasie pour les mineurs. Le vote de la loi par la Chambre des représentants ne faisait plus guère de doute depuis quelques jours. Dans ce royaume de tradition catholique, seule une minorité de députés - chrétiens-démocrates, quelques libéraux et extrême droite flamande du Vlaams Belang - restaient résolus contre le texte. Le gouvernement a laissé la liberté de vote. » | Par Jean-Jacques Mevel | jeudi 13 février 2014

Boris Johnson Is One of Us, Claims Ancient Russian Ethnic Group from Sochi Region

Meet the ancestors: Circassians in Sochi sport traditional headwear
– that bears a remarkable similarity to Boris Johnson's
blond-mop hairstyle

LONDON EVENING STANDARD: An ancient ethnic group that originates from the region around Winter Olympics city Sochi has claimed Boris Johnson as one of their own.

Elders of the Circassian community — famous for their blond hair, blue eyes and “warrior-like” demeanour — have invited the Mayor to visit them in Southern Russia.

They offered to help Mr Johnson, who has no plans to attend the Winter Games, track the roots of great-great-grandmother Hanifa Fered, who they say originates from the region.

His ancestor was one of 1.5 million Circassians — or Adygea — to flee the area now known as Sochi in the 19th century as Russia conquered it.

Hanifa crossed the Black Sea to the Ottoman Empire — present-day Turkey — but was sold as a slave on arrival, a fate that befell many Circassian women who were considered to be among the world’s most beautiful (Miss International Australia 2013, Felicia Djamirze, is Circassian).

The story has been passed down the Mayor’s family: Hanifa was bought as a concubine, and later married, Mr Johnson’s great-great-grandfather Ahmet Hamdi Kemal, a beeswax merchant from the village of Kalfat. Their son Ali Kemal, a journalist, poet and politician, married his Anglo-Swiss wife Winifred in London before returning to Turkey. He was murdered during the Turkish War of Independence. » | Will Stewart in Moscow and Pippa Crerar | Thursday, February 13, 2014

Britain Must Act over Uganda's Anti-gay Bill or Risk Watching an Exodus

Masked Kenyan supporters of the LGBT community stage a
protest against Uganda's anti-gay bill in front of the Ugandan
High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Activists fear gay Ugandan's will be forced to seek asylum if President Yoweri Museveni fails to veto controversial bill

Uganda is facing an exodus of its gay population if the country presses ahead with a controversial bill that allows life imprisonment for homosexuality.

Gay activists in the country believe that large numbers of Ugandan gays will flee if President Yoweri Museveni fails to veto the bill, which could otherwise become law by the end of next week.

The Ugandan leader has been urged by Britain and other Westerns nations to block the bill, but is under pressure from conservatives in his parliament, which voted by a majority in favour of it in December.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Frank Mugisha, a leading Ugandan gay activist, said that hostility to gays in Uganda had increased since the vote, and that many would leave the country altogether if Mr Museveni failed to exercise his veto. Britain, which ran Ghana as a protectorate until 1962, would be an obvious destination to seek asylum in, both because of its colonial links and its reputation as a liberal country for gays to live in. » | Colin Freeman | Thursday, February 13, 2014

George Osborne: Sharing the Pound with Scotland Is 'Not Going to Happen'

The Chancellor uses a speech in Edinburgh to say: "If Scotland walks away from the UK, it walks away from the pound"

Read the Telegraph article here | Ben Riley-Smith, Scottish Political Reporter | Thursday, February 13, 2014

La Belgique autorise les mineurs à choisir l'euthanasie

Au parlement belge, les députés ont tranché en faveur de
l'euthanasie pour les mineurs, sous strictes conditions

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Les enfants atteints d'une maladie incurable en Belgique vont pouvoir choisir l'euthanasie pour abréger leurs souffrance.

Les députés ont adopté le texte jeudi matin 13 février malgré l'opposition de certains pédiatres et de la hiérarchie catholique.

La Belgique est le deuxième pays au monde, après les Pays-Bas, à autoriser sous de strictes conditions l'euthanasie pour les mineurs. Là où le législateur néerlandais à prévu un âge minimum de 12 ans, les élus belges ont opté pour la notion, plus flexible, de «capacité de discernement». » | ats,afp/Newsnet | jeudi 13 février 2014

Hollande-Obama, tandem transatlantique

Michelle Obama, François Hollande et Barack Obama, le 11
février, lors du dîner d'État organisé à la Maison Blanche
en l'honneur du chef de l'État français

LE FIGARO: La visite d'État à Washington a permis de souder deux présidents qui ont besoin l'un de l'autre en diplomatie.

Entre la chaleur de l'accueil, les fastes du dîner d'État et les éloges appuyés d'Obama à l'exemplarité du couple franco-américain en matière de coopération diplomatique et militaire, la visite de Washington aura été une bouffée d'oxygène pour François Hollande, loin des tracas de la politique française et de ses records d'impopularité. » | Par Laure Mandeville | mercredi 12 février 2014

LE FIGARO: Magie, amitié, caviar et bœuf aux échalotes, au menu du dîner d'État : François Hollande a été accueilli en grande pompe par le couple Obama, lors d'une réception à la Maison-Blanche mardi soir. » | Correspondante à Washington | Par Laure Mandeville, Rosa Chevassu | mercredi 12 février 2014

The Queen and I – Interview with Farah Pahlavi

Filmmaker and Iranian exile Nahid Persson Sarvestani talks with the widow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the late Shah of Iran, who was overthrown in 1979.

A Conversation with Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran

Retourkutsche: EU will Zuzug von Schweizern bremsen

DIE PRESSE: Nach der Volksabstimmung, mit der die Schweiz die Einwanderung vor allem aus EU-Ländern begrenzt, denkt Brüssel über Gegenmaßnahmen nach.

Von wegen "nicht gleich losschlagen", wie es EU-Parlamentspräsident Martin Schulz gefordert hatte: Die EU denkt bereits fieberhaft über Retourkutschen nach, nachdem die Schweizer sich am Sonntag in einem Referendum knapp mit 50,3 Prozent für eine Einschränkung der Personenfreizügigkeit ausgesprochen hatten. 20.000 Stimmen hatten den Ausschlag gegeben.

EU-Kommissionspräsident José Manuel Barroso hat nun unverhohlen gedroht, dass Schweizer künftig ebenfalls nicht mehr ohne weiteres in EU-Ländern wohnen und arbeiten könnten: „Im Sinne der Gegenseitigkeit ist es nicht richtig, dass Schweizer Bürger die unbeschränkte Personenfreizügigkeit in der Europäischen Union haben“, sagte Barroso in einem Interview mit der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters. Konkrete Strafmaßnahmen nannte er aber nicht. „Es ist unfair, dass ein Land alle Vorteile hat und seinen Partnern nicht dieselben Vorteile gewähren will“, betonte der Politiker. » | APA/Reuters/SDA/red. | Mittwoch, 12. Februar 2014

Türkei: Zwei Jahre Haft für "Beleidigung" Erdogans

Erdogan

DIE PRESSE: In der Türkei wurden 17 Regierungsgegner verurteilt, weil sie bei einer Protestaktion Regierungschef Recep Tayyip Erdogan kritisiert haben

Wegen "Beleidigung des Ministerpräsidenten und fehlender Reue": Medienberichten zufolge hat die türkische Justiz am Mittwoch zweijährige Haftstrafen gegen 17 Regierungsgegner verhängt. Die Demonstranten hätten im Jahr 2012 bei einer kleinen Protestaktion in der Stadt Eskisehir den islamisch-konservativen Regierungschef Recep Tayyip Erdogan kritisiert. Eine Berufung ist laut "Hürriyet" unzulässig.

Der Zeitung zufolge hätten die Regierungsgegner bei der Protestaktion Erdogan als "Diener des Internationalen Währungsfonds" und "Diener der Bosse" kritisiert. Der lautstarke Protest gegen die Gesundheitspolitik der AKP-Regierung sei vom Gericht in Eskisehir als "Beamtenbeleidigung" ausgelegt worden. » | APA/AFP | Mittwoch, 12. Februar 2014

British People Too 'Uninformed' to Vote in EU Referendum, Top Eurocrat Claims

Viviane Reding claimed that Britons were not well-informed enough

DAILY EXPRESS: BRITISH people do not know enough about the European Union to decide whether or not to stay in it, a top Brussels official has claimed.

European Commission vice-president Viviane Reding also questioned the ability of Britons to vote in EU elections, as she claimed 70 per cent of UK laws are made by the European parliament.

Mrs Reding said the truth about what happens in Europe is often "completely distorted", which meant voters did not have the facts they needed at the ballot box.

She also insisted the European parliament was the "most powerful" within the union because it made or was jointly responsible for most new laws.

During a question and answer session in London, Mrs Reding urged Britain to spend more time debating EU membership before the possible future in/out referendum.

"Do the people who are asked to vote know what they are going to vote about?" she said.

"I don't care what kind of personal decision you take, the only thing I care for is that you take an informed decision, whatever your decision be."

She said Britain was not using its "tradition of debate" over Europe, adding: "I really wonder why. Because you are on the verge of having maybe a national decision, to take very important decisions." » | Alison Little and Jane Mathews | Tuesday, February 11, 2014

105mph Wind Recorded as Gales Batter Britain

A man walks through the sandstorm at the Swansea seafront
in south Wales on 12 February 2014

THE GUARDIAN: Wales hit by record wind speed as Thames is set to rise to highest level in 60 years

Strong winds continued to batter the UK on Wednesday, causing disruption to road and rail networks and leaving 21,000 people without power.

A top wind speed of 105mph was recorded in Aberdaron in north-west Wales, and Western Power Distribution said electricity supplies had been hit in south Wales, the south-west and the west Midlands. Gusts of 92mph have already been recorded in the Mumbles on the Gower Peninsula, south-west Wales, the weather forecaster Meteogroup said.

Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol was briefly closed for the first time in its history, and the storms have also brought a number of trees down. Coastal areas could also be battered by large waves, the Met Office said.

The Environment Agency warned that the Thames was set to rise in places to its highest levels in more than 60 years, causing severe disruption to communities in Windsor, Maidenhead and Surrey. » | Haroon Siddique, Matthew Weaver and agencies | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Inside Story: Squeezing Out Switzerland's Immigrants

What message do the Swiss send by backing a plan to restrict immigration from the European Union?

Inside Story: The Islamic Revolution Turns 35

After so many years, has the Revolution in Iran achieved its goals?

Al Jazeera World: Escape in Istanbul

Exclusive gated communities are springing up across Istanbul, but how are they shaping the social fabric of the city?

'Fantastic Day for Democracy!' Switzerland Narrowly Votes to Curb EU Immigration

Switzerland may have jeopardized its access to the EU market for the sake of curbing the number of immigrants coming into the country. The new law which will install quotas for foreign workers goes against long held agreements with Brussels. Well to talk more about the issue of immigration and Euroscepticism we're now joined live by MEP's Jo Leinen - he's in Brussels and Paul Nuttall from Liverpool.

Syrian Spillover: Deadly Violence in Lebanon as 'Al-Qaeda Ideology Spreads'

Humanitarian agencies are evacuating people from the besieged Syrian city of Homs as a ceasefire between the government and opposition is extended for another three days. Peace talks resumed in Geneva this week to try and end the war that's plunged the region into chaos. And neighbouring Lebanon is one of the countries worst affected, with not only the deadly violence, but also a radical ideology that's spilling over the border. RT's Maria Finoshina reports on the shocking revelations on who's joining the rebels from across the Syrian border.

Sochi 2014: Lebanese Skier Causes Controversy Over Topless Photos

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Lebanese skier taking part in Sochi has apologised for racy photos after country's sports minister called for an inquiry

A Lebanese skier competing in the Sochi Winter Olympics has sparked controversy back home after posing topless for a calendar.

The photos, which show Jackie Chamoun, 22, standing in snow holding strategically placed ski equipment to protect her modesty, were out-takes from an official photoshoot for the Austrian sports calendar.

Chamoun insisted that the risque pictures were not meant to go public, but local media were quick to accuse the alpine skier of "shaming" her country.

Lebanon is considered one of the most liberal countries in the Arab World, where women are free to wear skimpy clothes and where alcohol is widely available.

However, sections of society remain conservative by Western standards, and some took objection.

Faisal Karami, youth and sports minister, said he was asking Lebanon’s Olympic committee to look into the photos to ensure “the protection of Lebanon’s reputation.’’ » | Josie Ensor | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Welby Tells Church to Accept Gay 'Marriage' or Be Seen as 'Akin to Racists'

The Most Rev. Justin Welby

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Archishop of Canterbury insists it is not ‘wishy-washy’ to accommodate people with different views as the Church of England grapples with homosexuality and women bishops

The Archbishop of Canterbury has told the Church of England it may have to accept changes many members do not like for the sake of unity – as it prepares for a battle over wedding-like blessing services for gay couples.

The Most Rev Justin Welby acknowledged that many Anglicans would view the idea of special services honouring same-sex relationships as a “betrayal” of its traditions and even “apostacy” [sic] .

But he warned that others would see the Church as increasingly “irrelevant” and promoting attitudes “akin to racism” if it does not introduce them.

In a personal address to the Church’s decision-making General Synod, which is meeting in London, he urged members not to be afraid of “incoherence and inconsistency” in some cases and “untidy” arrangements to avoid splits.

He insisted that it was not “wishy-washy” to attempt to accommodate people with opposing views and said it was time for a massive “cultural change” in how it approaches disagreement. » | John Bingham | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Jose Manuel Barroso: Switzerland Has Most to Lose from EU Immigration Curb

People in Zurich walk past an electoral poster for the "Stop Mass
Immigration" referendum by the right-wing populist
Swiss People's Party

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President of European Commission says it's more important for Switzerland to have access to world's biggest market than for the EU to have access to Switzerland

Switzerland stands to lose more than the EU from a vote to restrict immigration because it cannot enjoy all the benefits of the world's biggest market without reciprocal access, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said.

In an interview for a Reuters Euro Zone Summit, Mr Barroso said the narrow Swiss referendum vote to restore quotas for migrants in breach of an agreement with the EU, would have "serious consequences" for relations between the wealthy Alpine nation and the 28-member union that surrounds it.

While he did not spell out any specific sanctions, Mr Barroso implied that Swiss people could lose the right to live and work in the EU, including neighbouring Germany, France and Italy, and Swiss companies might also face obstacles.

"In terms of reciprocity, it's not appropriate that Swiss citizens have unrestricted freedom of movement in the European Union - I think there are 430,000 here, which in relative terms is more than the 1 million European citizens that are in Switzerland," he said. Switzerland has a population of 8 million, one quarter foreigners, while the EU has 500 million. » | Reuters | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Belgium to Legalise Euthanasia for Children

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Belgium accused of "too much haste and too little fundamental debate" over controversial law extending euthanasia to children

Belgian MPs have been accused of "ideological stubbornness" by pressing ahead with a child euthanasia law that has divided doctors and "challenges the very basis of civilised society" according to critics.

Belgium's parliament is almost certain to pass legislation on Wednesday that will allow “terminally ill minors facing unbearable physical suffering” to undergo euthanasia if they request it.

Euthanasia has been legal for adults in Belgium for 11 years and according to the last annual figures 1,432 people were medically killed in 2012, usually after electing for a lethal injection administered by a doctor.

The extension of euthanasia to children, which enjoys the support of three-quarters of Belgians in opinion polls, has aroused intense opposition from many doctors and has united Belgium’s Christians, Jews and Muslims against the law.

Earlier this week a letter signed by 160 Belgian paediatricians asked MPs to “reflect” and not to rush the law onto the statute books, warning that children lacked “mature discernment” to choose euthanasia. » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Central African Republic: 'Ethnic Cleansing' of Muslims

BBC: International peacekeepers have failed to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the Central African Republic, a human rights group says.

Militia attacks have led to a "Muslim exodus of historic proportions", according to a report by Amnesty International.

Aid groups have warned of a food crisis, as many of the shops and wholesalers were run by Muslims.

The UN's World Food Programme has started a month-long aid airlift.

The roads are too dangerous to transport food without a military escort, WFP spokesman Alexis Masciarelli told the BBC.

This is why the UN agency is taking the more expensive option of flying food in from neighbouring Cameroon. » | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

BBC: 'I'll be last Muslim in CAR': A government minister in the Central African Republic, Gaston Makouzemba, has warned there is a risk of a genocide as communities fight each other on religious and ethnic lines. All communities have been affected by the violence and now many Muslims are fleeing the country, afraid for their lives. One imam in the capital Bangui shared his fears with the BBC's Newsday programme: » | Monday, February 10, 2014

Atheists in Egypt Say They Struggle to Have Their Views Heard

BBC: A leading Egyptian cleric says Islamic extremism is motivating some people in the country to reject religion entirely.

Atheism is widely considered a taboo topic in Egypt and non-believers say that they often feel the need to keep their discussions private.

In the coastal city of Alexandria, the BBC spoke to a group of atheists about the difficulties they face living in a conservative society.

Hadya Alalawi reports (+ BBC video) » | Tuesday, February 11, 2014

EU to Review Swiss Ties after Immigration Vote

BBC: The European Union has said it will reassess ties with Switzerland after voters there backed plans to restrict migration from the EU.

The vote comes amid increasing debate across Europe about migration and the impact of free movement of people.

The economic impact could be great since half of Switzerland's exports are to the EU, with Germany its biggest trading partner.

Gavin Hewitt reports. (+ BBC video) » | Monday, February 10, 2014

Swiss Reaction to Immigration Vote

BBC: The Swiss vote to reintroduce immigration quotas and abandon free movement of people has attracted worldwide attention, but what is the reaction inside Switzerland?

Imogen Foulkes reports from Berne. (+ BBC video) » | Monday, February 10, 2014

First the Ground Zero Mosque, Now the Times Square Synagogue: Manhattan Developer Reveals Another Controversial Construction Project

THE INDEPENDENT: A Manhattan developer who was forced to shelve bold plans for an Islamic prayer and community centre just blocks from the World Trade Centre site after they triggered fierce street protests is embarking on a new project with a religious tilt though this time with a different congregation in mind.

Sharif el-Gamal, whose company, SoHo Properties, was behind the ill-fated Islamic centre proposal, confirmed this week that he is in final talks to purchase a vacant building close to Times Square on West 40 Street for the construction of a new tower with street-level shops, a hotel and, curiously, a large synagogue.

That Mr El-Gamal is proving such an equal opportunity dreamer is inevitably drawing attention if not on the scale of the flap stirred by Park51, the name given to the Islamic centre that never came to be. In truth, however, this deal has very little to do with religion except in the sense that dollars are the ultimate deity. » | Davis Usborne, New York | Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Hollande Given Warm US Welcome amid Questions of a New 'relation spéciale'

US president Barack Obama and French president François
Hollande during a welcoming ceremony at the White House

THE GUARDIAN: Journalists ask Obama whether Britain is out as main object of American affection during press conference with French leader

The nuance may have been lost in translation, but there was no mistaking the diplomatic love-in that came to rescue of beleaguered French president François Hollande on his state visit to Washington.

So warm was the welcome by a US president still grateful for support over Syria, that one French journalist asked whether l’Hexagone had now replaced Britain as the main object of American affection.

“I have two daughters who are both gorgeous and wonderful, and that’s how I feel about my outstanding European partners,” replied a flustered Obama, still trying out his pronunciation of President “Hoolong”.

Sensing diplomatic triumph, and possible German envy, Hollande quickly replied that he had four children, before reminding his hosts that the British had once sought to hang American revolutionaries from the nearest rope.

Not even American jokes about the awkwardness of earlier French exchange trips could temper the “rapprochement” during their hour-long joint press conference. Read on and comment » | Dan Roberts in Washington |Tuesday, February 11, 2014

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama refuses to say whether France has overtaken Britain as America's closest ally: I can no more pick between Paris and London than I can pick between Malia and Sasha, says president » | Raf Sanchez, Washington | Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Kritik aus Berlin: Merkel sieht "erhebliche Probleme" nach Schweizer Votum

SPIEGEL ONLINE Die Bundesregierung zeigt sich besorgt über den Ausgang des Schweizer Volksentscheids zur Einwanderung. Kanzlerin Merkel rechnet mit großen Schwierigkeiten, Außenminister Steinmeier sagte, das Land schade sich selbst.

Berlin/Bern - International wird das Schweizer Votum zur Einwanderung scharf kritisiert - auch aus Berlin kommen klare Worte. Finanzminister Wolfgang Schäuble hat sich bereits geäußert, jetzt legt die Kanzlerin nach. Angela Merkel erwartet große Probleme durch das Schweizer Votum für eine strikte Begrenzung der Zuwanderung.

"Die Bundesregierung nimmt das Ergebnis dieser Volksabstimmung zur Kenntnis und respektiert es, es ist aber durchaus auch so, dass aus unserer Sicht dieses Ergebnis erhebliche Probleme aufwirft", sagte Regierungssprecher Steffen Seibert.

Es sei an der Schweiz, auf die Europäische Union zuzugehen und ihr darzulegen, wie sie mit dem Ergebnis umgehen wolle. Es würden schwierige Gespräche zu führen sein. "Unser Interesse muss es doch sein, das Verhältnis EU-Schweiz so eng wie möglich zu bewahren." » | jok/fab/AFP/dpa | Montag, 10. Februar 2014

DIE PRESSE: Schweiz: “Das Land ist ein Risiko eingegangen”: Die Schweizer Wirtschaft ist nach der Abstimmung vom Sonntag, in dem sich 50,3 Prozent für Zuwanderungsquoten aussprachen, verunsichert. » | Von Jeannine Hierländer (Die Presse) | Montag, 10. Februar 2014

François Hollande Arrives in United States: No More 'Freedom Fries' as Obama Rolls Out Red Carpet

U.S. President Barack Obama welcomes his French counterpart
François Hollande to the U.S. at Andrews Air Force Base

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A decade after US-French relations hit rock-bottom, the first state visit by a French President for nearly 20 years is intended to demonstrate that ties have significantly improved, even if some strains remain

President Barack Obama is rolling out the diplomatic red carpet for his French counterpart, François Hollande, in a visible sign of improving Franco-US relations - which hit a nadir over France's refusal to support the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

"We've come a long way from 'freedom fries'," a senior Obama administration official observed on Monday, ahead of a visit that will lavish personal attention on the French president – including a ride on Air Force One and a formal state dinner.

Mr Hollande touched down in the United States on Monday afternoon.

And he is in need of distraction from domestic tribulations that include his highly-publicised affair with a French actress and deep-seated economic problems that have made him the least popular French president in decades.

The White House was forced to pulp hundreds of invitations to Tuesday night's state dinner after Mr Hollande's break up with Valerie Trierweiler, his long-term girlfriend - who escaped to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius last week, where she was photographed relaxing in the sun. Read on and comment » | Peter Foster, in Washington and Rory Mulholland in Paris | Monday, February 10, 2014

Car Smoking: MPs Support Ban When Children Present

BBC: MPs have backed calls for a ban on smoking in cars in England and Wales when children are passengers.

They voted in favour of a Labour-supported amendment to the Children and Families Bill by a majority of 269.

This will give Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt the power to bring in a ban in England but will not immediately mean a change in the law.

Last week, more than 700 experts wrote to MPs urging them to back change. But critics say legislation is not needed.

The amendment - passed by 376 votes to 107 - empowers, but does not compel, the government to make it a criminal offence for drivers to fail to prevent smoking in their privately owned vehicles when children are present. » | Monday, February 110, 2014

UK Floods: Homes Evacuated as Swollen Thames Keeps Rising

BBC: Flooded homes along the River Thames are being evacuated and thousands more are at risk, with water levels expected to keep rising for the next 24 hours.

Fourteen severe flood warnings are in place in Berkshire and Surrey, while two remain in Somerset.

Duncan Kennedy reports. (+ BBC video) » | Monday, February 10, 2014

Erster Islam-Kindergarten der Schweiz geplant

SONNTAGS ZEITUNG: Konvertitin ist federführend, fortschrittliche Muslime sind dagegen

Zürich Er soll «Al Huda» heissen, der rechte Weg: der erste muslimische Kindergarten in der Deutschschweiz. Aktivisten aus dem Umfeld des Islamischen Zentralrates der Schweiz (IZRS) wollen dort, so ihr erklärtes Ziel, «Kinder auch ausser Haus islamisch erziehen».

Bis zu 25 Kinder sollen ab dem Sommer im Islamischen Zentrum in Volketswil (ZH) unterrichtet werden. Die Initianten um die Konvertitin Melanie Muhaxheri haben bereits vor einem halben Jahr ein Gesuch um Bewilligung eingereicht, wie Martin Wendelspiess, Leiter des Zürcher Volksschulamtes, gegenüber der SonntagsZeitung bestätigt. Zum Stand des Verfahrens schweigt er. » | Von Fabian Eberhard | Sonntag, 09. Februar 2014

US Envoy in Sudan Forced to Resign after Accepting Islam

Sudanese local media sources said that the US envoy was
forced to resign after he turned to Islam

WORLD BULLETIN: The US charge d’affaires in Khartoum, Joseph D Stafford, resigned from his post after he converted to Islam, Sudanese local media sources said.

Stafford told the foreign ministry that his resignation was made for "personal reasons" but Sudanese sources claimed that the envoy was forced to resign after he turned to Islam.

Sources said that Stafford has recorded visits to the headquarters of Ansar al-Sunnah in Sudan and established a close relationship with a number of Sudanese clerics through these visits.
 
The U.S. State Department has not made any statement to confirm or deny the news on Joseph Stafford. » | News Desk | World Bulletin | Thursday, February 06, 2014

Utah's Mormons Celebrate as Polygamy Restrictions Are Struck Down

THE INDEPENDENT: Part of law was ruled in violation of First Amendment

A US federal judge has struck down a key part of Utah’s law banning polygamy – providing welcome relief to one practising Mormon family.

Joe Darger, who described himself as an “independent Mormon fundamentalist”, has 25 children with three wives.

US District Judge Clark Waddoups threw out part of a bill which allows the state to use cohabitation as a basis for prosecution, although Utah does still prohibit bigamy.

Cousins Elena and Vicki married Joe in 1990 and in 1992 Vicki’s twin sister Valerie joined them.

The unusual family have always worried Joe could face arrest, but the latest ruling means the state cannot use cohabitation as a basis for prosecution as it goes against the individuals’ right to freedom of religion enshrined in the First Amendment. » | Rose Troup Buchanan | Monday, February 10, 2014

Prince Harry Death Plot Criminal Jailed for Three Years

Ashraf Islam pleaded guilty last year to making a threat to kill
Prince Harry

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Death plot by Ashraf Islam, who said he had a 'moral right to judge' Prince Harry, described as 'vague and unlikely to succeed' by judge

A convicted criminal who plotted to kill Prince Harry has been jailed for three years.

Ashraf Islam, 31, said he had a ''moral right to judge'' the royal because he disagreed with the work of the British Armed Forces, of which Prince Harry is a member.

The judge at Isleworth Crown Court in London described Islam's plot as ''vague and unlikely to succeed'', but said he presented a risk to the public.

Islam, of no fixed address but who had been living in west London, pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill Prince Harry, at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in May last year.

He had earlier handed himself in to police and volunteered the information about the plot, defence counsel Roxanne Morrell said. » | Agencies | Edited by Andrew Marszal | Monday, February 10, 2014

La Suisse profondément isolée après le référendum sur l'immigration

LE POINT: Avec le oui à la restauration des quotas d'immigration pour les étrangers, les électeurs ont plongé dimanche la Suisse prospère dans une crise majeure.

Avec le oui à la restauration des quotas d'immigration pour les étrangers, les électeurs ont plongé dimanche la Suisse prospère dans une crise majeure, exprimant un certain rejet des pressions de tous bords qui visent leur pays. L'Allemagne, la France et l'Union européenne (UE) ont protesté contre ce vote, qui aura des conséquences directes sur les nombreux ressortissants européens voulant travailler en Suisse, avec une procédure qui deviendra à l'avenir beaucoup plus compliquée qu'actuellement.

Le vote suisse pose des "problèmes considérables", a indiqué lundi le porte-parole de la chancelière allemande, Angela Merkel. "Les relations étroites qui lient la Suisse à l'Union européenne apportent des deux côtés aux populations de grands avantages, et la liberté de circulation est au coeur de ces liens étroits", a-t-il ajouté.

Le ministre suisse des Affaires étrangères, Didier Burkhalter, qui est aussi président en exercice de la Confédération, se rendra à Berlin le 18 février pour rencontrer la chancelière. De son côté, Laurent Fabius, ministre français des Affaires étrangères, estime que le vote suisse est une mauvaise nouvelle pour l'Europe. L'UE, a-t-il ajouté, va devoir réviser ses relations avec la Suisse. » | Source AFP | lundi 10 février 2014

LE POINT: Merkel : "Le vote suisse pose des problèmes considérables" : La chancelière allemande a tenu à rappeler combien la liberté de circulation était importante en Europe, au lendemain du vote sur la limitation de l'immigration. » | Source AFP | lundi 10 février 2014

Reaktionen aus EU-Staaten

Auch in anderen EU-Staaten gab das Abstimmungsergebnis aus der Schweiz zu reden. In Grossbritannien fühlt sich die United Kingdom Independence Party durch die Annahme der SVP-Initiative bestätigt. Sie fordert einen britischen Austritt aus der EU. Die Schweiz ist nach dem gestrigen Entscheid auch in Frankreich und Italien ein grosses Thema.

Deutschland äussert sich zum Abstimmungsresultat

Besonders viel Aufsehen verursachte das Schweizer Abstimmungsresultat der Mas-seneinwanderungsinitiative auch in Deutschland. In den Zeitungen wird der Schweizer Volksentscheid kritisch kommentiert. Warnend äussern sich auch die deutschen Politiker, Elmar Brok, Steffen Seibert und Wolfgang Schäuble.

Die Folgen der Abstimmung

Swiss Nervous after Vote to Limit EU Migrants

Preserving national unity is a central pillar of nearly all Swiss
political thinking

BBC: The Swiss vote to reintroduce immigration quotas and abandon free movement of people has attracted worldwide attention, not least from Switzerland's EU neighbours, where there is also heated debate about free movement of people.

In Switzerland itself, one day after the vote, there is a feeling of nervousness.

Nearly all the newspapers are expecting a difficult period in Swiss-EU relations, and many are openly asking what the "far-reaching consequences" predicted by Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga might be.

Ms Sommaruga herself now faces a very tricky task: she will have to try to persuade Brussels that while Switzerland has decided against free movement of people, it still wants various other EU perks, such as access to Europe's single market.

That won't be easy. The EU's Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said in reaction to the Swiss vote: free movement of people, goods, capital and services is not separable. "The single market is not a Swiss cheese - you cannot have a single market with holes in it."

Any limitation of access to the single market could be disastrous for Switzerland's currently booming economy; more than half of all Swiss goods are sold to EU countries. » | Imogen Foulkes, BBC News, Berne | Monday, February 10, 2014

A Land of Money and Fear: The Swiss Vote Against 'Mass Migration'

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: Switzerland's economic success is enviable, yet its people fear decline. On Sunday, voters approved a plan to reintroduce immigration quotas. The move is likely to create significant problems for the country's relations with the EU -- and could be expensive.

When a country is doing well, you can usually see it. Take Zurich, Switzerland, for example. The city has changed so much in just a few years that parts of it are almost unrecognizable. Entire new districts have sprung up with chic apartments. Office towers have shot up. Shops, restaurants and bars are full, despite the fact that a beer can be a bit steep at a price of six francs, or five euros. The people have money.

Experts are united in their opinion that this prosperity is the product of Switzerland's networked economy. The country has profited enormously from open borders and from an influx of qualified foreign workers. Indeed, the European Union is its largest trading partner. Despite this, a razor-thin majority of Swiss voted in favor on Sunday of an initiative to reintroduce restrictions to the number of foreigners allowed to live and work in the country. Some 50.3 percent of eligible Swiss voters cast ballots in favor of the initiative introduced by the right-leaning, nationalist Swiss People's Party -- rejecting immigration policies of recent years that have been highly successful. » | A Commentary by David Nauer | Monday, February 10, 2014

Poverty Punished: Low Income New Yorkers Feel Pinch of Government Sequester

Low income families in New York are feeling the pinch of the so called Sequester. The automatic multi-billion dollar spending cuts which kicked last year after congress failed to agree on a budget. People are being told to smaller and cheaper apartments or see the rent sky rocket. Marina Portnaya has more.

Tight 'Yes': Swiss Vote to Limit Immigration from EU

Switzerland has voted 50.3 percent in favor of limiting annual migration from the EU, thus ending the policy of free movement within the bloc that was established in 2002

Swiss Vote to Limit Immigration

BBC: Swiss voters have narrowly backed a referendum proposal to bring back strict quotas for immigration from European Union countries.

Final results showed 50.3% voted in favour. The vote invalidates the Swiss-EU agreement on freedom of movement.

Imogen Foulkes reports. » |Sunday, February 09, 2014

Related »

Swiss Immigration: About 50.5% Back Quotas

BBC: With almost all votes counted, a Swiss referendum on whether to bring back strict immigration quotas appears to have passed by a narrow margin.

About 50.5% voted in favour of measures which would end the Swiss-EU free movement of people agreement.

Fiercely independent Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but has adopted large sections of EU policy.

Brussels has already warned the Swiss that they cannot just choose the aspects they like.

A Yes vote of more than 50% is needed for the referendum to pass. » | Sunday, February 09, 2014

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: SVP-Abstimmungskrimi: Die Überraschung ist perfekt: Die SVP-Vorlage «Gegen Masseneinwanderung» ist angenommen worden. Zürich lehnte die Initiative als letzter Kanton mit 52,7 Prozent ab. » | Sonntag, 09. Februar 2014

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Kommentar des Chefredaktors: Eine Zäsur für die Schweiz: Das Verdikt ist deutlich, so einmalig knapp es auch ausfällt. Eine Mehrheit aus Volk und Ständen will in der Schweiz wieder die Steuerung der Einwanderung durch Kontingente. Die Initianten aus dem rechtsbürgerlichen Lager haben sich durchgesetzt; gegen den Bundesrat, gegen eine parlamentarische Mehrheit, gegen alle Regierungsparteien, gegen die Wirtschaft und ihre Verbände, gegen die Arbeitnehmervertreter und gegen die Empfehlungen fast aller Medien, dieses Organ eingeschlossen. » | Markus Spillmann | Sonntag, 09. Februar 2014

Related »

Violence Could Force Out CAR's Muslim Population – HRW

BBC: Religious violence in the Central African Republic could force its entire Muslim population to flee, a senior human rights worker has told BBC News.

Human Rights Watch emergency director Peter Bouckaert said this could affect the economy, as Muslims control the livestock market and other businesses.

Violence between the Christian majority and Muslims has torn the country apart since a coup last year.

Mr Bouckaert said at least nine people died this weekend in the capital city.

He said he had personally witnessed a Muslim being hacked to death in the capital, Bangui, in retaliation for the reported killing of six people by Muslim fighters.

The French news agency AFP said there was some dispute over the religion of the victim.

Tens of thousands of Muslims have already fled the to neighbouring Cameroon and Chad.

The CAR, one of Africa's poorest nations, has been in chaos for more than a year since Muslim Seleka rebels seized power.

Coup leader Michel Djotodia, who became the CAR's first Muslim leader, resigned as interim president last month as part of a regional peace process.

However, violence, largely perpetrated by either Christian anti-Balaka militias or Seleka members, has continued despite interventions by thousands of peacekeepers from the African Union and the former colonial power, France. » | Sunday, February 09, 2014

Swiss Immigration Vote Very Close, Early Projections Say

BBC: A Swiss referendum on whether to bring back strict immigration quotas is extremely tight, with first projections showing the vote split 50:50.

If approved, the measures will end Switzerland's free movement of people agreement with the European Union.

Fiercely independent Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but has adopted large sections of EU policy.

Brussels has already warned the Swiss that they cannot just choose the aspects they like.

The vote comes amid increasing debate across Europe about migration and the impact of free movement of people.

Analysts had expected a tight race, but the BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Switzerland says it appears to be incredibly close. » | Sunday, February 9, 2014

Related »

Europe Watches Swiss Immigration Vote

BBC: Swiss voters are going to the polls on Sunday in a nationwide referendum on immigration which is being watched closely right across Europe.

The proposal, from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, calls on Switzerland to abandon its free movement of people treaty with the European Union and introduce strict quotas on immigration.

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but has adopted large sections of EU policy, including free movement and the Schengen open-borders agreement, in order to have access to Europe's single market.

Brussels has always insisted that the Swiss will not be allowed to cherry-pick only the aspects of EU policy they like.

But its successful economy, and soaring unemployment in many eurozone countries, make Switzerland a very attractive destination. » | Imogen Foulkes, BBC News, Geneva | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Related video »

Spain's Princess Cristina Arrives at Court in Mallorca

Princess Cristina of Spain

BBC: Spain's Princess Cristina has arrived in court to be questioned in connection with a corruption scandal involving her husband's business dealings.

It is the first time in history that a member of Spain's royal family has appeared in court as the subject of a criminal investigation.

Her husband Inaki Urdangarin is alleged to have defrauded regional governments of millions of Euros of public money.

Rebecca Jones spoke with BBC correspondent Tom Burridge, who reports live from outside the courthouse in Mallorca. (+ BBC video) » | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Related »

Record Snowfall Turns Italian Village White

BBC: Record snowfall in the north of Italy has left some people trapped in their homes.

Villagers in Madesimo had to dig their way out of their properties after several days of wintery weather.

Rebecca Donovan reports. (+ BBC video) » | Friday, February 07, 2014

Istanbul Clashes Over Turkey's New Internet Laws

Taksim Square, Istanbul

BBC: Turkish riot police have fired water cannon and tear gas at hundreds of demonstrators marching in Istanbul in protest at new laws tightening government control of the internet.

Demonstrators threw fireworks and stones at police cordoning off Taksim Square, the city's main square.

The president is under pressure not to ratify the legislation.

It includes powers allowing authorities to block websites for privacy violations without a court decision.

The opposition says it is part of a government attempt to stifle a corruption scandal.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denied accusations of censorship, saying the legislation would make the internet "more safe and free". (+ BBC video) » | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Skiers Warned of Terrain Traps in Scotland's Mountains

BBC: Skiers, climbers and walkers have been warned to be aware of a danger created by huge amounts of snow and high winds in Scotland's mountains.

A terrain trap is a hollow or flat area of land where avalanched snow accumulates, raising the risk of further snow slides.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) said many people were unaware of the term and the threat.

It has advised mountaineers and skier to avoid such areas. » | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Holder Says Justice Department Will Aggressively Defend Same-sex Marriage

Eric Holder

THE GUARDIAN: • Attorney general vows to apply landmark supreme court ruling
 • Holder compares gay marriage to 60s campaign for civil rights

In an assertion of same-sex marriage rights the US attorney general, Eric Holder, will announce on Saturday that he will apply a landmark supreme court ruling to the Justice Department.

In prepared remarks to be delivered in New York to the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group which works on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, Holder said same-sex spouses could not now be compelled to testify against each other, should be eligible to file for bankruptcy jointly and are entitled to the same rights and privileges as federal prison inmates in opposite-sex marriages.

The Justice Department runs a number of benefits programmes, and Holder said same-sex couples will now qualify for them. They include the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and benefits to surviving spouses of public safety officers who suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries in the line of duty.

“In every courthouse, in every proceeding and in every place where a member of the Department of Justice stands on behalf of the United States, they will strive to ensure that same-sex marriages receive the same privileges, protections and rights as opposite-sex marriages under federal law,” Holder said.

Just as in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, Holder said, the stakes in the current generation over same-sex marriage rights “could not be higher”. Read on and comment » | Associated Press in Washington | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Queen Victoria's Children – Episode Two: A Domestic Tyrant

Episode One »

BBC Queen Victoria's Children – Episode One: The Best Laid Plan

Japan Snowfall Disrupts Air, Rail and Road Transport

BBC: A severe snow storm warning has been issued in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, with residents urged to stay indoors.

Correspondents say it is the first such warning for the city in 13 years.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, roads closed and some train services suspended. (+ BBC video) » | Saturday, February 08, 2014

UK Storms: Coastal Areas in West Hit by Renewed Gales

BBC: Gales are continuing across southern parts of the UK, with coastal areas facing west bearing the brunt of the strongest winds and heavy rain.

Forecasters said gusts reached 80mph along the coasts of Cornwall, the Bristol Channel and west Wales. » | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Spain's Princess Cristina Accused of Being 'Evasive' in Tax Fraud Court Case

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Daughter of Spanish King Juan Carlos grilled for several hours in historic inquiry into alleged financial scandal involving her husband, Iñaki Urdangarín

Spain’s Princess Cristina was accused of being “evasive” today as she gave evidence for the first time in a corruption case that has tarnished the image of the country’s royal family.

The 48-year-old younger daughter of King Juan Carlos was grilled for several hours by José Castro, an investigative judge, as part of an inquiry into an alleged financial scandal involving her husband, Iñaki Urdangarín. » | Fiona Govan, Madrid | Saturday, February 08, 2014

Related »

Is America Losing Faith? Atheism on the Rise But Still in the Shadows

American Way: Atheist activists' numbers are growing in the US as they take on Big Religion, but many keep quiet for fear of alienation in one Bible-minded Virginia town

Read the Telegraph article here | Peter Foster, Blacksburg, Virginia | Saturday, February 08, 2014