Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dies Aged 90

Prince Andrew Addresses Underage Sex Claims

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 23 Januari 2015 | 10.03

Prince Andrew has reiterated denials of claims he had sex with an underage girl more than a decade ago.

Speaking about the allegations publicly for the first time, the Duke of York told an invited audience of around 200 guests at a World Economic Forum event in Davos: "My focus is on my work."

Speaking to leading figures from the worlds of politics and business, he said: "Firstly I think I must, (and) want, for the record to refer to the events that have taken place in the last few weeks and I just wish to reiterate and to reaffirm the statements which have already been made on my behalf by Buckingham Palace."

After his opening statement the Duke told the packed reception at the Belvedere hotel in the Swiss resort: "My focus is on my work and this evening's reception allows me to tell you about just a couple of the initiatives that I have founded and am passionate about."

The Prince did not answer questions from reporters as he left the drinks reception flanked by minders at around 8.30pm local time.

It emerged on Wednesday that he has been formally asked to respond to claims made in the US by Virginia Roberts in a letter filed by her lawyers.

Ms Roberts, who is referred to in court as Jane Doe No 3, claims when she was 17 she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew by his friend Jeffrey Epstein - a financier and convicted sex offender.

She claims to have had sex with Prince Andrew on three occasions: once at a London townhouse after they had gone to a night club, once in a New York mansion and once on a private island in the US Virgin Islands.

The letter, dated 14 January, said: "This letter is a formal request ... to interview you, under oath, regarding interactions that you had with Jane Doe No 3 beginning in approximately early 2001. Jane Doe No 3 was then 17 years old.

"The interview could be conducted at a time and place of your choosing, and with your co-operation, I believe the interview could be completed in two hours or less."

The Duke, who is not a party to the proceedings, strenuously denies the claims.

Buckingham Palace has issued a number of official denials, including an earlier statement insisting "any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors" was "categorically untrue".

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dies Aged 90

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Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died in hospital after almost a decade in power and his half-brother Crown Prince Salman has succeeded to the throne.

A statement from Saudi Arabia's royal court confirmed the 90-year-old monarch passed away at 1.00am local time.

Abdullah, who took power in 2005 following the death of King Fahd, is expected to be buried later today following afternoon prayers.

"With great sadness and mourning His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, and all members of the family and the nation, express condolences for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud," the statement said.

The late monarch's half-brother Moqren has been confirmed as the new Saudi Crown Prince.

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Gallery: Pictures: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, the powerful American ally who joined the US fight against al Qaeda and sought to modernise the conservative Muslim kingdom, has died aged 90

The King maintained historically close ties with Washington, but there was friction as he sought to put those relations on Saudi Arabia's terms. He is seen here with Barack Obama last year

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The former US president George W. Bush sips tea with Abdullah in Al Janadriyah, Saudi Arabia, in 2008

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King Abdullah was born in Riyadh in 1924, one of the dozens of sons of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud

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Abdullah assertively threw his oil-rich nation's weight behind trying to shape the Middle East

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The public will be invited to pledge allegiance to the new monarch and Crown Prince at the royal palace later today.

Abdullah had run the country as de factor leader since the mid-1990s after his predecessor suffered a debilitating stroke.

He was admitted to hospital on 31 December suffering pneumonia and the royal court announced that he was breathing with the aid of a tube.

Sky's Middle East correspondent Sherine Tadros said the death comes after weeks of speculation and rumour about the monarch's health.

"He's been ill for several weeks. He was admitted to hospital in December with a liver infection and there have been rumours over the past few weeks that he had died," she said.

His successor King Salman, 79, became Crown Prince in June 2012 after the death of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz.

He has represented Abdullah at recent public events due to the late king's ailing health.

World leaders have paid tribute to Abdullah, who encouraged reforms to the oil-rich kingdom including greater freedom for women and economic deregulation.

During his reign, Abdullah worked to counter the influence of his Saudi Arabia's chief rival Iran.

Abdullah and his fellow Sunni Arab monarchs also staunchly opposed the wave of pro-democracy uprising across the Middle East since 2011.

Saudi Arabia has been among several Gulf countries taking part in a US-led air campaign against Islamic State.

His nation also unflinchingly led Gulf countries in ignoring calls by other producers to cut oil output to curb the sliding price of crude.

He also launched projects to build new economic cities, universities and high-speed railways.

US President Barack Obama expressed his condolences in the wake of the death and hailed Abdullah's "steadfast and passionate belief" in Saudi-American relations.

"As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions," Mr Obama said in a statement.

"One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the US-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond.

"The closeness and strength of the partnership between our two countries is part of King Abdullah's legacy."

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Written By Unknown on Kamis, 22 Januari 2015 | 10.03

Prince Andrew Asked For Sex Claim Response

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Prince Andrew has been formally asked to respond to allegations by a woman who claims she was made to have under-age sex with him.

A letter addressed to the Prince at Buckingham Palace has been filed by lawyers acting on behalf of Virginia Roberts.

The document, filed on Wednesday in a Florida court, asks him to take part in a two-hour interview under oath.

Ms Roberts, who is referred to in court as Jane Doe No 3, claims when she was 17 she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew by his friend Jeffrey Epstein - a financier and now convicted sex offender.

The Duke, who is not a party to the proceedings, strenuously denies the claims.

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Gallery: Profile Of Prince Andrew

Born on 19 February 1960 at Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew is the second son and the third child of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh

The Prince served in the Royal Navy for 22 years as a helicopter pilot - he took part in the Falklands campaign

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He married Sarah Ferguson in 1986 in a wedding that captured the public's imagination

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But the couple separated in 1993 and divorced in 1996

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The Prince holds several posts in the British Army, Navy, Air Force and Commonwealth forces

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"The interview could be conducted at a time and place of your choosing, and with your co-operation, I believe the interview could be completed in two hours or less."

The Prince is expected to publicly deny the allegations when he hosts an event at the World Economic Forum in Davos later.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: "We would not comment on speculation about what the Duke might say."

It is the first time Ms Roberts has spelt out in her own words what she claims happened.

Sky's US Correspondent Dominic Waghorn, said: "She says at one point: 'I knew he was a member of the Royal family but I just called him Andy.'

"I think that's what's new about this - these are claims she is making in detail about Prince Andrew."

Buckingham Palace has issued a number of denials over the woman's claims.

An earlier statement insisted "any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors" was "categorically untrue".

And following the latest development a spokesman told Sky News they had nothing to add.

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Written By Unknown on Rabu, 21 Januari 2015 | 10.03

By Sky News US Team

President Barack Obama has said it is time for the US to "turn the page" on years of hardship, as he urged Republicans to back tax increases on the rich to help struggling American families.

In his annual State of the Union speech to Congress, Mr Obama also called on lawmakers to pass a new authorisation of military force against Islamic State militants.

He said the US-led effort to stop the extremists from advancing in Iraq and Syria is working without sucking the US into another Middle East ground war.

The Democratic president said that in the last decade and a half the US had been touched by terror, two long wars and a "vicious recession".

"It has been, and still is, a hard time for many," he said. "But tonight, we turn the page."

The President wants to increase the capital gains tax rate on couples making more than $500,000 (£330,000) per year from 23.8% to 28%, the same level as under President Ronald Reagan.

The top rate has already been raised from 15% during Mr Obama's presidency.

He said: "Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well?

"Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes and chances for everyone who makes the effort?"

Winking at the chamber, he added: "So the verdict is clear. Middle-class economics works. Expanding opportunity works.

"And these policies will continue to work, as long as politics don't get in the way."

The Republicans promptly issued a rebuttal.

New Iowa Senator Joni Ernst was to say: "Americans have been hurting, but when we demanded solutions, too often Washington responded with the same stale mindset that led to failed policies like Obamacare.

"It's a mindset that gave us political talking points, not serious solutions."

Republicans will not pass the new tax increases, but Mr Obama will place them in the difficult position of blocking measures that could offer a lift to the middle class.

The issue of income inequality is likely to be a defining one as Republicans and Democrats vie to replace Mr Obama in the 2016 White House election.

During his Tuesday night speech, Mr Obama also defended his move to end the US embargo against Cuba.

Alan Gross, the US aid worker whose release from detention by the communist-ruled island helped pave the way toward restoring diplomatic ties, was among Michelle Obama's guests for the speech.

He punched the air and said to the President: "Thank you!"

Using a sporting analogy, Mr Obama recently pledged to "play offence" in the last two years of his presidency.

He has already used executive actions to thwart Republicans, who in November's midterm elections took control of both houses of Congress for the first time since he came to office.

Six years after Mr Obama came to power during the Great Recession, US unemployment is below 6%, the stock market is at near record levels, growth is surging and petrol prices have plummeted.

A recent ABC/Washington Post poll saw Mr Obama's approval rating soar nine points to 50%.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iraq War Inquiry Delayed Until After Election

The Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq war will not be published until after the General Election, it has emerged.

Its chairman, Sir John Chilcot, will explain the reasons for the further delay in an exchange of letters with Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday, according to Government sources.

The inquiry was set up by the Labour government six years ago and heard from its final witnesses in February 2011.

Mr Cameron is understood to have written to Sir John saying that he would have liked to have seen the report released before the election, but accepted that publication was a matter for the inquiry.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says the public will find the latest delay "incomprehensible".

In a letter to Sir John, Mr Clegg wrote: "Neither administrative processes nor a constant back and forth between the inquiry and witnesses criticised should frustrate an independent report so important to the country's future from being published as soon as possible .

"If the findings are not published with a sense of immediacy, there is a real danger the public will assume the report is being 'sexed down' by individuals rebutting criticisms put to them by the Inquiry, whether that is the case or not.

"The inquiry into Iraq will both resolve the issues of the past, and set the tone for future British foreign policy. We cannot wait any longer for these lessons to be learned."

The latest news of a delay comes as MPs prepare to stage a Commons debate next week on the matter.

Senior Tory backbencher David Davis, a key figure in pushing for the debate, said it was "incomprehensible" that it would have to wait until the next parliament.

"Frankly this is not good enough. It is more than five years since it started," he told The Guardian.

"We need to know why. This is not simply some formality. This is for the whole country to understand why we made a terrible mistake in Iraq. Simply putting it off is not good enough.

"Why has this taken so long? What is going on that is preventing this?"

Former Attorney General and Conservative MP Dominic Grieve said the public deserved reasons for the "extraordinary delay".

He told Sky News: "It's absolutely imperative we should have an explanation as to what is going on. I think a chronology setting out what's happened... is essential."

Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker told Sky the delay was "not acceptable to the British people" and that the public should have had the findings before the election.

"These were major events in 2002/2003, when Government in its normal way was abandoned... when we had Alastair Campbell writing dodgy dossiers - or at least editing them - and when we had weapons of mass destruction lauded around which didn't turn out to exist."

Publication has been delayed by disagreement over the release of confidential messages between Tony Blair and former US president George Bush.

The so-called "Maxwellisation" process, by which people who are criticised in the report are given the chance to respond, has also contributed to the hold-up.

Sir John finally accepted an agreement whereby he would publish the "gist" of the communications between Mr Blair and Mr Bush after Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood blocked the publication of the full exchanges.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Coronation Street's Anne 'Deirdre' Kirkbride Dies

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 20 Januari 2015 | 10.03

Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow in the soap, has died aged 60 after a short illness.

A statement on the soap's website said the cast and crew are "heartbroken".

The actress was part of the ITV soap for 44 years after joining in 1972 - and has been part of some major storylines.

William Roache, who played her on-screen husband Ken Barlow, said: "I feel Anne's loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years.

"We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her.

"Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed."

One of the most memorable plots - the love triangle between Deirdre, Ken and Mike Baldwin - led to her being voted TV Personality Of The Year in 1983.

When her character chose Ken Barlow over Mike Baldwin in 1983, cheers went up as the "result" flashed up on the Old Trafford scoreboard.

It read: "Ken and Deirdre reunited. Ken 1 - Mike 0."

In 1993 it was revealed she had throat cancer and she took three months off the show while undergoing treatment.

Many major storylines led viewers and fans to act as if Deirdre was a real person.

So much so that in 1998 Prime Minister Tony Blair promised to intervene to get Deirdre released from prison after she was duped into mortgage fraud.

Mr Blair gave his full support to the "Free The Weatherfield One" campaign.

The show's executive producer, Kieran Roberts, said the cast felt "blessed" to have worked with her.

He added: "There are no words to describe the sense of grief we feel at Anne's passing."

ITV's Director of Television, Peter Fincham, said Kirkbride had created a "unique and unforgettable character".

In September Kirkbride was granted an extended break from the soap by producers. She was expected to be absent from the show for three months.

Kirkbride is survived by her husband, David, and her brother John.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Anne Kirkbride 'Was A True Icon Of Corrie'

Tributes are pouring in for Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride, who has died aged 60.

Fellow Coronation Street actors lined up to pay their respects to Kirkbride, who played Deirdre in the ITV soap for 44 years.

In a statement William Roache, who played Anne's onscreen husband Ken Barlow, said: "I feel Anne's loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years.

"She was such a loving and vibrant person. You always knew she was there because her laugh was never far away."

Kirkbride's on-screen daughter Kate Ford wrote: "Heartbroken at the loss of my friend and beautiful on screen mummy. The most crazy funny 100 per cent human. My life was enriched by her".

Les Dennis, who plays Michael Rodwell, tweeted: "So very sad to hear our lovely Anne Kirkbride has died. One of the true icons of @itvcorrie. We will all miss you. The nations favourite."

Alan Halsall, who has played Tyrone in the soap since 1998, said: "Rip Annie beautiful woman inside & out xxx #devastated #corriefamily".

"My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest," said Beverley Callard, who plays Liz McDonald.

Actress and singer Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, tweeted: "Cannot describe how devastated we all are. Sleep tight gorgeous lady we will miss you ridiculous amounts RIP Annie x".

Gaynor Faye, who starred alongside Kirkbride from 1995 to 1999, wrote: "Anne Kirkbride's smile & laugh always lit up the #Corrie green room...may it light up the sky as bright!"

Actor and singer Adam Rickitt, who was also in the show in the late 90s, wrote: "Just heard..so gutted. Annie..u were pure class..a smile always when needed and a hug always from the heart".

Other famous names from UK television have also expressed their condolences, including presenter Lorraine Kelly who wrote: "So very sad to hear of death of Anne Kirkbride - Thoughts with her husband and family and everyone who loved her. Corrie legend."

Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in EastEnders, tweeted: "Such sad news about Anne Kirkbride. My thoughts are with her family and all the Corrie cast and crew."

Presenter and actor Paddy McGuinness posted a picture of a pair of glasses, similar to those worn by Deirdre in the soap.

"Anne Kirkbride RIP. A part of our lives whether you knew her or not. She creatic such an iconic character," he wrote.

Phillip Schofield tweeted: "Just checked my phone and have heard of the sad loss of the wonderful Anne Kirkbride. My deepest condolences to the #Corrie family x."

News of Kirkbride's death has also featured on many of Tuesday's newspaper front pages.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Imans 'Must To Do More' To Root Out Radicals

Written By Unknown on Senin, 19 Januari 2015 | 10.03

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has written to over 1,000 Islamic leaders in Britain urging them to do more to root out extremists and stop young Muslims being radicalised.

In the letter, Mr Pickles stressed he was "proud" of the way Muslims in Britain had responded to the terror attacks in Paris, but there was "more work to do".

He insisted Whitehall could not combat jihadist ideology alone and Imams must explain to young people what it means to be British.

"You, as faith leaders, are in a unique position in our society. You have a precious opportunity, and an important responsibility: in explaining and demonstrating how faith in Islam can be part of British identity," he said.

"We believe together we have an opportunity to demonstrate the true nature of British Islam today.

"There is a need to lay out more clearly than ever before what being a British Muslim means today: proud of your faith and proud of your country.

"We know that acts of extremism are not representative of Islam; but we need to show what is."

Mr Pickles also sought to reassure the leaders that he had been in touch with police chiefs "to make sure they are providing the support that mosques need" - a concern that some Imans expressed in recent discussions.

But the letter, also signed by communities minister Lord Ahmad, immediately drew criticism from some Islamic leaders.

Harun Khan, deputy secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "We will be writing to Mr Eric Pickles to ask that he clarifies his request to Muslims to 'explain and demonstrate how faith in Islam can be part of British identity'.

"Is Mr Pickles seriously suggesting, as do members of the far right, that Muslims and Islam are inherently apart from British society?"

The letter emerged as the Metropolitan Police announced it had increased security around its buildings and bolstered numbers of firearms officers available.

Home Secretary Theresa May also promised to up the Government's efforts to tackle the terrorist threat and a "chilling" rise in anti-Semitism.

Speaking at an event to commemorate the Jewish people who died during the Paris massacre, she said "Britain would not be Britain" without Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and people of other faiths.

"I know that many Jewish people in this country are feeling vulnerable and fearful and you're saying that you're anxious for your families, for your children and yourselves.

"I never thought I would see the day when members of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom would say they were fearful of remaining here in the United Kingdom."

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and his US counterpart John Kerry are set to host talks in London on Thursday with ministers from around 20 countries, including Arab states, to discuss ways of tackling Islamic State.

:: Lord Ahmad, the co-author of the letter, will be speaking to Sky News at around 8.30am this morning. Watch Sky News on skynews.com and our mobile apps, or on channels Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-MI5 Boss: Terror Laws 'Not Fit For Purpose'

The former head of MI5 has warned that Britain's anti-terror laws are "not fit for purpose".

Lord Evans' comments about the powers of intelligence and security agencies were reported as the Prime Minister said Britain is facing a "very severe threat" from Islamist extremists, including so-called "lone-wolf" terrorists.

Lord Evans told the Sunday Telegraph: "The ability of the police and security agencies to do this important work of protecting our society and its vulnerable people is under threat from changing technology.

"They can only do this if they have the tools to do so - and the tools at their disposal are no longer fit for purpose."

David Cameron is currently pushing for tougher requirements for internet firms to alert authorities to suspicious online exchanges, ban encrypted communications and store data.

Former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown hit out at the push for increased powers, telling Sky's Murnaghan programme: "The whole nation is made a suspect under these proposals."

He added that while he believed Mr Cameron's demand for increased powers was "sincere", it was "connected to the general election", and said the PM was "cavalier" about the protection of civil liberties.

When asked if the message from the US to allies would be to keep up with the changes to anti-terror laws implemented by Washington, the US ambassador to the UK, Matthew Barzun, told the same programme: "Sure, and we work very closely with the UK and other partners around the world to try to achieve that balance."

Mr Cameron earlier spoke to US TV network CBS about measures to tackle extremism at home.

He said: "In Britain's history, we've had some very intense times of terrorist threats.

"Certainly we face a very severe threat.

"That's what we're calling it: severe, because we believe an attack is highly likely.

"But frankly, we've been in this struggle against extremist, Islamist terrorism now for well over a decade and a half, so we know what it takes to win, but it's going to take a lot of perseverance."

He said the terror threat "keeps morphing" over time, "but it's still based on the fundamental problem of a poisonous death cult narrative which is the perversion of one of the world's major religions".

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and his US counterpart John Kerry are set to host talks in London with ministers from around 20 countries, including Arab states, to discuss ways of tackling Islamic State.

Members of the coalition fighting IS extremists in Syria and Iraq will meet for the summit on Thursday.

On Friday Mr Cameron vowed to tackle what he called the "poisonous narrative of Islamist extremism that is turning too many young minds".

He was speaking following two days of talks with US President Barack Obama in Washington where they said a new group would be set up to exchange information and expertise to tackle the terror threat.

There are fears about the spread of terrorism after the Paris attacks that left 17 people dead and the arrest of more than two dozen people in anti-terror raids in Belgium, Germany and France.

On Saturday, an 18-year-old woman who was arrested at Stansted airport in Essex on suspicion of terrorist offences was released on bail.

Anti-terror officers arrested the teenager when she arrived on a flight at around 4pm on Friday.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

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Written By Unknown on Rabu, 21 Januari 2015 | 10.03

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Anne Kirkbride 'Was A True Icon Of Corrie'

Imans 'Must To Do More' To Root Out Radicals

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Ex-MI5 Boss: Terror Laws 'Not Fit For Purpose'

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