Category: news

SDP chief Mizuho Fukushima was fired on Friday over her stance on Okinawa

Japan's socialist party has voted to leave the ruling coalition because of a row over a US base in Okinawa.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP)had opposed PM Yukio Hatoyama's decision not to move the US Futenma airbase off the southern Japanese island.

On Friday Mr Hatoyama fired SDP chief Mizuho Fukushima from her ministerial post over her stance on the issue.

The SDP has few seats in parliament but the coalition deal secured the ruling party a majority in the upper house.

The decision came at a meeting of senior party officials.

"We will leave [the coalition] but we will explore relations with other parties in both houses of parliament," SDP secretary-general Yasumasa Shigeno told journalists.

The ruling Democrats have a large majority in the lower house, which they can use to force legislation through the upper house.

But the SDP's departure will come as a blow to Mr Hatoyama, whose approval ratings have been plummeting.

He also faces his first electoral test in July since last year's election, with polls for the upper house.

Ms Fukushima was fired as consumer affairs minister after she refused to sign off on the Futenma deal.

Mr Hatoyama had said during his election campaign that he would revisit the issue with the US – but then confirmed last week that the existing agreement to relocate the controversial base to the north of the island would stand.

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The gathering is near Dale, on the Pembrokeshire coast

Around 2,500 people are at an illegal gathering in the Dale area of Pembrokeshire, say police.

Officers are at the scene near Dale Castle and Dyfed-Powys Police have advised people not to travel to the area.

A force spokesman said they were “closely monitoring the situation..to ensure minimum disruption to the surrounding communities”.

Police confirmed loud music was being played at the site near the coast.

Anyone with information or concerns is asked to call police on 101.

‘Prevented’

There are some homes nearby.

The force spokesman said: “We advise that anyone who is considering travelling to the area not to do so as access will be prevented.”

He added that they also wanted to ensure the safety of those attending the gathering itself.

gathering dale area pembrokeshire

illegal gathering in the dale of pembrokeshire what is it about

Opinion polls suggest a tight contest

Colombians are due to go to the polls to vote for a new president in a contest that is expected to be close.

The popular incumbent, Alvaro Uribe, is standing down after two terms.

Former Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos, who is supported by Mr Uribe, has a slight lead in opinion polls.

However he faces a strong challenge from former Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus of the Green Party. A run-off between the two candidates is expected on 20 June.

The other main candidates are Noemi Sanin, of the Conservative Party, Gustavo Petro of the Polo Democratico, German Vargas Lleras of the Radical Change party and Rafael Pardo of the Liberal party.

Quality of life

Mr Uribe still has approval ratings of 60% after almost eight years in power.

Analysts say this is largely due to his hard-line, US-backed security policies that have curbed guerrilla activities and reduced drugs crime.

COLOMBIA ELECTION FACTSContinue reading the main storyPresident elected for 4-year termCandidate needs over 50% of vote to avoid second roundAlvaro Uribe in office since 2002 – constitutionally barred from further termUribe’s legacyCandidate profiles

Although this has given Mr Santos the edge, the reduction in violence in Bogota has also boosted Mr Mockus.

He is seen as having improved the quality of life for citizens in the capital, with public works projects.

His supporters point to his economic record, while his critics say he is too inexperienced to run the country, in particular in maintaining the pressure on the left-wing rebels.

Mr Santos's supporters point to the successful tough line he took against the rebels.

The BBC's Jeremy McDermott in Colombia says that given the closeness of the opinion polls, it seems Colombians favour both change and continuity.

He says Mr Santos comes from unrivalled political stock and has a long and exceptional record in public office.

But Mr Mockus has promised to break with past political corruption and that idea is intoxicating for many Colombians tired of scandals.

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Thai authorities say the situation in Bangkok has returned to normal

Thai authorities have lifted a curfew in Bangkok and 23 provinces, 10 days after city-wide arson attacks that followed an army operation to clear anti-government protesters.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the situation was under control and there was no need to extend the curfew.

But he said that a state of emergency imposed during the months-long protest would remain.

More than 80 people died during the stand-off, which began on 14 March.

"Red-shirt" protesters demanding the government's resignation occupied key parts of Bangkok, forcing hotels and shops to close.

Attempts to negotiate a political solution failed and on 19 May, following six days of violent clashes, troops moved into the barricaded camp to end the protest.

As troops moved in a hard-line group of protesters rioted, setting shops, banks and other buildings on fire. One of Bangkok's largest shopping centres, Central World Plaza, was among the buildings destroyed.

An overnight curfew has been in place since then in the Thai capital and 23 provinces home to many who sympathise with the protesters.

But Mr Abhisit said that it would be cancelled.

"We will not have to extend it. The situation is under control now," he told journalists.

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Coalition supporters speak warmly of David Laws after he resigns from the government.

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Mr Hatoyama, Mr Lee and Mr Wen were holding talks in South Korea

The leaders of Japan, China and South Korea have said the sinking of a South Korean warship poses a threat to peace and stability in the region.

But China did not condemn North Korea over the incident, despite facing pressure from Seoul to take a stance.

South Korea says its ship, the Cheonan, was attacked by a torpedo from the North in March. Pyongyang denies the claim.

The comments ended three-day talks on Juju resort island in South Korea.

Tensions have been rising in the region since the Cheonan sank in March, with the loss of 46 sailors.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said avoiding conflict between the Koreas was "most urgent", but did not apportion blame for the sinking of the Cheonan.

"The urgent task for the moment is to properly handle the serious impact caused by the Cheonan incident, gradually defuse tensions over it, and avoid possible conflicts," Mr Wen said.

"China will continue to work with every country through aggressive negotiations and co-operation to fulfill our mission of maintaining peace and stability in the region," he added.

‘Balance of power’

Beijing has refused to condemn North Korea, but has said it would assess the evidence objectively.

Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama pledged support for the South Korean president and accepted the accusations against North Korea.

Japan has already said it is tightening its stringent sanctions against North Korea.

The three-nation summit was meant to focus on trade, but the sinking of the warship overshadowed other issues.

The BBC's John Sudworth in Seoul says the issue highlights the shifting balance of power in this region, most notably the change in China itself.

If China eventually accept North Korea's guilt, it may be a sign that it now sees it as more of a liability than an asset, our correspondent adds.

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Gen Menard was in charge Nato’s Task Force Kandahar

The commander of Canada's forces in Afghanistan has been dismissed following allegations of an inappropriate personal relationship.

A senior Canadian military official said allegations against General Daniel Menard were being investigated. He gave no details.

The military said the dismissal would not affect its mission in Afghanistan.

Most of Canada's 2,800 troops in the country are based in the south, where Nato has been fighting the Taliban.

A major campaign is planned in the Kandahar area in the coming months.General Menard was in charge of Nato's Task Force Kandahar.

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty at a court-martial to accidentally firing his weapon at Kandahar Air Field in March.

He will be replaced by General Dean Milner.

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British Airways cabin crew have started a fresh five-day strike with little sign of an end to the dispute.

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Motherwell College student Zoe left home on 22 May

A man is due to appear in court in connection with the death of a teenager whose burned body was found in a field.

The remains of Zoe Nelson, 17, were discovered near Branchalfield Drive in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, on Sunday.

A 20-year-old man arrested by Strathclyde Police has been charged and is expected to appear before Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The Motherwell College student was last seen leaving her Newmains home about a mile away, on 22 May.

Residents reported seeing a fire in woods known as Monkey Hill later that evening.

A police spokeswoman said: "A 20-year-old man has been charged and detained in custody."

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Heavy rain has already begun across southern Guatemala

Guatemalans who are still clearing away debris from a volcanic eruption are braced for a major storm.

Tropical Storm Agatha, forming on the Pacific coast, is expected to dump up to 50cm (20in) of rain, increasing the danger from landslides and floods.

Hundreds of people are in shelters after the Pacaya volcano erupted on Thursday.

A state of emergency in place because of the eruption, and communities in the storm's path are being evacuated.

Agatha, the first named storm of the season, is expected to hit land on Sunday, but emergency workers have already reported rivers being swollen by heavy rains.

Hundreds of people are already in shelters because of the volcano

Officials are warning that flooding could be worse than usual because ash from the erupting Pacaya volcano has blocked drainage systems.

The storm is also expected to lash neighbouring El Salvador and southern Mexico.

Forecasters from the US National Hurricaine Center warned that Agatha was packing winds of 40mph (64km/h).

"This system is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches over extreme south-eastern Mexico, Guatemala and much of El Salvador," said the centre.

"These rains could cause life-threatening flash-floods and mudslides."

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Heavy rain has already begun across southern Guatemala

Guatemalans who are still clearing away debris from a volcanic eruption are braced for a major storm.

Tropical Storm Agatha, forming on the Pacific coast, is expected to dump up to 50cm (20in) of rain, increasing the danger from landslides and floods.

Hundreds of people are in shelters after the Pacaya volcano erupted on Thursday.

A state of emergency in place because of the eruption, and communities in the storm's path are being evacuated.

Agatha, the first named storm of the season, is expected to hit land on Sunday, but emergency workers have already reported rivers being swollen by heavy rains.

Hundreds of people are already in shelters because of the volcano

Officials are warning that flooding could be worse than usual because ash from the erupting Pacaya volcano has blocked drainage systems.

The storm is also expected to lash neighbouring El Salvador and southern Mexico.

Forecasters from the US National Hurricaine Center warned that Agatha was packing winds of 40mph (64km/h).

"This system is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches over extreme south-eastern Mexico, Guatemala and much of El Salvador," said the centre.

"These rains could cause life-threatening flash-floods and mudslides."

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Dubovie was chosen to represent the UK in March

Acts from 25 countries are preparing to take part in the grand final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest, taking place later in Norway's capital Oslo.

British hopes rest on 19-year-old Josh Dubovie, who will perform a Mike Stock and Pete Waterman song called That Sounds Good To Me.

The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves triumphed with Love Shine a Light.

Bookmakers have made Azerbaijan favourite to win the contest.

Their chosen act, Safura, will open Saturday's show with her song Drip Drop.

Because the phone vote that decides the winner opens at the beginning of the show, it is thought the 17-year-old may have an advantage over her fellow contestants.

More than 125 million watched last year's competition in Moscow, when Norwegian violinist Alexander Rybak took home the trophy with a record 387 points.

The economic downturn has hit this year hard, though, with several countries having to pull out of the event because they could not afford to take part.

Graham Norton will host the BBC's live TV coverage of the event, which kicks off at 2000 BST on BBC One.

Bookmakers have made Safura from Azerbaijan favourite to win

Radio listeners, meanwhile, can hear Ken Bruce report on proceedings on BBC Radio Two from 2000 BST.

Speaking to the BBC earlier this week, Waterman admitted it was "highly unlikely" the UK will win this year's competition.

However, he added, "there is always an outside chance that something bizarre might happen."

Dubovie was chosen to represent the UK after securing the most public votes on Your Country Needs You! on BBC One in March.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have given him odds of 175/1 – the lowest given to any UK Eurovision hopeful ever.

The UK is one of five automatic finalists, alongside France, Germany, Spain and last year's winners Norway.

The remaining 20 finalists have been whittled down from the 34 countries that participated in the two semi-finals that took place on Tuesday and Thursday.

Among them is Niamh Kavanagh, who is representing the Republic of Ireland for the second time after winning the competition in 1993.

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The oil has permeated more than 70 (110km) miles of Louisiana’s coastline

Oil giant BP says it is unsure whether its latest attempt to plug a gushing oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has succeeded.

Chief operating officer Doug Suttles said the "top kill" operation had not yet stopped the flow and it was preparing its next plan.

Millions of gallons of oil have leaked since a rig exploded and sank last month, killing 11 employees.

US President Barack Obama has ordered a tripling of manpower in coastal areas.

The oil spill has been called the worst in US history.

The thick crude has already permeated more than 70 miles (110km) of Louisiana's coastline, threatening fragile wetlands and putting the vital fishing industry at risk.

New operation

The "top kill" operation involves pumping shredded golf balls and tyres, as well as thick mud, into the well in an attempt to plug it. It has been going on since Wednesday at a depth of 5,000ft (1.5km).

Mr Suttles said in Louisiana after monitoring the flow: "I don't think the amount of oil coming out has changed. Just by watching it, we don't believe it's changed."

BP had earlier said it would not know for sure if the "top kill" operation had worked until Sunday.

President Barack Obama: “It’s an assault on the shores and our people”

But on Saturday he said he did not know if the operation would succeed, and added that the next option was already being prepared.

This operation is called the lower-marine-riser-package cap.

It involves an underwater robot using a saw to hack off the leaking pipe and place a cap over it.

Mr Suttles said: "If we have to go to it, we can do it as quickly as possible."

Two experts who spoke to Associated Press news agency, Prof Bob Bea, of the University of California at Berkeley, and Eric Smith of the Tulane Energy Institute, both said the results of the "top kill" did not look promising.

The BBC's Andy Gallacher, at Grand Isle beach in Louisiana, says people are growing increasingly impatient and increasingly angry.

He says that for miles in either direction there are small, sticky tar balls and as the waves break against the sand, there is a definite rainbow sheen.

Some fishermen have nailed up signs, our correspondent says, with one reading "BP, you ruined our futures and our heritage".

On Friday, President Obama toured oil-hit areas, saying the US would "do whatever it takes" to help those affected.

He said the additional manpower would lay more booms, clean beaches and monitor stricken wildlife.

A total of 20,000 people have already been deployed to contain and clean up the spill.

Mr Obama said he would take responsibility for "solving this crisis", though he said BP would be held financially accountable for the "enormous damage".

"I'm the president and the buck stops with me," he said.

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A charity says more lecturers and college staff are seeking support for work-related issues.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Dubovie was chosen to represent the UK in March

Acts from 25 countries are preparing to take part in the grand final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest, taking place later in Norway's capital Oslo.

British hopes rest on 19-year-old Josh Dubovie, who will perform a Mike Stock and Pete Waterman song called That Sounds Good To Me.

The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves triumphed with Love Shine a Light.

Bookmakers have made Azerbaijan favourite to win the contest.

Their chosen act, Safura, will open Saturday's show with her song Drip Drop.

Because the phone vote that decides the winner opens at the beginning of the show, it is thought the 17-year-old may have an advantage over her fellow contestants.

More than 125 million watched last year's competition in Moscow, when Norwegian violinist Alexander Rybak took home the trophy with a record 387 points.

The economic downturn has hit this year hard, though, with several countries having to pull out of the event because they could not afford to take part.

Graham Norton will host the BBC's live TV coverage of the event, which kicks off at 2000 BST on BBC One.

Bookmakers have made Safura from Azerbaijan favourite to win

Radio listeners, meanwhile, can hear Ken Bruce report on proceedings on BBC Radio Two from 2000 BST.

Speaking to the BBC earlier this week, Waterman admitted it was "highly unlikely" the UK will win this year's competition.

However, he added, "there is always an outside chance that something bizarre might happen."

Dubovie was chosen to represent the UK after securing the most public votes on Your Country Needs You! on BBC One in March.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have given him odds of 175/1 – the lowest given to any UK Eurovision hopeful ever.

The UK is one of five automatic finalists, alongside France, Germany, Spain and last year's winners Norway.

The remaining 20 finalists have been whittled down from the 34 countries that participated in the two semi-finals that took place on Tuesday and Thursday.

Among them is Niamh Kavanagh, who is representing the Republic of Ireland for the second time after winning the competition in 1993.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.