Category: news

Obama also said Afghanistan would not be abandoned

US President Barack Obama has described as “hateful” and “offensive” the claim by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that most people believed the US government was behind the 9/11 attacks.

Mr Obama was speaking exclusively to BBC Persian television, which broadcasts to Iran and Afghanistan.

Mr Ahmadinejad’s speech at the UN General Assembly triggered a walkout.

Mr Obama said it was inexcusable to make such remarks in New York itself, where most of the victims of 9/11 died.

Nevertheless, he reaffirmed America’s commitment to reach out to the people of Iran.

The Iranian president suggested the US government could have “orchestrated the attack to reverse the declining American economy, and its grips on the Middle East, in order to save the Zionist regime”. Mr Ahmadinejad usually refers to Israel as the “Zionist regime”.

Mr Obama also said Afghanistan would not be abandoned, even if the US began cutting its forces there next year.

Relations between Iran and the US have been strained over Tehran’s controversial nuclear activities.

The US fears Iran’s uranium enrichment programme is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny.

In July, President Obama signed into law new sanctions against Iran intended to impede the development of its nuclear programme.

The measures, which penalise foreign companies that trade with Iran, were overwhelmingly approved by US Congress.

Mr Obama said the sanctions would strike “at the heart” of Iran’s ability to fund and develop nuclear programmes.

The bill targets those firms that supply Iran’s Revolutionary Guards or contribute to the country’s energy industry, including foreign companies that provide finance, insurance, or shipping services.

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

Convicted murderer Wyndham Richard Thomas absconded from Prescoed prison, Monmouthshire

A convicted murderer who absconded from prison on Wednesday has been arrested, say Gwent police.

Wyndham Richard Thomas, 33, from Croeserw, Neath Port Talbot, was held at an address in Caerphilly.

A 39-year-old woman from Caerphilly has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Thomas, who was convicted of murder and burglary in 1998, absconded from HMP Prescoed in Monmouthshire. Police had urged him to give himself up.

Thomas was jailed over the death of 23-year-old taxi driver Christopher Williams who was fatally stabbed in the heart after confronting three men burgling his home.

Thomas was convicted along with two others, Alan Naylor and Christopher Chislett, who together had been breaking into a house at Nantyffyllon, near Maesteg, in July 1997.

The trial judge concluded Chislett had struck the fatal blow but both Thomas and Naylor were also convicted of murder and the tariff was set at 10 years for Thomas.

The family of Mr Williams had criticised the authorities for not informing them about Thomas absconding from jail until hours after they learnt about it through the media.

Distress

Mr Williams’ father, Alan, said that since his son’s killing, the family had “tried to put the hurtful things” behind them – and the renewed distress they had suffered as a result of Thomas’ escape could have been avoided.

Gwent Police said it took immediate action after being notified that Thomas had absconded from prison and an operational plan was activated with the aim of locating him.

The force confirmed he was now in police custody.

Senior investigating officer Det Supt Martyn Dew said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the media and the public for their co-operation and assistance in locating this individual who was found following extensive inquiries by specialist officers.”

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

Lance Corporal James McKie grabbed the live grenade and threw it back

A soldier from Edinburgh who saved his commander from a grenade thrown by insurgents in Afghanistan is to be awarded a medal for heroism.

Lance Corporal James McKie, who grabbed the live grenade and threw it back at the attackers, is to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

He was part of the battlegroup which suffered the most fatalities of British fighting units since the Korean war.

He is one of 131 soldiers on the Operational Honours list.

The list, issued on Friday, includes two riflemen who lost their lives during a six-month tour in Helmand province.

On the 3 Rifles tour of duty, from October until April, it lost more lives than any British fighting unit for more than 65 years.

L/Cpl McKie, who previously served in the New Zealand army for seven-and-a-half years, said he would never forget the colour or feel of the heavy, mustard-green, pineapple-shaped grenade.

“There were so many dangerous situations out there, so many times when I could have died. I don’t dwell on it,” he said.

“For me, the whole tour threw up so many positive things from a professional point of view that I look back on rather than those dark moments.”

L/Cpl McKie said he felt “guilty” when he learned of his medal.

He said: “Why me? I did what I had to do to stay alive and to keep my friends alive.

“Why can’t they give awards to every single soldier?

“Some people did some great things out there and aren’t being recognised.

“But I’ve come to realise that the medal is a celebration of what we did out there – it’s for everyone, it’s not just for me.”

The 3rd Battalion’s commanding officer, Lt Col Nick Kitson, is to be awarded a Distinguished Service Order, for continuous outstanding leadership during a seven month tour which saw 30 members of his battlegroup killed in action and many more injured.

Major Tim Harris, officer commanding of A Company, 3 Rifles, is to be appointed MBE for “inspirational example, humbling courage, tenacity and extraordinary demonstration of leadership in the face of seemingly overwhelming adversity”.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Rifles approach a suspicious compound during a joint patrol

Rifleman Gareth Sutherland is to be given a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for “unwavering courage and selfless commitment displayed continually over a six month period”.

Other soldiers from 3 Rifles who are to receive awards are Cpl Lee Brownson, who has been honoured a posthumous Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, Rifleman Mark Turner who received a posthumous Mention in Dispatches, Rifleman Harry Lanceley, who is to be awarded a Military Cross, Capt Andy Michael, who received a Mention in Dispatches, 2nd Lt Connor Maxwell, Rifleman Daniel Nickson and Lance Corporal Aselemo Vetanibua, who will all receive Queen’s Commendations for Bravery.

Pte Callum Brotherston, of B Company 1 Scots is to be awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, for his “amazing calmness” and professionalism when surrounded by injured colleagues in a Taliban minefield in Southern Helmand last winter.

Pte Brotherston, from Mauchline in Ayrshire, took control during an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) incident in the Wishtan area of Helmand.

Maj Graeme Wearmouth, from Edinburgh, who commanded B Company 1 SCOTS throughout their time in Wishtan is to receive a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service, for his “inspirational” leadership throughout the tour.

Those being honoured are expected to receive their awards later this year.

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

Horses rescued from the farm near Mallusk in County Antrim.

The USPCA has rescued 70 horses from a farm near Mallusk in County Antrim.

The conditions at the farm were described as “appalling” and many animals were malnourished and filthy.

The organisation was called to the farm a week ago by the police but could not remove the animals until now because of legal difficulties.

USPCA officers have been at the site providing food and veterinary treatment for the horses until their legal ownership could be established.

A number of carcasses were also found at the farm.

It is understood a man who had been living alone at the property has health problems and is now undergoing medical treatment.

The operation is the largest horse rescue ever carried out by the USPCA in its 100 year history.

Some of the animals appeared to be malnourished.

Stephen Philpot from the charity said the logistics of dealing with so many animals needing care really tested his organisation.

He said they had sought assistance from a number of horse sanctuaries, and had even called on the help of the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mr Philpot said the animals could have been removed from the farm immediately if the words “conditions likely to cause suffering” were included in Northern Ireland’s animal welfare legislation.

“There has been a week of completely unnecessary delay here in trying to resolve this situation legally.

“Because we haven’t got proper legislation we have had to work through various agenices, work through various legal scenarios, until last night when we were able to the legal definition and ownership of these animals established and get them over into the care of the USPCA.

“That’s a big flaw in that legislation and if ever you had an advert for proper legislation, this is it,” he said.

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

Zhan Qixiong has been in Japanese custody since 8 September

Japan is to release a Chinese fishing boat captain whose arrest two weeks ago led to the worst row with Beijing in years, Japanese media report.

The Japanese authorities had accused Zhan Qixiong of deliberately ramming two patrol vessels near disputed islands in the East China Sea.

China had been demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

The move came after four Japanese men were detained in China on suspicion of illegally filming in a military area.

A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said its embassy in Beijing had received confirmation that the four were being held, but he said he did not want to speculate whether it was linked to Japan’s detention of a Chinese fishing boat captain.

Officials said the four men were employees of a Japanese construction company who were in China to bid for a project to dispose of chemical weapons from World War II.

At a news conference, prosecutors in Naha, Okinawa, said Mr Zhan was “just a fishing boat captain” and had no criminal record in Japan.

They did not perceive any premeditated intent to damage the patrol boats, said Toru Suzuki, the office’s vice prosecutor, the Associated Press reported.

“We have decided that further investigation while keeping the captain in custody would not be appropriate, considering the impact on the people of our country as well as the Japan-China relations in the future,” he said.

It was unclear when he would be released.

Tensions had escalated since Japan detained the Chinese captain.

China issued a series of diplomatic protests, cancelled official visits and cultural events, and said that the row could seriously harm relations.

Earlier this week Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that Japan bore full responsibility for the situation and demanded the immediate release of the captain.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged the two sides to settle the issue before it had a long-term impact on the region.

The Japanese coastguard arrested Zhan Qixiong on 8 September after his trawler collided with two of their patrol boats in an area claimed by both countries, near uninhabited islands which may have oil and gas deposits

Japanese prosecutors had until next Wednesday to decide whether or not to charge the man.

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

One article in Kenya said the arrests were indiscriminate and unlawful

Kenyan authorities have defended the rendition of suspects to Uganda for trial over July’s bombings, by leaking documents alleging their terror links.

In recent weeks dozens of Kenyans have been extradited over the suicide attack, which killed some 76 people.

Kenyan Muslim groups have criticised the arrests, with one newspaper article saying they were indiscriminate and unlawful.

Somali Islamist group al-Shabab has said it carried out the attack.

The twin bombings targeted a restaurant and rugby club in Kampala while people watched the World Cup final on 11 July.

Ten of the 36 Kenyan suspects in total have been charged in connection with the attack.

The documents, published by Kenyan media, describe an al-Qaeda cell in East Africa and provide details of how the Kampala attack was planned.

They say that “tens of youths” from across Kenya have joined the cell, trained in Somalia and fought alongside al-Shabab.

The details also suggest that plans for twin attacks on Nairobi have begun.

BBC East Africa correspondent Will Ross says the timing of the leak is interesting, coming at a time of some disquiet, especially amongst the Muslim community.

A restaurant was one of the venues targeted by the Uganda bombers

In one front-page article in Kenya titled “Return Renditioned Kenyans”, the head of the council of Kenya Muslims is quoted as saying “Muslims are not safe from the impunity and hooliganism of the Kenyan security forces”.

In Nairobi, one man told the BBC he believes Kenya has not followed due process.

“You don’t just arrest anyone on the streets, put him on a plane or whatever without I believe enough or sufficient investigations. I think sufficient investigations should be carried out first,” he said.

Some human rights workers have expressed fears for the safety of the suspects, amid reports that the suspects were secretly taken to Uganda and had no legal representation.

Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch said two Kenyans were being held by the Ugandan Police Rapid Response Unit, which the group said has previously been responsible for torturing and killing suspects.

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

Michael Williams admitted 27 charges at Truro Crown Court in May

A postman from Cornwall who used social-networking websites to abuse hundreds of children has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

Michael Williams admitted inciting sexual activity, grooming and distributing indecent images.

The 29-year-old, of Tresooth Lane, Penryn, approached children on Facebook and Bebo, Truro Crown Court heard.

He groomed them, asked some to perform sex acts over a webcam and arranged to meet others before abusing them.

The court heard the grooming and abuse took place between 2004 and 2009. He also pleaded guilty to voyeurism and possessing indecent images.

As well as the prison sentence – of which half is to be served and half suspended – Williams was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Devon and Cornwall Police have identified about 500 victims but believe hundreds were too scared to come forward and the actual total could be 1,000.

Williams, who admitted 27 charges, was described by police as a “predatory, manipulative and prolific offender”.

After creating at least eight fake online profiles, Williams targeted youngsters he met on his post round in his hometown, on school runs as a taxi driver, and in his role as secretary of Falmouth Town Football Club.

Det Insp Simon Snell, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said Williams’ victims had been brave to come forward

He sometimes posed as a teenager online and also dyed his hair different colours to disguise his identity.

He convinced some victims to meet him in parks, on beaches and at his home.

Det Insp Simon Snell of Devon and Cornwall said that Williams’ victims had been “through sheer hell”.

He said: “‘Depravity’ and ‘corrosive’ are probably the words I would use against Michael Williams.

“He preyed on young people. He is dangerous and will remain so until he has had the correct treatment.”

He added that Williams’ crimes had “completely devastated” people in Penryn.

He said: “To have this kind of activity taking place in their community has been extremely distressing.”

Facebook said it was “deeply concerned” by the case.

A spokesman said: “The case serves as a painful reminder that everyone must use extreme caution when talking to or meeting people they only know via the internet.”

It added that it had recently launched a £5m campaign to improve safety for users.

Williams was dismissed by Royal Mail after his arrest in February.

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

The owner of a cat which has had its fur dyed pink and was then thrown over a garden fence in Swindon is being sought by the RSPCA.

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Investors favour gold in time of uncertainty

The price of gold has risen above $1,300 an ounce for the first time.

The price of the precious metal reached $1,300.07 during trading at the London bullion market, before dipping back.

The latest rise has been spurred by caution over the global economy, as well as weakness in the US dollar – the currency used to value gold – which fell 1% against the euro.

The gold price has increased five-fold in the last 10 years, up from a low of $258 in 2000.

One of the factors spurring investors is gold’s traditional role as a so-called “safe-haven” investment at times of economic uncertainty.

Another driver is more technical – gold is priced in dollars, and any fall in the dollar makes it cheaper to buyers using other currencies.

The World Gold Council’s last report on the gold market predicted that continuing strong demand from jewellery buyers in the two fast-developing markets of India and China would help to keep the price high.

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

Are investment banks really little more than casinos?

The future of Britain’s banks is set to come under further scrutiny when a government-backed inquiry sets out its priorities for the industry.

The Independent Commission on Banking (IBC) is expected to say that it will look into the splitting of retail and investment banking operations.

Critics say this could damage the UK’s competitive edge and make banks flee.

The IBC, chaired by Sir John Vickers, was set up to look at financial stability and competition.

It will take at least a year to review whether investment banks should be split from deposit-taking institutions on the High Street.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has been vocal in calls for “casino” banks to be hived off from retail deposits.

But HSBC recently warned it would consider moving its headquarters from the UK if the commission recommended a break-up, while Standard Chartered has also recently questioned the future of its UK headquarters.

Stuart Gulliver, head of HSBC’s investment banking division, made the warning at a banking conference, saying he was “genuinely concerned” that the banking commission would recommend splitting up banks.

“[That] has significant implications clearly for where we may choose to headquarter our institution.”

“I want to be crystal clear. Our preference is to be headquartered in the UK,” added Mr Gulliver.

The commission is also likely to probe High Street competition – possibly leading to calls for the likes of Lloyds Banking Group to shrink.

Sir John, the ex-chairman of the Office of Fair Trading, is joined on the commission by Clare Spottiswoode, the former director-general of Ofgas, Martin Taylor, a former chief executive of Barclays, Bill Winters, the former co-chief executive of JP Morgan, and Martin Wolf, the chief economics commentator at the Financial Times.

It is expected that they will question the chief executives of all of Britain’s largest banks.

One of those likely to be quizzed is John Varley, the Barclays boss who will hand over leadership of the bank next year.

Writing in the Financial Times, he said that the operations of investment banks were not like casinos, but he admitted they needed to do a better job of conveying their work to the public.

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Which sportsman joined the ‘beautiful people’ this week?

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Ken Livingstone defeats former MP Oona King to win Labour’s nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election.

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Apple is going to court to stop a start-up firm releasing a product that uses ‘pod’ as part of its name.

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The conditions of facilities in the athletes’ village has been criticised

The Scottish Commonwealth Games team will confirm later whether their athletes are to fly out as planned to Delhi.

The first group, who had been due there this week, were told not to travel because of concerns about hygiene and security at the athletes’ village.

The sporting showpiece will begin on 3 October and run for two weeks.

A Scotland team delegation will inspect the athletes’ facilities and decide whether they are fit to be used.

Scottish representative Jon Doig had said he was heartened by the progress of the Indian authorities.

Sports Minister Shona Robison also told parliament on Thursday that she was confident that further inspections would lead to the go-ahead for athletes to fly to the event.

Wales has announced its athletes will travel to the games as planned, while English athletes who have arrived will not stay in the athletes village, but in a holding camp.

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Five family members have been charged with child cruelty after allegedly keeping two young children in makeshift cages at their home.

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