Il senatore USA Obama annuncia la candidatura alle presidenziali

Il senatore dell'Illinois Barack Obama ha ufficialmente annunciato la sua candidatura alle presidenziali, oggi, a Springfield (Illinois). Il discorso di Obama è stato segnato dallo stesso spot che Abraham Lincoln aveva dato al suo discorso "House divided" più di 125 anni fa. La sua corsa alla Casa Bianca inizia nel punto in cui iniziò anche la sua carriera politica dieci anni fa.

Obama è il secondo democratico ad annunciare la sua candidatura, dopo la senatrice di New York Hillary Clinton. Se venisse eletto, Obama diventerebbe il primo presidente afroamericano della storia degli Stati Uniti d'America.

Obama ha parlato di argomenti come la riforma del sistema sanitario, la lotta alla povertà, la ricostruzione dei sindacati, l'indipendenza energetica, la ricostruzione dell'immagine globale degli Stati Uniti, ma anche della guerra in Iraq, associandola alla parte del «ricambio generazionale». Obama si è detto contro il mantenimento delle truppe in Iraq, dicendo che «l'America non cambierà in meglio fino a quando non porremo fine alla guerra in Iraq... America, è il momento di riportare le truppe a casa. È il momento di ammettere che nessuna vita americana può risolvere il disaccordo politico che giace alla base della guerra civile in qualche altra parte del mondo».

L'annuncio segna l'inizio di un weekend che porterà Obama da Springfield fino in Iowa e quindi a Chicago prima di giungere in New Hampshire lunedì.

Obama è giunto in primo piano nel mondo politico americano dopo il popolare discorso alla convention democratica del 2004. Nato nelle Hawaii, Obama sì è laureato alla Columbia University e quindi alla Harvard Law School. Nel 1996 Obama è stato eletto al Senato dell'Illinois, prima di venire eletto, nel 2004, senatore degli Stati Uniti.


Ugandan rebels agree to a ceasefire

The leader of the  Lord’s Resistance Army, the rebel group in  Uganda, has agreed to a unilateral ceasefire to end 18 years of fighting.

Lieutenant General Otti spoke on behalf of the LRA leader  Joseph Kony on Friday, declaring an end to hostilities, ahead of peace talks due to begin next week.

Speaking to the BBC, Otti said: "I, Lt Gen Vincent Otti, second in command of the LRA, by the order of Gen Joseph Kony, chairman of the LRA High Command, do hereby declare a unilateral cessation of hostilities.”

The Ugandan government has said it will wait to see if violence does actually stop before accepting the ceasefire.

It is a significant step in relations between the government and the rebels who have been fighting a twenty year campaign. However, it is unlikely Kony or Otti will attend the talks with the Ugandan government in  Sudan, as they are both wanted for war crimes.

During its campaign the LRA has been accused of multiple atrocities, including the deaths of thousands of people in the north of the country and the kidnap of up to 20,000 children for use as soldiers.

The group, with a cult-like status, was formed by Joseph Kony in 1987 against the forces of the current leader  Yoweri Museveni, who had taken power the previous year.


Les rebelles ougandais acceptent un cessez-le-feu

Joseph Kony, le chef de l'Armée de résistance du Seigneur, un mouvement rebelle en Ouganda, a accepté un cessez-le-feu unilatéral pour mettre fin à 18 ans de combats.

Le lieutenant général Otti a fait cette annonce une semaine avant l'ouverture des pourparlers de paix dans une allocution à la BBC.

Le gouvernement ougandais a indiqué vouloir attendre la fin des violences avant d'accepter ce cessez-le-feu.


UK and Denmark announce troop withdrawals from Iraq

Tony Blair has announced that the United Kingdom will lower the number of troops in Iraq from 7,100 to 5,500 during the "coming months", and below 5,000 by late summer, if the Iraqi government can secure the southern part of the country. British troops will remain in Iraq until at least 2008. In Denmark, prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced his country will completely withdraw its forces, about 460 soldiers, from Iraq. Lithuania is also "seriously considering" pulling out their 56 soldiers, according to a government spokeswoman.

Blair admitted that the situation in Basra, the port city were the British operate mostly, was not yet how he wanted it, but that "the next chapter in Basra’s history can be written by Iraqis." The withdrawal contrasts with the 20,000 extra troops announced by U.S. President Bush. Blair explained that the situation in Baghdad is very different, because of "an orgy of terrorism".

Blair envisions a pullback, leaving the U.K. with support and training tasks, while Iraqis would patrol the city. The pace of the withdrawal "depends, of course, in part on what we do, what the Iraqi authorities themselves do, but also on the attitude of those we are together fighting," according to the prime minister. Over the last weeks, the British have conducted 'operation Sinbad' against Shiite militias in Basra. On Sunday, Blair said in a T.V. interview that the operation was now complete.

On Tuesday, an Iraqi Army division in Basra was transferred to Iraqi control. The Ministry of Defence spoke of an "important step" toward taking up responsibilities in the area.

Rumours of the pullback had already emerged on Tuesday. A White House spokesperson had stated that "while the United Kingdom is maintaining a robust force in southern Iraq, we’re pleased that conditions in Basra have improved sufficiently that they are able to transition more control to the Iraqis." The press was told that Bush "sees this as a sign of success and what is possible for us once we help the Iraqis deal with the sectarian violence in Baghdad."


Blair kündigt Truppenabzug aus dem Irak an

London (Vereinigtes Königreich), 21.02.2007 – Der britische Premierminister Tony Blair hat gegenüber britischen Parlamentsabgeordneten einen substanziellen Abzug britischer Soldaten aus dem Irak angekündigt. Innerhalb der nächsten Monate würden 1.600 Soldaten das Land verlassen, so Blair. Zurzeit sind 7.100 britische Soldaten im Wesentlichen im Südosten des Irak stationiert. Weitere 500 Soldaten würden ebenfalls im Laufe des Jahres abgezogen.

Die Ankündigung Blairs wurden vom konservativen Oppositionsführer, David Cameron, mit Wohlwollen aufgenommen. Er sagte, der Abzug würde im Unterhaus wie auch im Lande begrüßt. Der Führer der Liberaldemokratischen Partei, Sir Menzies Campbell, erinnerte daran, dass mit dem Abzug der Widerspruch zwischen der vor vier Jahren versprochenen Demokratisierung des Irak und der jetzigen Situation im Irak offenkundig werde. Der Irak befinde sich am Rand eines Bürgerkrieges. Seit dem Beginn des Irak-Krieges im März 2003 wurden 132 britische Soldaten getötet.

Der angekündigte Truppenabzug kommt zu einem Zeitpunkt, zu dem die Vereinigten Staaten die Entsendung weiterer 21.500 US-Soldaten in den Irak beschlossen haben. Die USA haben seit dem Beginn des Irak-Krieges im Rahmen der „Koalition der Willigen“ immer das Hauptkontingent der Streitkräfte im Irak gestellt. Zurzeit befinden sich 132.000 US-Soldaten im Irak.

Blairs Ankündigung erfolgt, wie politische Beobachter bemerken, zu einem mit Bedacht gewählten Zeitpunkt. Der britische Premierminister steht am Ende seiner zehnjährigen Amtszeit als oberster politischer Führer seines Landes. Angetreten mit der Hoffnung, dem Land durch ein als „New Labour“ bekannt gewordenes politisches Konzept seinen Stempel aufzuprägen, war die Amtszeit Blairs doch stark durch seine Entscheidung geprägt, den USA in ihrer Irakpolitik politisch und militärisch als treuer Bündnispartner zur Seite zu stehen. Dieser Kurs war in der britischen Bevölkerung von Anfang an umstritten gewesen und hatte Blair gegen Ende seiner Amtszeit immer mehr Popularität gekostet. Selbst der britische Generalstabschef Sir Richard Dannatt hatte eine äußerst kritische Bilanz des britischen Engagements im Irakkrieg gezogen: „Ich sage nicht, dass die Schwierigkeiten, denen wir überall in der Welt ausgesetzt sind, durch unsere Anwesenheit im Irak ausgelöst worden sind. [...] Aber es besteht kein Zweifel, dass unsere Irak-Präsenz sie verschlimmert.“ Blairs Ankündigung kommt also zu einem Zeitpunkt, wo der scheidende Premierminister um das Bild besorgt ist, das er als politischer Führer seines Landes hinterlässt. Auf diese Art und Weise kann er, so vermuten Beobachter, zumindest darauf verweisen, dass das britische militärische Engagement im Irak endlich ist.


Le Royaume-Uni et le Danemark se désengagent d'Irak

Tony Blair a annoncé aujourd'hui devant la Chambre des Communes que le Royaume-Uni va diminuer le nombre des ses soldats en Irak de 7100 à 5500 hommes durant les « mois à venir », et en-deça de 5000 hommes l'été prochain, si le régime irakien parvient à sécuriser la partie sud du pays. Les troupes britanniques resteront en Irak au moins jusqu'en 2008. De manière similaire, Danemark, il retirera totalement son propre contingent (environ 460 hommes).

Selon Tony Blair, le retrait de la région de Bassora où le contingent britannique est stationné est possible car la situation n'est pas critique comme à Bagdad où les forces occidentales et les terroristes islamistes s'opposent. Les troupes britanniques seront maintenues en Irak jusqu'en 2008 pour appuyer les forces de l'ordre irakiennes.

Le président américain George W. Bush a été mis au courant hier de la nouvelle durant un entretien téléphonique avec le Premier ministre britannique. Il y a quelques jours, le même George W. Bush a annoncé vouloir envoyer de nouvelles troupes à Bagdad et dans la région d'Anbar où se trouve la plus forte résistance sunnite.

Le Premier ministre danois Anders Fogh Rasmussen a indiqué que les troupes danoises se retireront en août. Les motivations données sont similaires à celles du Royaume-Uni : le contingent danois compte 470 hommes, dont 415 délocalisés à Bassora sous commandement britannique.


Regno Unito e Gran Bretagna annunciano il ritiro delle truppe dall'Iraq

Tony Blair ha annunciato oggi alla Camera dei Comuni inglese la volontà di ridurre nei prossimi mesi il numero di soldati presenti in Iraq. Per il governo britannico si tratterebbe di un taglio della presenza da 7 100 uomini a 5 500. Similmente, la Danimarca ha annunciato la sua volontà di ritirare il proprio contingente.

Secondo Blair, il ritiro è possibile poiché nel sud dell'Iraq (ovvero nei dintorni di Bassora, dove il contingente è allocato) la situazione non è critica come a Baghdad, nodo degli scontri fra forze governative e occidentali e gli estremisti e terroristi islamici. Ad ogni modo, il contingente inglese rimarrà in Iraq anche nel 2008 per addestrare le forze dell'ordine irachene.

Il presidente statunitense George W. Bush era stato informato ieri pomeriggio durante una telefonato con il premier britannico. Pochi giorni fa, inoltre, lo stesso presidente americano aveva annunciato di aver programmato di voler inviare in Iraq nuove truppe a Baghdad e nella provincia di Anbar, dove c'è la più forte resistenza sunnita.

Il premier danese Anders Fogh Rasmussen ha intanto ribadito che le truppe del Paese saranno ritirate entro agosto. Le motivazioni sono simili a quelle riportate dal Regno Unito: infatti il contingente danese consta di 470 uomini, di cui 415 dislocati a Bassora sotto il comando britannico.


UK Attorney General says Guantanamo should close

The Attorney General of the United Kingdom, Lord Goldsmith, has called for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detainment camp at a speech in London today. He said that "the existence of Guantanamo Bay remains unacceptable - it is time, in my view, that it should close." The United States, which operates the naval base, has been under pressure for some time to close the camp, over fears that prisoners have been mistreated and are being held for long periods of time without conviction or trial.

Lord Goldsmith said, "Not only would it, in my personal opinion, be right to close Guantanamo as a matter of principle, I believe it would also help to remove what has become a symbol to many - right or wrong - of injustice. The historic tradition of the United States as a beacon of freedom, liberty and of justice deserves the removal of this symbol."

In the past few days, U.S. President George Bush has said he "would very much like to end Guanatanamo," but said he had to wait for a Supreme Court ruling on whether inmates could be tried by military or civilian courts. This ruling is expected in June.


Britischer Generalstaatsanwalt fordert, das Guantanamo-Lager zu schließen

London (Vereinigtes Königreich), 12.05.2006 – Der Generalstaatsanwalt des Vereinigten Königreiches, Lord Goldsmith, hat am Mittwoch, den 10. Mai 2006 in einer Rede in London gefordert, das Gefangenenlager Guantanamo-Bay zu schließen. Er sagte: „Die Existenz von Guantanamo Bay bleibt inakzeptabel – es ist meiner Meinung nach Zeit, dass es geschlossen wird.“ Die USA, die die Marinebasis betreiben, sind seit einiger Zeit unter Druck geraten, das Lager zu schließen – wegen Befürchtungen, dass Gefangene misshandelt wurden und für längere Zeiträume ohne Urteile oder Gerichtsverhandlungen festgehalten wurden.

Lord Goldsmith sagte: „Es wäre meiner persönlichen Ansicht nach nicht nur richtig, Guantanamo aus prinzipiellen Gründen zu schließen. Ich glaube auch, dass es helfen würde, etwas zu beseitigen, was – rechtmäßig oder nicht – für viele zu einem Symbol von Ungerechtigkeit geworden ist. Die historische Überlieferung der Vereinigten Staaten als ein Leuchtfeuer von Freiheit, Unabhängigkeit und Gerechtigkeit verdient eine Beseitigung dieses Symbols.“

In den letzten Tagen hat US-Präsident George W. Bush gesagt, dass er „sehr gerne Guantanamo beenden würde“, meinte aber, er müsse warten, bis der oberste Gerichtshof entschieden habe, ob die Häftlinge von Militär- oder Zivilgerichten übernommen werden könnten. Die Entscheidung wird für Juni erwartet.


UK begins airstrikes against IS in Syria

The government of the United Kingdom has said Royal Air Force (RAF) bombers began airstrikes yesterday  against Islamic State targets in Syria. The bombings follow British Members of Parliament (MPs) voted to support action against IS in Syria on Wednesday.

RAF Tornado bombers based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus attacked oilfields in Syria which are controlled by and fund IS. UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the airstrikes were designed to deliver "a very real blow on the oil and revenue" of IS.

A Ministry of Defence statement said six "elements of the oilfield infrastructure were targeted" by the Tornados with support from other aircraft. It said sensors on the aircraft determined the targets were clear of non-combatants.

On Wednesday, MPs held a ten-hour debate on air strikes against IS, during which UK Prime Minister David Cameron urged them to support the action. They voted 397 to 223 to join the United States and France who are already bombing IS targets in Syria.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the UK's opposition Labour Party, voted against airstrikes, arguing the need for bombings "did not stack up". Mr Cameron also failed to get support from the Scottish National Party (SNP), almost all of whose MPs voted against taking action in Syria.

Following the airstrikes, Prime Minister Cameron said they had been "good for the country" and indicated "patience" would be needed in fighting IS. Mr Fallon said the UK are due to bomb more IS targets in Syria "in the next few days and weeks".

Six Typhoon warplanes along with an Airbus A400M carrying engineers, ground crew and supplies left RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland yesterday to travel to Cyprus. Two further Tornados from RAF Marham in Norfolk, England are to join the planes based in Cyprus.

Ministry of Defence statement regarding airstrikes against IS in Iraq and Syria


Regatul Unit a început loviturile aeriene împotriva ISIS în Siria

Guvernul Marii Britanii a afirmat că bombardierele Forțelor Aeriene ale Regatului Unit (RAF) au început loviturile aeriene joi, având ca țintă Statul Islamic din Siria. Bombardamentele sunt urmarea votului de miercuri a parlamentarilor britanici în favoarea susținerii acțiunii împotriva ISIS în Siria.

Bombardierele RAF Tornado, ce își au baza la RAF Akrotiri, în Cipru, au atacat regiunile petroliere siriene ce sunt controlate de ISIS. Secretarul britanic al Apărării, Michael Fallon, a spus că loviturile aeriene au fost menite să dea „o foarte adevărată lovitură petrolului și câștigurilor” ISIS.

O declarație a Ministerului Apărării afirmă că șase „elemente ale infrastructurii petroliere au fost țintite” de bombardierele Tornado, cu suportul altor avioane. Senzorii de pe avioane au determinat că țintele erau lipsite de non-combatanți.

Miercuri, la Casa Comunelor a avut loc o dezbatere de zece ore cu privire la loviturile aeriene împotriva ISIS, în timpul căreia prim-ministrul David Cameron a cerut susținerea acțiunii. Au fost 397 voturi pro și 223 contra, în ceea ce privește alierea cu Statele Unite și Franța, care deja bombardau țintele ISIS din Siria.

Jeremy Corbyn, liderul Partidului Laburist, aflat în opoziție, a votat împotriva loviturilor aeriene. De asemenea, Cameron a eșuat în a primi susținere de la Partidul Național Scoțian (SNP), aproape toți parlamentarii din această grupare politică votând împotriva implicării în Siria.

Ulterior primelor bombardamente, primul ministru Cameron a zis că ele sunt „bune pentru țară” și a vorbit despre „răbdarea” de care va fi nevoie în lupta împotriva ISIS. Michael Fallon a spus că Marea Britanie are datoria de a bombarda mai multe ținte ISIS în Siria, „în următoarele câteva zile și săptămâni”.

Șase avioane de război Typhoon, împreună cu un Airbus A400M, ce transportă ingineri, personal de sol și provizii, au plecat joi de la aerodromul RAF Lossiemouth din Scoția pentru a ajunge în Cipru. De asemenea, două Tornado de la baza militară aeriană RAF Marham din Norfolk, Anglia, s-au pornit pentru a se alătura avioanelor cu baza în Cipru.


UK elections: David Cameron becomes Prime Minister

David Cameron was today appointed the new British Prime Minister. This follows five days of negotiation after the May 6 general election resulted in a hung parliament. While the Conservative Party won the largest number of seats, they lacked enough for a majority government, and will consequently form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, who took the third-largest number. The agreement induces Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat leader, becoming Deputy Prime Minister, five Cabinet seats for Liberal Democrat members and a compromise between policies.

Cameron, at 43, is the youngest prime minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812, and had only been a Member of Parliament for nine years prior to taking the most senior political office in the country. He is the twelfth Prime Minister of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The post-election negotiations see the end of thirteen years of Labour Party rule beginning with the victory of Tony Blair in 1997.

Earlier today Cameron's predecessor Gordon Brown, recently resigned as leader of the Labour Party, officially stood down from office with immediate effect. The news followed the inital announcement yesterday in which he declared he was standing down to secure a coalition for Labour and other parties and avoid a Conservative government.

In a speech outside 10 Downing Street, following his initial statement, Brown admitted he had "learned a lot about human frailties, including [his] own", and thanked the armed forces, his wife, Sarah, his family and staff before wishing the new Prime Minister well.

The possibility of a Labour-LibDem parliament was ruled out as negotiations between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats drew to a close. Brown was officially relieved of his role as Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. According to The Guardian, Harriet Harman, who has been deputy leader of the Labour Party since 2007, will stand in temporarily as acting Labour party leader and leader of the opposition. David Cameron arrived at Buckingham Palace at about 20:10 British Summer Time (1910 UTC) and was asked by the Queen to form a new government.


Novým premiérem Spojeného království je David Cameron, konzervativci se spojili do koalice s liberály

Předseda britských konzervativců se v úterý stal novým premiérem Spojeného království, pět dní po konci všeobecných voleb, v kterých se žádné straně nepodařilo získat většinu křesel. Konzervativci sice vyhráli a získali nejvíc, ale protože neměli většinu, spojili se do koalice s liberálními demokraty. Součástí koaliční dohody je funkce vicepremiéra pro předsedu liberálních demokratů Nicka Clegga.

Dvojctihodný David Cameron je ve svých 43 letech nejmladším premiérem za posledních skoro 200 let, mladší byl naposledy Robert Jenkinson v roce 1812. Je už dvanáctým předsedou vlády potvrzeným ve funkci současnou anglickou královnou Alžbětou II. Do čela kabinetu se dostal po pouhých devíti letech v Dolní sněmovně Spojeného království a jeho jmenování ukončilo třináctiletou vládu labouristů, která začala v roce 1997, kdy se premiérem stal Tony Blair.

Dosavadní labouristický ministerský předseda Gordon Brown v úterý v souvislosti s tímto neúspěchem odstoupil i z funkce předsedy labouristů, ve které ho prozatím nahradila Harriet Harmanová. Svoji ochotu odstoupit přitom oznámil už o den dříve, v danou chvíli ovšem s úmyslem usnadnit své straně zformování koalice s liberály a zabránit nástupu konzervativců k moci. Tato koalice by sama o sobě stále ještě neměla většinu křesel a připadala tak úvahu až v okamžiku, kdy by selhala snaha o domluvu mezi konzervativci a liberály.


Royaume-Uni : Gordon Brown démissionne, David Cameron nommé Premier ministre

Cinq jours après les élections législatives, Gordon Brown a démissionné, ce soir, de ses postes de Premier ministre britannique et de chef du Parti travailliste. Après une courte déclaration au perron du 10, Downing Street, M. Brown s'est rendu à Buckingham Palace, où la Reine Élisabeth II a accepté sa démission, avant de nommer, quelques minutes plus tard, David Cameron, le leader des Tories[1], Premier ministre.

Cette annonce fait suite à l'échec des négociations, acté plus tôt dans la journée, entre les travaillistes et les libéraux-démocrates de Nick Clegg, qui devraient donc s'allier au nouveau gouvernement que vont former les conservateurs.


டேவிட் கேமரன் பிரித்தானியாவின் பிரதமரானார்

ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தின் புதிய பிரதமராக கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சியின் தலைவர் டேவிட் கேமரன் நேற்று நியமிக்கப்பட்டார். மே 6 ஆம் நாள் இடம்பெற்ற பொத்துதேர்தலையடுத்து அங்கு எக்கட்சியும் அறுதிப் பெரும்பான்மையைப் பெற்றிராத நிலையில் ஆட்சியமைப்பதற்கு கடந்த ஐந்து நாட்களாக கட்சிகளிடையே பேச்சுவார்த்தைகள் இடம்பெற்றிருந்தன. கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சி கூடுதலான இடங்களைக் கைப்பற்றியிருந்தும், ஆட்சியமைக்கப் போதுமான பலம் அதற்கு கிடைக்கவில்லை. இதனால் அக்கட்சி மூன்றாம் இடத்தைப் பிடித்திருந்த லிபரல் சனநாயகக் கட்சியுடன் கூட்டணி அரசு அமைக்க உடன்பாட்டினை எட்டியது. லிபரல் சனநாயகக் கட்சியின் தலைவர் நிக் கிளெக் துணைப் பிரதமராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டார்.

43 அகவையுடைய கேமரன் 1812 ஆம் ஆண்டுக்குப் பின்னர் பதவியேற்ற பிரதமர்களில் வயது குறைந்தவர் ஆவார். இவர் நாட்டின் அதியுயர் பதவிக்கு வருவதற்கு முன்னர் ஆக ஒன்பது ஆண்டுகளே நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினராக இருந்திருக்கிறார் என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. தொழிற் கட்சியின் 13 ஆண்டு கால ஆட்சியை இவர் முடிவுக்குக் கொண்டு வந்திருக்கிறார். இரண்டாம் எலிசபெத் மகாராணியின் ஆட்சிக் காலத்தில் பதவியேற்ற 12வது பிரதமர் கேமரன் ஆவார்.

நேற்று தொழிற்கட்சியின் தலைமைப் பதவியில் இருந்து விலகிக் கொண்ட முன்னாள் பிரதமர் கோர்டன் பிரவுன், நேற்று பிரதமர் பதவியில் இருந்து அதிராகபூர்வமாக விலகினார். கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சி ஆட்சியமைப்பதைத் தடுக்க, லிபரல் மற்றும் ஏனைய கட்சிகளுடனான சுமுகமான பேச்சுவார்த்தைகளை முறிவடையாமல் பாதுகாக்கவே தாம் தமது கட்சித் தலைமையில் இருந்து விலகுவதாக அவர் அறிவித்திருந்தார்.

பக்கிங்ஹாம் அரண்மனையில் இரண்டாம் எலிசபெத் மகாராணி கோர்டன் பிரௌனின் அதிகாரபூர்வ பதவி விலகலை ஏற்றுக் கொண்டார். ஹரியட் ஹார்மன் தொழிற்கட்சியின் தற்காலைகத் தலைவராகப் பொறுப்பேற்றுக் கொண்டார். நேற்றிரவு 20:10 மணியளவில் அரண்மனைக்குச் சென்ற டேவின் கேமரனை எலிசபெத் மகாராணி புதிய அரசை அமைக்குமாறு கேட்டுக் கொண்டார்.

கன்சர்வேடிவ் கட்சியின் ஜார்ஜ் ஒஸ்போர்ன் நிதி அமைச்சராகவும், கன்சர்வேடிவ் கட்சியைச் சேர்ந்த வில்லியம் ஹேக் வெளியுறவுத்துறை அமைச்சராகவும் நியமிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளனர். இது வரை பெரும்பாலான அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட அமைச்சுப் பதவிகள் கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சியினருக்கே கிடைத்துள்ளன.

லிபரல் ஜனநாயகக் கட்சிக்கு துணைப்பிரதமர் உள்பட ஐந்து அமைச்சுப் பதவிகள் கிடைக்கும் என்று தெரியவருகிறது.


Девід Камерон став прем'єр-міністром Великобританії

12 травня 2010 року Девіда Камерона було офіційно призначено новим прем'єр-міністром Сполученого Королівства. Це призначення відбулося після п'ятиденних перемов, які почалися 6 травня по завершенні загальнонаціональних виборів, в результаті котрих Велика Британія отримала підвішений парламент. За результатами виборів  Консервативна партія отримала найбільшу кількість місць, але недостатню для формування уряду. Таким чином, консерватори були вимушені увійти у коаліцію з ліберал-демократичною партією, яка отримала третю за чисельністю кількість парламентських місць. Відповідно до укладеної коаліційної угоди, лідер ліберал-демократів Нік Клегг, стане віце-прем'єром.

Девід Камерон, якому виповнилося 43 роки, став одним з наймолодших прем'єр-міністрів в історії країни. До цього призначення він був членом парламенту тільки останні 9 років. З часу сходження на престол Королеви Єлизавети II він стане дванадцятим прем'єр-міністром, який отримав дозвіл від королеви на формування уряду. Прихід до влади Консервативної партії завершив 13-річний період правління Ліберальної партії, який почався з перемоги Тоні Блера у 1997 році.

Попередник Камерона Гордон Браун після невтішних для нього результатів виборів подав королеві прошення про відставку, а також пішов з посади лідера Лейбористської партії. До виборів нового керівництва партії він залишатиметься тимчасовим головою і членом парламенту.

12 травня 2010


UK elections: Gordon Brown offers resignation to secure Labour-Liberal coalition

In the latest developments in discussions between the Liberal Democrats and the two largest parties, Gordon Brown has announced his resignation as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister.

Gordon Brown made his statement at 5.00 pm local time in front of 10 Downing Street, London, following a meeting he had yesterday with Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party.

He stated that a strong and stable "progressive alliance" of the Labour and Liberal parties would be in the best interest of the country and made his resignation as a means to forward this, saying that he would set in motion the process needed for a new leader of the Labour Party to be selected and that a new leader will be in place in the autumn by the time of the next Labour Party Conference.

However, unlike a Conservative-Liberal alliance, a Labour-Liberal one would not command a majority in Parliament.  For the "progressive alliance" to have its majority, it would therefore need to bring in MPs from the smaller parties, something that both the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru have stated they would be amenable to.

The current move follows the return of a hung parliament in the United Kingdom general election on Thursday. The Liberal Democratic Party, who hold the balance of power, have been in negotiations with the Conservative Party.


Royaume-Uni : Gordon Brown compte quitter la tête du parti travailliste

Gordon Brown, actuel Premier ministre britannique et à la tête du Parti travailliste britannique, annonce qu'il compte quitter prochainement la tête de celui-ci. Cette décision fait suite au résultat des élections législatives britanniques en défaveur des travaillistes.

En démissionnant, M. Brown espère rapprocher son parti des Lib Dems[1]. Le chef de ce parti, Nick Clegg, avait déclaré souhaiter le départ du chef travailliste avant toute négociation.

Gordon Brown espère que les élections de son successeur se dérouleront assez tôt pour que le nouveau chef de parti entre en fonction avant le congrès travailliste de septembre. Il ne soutiendra aucun candidat dans la course à la direction du parti.


UK elections: Hung parliament, Cameron to negotiate with Liberal Democrats

A day after general elections were held in the UK, results indicate there will be a hung parliament — where no party obtains the simple majority needed to pass legislation on its own — raising the prospect of a minority or coalition government being formed, which would require cooperation between parties.

With only one constituency not yet counted, David Cameron's Conservatives have taken 306 seats, incumbent Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Labour party 258 seats, and Nick Clegg with his Liberal Democrats with 57. Cameron has said he will negotiate with the latter party to try and form a coalition to attain more than 325 seats, or half those in the parliament.

After Labour's large losses at the polls yesterday, both in terms of seats and votes, Cameron said Brown has "lost his mandate to govern". Clegg, meanwhile, says he thinks the result allows the Conservatives to try to form a government first, contrary to past tradition, under which the incumbent prime minister and his party in a hung parliament try first to form a coalition.

"I've said that whichever party gets the most votes and the most seats, if not an absolute majority, has the first right to seek to govern either on its own or by reaching out to other parties, and I stick to that view," Clegg said this morning.

"It seems this morning that it is the Conservative Party that has more votes and more seats though not an absolute majority. That is why I think it is now for the Conservative Party to prove that it is capable of seeking to govern in the national interest."

Clegg described his party's performance as "disappointing" during the night, as they had failed to make any significant advances in their target seats. Overall, the general swing varied, with all parties failing to gain many of their targets, and suffering unexpected losses in others.

Pre-empting a statement from Cameron, Brown said at lunchtime in a short statement outside Downing Street that if any negotiations between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats failed, he would be prepared to form an alliance with Nick Clegg, offering "far-reaching political reform", in reference to the Liberals' long held position that the UK's first past the post voting system must be reformed into some form of proportional representation system, historically opposed by the Conservatives.

"I understand and completely respect the position of Mr. Clegg in stating that he wishes first to make contact with the leader of the Conservative Party," he commented, but noting that, "should the discussions between Mr. Cameron and Mr. Clegg come to nothing [...] I would be prepared to discuss with Mr. Clegg the areas where there may be some measure of agreement between our two parties." He said there is "substantial common ground" between his party and the Liberals.

"I understand as I know my fellow party leaders do that people do not like the uncertainty or want it to be prolonged. We live, however, in a parliamentary democracy, the outcome has been delivered by the electorate. It is our responsibility now to make it work for the national good," Brown said.

Cameron made his position known in a statement delivered in the early afternoon, in which he offered the prospect of both a Lib Dem supported minority Conservative government, or an alliance "stronger, more stable, more collaborative government than that". Cameron stated: "I want to make a big, open and comprehensive offer to the Liberal Democrats. I want us to work together in tackling our country's big and urgent problems — the debt crisis, our deep social problems, and our broken political system."

He went on to describe how both parties had "common ground" they could work together on to form a government in the "national interest". On the issue of electoral reform, Cameron ruled out holding a referendum, but suggested forming an all party commission on electoral and voting reform. He also ruled out concessions on other Lib Dem positions like greater integration with the European Union or altering the position on defence and the nuclear deterrent, although offering to adopt other Lib Dem policies, such as on schools.

The AFP news agency says this is the first time the Liberal Democrats have considered working with Conservatives; previously, the former were thought likelier to negotiate with Labour due to them being considered more "progressive".

Brown, however, has made it clear he has no intention of stepping down as PM, saying he has "a duty as Prime Minister to take all steps to ensure Britain has a strong, stable and principled government".

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson commented on the matter, saying: "The Prime Minister's duty is to stay at his post, to continue doing his job and not resign until it is clear who the Queen should call as an alternative to form a new government, should Mr Brown not be able to do so."

When asked whether it was "inconceivable" that the PM should step down, Mandelson responded: "Frankly, there are quite a number of permutations. And the reason I don't want to start getting into hypotheses about what may or may not happen is because, quite frankly, I think it's premature. I am not ruling out or ruling in anything."

Under British parliamentary convention, in the event of a hung parliament, Brown remains Prime Minister and the Labour Government continues to operate until it is demonstrated it cannot command a majority. The Government effectively gave approval for talks to begin by giving civil servants permission to support all parties in hung parliament negotiations. Brown described how the negotiations could be "prolonged", and while recognising people might want a swift conclusion, "the outcome has been delivered by the electorate. It is our responsibility now to make it work for the national good".


Brown tahtoisi muodostaa koalitiohallituksen

Ison-Britannian parlamenttivaaleista tuli harvinaislaatuinen tulos, kun yksikään puolue ei saanut enemmistöä parlamenttiin. Kun 650 vaalipiiristä 647:n ääntenlaskenta on valmis, konservatiiveille on luvassa 304 paikkaa, työväenpuolueelle 258 ja liberaalidemokraateille 57.[1]

Nykyinen pääministeri, työväenpuolueen Gordon Brown, piti aluksi kiinni virallisesta perustuslaintulkinnasta, jonka mukaan istuva pääministeri saa ensimmäisenä yrittää muodostaa hallituksen, jos parlamenttivaaleissa kukaan ei saa enemmistöä. Liberaalidemokraattien puheenjohtaja Nick Clegg halusi kuitenkin neuvotella ensin eniten ääniä saaneen puolueen, konservatiivien, puheenjohtaja David Cameronin kanssa. Brown ei vastusta Cleggin ja Cameronin neuvotteluja, mutta on ilmoittanut neuvottelevansa mielellään Cleggin kanssa, jos kilpakumppanit eivät pääse sopimukseen.

Cleggin päätös neuvotella ensin konservatiivien kanssa johtunee siitä, että kansa ei katsoisi suopeasti, jos hän auttaisi vaalit hävinnyttä Brownia pysyttelemään vallankahvassa.

Guardianin Tom Clark kirjoittaa, että konservatiivipomo Cameronilla on Cleggin päätöksen ansiosta mahdollisuus nousta pääministeriksi myös muodostamalla konservatiivien vähemmistöhallitus – ainakin, jos hän saa neuvoteltua liberaalidemokraatit tuekseen epäluottamusäänestysten varalle. Tätä mahdollisuutta väläyttää myös Cameron itse lausunnossaan, jossa hän ilmoittaa kannattavansa liberaalidemokraattien vaatimaa vaalijärjestelmän uudistusta.[2]

Myös pääministeri Brown on ilmoittanut kannattavansa vaalijärjestelmän uudistamista. Liberaalidemokraatit joutuvat vaalijärjestelmässä häviäjiksi tavan takaa: näissä vaaleissa puolue menetti parlamenttipaikkoja vaikka lisäsi kannatustaan.


ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத் தேர்தல்: தொங்கு நாடாளுமன்ற முடிவால் கேமரூன் ஆட்சி அமைக்க வாய்ப்பு

கடந்த வியாழக்கிழமை ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தின் 650 நாடாளுமன்ற தொகுதிகளில் 649 தொகுதிகளுக்கு பொதுத் தேர்தல் நடைபெற்றது. அதன் முடிவுகள் தற்போது வெளியாகியுள்ளன.

நிபுணர்களின் முந்தைய கணிப்புப்படி அங்கு எந்தக் கட்சிக்கும் பெரும்பான்மை கிடைக்கவில்லை. அதனால் அங்கு தொங்கு நாடாளுமன்றம் அமைந்துள்ளது. ஆளும் தொழிலாளர் கட்சிக்கு தொகுதிகள் வாரியாகவும், வாக்குகள் வீதத்திலும் பெரும் பின்னடைவு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. அது 258 தொகுதிகளே கைப்பற்றியுள்ளது.

டேவிட் கேமரூன் தலைமையிலான கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சிக்கு 306 இடங்கள் கிடைத்துள்ளன. நிக் கிளக் தலைமையிலான லிபரல் கட்சிக்கு 57 இடங்கள் கிடைத்துள்ளன.

ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தின் மரபுப்படி யாருக்கும் தனிப்பெரும்பான்மை கிடைக்காதபட்சத்தில் ஆளும் கட்சி ஆட்சி அமைக்க உரிமை கோரலாம். ஆனால் தற்போதைய நிலவரப்படி ஆளும் கட்சிக்கு வாக்குகள் வீதத்தில் பின்னடைவு ஏற்பட்டதால் அது போன்ற முயற்சியை மேற்கொள்ள ஆளும் கட்சிக்கு தார்மீக உரிமையில்லை என்று கேமரூன் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

கேமரூன் தலைமையிலான கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சி பொதுக்கருத்துக்கள் அடிப்படையில் நிக் கிளக்கின் லிபரல் கட்சியுடன் கூட்டணி ஆட்சி அமைக்க முயற்சிகள் நடைபெற்றுவருகின்றன. அது நிறைவேறாத பட்சத்தில் லிபரல் உடன் கூட்டணி வைக்க முயற்சி செய்யப்போவதாக கார்டன் பிரவுன் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

மேலும் தற்போதைய பிரதமர் பதவியை இராஜினாமா செய்ய வேண்டிய அவசியமில்லை, இராணி யாரை ஆட்சி அமைக்க அழைக்கிறார் என்பதுவரை, என அவரது வணிக ஆலோசகர் லார்ட் மேன்டல்சன் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். பிரதமர் என்கிற வகையில் பிரிட்டனின் நிலைத்தன்மை காக்கப்படுவதை உறுதி செய்வது தனது கடமை என்பதால் இராஜினாமா செய்யப்போவதில்லை என கார்டன் பிரவுன் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

உலக பொருளாதார சரிவுக்குப் பின் நடைபெற்ற இத்தேர்தலை உலகம் உன்னிப்பாக கவனித்தது. பொருளாதார சரிவின் பாதிப்புகள் அதிகம் ஏற்படுத்திய நாடுகளுள் ஐக்கிய இராச்சியமும் ஒன்று என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.

ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தின் நாடாளுமன்ற மரபுப்படி தேர்தல் முடிவுகளில் தொங்கு நாடாளுமன்றம் ஏற்படும் பட்சத்தில் அப்போதைய ஆளும் கட்சி ஆட்சியை தொடரலாம், பின்னர் நாடாளுமன்றத்தில் தனிப் பெரும்பான்மையை நிரூபிக்க வேண்டும்.


UK general election, 2005

The 2005 UK general election was held on Thursday 5th May.  The election resulted in a third term for Tony Blair's Labour Party.

Below are the latest Wikinews stories on the campaigning parties and candidates.

Saturday:

Friday:

Thursday:

Monday:

April 30:

April 29:

April 26:

April 14:

April 13:

April 12:

April 5:


Élections législatives au Royaume-Uni

Les Britanniques sont appelés aux urnes pour élire leurs représentants aux Communes (parlement britannique). Le grand favori est sans conteste le parti travailliste de Tony Blair, le New Labour Party. Un troisième mandat consécutif de M.Blair établirait un record historique de longévité pour un gouvernement travailliste.

Un dernier sondage indique que les travaillistes recueilleraient 41% des voix, les conservateurs de Michael Howard 27%, et les libéraux-démocrates de Charles Kennedy étaient accrédités de 23% des intentions de vote.

Certains facteurs, comme une abstention record ou un manque d'enthousiasme des militants labour pourrait néanmoins rendre le résultat de l'élection moins favorable que prévu. Vigilant jusqu'au bout, Tony Blair martèle d'ailleurs que le vote utile est un vote bloquant les conservateurs : « Il y a trois manières d'avoir un député tory [conservateur], la première est de voter tory, la deuxième est de rester à la maison, la troisième est de voter libéral-démocrate ».

De plus, l'engagement dans la guerre en Irak est désapprouvée par les électeurs, majoritairement convaincus que le premier ministre leur a menti à propos des causes de cette guerre incomprise. Le résultat pourrait être un vote sanction massif en faveur des libéraux-démocrates, seul parti à n'avoir pas approuvé l'entrée en guerre de la Grande-Bretagne.

Les démocrates-libéraux pourraient être le grand vainqueur de ce scrutin. Leur campagne, centrée sur leur propre programme, diffère notablement de celle de M.Howard, candidat conservateur, qui n'a cessé de critiquer le bilan de deux mandats travaillistes, notamment sur l'immigration et la criminalité, tout comme sur le manque de confiance qu'on pouvait avoir en un premier ministre « menteur » (à propos de la guerre en Irak). L'avenir de Michael Howard, 61 ans, ancien ministre de Margaret Thatcher se joue dans cette élection, car il est fort probable qu'il démissionne en cas de défaite électorale.

Mais d'après un récent sondage, l'Irak n'est que la onzième préoccupation des électeurs, loin derrière (dans l'ordre) la santé, l'éducation, la criminalité, l'immigration ou l'économie. Dans ces domaines, l'action du gouvernement est généralement approuvée : plein emploi, augmentation du niveau de vie et rénovation des services publics font de M. Blair le « sauveur » de l'économie britannique, encore morose lorsqu'il entamait son premier mandat. Beaucoup de Britanniques le considèrent comme « le moindre mal », le seul parvenant à réellement améliorer leur vie quotidienne et à donner à la Grande-Bretagne l'élan qui lui manquait il y a huit ans.


Wybory parlamentarne w Wielkiej Brytanii

Od 6 rano (8 rano czasu polskiego) 5 maja wszyscy Brytyjczycy mogli udać się do urn, aby wybrać nowy parlament, po przyjęciu dymisji rządu Tony'ego Blaira przez królową Elżbietę II. Głosowanie zakończyło się o 21 (23 czasu polskiego), a ostateczne wyniki były znane już o 3:30 lokalnego czasu.

Przedwyborcze sondaże wskazywały na to, że zwycięży Partia Pracy Tony'ego Blaira, i tak też się stało. Do godziny 8 rano naszego czasu zdobyła ona 355 miejsc w parlamencie - przy wymaganych 324 miejscach, aby wygrać. Partia Konserwatywna zdobyła 197 miejsc, a Liberalni Demokraci - 62 miejsca. Inne partie zdobyły 13 mandatów. Będzie to już trzecia kadencja z rzędu partii Blaira. Wyniki procentowe partii są następujące: Partia Pracy - 35,2%, Partia Konserwatywna - 32,3%, Liberalni Demokraci - 22,1%, pozostałe - 10,4%. Ze względu na system większościowy podział miejsc jest nieproporcjonalny, jest to też najniższa przewaga, z jaką zwycięska partia wygrała wybory.

Tony Blair, który jako pierwszy labourzysta będzie sprawował tekę premiera trzecią kadencję, uznał, że otrzymał od wyborców mandat do rządzenia. Charles Kennedy, szef liberałów, ogłosił, że jest to historyczny sukces jego partii i dowód na powstanie prawdziwie trójpartyjnego systemu w kraju. Z kolei Zielonym nie udało się mimo starań uzyskać ani jednego mandatu w wyborach.

Uprawnionych do głosowania jest ponad 44 milionów osób, prognozowana frekwencja wyniosła 60% i była wyższa o 2% od tej z 2001 roku.


UK government loses personal information of 25 million people

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling announced to a shocked House of Commons today that two password-protected — but not encrypted — computer disks containing the entire Child Benefit database have been lost in transit between the offices of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Washington, Tyne & Wear and the National Audit Office (NAO) in London, in what has been described as "one of the world’s biggest ID protection failures".

The database contains details of all families in the UK who receive Child Benefit — all families with children up to 16 years of age, plus those with children up to 20 years old if they are in full-time education or training — estimated to contain 25 million individuals in 7.25 million families. Among other items of information, the database contains names, addresses, dates of birth, child benefit and National Insurance numbers, and where appropriate, bank or building society account details.

The discs were created by a junior official at the HMRC in response to a request for information by the NAO, and were sent unregistered and unrecorded on 18 October using the courier company TNT — which operates the HMRC's internal mail system. When it was found that the discs had not arrived for audit at the NAO, a further copy of this data was made and sent — this time by registered mail — and this package did arrive. HMRC were not informed that the original discs had been lost until 8 November, and Darling himself was informed on 10 November.

The violation of data protection laws involved in the creation of the discs has led to strong attacks on the government's competence to establish the proposed National Identity Register, when all UK residents will have an identity card. Conservative Shadow Chancellor George Osborne described the loss of data as "catastrophic" and said "They [the government] simply cannot be trusted with people's personal information".

The Chairman of HMRC, Paul Gray, has resigned over the affair, and critics are calling for Darling to do likewise.

This is the third data embarrassment for HMRC in recent weeks — earlier this month it was reported that the details of over 15,000 Standard Life customers had been put on disk, and then lost en route from HMRC in Newcastle to Standard Life in Edinburgh — and last month a laptop containing the data of 400 people with high-value ISAs was stolen from the boot of a car belonging to a HMRC official who had been carrying out a routine audit.


Il governo britannico ha perso i dati personali di 25 milioni di persone

Alistair Darling, il Cancelliere dello Scacchiere del Regno Unito, ha annunciato ieri alla Camera dei Comuni che due Compact disc contenti l'intero database dei benefici familiari (Child benefit) del paese sono stati persi nel transito dal HRMC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) al National Audit Office.

Il database contiene i dati personali di circa 25 milioni di persone in 7,25 milioni di famiglie. Tra gli altri: nomi, indirizzi, date di nascita, numeri dei benefici familiari e National Insurance e dati sui conti in banca.

I dischi erano stati spediti tramite il sistema postale interno al dipartimento il 18 ottobre, ma non sono mai arrivati. Le informazioni erano protette da password ma non criptate. L'HRMC è stato informato della cosa solo l'8 novembre, e Darling due giorni dopo.

La violazione delle leggi sui dati personali legata alla creazione dei CD ha offerto all'opposizione la possibilità di criticare il piano del governo di introdurre nel Regno Unito la carta d'identità (attualmente non presente).

Il direttore dell'HRMC Paul Gray si è dimesso, e sono state chieste anche le dimissioni di Darling.


UK House of Commons vote against Syria intervention

The United Kingdom House of Commons voted 272–285 last night against proposed possible military action against Syria following claims the Assad regime used chemical weapons against civilians. The government motion was defeated by opposition from the Labour Party, as well as rebel MPs from both the Conservative and Liberal Democratic parties.

David Cameron argued the recent events in Syria were a "humanitarian catastrophe, and if there are no consequences for it, there is nothing to stop Assad and other dictators from using these weapons again and again". The motion rejected by the Commons said the House "agrees that a strong humanitarian response is required from the international community and that this may, if necessary, require military action", and such action would be "legal, proportionate and focused on saving lives by preventing and deterring further use of Syria's chemical weapons".

Thirty Conservative MPs and nine Liberal Democrats voted against their party against military intervention. Ed Miliband, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said the proposal to go to war was an "ill-thought through action", it lacked international support, and Cameron had acted in a "cavalier and reckless" manner.

Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic leader Nick Clegg said the sole intention of the government's motion was to "relieve humanitarian suffering by deterring and disrupting the further use of chemical weapons. Nothing more, nothing less. Not invasion. Not regime change... President Obama's intentions are highly limited and so are ours."

The former foreign secretary and Conservative MP Sir Malcolm Rifkind said during the debate: "The Assad regime in Damascus are watching very carefully as to whether they will get away with what they have done."

Opposition came also from Britain's smaller parties: Caroline Lucas from the Green Party said the actions "cannot be justified", and expressed concern that the United Kingdom would be "flouting international law" by going into Syria. Respect MP George Galloway argued there was "no compelling evidence" of Syrian government involvement in the chemical weapons attack.

Labour proposed an opposing motion that called for the government to present "compelling" evidence before action, which was rejected as well as the government's motion. The defeat of the government motion for military intervention has surprised some. Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy said "Parliament is entirely unpredictable sometimes and I don't think many people saw this coming."

Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, confirmed that following the vote, the country would not participate in any action in Syria, but he noted he expected the United States to carry on without the UK, anticipating "the US and other countries will continue to look at responses to the chemical attack. They will be disappointed that Britain will not be involved. I don't expect that the lack of British participation will stop any action."

Hammond noted the rejection of military intervention would strain the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States.

The former leader of the British Army, General Lord Dannatt, said the vote in the Commons was a "victory for common sense".

The United States has said they will still seek military action against the Syrian regime. US defense secretary Chuck Hagel said the US would seek to build an "international coalition". Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the White House, reacted to the British vote by saying: "The US will continue to consult with the UK Government — one of our closest allies and friends."

Hayden said that President Obama "will be guided by what is in the best interests of the United States", and that Obama "believes that there are core interests at stake for the United States... countries who violate international norms regarding chemical weapons need to be held accountable".

Representative Eliot Engel, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the White House had told them "beyond a doubt [...] chemical weapons were used, and used intentionally by the Assad regime", and that there is evidence from intercepted communications of involvement by "high-level Syrian officials".

The Parliamentary vote on intervention in Syria is on the front pages of many of the national newspapers in Britain, with The Times claiming Cameron was "humiliated" by the vote.


США теряют союзника в кампании против Сирии

Премьер-министр Великобритании Дэвид Кэмерон отказался от планов участия в совместной с США военной операции против Сирии после того, как британский парламент с небольшим перевесом проголосовал против такой операции в принципе.

При голосовании в Палате общин Кэмерона поддержали 272 депутата, в то время как против высказались 285.

Унизительное поражение британского лидера может разрушить его надежды на переизбрание в 2015 году и негативно отразиться на традиционно прочных американо-британских отношениях.

Политобозреватели отмечают, что это был первый случай поражения британского премьера при голосовании о войне с 1782 года.

Сразу после голосования Кэмерон сказал законодателям, что не намерен идти против воли парламента.

«Сегодня Палата общин не поддержала это предложение. Мне абсолютно ясно, что британский парламент, отражая взгляды британского народа, не хочет, чтобы Британия участвовала в военных действиях. Я принимаю это, поэтому правительство будет действовать в соответствии с решением парламента», – сказал он.

Министр обороны Великобритании Филип Хэммонд позднее заявил, что США будут разочарованы отказом ключевого союзника участвовать в операции.

Однако в Вашингтоне пресс-секретарь Совета по национальной безопасности Кейтлин Хэйден указала, что США продолжат консультации с Лондоном, но президент Барак Обама будет принимать решения, основываясь на «наилучших интересах Соединенных Штатов».

Опрос, проведенный британской социологической службой YouGov, показал, что 51 процент британского населения выступает против ракетных ударов, и только 22 процента поддерживают военное вмешательство.

Напомним, что вчера СМИ распространили сообщения о том, что Австрия отказалась предоставить свое воздушное пространство боевым самолетам НАТО в случае их возможной передислокации для нанесения удара по Сирии:

30 августа 2013 года


UK Jobcentre call centre staff on 48-hour strike

As-announced Wednesday evening, 3,500 staff from UK Jobcentre plus call centres engaged in a 48-hour walkout. Centres in Newport and Glasgow were picketed by members Thursday and Friday mornings as part of a coordinated strike at seven of the thirty centres handling benefits and unemployment-related queries for the UK public.

Wikinews spoke to Katrine Williams, one of the representatives of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), and a member of the Civil Service since 1991, to establish the grievances leading to the public-sector industrial action.

Balloted in December, over 70% of PCS members voted in favour of strike action; according to Williams, this forced minor concessions from call centre management, but left staff being constantly monitored. With a target of five minutes or less to handle any query related to Job-Seekers' Allowance, staff have been threatened with disciplinary action should they take too long for calls. Williams expressed concern that, with many claimants, it took longer than this to simply establish what the issue was for a member of the public calling in.

The number provided for the public to call in relation to benefits is an 0845 number, usually charged at a local call rate when dialled from a landline within the UK; for many claimants, they may only have a mobile phone and be subject to higher charges, or even in a position where a benefit payment has been delayed, and this is their sole contact with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) when they may be in financial difficulty.

Both Williams and David Coventry, who spoke to the UK Press Association, feel let down that their members' expertise is being dismissed; that what is the only option for the unemployed, and a public service, is being managed as-if a commercial enterprise. This, according to Williams, is the prevalent attitude for approximately ten years; managers previously in the private-sector constantly describe the service as a "business", and members of the public requiring assistance as "customers".

In describing negotiations with management to avert industrial action, Williams stated: "contact centre managers are [the] worst [within the DWP]", and they, "renege on verbal agreements".

The centres hit by strike action are: Bristol, Glasgow, Makerfield near Wigan, Manchester, Newport, Norwich, and Sheffield. Williams stated that a failure on the government's part to resolve the dispute could lead to further action involving the full 30 call centres operated by the DWP. In combination with threats of action by passport office staff in the PCS union, the UK's current coalition government may be faced with significant disruption to essential public services at a time when unemployment figures are climbing.

When Wikinews contacted the DWP press office, only a prepared statement was available. Forwarded to Wikinews by Elise Simpson, the department expressed disappointment at industrial action being taken by staff, stating: "only 21% across the centres" were taking action. Appeals for further clarification, and answers to other queries were not returned. Considering the union selectively took action at seven of thirty centres, it would appear the walk-out at those was virtually all staff. Calls to the Jobseekers' 0845 number gave no indication calls may take longer to be connected to someone able to assist with a query or claim.

In late December, Brendan Barber of the Trades Union Congress warned that 2011 may be a year where the UK faces widespread public-sector industrial action. £81 billion (US$128 billion) is set to be cut from the UK's expenditure, with the possible loss of over a quarter million public-sector jobs.


Részleges sztrájk a brit munkaügy hívásközpontjaiban

A múlt héten szerda este bejelentett, majd csütörtökön és pénteken megtartott munkabeszüntetéshez hét központ 3500 dolgozója csatlakozott. A szigetországban összesen harminc telefonos központ foglalkozik a munkanélküliek segélyezésével és tájékoztatásával. A szervezett sztrájk során Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Newport, Norwich, Sheffield és a Wigan mellett fekvő Makerfield kirendeltségeiben nem vették fel a munkát.

A Wikihírek megkeresésére Katrine Williams, a PCS[1] szakszervezet adott egyik képviselője – aki maga egyébként 1991 óta brit közszolga – adott felvilágosítást arról, hogy mi is vezetett a megmozduláshoz.

A PCS tagjai körében decemberben végezett egy felmérést, ami szerint akkor több mint 70% támogatott volna egy sztrájk-megmozdulást. A hívásközpontok vezetősége azonban vajmi kevés engedményt tett ennek fényében, és továbbra is szűk időlimitet szabott a beérkező telefonhívások lezárására. Az engedélyezett öt perc Williams véleménye szerint több esetben arra sem elég, hogy pontosan meghatározzák, miért is telefonált az érdeklődő. Mindazonáltal a dolgozókat folyamatosan megfigyelték, és büntetéssel fenyegették arra az esetre, ha túl hosszúra nyúlnának a hívásaik.

A munkaügy által biztosított telefonszám ráadásul egy kék szám, ami ugyan vezetékes vonalról hívva általában helyi hívásnak minősül, de mobilról tárcsázva – és sok embernek csak ez van – jóval többe kerül. A rászorulók viszont általában éppen anyagi problémáik – például a kiutalás elmaradása – miatt telefonálnak, és sokszor ez az egyetlen módjuk arra, hogy felvegyék a szolgálattal a kapcsolatot.

Mind Williams, mind a UK Press Association hírügynökségnek nyilatkozó David Coventry sajnálkozott amiatt, hogy munkatársaik tapasztalatát feletteseik semmibe veszik, illetve hogy a közszolgáltatást, ami a munkanélküliek egyetlen segítsége lehet, üzleti alapon kezelik. Williams szerint ez az üzleti szemlélet jellemző az utóbbi tíz évben: a magánszektorból érkezett menedzserek rendszeresen „üzlet”-ként hivatkoznak a szolgáltatásra, illetve „ügyfél”-ként a telefonon segítséget kérőkre. Williams hozzátette, hogy a menedzserek ráadásul a velük kötött szóbeli megállapodásokat később semmibe veszik.

A mostani, részleges munkabeszüntetés után a PCS teljes, minden hívásközpontra kiterjedő sztrájkot helyezett kilátásba, ha a helyzetet nem sikerülne rendezni. Ehhez társul az útleveleket kiállító szervek sztrájkfenyegetése, amelyet szintén ez a szakszervezet támogat. A brit koalíciós kormány így azon kellemetlen helyzettel találhatja szembe magát, hogy míg a munkanélküliek száma emelkedik, addig az őket támogató alapvető közszolgáltatások akadoznak.

A Wikihírek próbálta elérni a munkaügy illetékeseit is, de válaszul csak egy előre elkészített sablonüzenetet juttattak el részünkre. Ebben a hivatal sajnálkozását fejezte ki a sztrájk miatt, illetve kiemelte, hogy az a központoknak csak a 21%-át érinti. Figyelembe véve azonban, hogy a szakszervezet választotta ki a sztrájk hét helyszínét, lényegében nem sok akadálya lenne, hogy mind a harminc központban beszüntessék a munkát. A foglalkoztatási szolgálat kérdéses telefonszámát felhívva fennakadásoknak nem volt nyoma: a kapcsolás nem tartott több ideig a szokásosnál.

A brit szakszervezeti szövetség, a Trades Union Congress[2] december végén figyelmeztetett, hogy az állami szektorban 2011-ben széleskörű sztrájk-megmozdulások várhatóak. A költségvetés kiadási oldalról ugyanis 81 milliárd fontot kellene lefaragni, ami potenciálisan negyedmillió munkahely megszűnésével fenyeget a közszférában.


UK Parliament begins debate on Brexit deal

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Parliament started five days of debates ahead of a vote over Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to leave the European Union.

The deal being debated is a withdrawal agreement for the United Kingdom (UK)'s exit from the European Union (EU), and a political framework defining ambitions for the future of the UK–EU relationship.

In a statement to the House of Commons shortly before debates began, Theresa May said "I have spent nearly two years negotiating this deal [...] I have lost valued colleagues along the way, I have faced fierce criticism from all sides. If I had banged the table, walked out of the room, and at the end of the process delivered the very same deal that is before us today, some might say that I'd done a better job."

Following the debates, a vote in the House of Commons is to determine if the deal will be implemented. The vote is scheduled for next Tuesday, December 11.


El Parlamento británico comienza a debatir sobre el acuerdo del Brexit

El martes, el Parlamento del Reino Unido comenzó una serie de debates de cinco días previos a la votación del acuerdo de la primera ministra, Theresa May, sobre la salida del país de la Unión Europea. Los que se debate es el acuerdo de retiro del Reino Unido de la Unión Europea y un marco político que define los objetivos para el futuro de la relación entre la comunidad europeo y el país británico.

En una declaración a la Cámara de los Comunes del Reino Unido, May aseguró que "Pasé casi dos años negociando este acuerdo [...] Perdí valiosos colegas a los largo de este proceso y enfrenté críticas feroces de todos lados. Si hubiera dado un golpe en la mesa, terminado las conversaciones y, al final del proceso, entregado el mismo acuerdo que está frente a nosotros en este momento, algunos podrían haber dicho que hice un mejor trabajo".

Luego de los debates, se votará en la Cámara de los Comunes para decidir si se implementará o no el acuerdo. La votación está programada para realizarse el próximo martes, 11 de diciembre.


UK PM Brown meets with US President Bush at Camp David

United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown met United States President George W. Bush at Camp David in Maryland for their first formal talks since Brown took office in June.

Gordon Brown arrived at Camp David on Sunday, July 30. Monday, they addressed the press in a joint press conference. According to reports, the talks focused on Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, world trade and climate change, amid speculation whether the two leaders could work together. Correspondents say they appeared relaxed as they faced reporters after their talks.

Both reiterated a commitment to fighting terrorism, which Prime Minister Brown called "a crime against humanity", and discussed ways of making sure that the two countries' security systems are "properly aligned" and share information.

President Bush spoke of waging an ideological struggle between those who "believe in freedom and justice and human rights and human dignity, and cold-blooded killers who will kill innocent people to achieve their objectives" and said that defending the "young democracies" of Afghanistan and Iraq was a way to defeat "an ideology of darkness" with a "more hopeful ideology".

"It's very important for us to make it clear to those who are in harm's way that these missions will be driven not by local politics but by conditions on the ground," the President added.

Prime Minister Brown acknowledged a responsibility to support the Iraqi government and said the U.S. and the U.K. had a threefold aim: security for the Iraqi people, political reconciliation, and a stake for Iraqis in their future.

The Prime Minister spoke of a step by step transfer of control to the Iraqi government and security forces, with the British forces moving from a combat to overwatch mode in three of the four provinces under their responsibility. He said military commanders will determine when a similar transition will be made for the remaining province - Basra and that the recommendation will be placed before parliament. The head of the British military said last week that that the transfer is likely by the year end.

Seven of Iraq's 18 provinces, mostly in the Shia dominated south and the Kurdish north, are now formally under the control of Iraqi government and security forces. On being asked if U.S. deployment will continue till after the presidential elections next year, President Bush reiterated that this was going to take a long time, and said he will not prejudge a report by U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, on how the recent troop 'surge' has altered the security situation.

UK Prime Minister proposed setting up a Basra economic development agency to bring jobs and businesses - "economic hope" for the region, and offered financial support for the project.

Both leaders expressed strong concern over the situation in Darfur, and agreed to step up  pressure to end the violence in the region by expediting a U.N. resolution mandating a U.N.-African Union peace force.

Meanwhile, at the U.N. Security Council, a revised draft resolution is being circulated today that drops language critical of Sudan government forces and scales back the peace-keeping force's mandate to monitor arms violation, following Sudan's objections. The peacekeeping force is to assume responsibility by the year's end but it will take up to a year to be fully deployed.

"We're agreed on encouragement for early peace talks, a call to cease violence on the ground, an end to aerial bombing of civilians, and support for economic development if this happens, and further sanctions if this does not happen.", Prime Minister Brown said.

Prime Minister Brown expressed support for President Bush's "bold initiative" in the Middle East peace process and said the two leaders agreed that sanctions against Iran were working and that they were prepared to toughen sanction with a new U.N. resolutions.

Both leaders expressed support for measures to combat poverty, lack of education and healthcare, particularly malaria and HIV/AIDS, including ways to bring public and private sectors, faith groups and civil society to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Prime Minister Brown, who has already spoken to several leaders around the world regarding the Doha round of trade talks, said contact between world leaders will be stepped up to quickly reach an agreement, which both leaders stressed was an important goal that they were optimistic of attaining.

Climate change was an important issue and needs to be tackled in the context of sustainable development as well as energy security, Prime Minister Brown said, and said that this agenda, agreed at this year's G8 in Germany, would be discussed in meetings over the next few months.


Gordon Brown se reúne con Bush en Camp David

31 de julio de 2007Maryland, Estados Unidos — Gordon Brown, el Primer Ministro del Reino Unido, se reunió con el Presidente de los Estados Unidos, George W. Bush, en Camp David (Maryland) para su primera reunión formal desde que Brown sucedió en el puesto a Tony Blair en junio de 2007.

Brown llegó a Camp David el domingo 29 de julio. El lunes 30, ambos dieron una conferencia de prensa.

De acuerdo a reportes, las charlas entre ambos líderes se centraron en Iraq, Afganistán, Darfur, el comercio mundial y el cambio climático, entre la especulación de si ambos líderes podían trabajar juntos.

Ambos reiteraron un compromiso para combatir el terrorismo, el cual el Primer Ministro Brown llamó "un crimen contra la humanidad", y discutieron modos para asegurar que los sistemas de seguridad de ambos países estén "alineados apropiadamente" y compartan información.

El Presidente Bush habló sobre proseguir con el conflicto ideológico entre quienes "creen en la libertad y la justicia y los derechos humanos y la dignidad, y los asesinos de sangre fría que matarán personas inocentes para conseguir sus objetivos", y dijo que defender las "democracias jóvenes" de Afganistán e Iraq era un objetivo para derrotar con una "ideología más optimista" a una "ideología de oscuridad".

El Primer Ministro Brown reconoció una responsabilidad para apoyar al gobierno iraquí y dijo que Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido tenían un objetivo triple: seguridad para la población iraquí, reconciliación política, y un interés en el futuro de los iraquíes.

El Primer Ministro habló de una transferencia de control progresiva hacia el gobierno iraquí y las fuerzas de seguridad, luego de que las fuerzas británicas cambiaran de una posición combativa a otra vigilante en tres de las cuatro provincias bajo su responsabilidad. También dijo que los comandantes militares determinarían cuando una transición similar se hará en la provincia restante – la de Basra – y que la recomendación será presentada al Parlamento. El jefe de las milicias británicas dijo la semana pasada que la transferencia sería posible para fin de año.

Siete de las 18 provincias de Iraq, mayormente en el sur dominado por los Shia y el norte kurdo, están ahora formalmente bajo el control del gobierno de Iraq y sus fuerzas de seguridad.

Luego de ser preguntado si el despliegue de tropas estadounidenses continuaría hasta luego de las elecciones presidenciales del próximo año, el Presidente Bush reiteró que esto tomaría tiempo, y dijo que no prejuzgará el reporte del Comandante estadounidense en Iraq, el General David Petraeus, sobre como el 'repentino aumento' de tropas ha alterado la situación de seguridad.

El Primer Ministro del Reino Unido propuso establecer una agencia de desarrollo para la "esperanza económica" de la región, y ofreció apoyo financiero al proyecto.

Ambos líderes expresaron su gran preocupación por la situación en Darfur, y acordaron aumentar sus esfuerzos para detener la violencia en la región al acelerar la resolución de la ONU sobre el asunto.

"Estamos de acuerdo en promover negociaciones de paz, un llamamiento para cesar la violencia, un fin a los bombardeos aéreos, un apoyo de desarrollo económico si esto ocurre, y más sanciones si esto no ocurre", dijo Gordon Brown.

El Primer Ministro expresó su apoyo para con la iniciativa de Bush en el proceso de paz del Medio Oriente y dijo que ambos líderes acordaron que las sanciones contra Irán estaban dando resultado y que estaban preparados para sancionar más aún con nuevas resoluciones de la ONU.

Ambos líderes expresaron su apoyo para tomar medidas para combatir la pobreza, la falta de educación y de salud (particularmente en el tema de la malaria y VIH/SIDA), incluyendo maneras para traer a los sectores públicos y privados, grupos religiosos y sociedades civiles para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio.

Gordon Brown, que ya ha hablado con varios líderes mundiales sobre la Ronda de Doha, dijo que el contacto entre los líderes mundiales será acelerado para llegar a un consenso rápidamente; líderes hicieron hincapié en que era una meta importante sobre la cual se sentían optimistas.

El cambio climático fue un tema importante y "necesita ser afrontado en el contexto de un desarrollo sustentable como también de seguridad energética", dijo el Primer Ministro Brown, y comentó que esta agenda, acordada en la cumbre del G8 en Alemania, sería discutida en reuniones en las próximos meses.


UK Prime Minister announces date for general election

The UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown has announced that the country's next general election is to be held on May 6. He made the announcement after Queen Elizabeth agreed to dissolve Parliament on April 12. The date has been suspected by the media for months and Brown referred to it as the "least well-kept secret of recent years".

The current Parliament will sit for a final time on April 8, meaning it has just two days to pass any remaining legislation. Many bills will have to be scrapped and reintroduced in the next Parliament, which will sit for the first time on May 18.

The three main parties in the UK are the Labour Party, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats. Labour has been in power for thirteen years, but current opinion polls show it trailing behind the Conservatives.

For the first time in a UK election, there will be three televised debates between the main party leaders — Gordon Brown for Labour, David Cameron for the Conservatives, and Nick Clegg for the Liberal Democrats. The debates will air on April 15, 22, and 27.

Whatever the outcome of the election, the resulting Parliament will differ drastically from the preceding one, with at least 144 of the 650 Members of Parliament standing down.


ஐக்கிய இராச்சியப் பிரதமர் அந்நாட்டுப் பொதுத் தேர்தல் தேதியை அறிவித்தார்

ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தின் பிரதமர் கார்டன் பிரவுன் அந்நாட்டின் அடுத்த பொதுத்தேர்தல் 2010, மே 6ம் நாள் நடைபெறும் என்று அறிவித்துள்ளார். முன்னதாக அந்நாட்டின் இராணி எலிசபெத்தை சந்தித்து நாடாளுமன்றத்தைக் கலைக்கக் கேட்டுக்கொண்டதை இராணி ஓப்புக்கொண்டார். அதன்படி வருகிற ஏப்ரல் 12ம் தேதி நாடாளுமன்றம் கலைக்கப்படுகிறது.

தற்போதைய நாடாளுமன்றத்தின் கடைசிக் கூட்டத்தொடர் வருகிற 8ம் தேதி கூடுகிறது. அடுத்த கூட்டத்தொடர் பொதுத்தேர்தலுக்குப் பிறகு மே 18ம் தேதி தொடங்கும்.

ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தில் தொழில் கட்சி, லிபரல் கட்சி, கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சி ஆகியவை மூன்று முக்கிய கட்சிகளாக உள்ளன. கடந்த பதின்மூன்று ஆண்டுகளாக தொழிலாளர் கட்சியே ஆட்சியில் உள்ள போதிலும் தற்போதைய பரவலான கருத்துக்கணிப்புகளின் படி கன்சர்வேட்டிவ் கட்சி முன்னனியில் உள்ளது.

ஐக்கிய இராச்சியத்தின் நாடாளுமன்றத்திற்கு 650 உறுப்பினர்கள் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்படவேண்டும்.

புதன், ஏப்ரல் 7, 2010


UK Prime Minister David Cameron calls for British air strikes against IS in Syria

Yesterday, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron urged Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons to support British air strikes against Islamic State in Syria. Mr Cameron said MPs will vote on the issue if he believes he has enough support in the Commons to join allies currently bombing IS targets in Syria.

Prime Minister Cameron's address to MPs responded to a Foreign Affairs Committee report from early this month which discouraged UK involvement against IS in Syria. MPs on the committee raised concerns that there is not a "coherent international strategy" on how to tackle IS in Syria and how to end the ongoing conflict in Syria. The report also questioned the legality of action against IS in Syria.

David Cameron attempted to appease concerns during his speech by outlining the government's long term strategy which includes humanitarian support in Syria, rebuilding Syria following the current civil war and working with allies against IS.  He also said the UK does not "have the luxury of being able to wait until the Syrian conflict is resolved".

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the UK's opposition Labour Party, has said he will not support air strikes. Responding to the Prime Minister's speech, Corbyn raised several concerns including whether UK involvement will help defeat IS and if air strikes will encourage terrorist attacks in the UK.

Prime Minister Cameron said IS are a threat to UK security and they already see the UK as a target for attacks. He argued Britain cannot "subcontract its security to other countries", and said action against IS in Syria would increase safety for the UK.

Mr Cameron said he is not going to seek a vote from MPs unless he is confident they will support action against IS in Syria. Despite Jeremy Corbyn's concerns, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer John McDonnell indicated Labour MPs should be given a free vote on the issue, saying: "it is better to allow MPs to make their own minds up".


Prim-ministrul Marii Britanii, David Cameron, cere lovituri aeriene britanice contra ISIS în Siria

27 noiembrie 2015 Londra, Marea Britanie —

Ieri, prim-ministrul Marii Britanii, David Cameron, a îndemnat membrii Parlamentului în Casa Comunelor să susțină trimiterea de lovituri aeriene împotriva Statului Islamic, în Siria. Cameron crede că are suficientă susținere în Casa Comunelor pentru a se alătura bombardamentelor contra ISIS în Siria.

Adresarea prim-ministrului Cameron a răspuns la raportul Comitetului Afacerilor Externe de la începutul acestei luni ce a descurajat implicarea Marii Britanii în Siria împotriva ISIS. Parlamentarii de la comitet au fost preocupați de faptul că nu există o „strategie internațională coerentă” cu privire la cum de atacat ISIS în Siria și cum de terminat conflictul ce se desfășoară acolo. De asemenea, raportul a ridicat problema legalității acțiunii împotriva ISIS în Siria.

David Cameron a încercat să liniștească îngrijorările în timpul cuvântării sale, subliniind strategia pe termen lung a guvernului, care include susținere umanitară în Siria, reconstruirea Siriei după actualul război civil și cooperarea cu aliații împotriva ISIS. De asemenea a zis că Marea Britanie nu „are luxul de a fi capabilă să aștepte până conflictul sirian se rezolvă”.

Jeremy Corbyn, liderul grupării britanice de opoziție, Partidul Laburist, a declarat că nu va susține loviturile aeriene. Răspunzând la cuvântarea prim-ministrului, Corbyn a ridicat câteva probleme, inclusiv dacă implicarea Marii Britanii va ajuta la înfrângerea ISIS și dacă loviturile aeriene vor încuraja atacuri teroriste în Marea Britanie.

Prim-ministrul Cameron a zis că ISIS sunt o amenințare la adresa securității Marii Britanii și ei văd deja în Marea Britanie o țintă pentru atacuri. El a susținut că acțiunea împotriva ISIS în Siria va crește securitatea țării.

Domnul Cameron a zis că nu caută vreun vot de la Parlament până nu va fi sigur că acesta (Parlamentul) va susține acțiunea împotriva ISIS în Siria. În ciuda îngrijorărilor lui Jeremy Corbyn, cancelarul umbră al Exchequer, John McDonnell a indicat că parlamentarii laburiști trebuie să voteze liber cu privire la această chestiune.


UK Prime Minister sets 2005 General Election date

The United Kingdom Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Tony Blair PC MP, at 09:00 UTC today formally requested the Queen to dissolve Parliament on April 11, thereby confirming May 5 to be the date for the next General Election.

Mr Blair had delayed the formal request for the dissolution of Parliament for 1 day, as a mark of respect for Pope John Paul II, who died on Saturday April 2.  All political parties had suspended campaiging for two days; and Mr Blair and other politicians had been attending services to mourn the death of the Pope.

The wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Charles had previously been scheduled for Friday April 8, and hence Members of Parliament (Lords and Commons) would have not sat on that day and would have stopped sitting on Thursday April 7.  However, because of that subsequently being the date set for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, the wedding has been postponed to Saturday April 9.

Members of Parliament (Lords and Commons) will thus stop sitting on Friday April 8.  This leaves just four days for all remaining legislation to be passed.  It is expected that some government bills will be simply dropped, to be reintroduced in the next Parliament if the Labour Party wins the General Election.

The last Prime Minister's Question Time in the House of Commons is scheduled to be tomorrow, Wednesday April 6 at 11:00 UTC.

After the election, the new Parliament is scheduled to be summoned on Wednesday May 11.  Its first business will be the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of members.  The State Opening of Parliament is scheduled to then be on Tuesday May 17.

The calling of the General Election marks the formal beginning of the general election campaigns by the U.K. political parties, although in practice all three major parties have been actively campaigining for several weeks.  The Conservative Party election slogan "Are you thinking what we're thinking?" was, for example, used by the party leader Michael Howard in his response to the Budget report on March 16, 2005 and was launched by the Scottish Conservatives on March 10.


Premier Wielkiej Brytanii ogłosił termin wyborów

Londyn

Premier Wielkiej Brytanii Tony Blair ogłosił termin wyborów do parlamentu na 5 maja 2005.


UK sending additional 500 troops to Afghanistan

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that an additional 500 British troops will be sent to Afghanistan. The UK currently has around 9,000 troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

"I believe the decision we are announcing is consistent with what the Americans will decide," Brown stated yesterday. His decision was apparently made "to meet the changing demands of the campaign, which require greater concentration of our forces in central Helmand [Province]". A previous request for an additional 2,000 troops was denied.

After his statement media reports suggested that the decision was based on the United States agreeing in a discussion with Brown to send at least 45,000, but no more than 65,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. The White House later denied that any agreement was reached or that President Barack Obama had come to a decision on sending additional troops.

"I would not put any weight behind the fact that a decision has been made, when the President has yet to make a decision. I've seen the report. It's not true, either generally or specifically. The president has not made a decision," said statement issued by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.

In September it was reported that Commanding general in Afghanistan, Stanley A. McChrystal, requested an additional U.S. 40,000 troops be sent to Afghanistan stating, "Failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum in the near term (next 12 months) — while Afghan security capacity matures — risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible." The Washington Post reports the request was sent to the White House in August and President Obama is currently reviewing it.

There are nearly 70,000 U.S. troops currently in Afghanistan, and 35,000 troops from other nations.


Gran Bretaña enviará 500 soldados más a Afganistán

El Primer Ministro del Reino Unido, Gordon Brown, ha anunciado que un total de 500 soldados británicos serán enviados a Afganistán; esto se sumaría a las ya 9.000 tropas británicas desplegadas en territorio afgano.

"Creo que la decisión que estamos anunciado es consistente con lo que los americanos decidirán", declaró Brown ayer. Su decisión fue aparentemente hecha a fin de "corresponder las demandas cambiantes de la campaña, que requiere mayor concentración de nuestras fuerzas en [la Provincia de] Helmand".

Un pedido para enviar un adicional de 2.000 tropas había sido rechazado previamente.

Tras su declaración, reportes de los medios sugirieron que la decisión fue hecha basándose en el consentimiento de los Estados Unidos en enviar al menos 45.000 –aunque no más de 65.000– tropas adicionales a Afganistán. La Casa Blanca luego negó que se hubiera llegado a un acuerdo, o que el presidente Barack Obama hubiera alcanzado alguna decisión con respecto a enviar más tropas.

"No pondría ningún peso detrás del hecho de que una decisión haya sido hecha, cuando el presidente aún debe tomar una decisión. He visto el reporte. No es cierto, ni en general ni específicamente. El presidente no ha tomado una decisión", informó el Secretario de Prensa, Robert Gibbs, en un comunicado emitido por la Casa Blanca.

En septiembre se reportó que el General comandante en Afganistán, Stanley A. McChrystal, había solicitado que se enviara un total de 40.000 soldados más a Afganistán. "Fallar en lograr la iniciativa y revertir el aceleramiento insurgente en un corto plazo –mientras que la capacidad de seguridad afgana madura– arriesga un desenlace en el que derrotar a la insurgencia no sea posible". Esta solicitud, según informó el Washington Post, fue enviada a la Casa Blanca en agosto y Obama se encuentra analizándola.

Actualmente hay alrededor de 70.000 efectivos norteamericanos en Afganistán, junto con otras 35.000 tropas provenientes de otros países.


Reino Unido enviará 500 soldados ao Afeganistão

O Primeiro-Ministro do Reino Unido, Gordon Brown, anunciou que um total de 500 soldados britânicos serão enviados ao Afeganistão; estes se somariam às 9.000 tropas britânicas já implantadas em território afegão.

"Acredito que a decisão que estamos anunciando é consistente com o que os estadunidenses decidiram", declarou Brown ontem. Sua decisão foi aparentemente feita com a finalidade de "corresponder as demandas alteradas da campanha, que requer maior concentrção de nossas forças na [a Província de] Helmand".

Um pedido para enviar um adicional de 2.000 tropas havia sido rejeitado anteriormente.

Após a sua declaração, repórtes dos meios sugeriram que a decisão foi feita baseando-se no consentimento dos Estados Unidos ao enviar pelo menos 45.000 –ainda que não mais de 65.000– tropas adicionais ao Afeganistão. A Casa Branca logo negou que foi alcançado um acordo, e que o presidente Barack Obama alcançou alguma decisão sobre enviar mais tropas.

Em setembro relatou-se quye o General comandante no Afeganistão, Stanley A. McChrystal, havia solicitado que fosse enviado um total de 40 000 soldados ao Afeganistão. "Se não o fizer e reverter a aceleração insurgente em um curto prazo –enquanto que a capacidade de segurança afegã amadurece– arrisca-se um confronto no qual derrotar a insurgência não será possível". Esta solicitação, segundo informou o Washington Post, foi enviada à Casa Branca em agosto e Obama se encontra analizando-a.

Atualmente há cerca de 70.000 efetivos estadunidenses no Afeganistão, junto com outras 35.000 tropas provenientes de outros países.


UK terror alert downgraded to "Severe"

The British terror alert has been downgraded from "Critical" to "Severe" MI5 is reporting. The "Severe"-level became active at midnight BST. The terror alert was raised to "Critical" after an alleged terror plot was foiled which involved blowing up at least a dozen planes from the United Kingdom to the United States in flight. The plot could have resulted in around 5000 deaths.


Terrorwarnungen in London heruntergestuft

London (Vereinigtes Königreich) / Washington D.C. (USA), 14.08.2006 – Der britische Innenminister John Reid teilte in der Nacht zu heute mit, dass es keine unmittelbare Terrorgefahr mehr gäbe. Deshalb wurde der Terroralarm in Großbritannien und den USA von den örtlichen Sicherheitsbehörden herabgestuft.

Vergangene Woche hatten britische Polizeiorganisationen in Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Organisationen einen Terroranschlag vereitelt, weshalb der Terroralarm in Großbritannien auf die höchste Stufe gesetzt worden war.


Le niveau d'alerte au Royaume-Uni descendu à "sévère"

Le niveau d'alerte au Royaume-Uni est descendu à "sévère" révèle le Wikinews en néerlandais citant le MI5. Le changement de niveau s'ai fait officiellement à minuit, heure de Londres. Le niveau d'alerte avait été monté à "critique" à la suite de la découverte d'un projet d'attentat terroriste prévoyant de faire exploser une douzaine d'avion en transit vers les États-Unis qui selon l'enquête, aurait fait près 5 000 morts.


Brits terreuralarm terug naar "Severe"


UK withdrawing thousand troops from Iraq

Prime minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown announced during his trip to Baghdad, Iraq, that his government will be withdrawing at least one thousand British troops from Iraq by the end of 2007. Brown also plans to gradually hand over control of Basra to Iraq security forces in accordance with the withdrawal.

"What we propose to do over these next few months is to move from a situation where we have a combat role to an over-watch role. Hopefully they will be home by Christmas," said Brown.

There are approximately 5,500 British troops in Iraq, with most of them located in and around Basra.

The reduction agreement was reached between Brown, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq Barham Saleh and General David Petraeus of the U.S. Army in Iraq with the troop withdraw expected to begin in Basra.

Brown is expected to travel to Basra later today. British troops recently withdrew from the city to a nearby base, leaving security in the hands of Iraqi forces.


Gordon Brown: Britischer Abzug aus Irak angekündigt

Bagdad (Irak), 02.10.2007 – Bei seinem heutigen Besuch in Bagdad kündigte der britische Premierminister Gordon Brown einen schrittweiten Abzug der Truppen Großbritanniens an, bei dem noch dieses Jahr die ersten 1.000 Soldaten die Region um Basra verlassen würden. Er hoffe, so Brown, dass diese Soldaten schon Weihnachten zu Hause sein könnten. Damit werden die Truppen bis auf 4.500 Soldaten der britischen Armee im Irak reduziert.


Anuncian retiro de tropas inglesas a finales de 2007

El Primer Ministro del Reino Unido, Gordon Brown, en su visita a Bagdad, informó durante una conferencia de prensa que el número de soldados desplegados en el territorio de Iraq sería reducido en 1000 unidades. Asimismo, el ministro dijo que cree que Iraq puede asumir en dos meses la responsabilidad de seguridad en la sureña provincia de Basora, actualmente en manos de las fuerzas británicas.

"Lo que proponemos para hacer en estos pocos meses es movernos de una situación donde tenemos un rol de combate a un rol de observación. Con optimismo estarán en casa para Navidad", declaró el mandatario.

Gran Bretaña cuenta con alrededor de 5.000 soldados en la provincia de Basora actualmente.

Desde el inicio de la guerra en marzo de 2003, el Reino Unido intervino fundamentalmente en cuatro provincias del sur iraquí y luego entregó el control de tres al gobierno de Bagdad. Las fuerzas británicas recientemente se retiraron de la ciudad a una base cercana, dejando la seguridad en manos de las fuerzas iraquíes.

Por otra parte, Brown ha agendado una visita a Basora para poner fin a la intervención de las fuerzas en este país.


Il Regno Unito ritira mille soldati dall'Iraq

Il primo ministro del Regno Unito, Gordon Brown, ha annunciato durante il suo viaggio a Baghdad, in Iraq, che il suo governo ritirerà almeno mille soldati dall'Iraq entro la fine del 2007. Brown pianifica di lasciare gradualmente il controllo di Bassora alle forze di sicurezza irachene nell'ambito del ritiro delle truppe.

«Quel che noi proponiamo di fare nei prossimi mesi è di modificare la nostra posizione da un ruolo di combattimento verso un ruolo di controllo. Speriamo che le nostre truppe torneranno a casa entro Natale», ha detto Brown.

Ci sono circa 5 500 soldati inglesi in Iraq, dei quali molti si trovano a Bassora.

L'accordo di riduzione è stato raggiunto tra Brown, il primo ministro iracheno Nuri al-Maliki, il vice primo ministro Barham Saleh e il generale David Petraeus dell'esercito statunitense in Iraq, e prevede che il ritiro delle truppe comincerà da Bassora.

Brown dovrebbe raggiungere Bassora questa sera. Le truppe inglesi si sono ritirate di recente dalla città verso la base, lasciando la sicurezza nelle mani delle forze irachene.


UK work secretary David Blunkett resigns

David Blunkett, the United Kingdom's Work and Pensions Secretary, resigned following a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair today.

Public pressure had been growing on Mr. Blunkett to resign after revelations emerged that he had broken the British Ministerial Code of Conduct in relation to his large shareholdings and short-lived directorship in a company called DNA Bioscience. It is the second time Blunkett's has been forced to stand down from office, having previously stepped down as home secretary last year over claims that his office fast-tracked a visa application.

A member of the opposition Liberal Democrat party, Greg Mulholland said "I think he's done the right thing [in quitting], having done several quite blatantly wrong things". In an interview with the Sheffield Star yesterday, Blunkett declared that he would not resign, insisting that he had "done nothing wrong."

Blunkett's replacement was named as John Hutton, previously Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.


Regno Unito dimissioni del ministro del Lavoro 2005

Il Ministro del Lavoro inglese, David Blunkett, si è dimesso. La notizia è stata comunicata dal responsabile dell'ufficio del Primo Ministro.

Blunkett era accusato dall'opposizione di conflitto di interessi.

Già nel dicembre del 2004, Blunkett era stato costretto alle dimissioni dalla carica di Ministro dell'Interno a causa di uno scandalo.

Il nuovo Ministro del Lavoro sarà John Hutton.


UK's 'ban Trump' petition passes half-million mark

A petition on the UK government's website, calling for US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump to be barred from entering the country, has now passed a half-million signatories becoming the most-popular petition ever posted on the site. The signatories include a majority of UK MPs.

The petition was originally submitted late November by campaigner Suzanne Kelly from Aberdeen, preceding Trump's remarks which prompted the overwhelming response. Kelly, saying her attention was drawn due to concerns over Trump's golfing developments in the area, noted, "I never in my wildest dreams imagined it would get so many signatures". Locally, Robert Gordon University have stripped an honorary degree from Trump, and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon removed him from the GlobalScot network of business ambassadors.

Following the tycoon's call for a "complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States", an NBC/WSJ survey found the majority of adults in the United States disagree with him. The remarks also prompted global criticism of Trump.

London mayor Boris Johnson said the demand made him "unfit to hold the office of the president of the United States". French Prime minister Manuel Valls stated on Twitter, "Mr. Trump, like others, fuels hatred [...] our only enemy is radical Islamism." The director of the American university in Cairo's Kamal Adham Center for Television and Digital Journalism, Hafez Al Mirazi, said: "What we are getting now is really terrible [...] Stuff that only the Ku Klux Klan and others would say." Kassem Allie, from the Islamic Center of America, accused Trump of evoking fear "reminiscent of Nazi Germany".

In contrast, a humorous petition calling on NASA to "send Donald Trump into Space and Leave Him There"  on the change.org site has exceeded 30,000 signatures. Autumn Boehle from Michigan, who started the petition last Wednesday, says, if the petition garners sufficient signatures, she will provide a link where people can: "donate to make this happen. It wont be cheap, but it will be worth while."

The petition to ban Donald Trump from the UK, having passed 100,000 signatures, is now eligible for debate in the House of Commons.


La pétition pour bannir Trump du Royaume-Uni atteint 500 000 signatures

Une pétition diffusée sur le site du gouvernement britannique et qui appelle à interdire l'entrée au pays à Donald Trump, a maintenant passé un demi-million de signataires, devenant ainsi la pétition la plus populaire jamais postée sur le site. Les signataires comprennent une majorité de députés britanniques.

Il s'agit d'une réponse aux propositions du milliardaire qui souhaite empêcher les musulmans d'entrer aux États-Unis.


Ukraine opposition candidate Yushchenko is suffering from a Dioxin intoxication, doctors say

VIENNA —
Doctors from the Rudolfinerhaus clinic in Vienna say "there is no doubt" Ukrainian opposition leader Victor Yushchenko was poisoned with Dioxin.

Yushchenko's body had about 1,000 times more than the normal concentration of the toxin. It is unknown if there were any other poisons in his system.

Although it has not yet been proven that the poisoning was deliberate, doctors suspect it was.  "We suspect a cause triggered by a third party," said Michael Zimpfer, head doctor at the Rudolfinerhaus clinic. He suggested the poison may have been administered orally, through food or drink.

Today's announcements are a follow-up of an earlier press conference, where Dr. Korpan that there were three hypotheses under consideration, one of them involving dioxin. He did not reveal what the other two hypotheses were. Dr. Michael Zimpfer, director of the Rudolfinerhaus clinic emphasized that time there was no proof yet to specify the substance causing the illness.

Yushchenko left Kiev on Friday (2004-10-12) for further examination in Vienna.
When Yushchenko fell ill on October 6th, Ukrainian doctors had initially diagnosed food poisoning, leading to speculation that he had been poisoned deliberately. The illness has disfigured Yushchenko's body and face which doctors say could take up to two years to heal.

He fell seriously ill on the September 6th, during his presidential campaign. Yushchenko was taken to the Rudolfinerhaus clinic of Vienna, where he stayed for four days under Dr. Korpan's care. He was diagnosed with "acute pancreatitis, accompanied by interstitial edematous changes." These symptoms were said to be due to "a serious viral infection and chemical substances which are not normally found in food products" as his campaign officials put it. In laymans terms, he developed an infection in the pancreas and got a bad skin condition that disfigured his face with cysts and lesions. The skin condition has similarities with the chloracne associated with dioxin posioning according to a British toxicologist John Henry.

Earlier, doctor Nikolai Korpan of Rudolfinerhaus clinic confirmed today that the illness of Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was caused by an attempt to kill him.


Juschtschenkos Krankheit war Dioxin-Vergiftung

Wien (Österreich), 11.12.2004 – Der ukrainische Politiker und Oppositionsführer Wiktor Juschtschenko (Partei „Unsere Ukraine“) leidet eindeutig an einer Dioxin-Vergiftung. Dies wurde in Österreich bekannt, wo sich der Politiker jüngst bereits zum dritten Mal zu ausführlichen medizinischen Untersuchungen aufgehalten hatte. Daran bestünden nun keine Zweifel mehr, berichten die Medien. Die Ärzte Michael Zimpfer vom AKH Wien und Nikolai Korpan vom Wiener Privatspital Rudolfinerhaus erklärten heute vor der Presse, sie hätten bei Juschtschenko eine Dioxinvergiftung festgestellt. In seinem Blut und Gewebe sei das tausendfache der normalen Konzentration an Dioxin gefunden worden.

Im Krankenhaus selbst ist rund um die Affäre der ärztliche Leiter Prim. Univ. Prof. Dr. Lothar Wicke zurückgetreten. Die Krankenakte Juschtschenkos wurde gemäß Berichten österreichischer Medien von den Wiener Ärzten versiegelt und der Staatsanwaltschaft übergeben.

Laut der Nachrichtenagentur Interfax hat der ukrainische Generalstaatsanwalt neue Ermittlungen wegen des „angeblichen Vergiftungsversuchs“ aufgenommen. Erste Ermittlungen waren am 22. Oktober eingestellt worden. Eine medizinische Untersuchung habe gezeigt, dass die Krankheit auf eine Herpes-Infektion zurückzuführen sei.

Der russische Toxikologe Juri Ostapenko vom russischen Gesundheitsministerium zweifelte gegenüber dem Radiosender Echo Moskau die Diagnose an. Dioxin habe keinen unmittelbaren Effekt, Vergiftungen entwickelten sich erst über Jahre und Jahrzehnte. Moskau hatte im Wahlkampf offen den ukrainischen Premierminister Wiktor Janukowytsch unterstützt.

Juschtschenko selbst hat die ukrainischen Behörden wiederholt des Versuchs beschuldigt, ihn vor der ersten Wahlrunde im Oktober zu vergiften.

Die Ärzte der Wiener Klinik gehen davon aus, dass Juschtenko absichtlich vergiftet wurde. Die für die festgestellen Dioxinwerte notwendige Menge hätte relativ einfach in einer Suppe verabreicht werden können. Die Schäden im Verdauungstrakt deuten für die Mediziner darauf hin, dass Juschtschenko das Gift Anfang September über den Mund aufgenommen habe.