Egypt Clashes Turn Deadly As Troops Open Fire

By Dominic Waghorn, Sky News Correspondent, in Cairo

At least 30 people in Egypt have died in fierce clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

Supporters of the former leader marched to the Cairo barracks of the Republican Guard chanting "down with military rule" after a Muslim Brotherhood rally at the city's Rabea al Adaweya mosque.

Shots were fired as protesters hung pictures of Mr Morsi on a barbed wire barrier around the military complex. At least three demonstrators were shot by the military.

Downtown Cairo witnessed the same street battles played out two-and-a-half years ago, this time with Morsi supporters fighting their enemies with rocks, clubs and fireworks. One person was killed in their clashes.

A pro-Morsi crowd crossed the Sixth Of October bridge heading towards Tahrir Square, provoking a fierce confrontation.

The Egyptian army said troops were responding only with blank rounds and tear gas.

An anti-Morsi protester with evidence of gun cartridges

However, anti-Morsi youths showed Sky News what their enemies had done to them, brandishing used shotgun cartridges and pellet wounds.

"They are terrorists and we should get rid of them," they said. "They're using automatic weapons and shotguns."

The atmosphere was febrile. Changing in a second. Turning from triumphant to panicked, as the crowd scattered thinking their attackers had returned.

"The Muslim Brotherhood is coming here beating us shooting us," said one man. "We're here, we're alone and we need someone to  help us."

Egyptian elite soldiers guard a military building in Cairo

As if to answer him, military armoured personnel carriers appeared from the gloom.

But this isn't a conflict against foreign invaders, it's between Egyptians.

The anti-Morsi crowd screamed curses against the ousted president venting their fury, and relief then turned against us, the Sky News crew, mistaking us for Americans.

A hurried explanation gave us time to escape.

There are now two armies of protesters on the streets of Cairo - enraged and out for vengeance, determined to prevail.

Violence also erupted in cities of southern Egypt, along the Suez Canal and in the Nile Delta, with officials reporting more than 200 people injured. Four were killed in the northern Sinai city of el Arish, where Islamists stormed a government building.

More than 200 people have been wounded nationwide, according to officials

State TV quoted the country's health ministry saying 30 people had died nationwide, including 12 people in clashes in Alexandria. Most of the fatalities were from gunshot wounds.

It came after the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies called for protesters to take to the streets on the Muslim day of prayer for what it described as a "Friday of Rage".

The leader of the Brotherhood called for followers to remain peaceful but he vowed to restore power to Mr Morsi, who was ousted in a military coup earlier this week, a year after being elected to office.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snowden Offered Asylum In Two Countries

US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has been told he could be welcomed in Nicaragua and Venezuela after applying to another six countries for asylum.

Speaking at a public event, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said his government was willing to grant political asylum to the former NSA contractor "if circumstances permit it".

He added: "We are open, respectful of the right to asylum, and it is clear that if circumstances permit it, we would receive Snowden with pleasure and give him asylum here in Nicaragua.

"We have the sovereign right to help a person who felt remorse after finding out how the United States was using technology to spy on the whole world, and especially its European allies."

Mr Ortega said his government had received an asylum application at its embassy in Moscow.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made the same promise during a speech marking the anniversary of Venezuela's independence.

He said: "As head of state, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela decided to offer humanitarian asylum to the young American Edward Snowden so that he can live (without) ... persecution from the empire.

It was not immediately clear if there were any conditions to Venezuela's offer.         

Snowden is believed to be holed up at a Moscow airport looking for a country that will give him safe haven as the US wants to extradite him to face espionage charges.

The 30-year-old has previously asked 21 countries for asylum but most said he must be on their soil for his application to be accepted.

WikiLeaks revealed he had applied to more countries.

A tweet from the anti-secrecy website said: "Edward Snowden has applied to another six countries for asylum.

"They will not be named at this time due to attempted US interference."

The message appeared to be an allusion to the drama surrounding the flight of Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose plane was recently abruptly rerouted to Austria over suspicions Snowden was aboard.

Washington has revoked the passport of Snowden, who is seeking to evade US justice for leaking details about a vast US electronic surveillance programme to collect phone and Internet data.

He also revealed evidence of the spying activities of British eavesdropping agency GCHQ - including its scanning of vast amounts of emails and other internet traffic by tapping cable networks.

A bid by Snowden for Icelandic citizenship failed when the country's parliament voted not to debate it before the summer recess.

Russia has shown signs of growing impatience over Snowden's stay in the country.

Its deputy foreign minister said on Thursday that Snowden had not sought asylum in the country and needed to choose a place to go.

Moscow has made clear that the longer he stays, the greater the risk of the diplomatic standoff over his fate causing lasting damage to relations with Washington.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Paul Gascoigne Arrested Over 'Drunken Assault'

Paul Gascoigne has been arrested after an alleged drunken assault at a train station.

The former football star, who left rehab in the US earlier this year, was held after the incident in Hertfordshire.

A Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to a report of a man allegedly being drunk and disorderly at Stevenage railway station at 10.30pm on Thursday July 4.

"Officers attended the location and arrested a 46-year-old male on suspicion of common assault and being drunk and disorderly."

He was taken into custody but was not charged, police said.

The Mirror reported that Gascoigne had grabbed a security guard by the throat before attacking ex-wife Sheryl Gascoigne when she tried to step in.

According to the newspaper, he was bailed after being held in a police cell for 12 hours overnight.

Earlier this year, Gascoigne said he wanted to "get back to reality" after the latest health scare in his battle with alcohol addiction.

In March, the ex-England and Newcastle player told Sky Sports News: "When I'm drinking I forget about everyone.

"I don't realise the hurt I'm doing to others but, you know, I've got to think about the hurt I was doing to myself.

"People come up (and say) 'never touch a drink again'. I don't know (if) I'm going to touch a drink again. I just know that I'm not drinking today."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt Braced For Violence Amid Coup Protests

Muslim Brotherhood's Future

Updated: 2:29pm UK, Thursday 04 July 2013

Some 300 leaders rounded up, gone into hiding or facing travel bans; its Supreme Guide and his deputy labelled as wanted men - Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood is reeling and leaderless.

Why, then, would Adli Mansour, the new Egyptian president, reach out to it, saying that it is "invited to take part in political life - they should not be excluded"?

Oddly enough, there is nothing inconsistent about such inconsistencies.

The Supreme Council for the Armed Forces, headed by the man who led the coup against former president Mohamed Morsi, is made up of officers who have spent their careers being indoctrinated with the view that the Brotherhood is a dangerous threat to the Egyptian state.

So rounding up its members, just like they did under Hosni Mubarak and his predecessors as far back as 1954 when the Brotherhood was banned, comes easily.

But the caretaker president knows that the movement is the most effective and widely spread political group in Egypt.

The Brotherhood, even driven underground, will remain a potent if not the most potent force in Egyptian politics.

It has renounced violence. So, although there were bloodcurdling references as the coup unfolded to members being prepared to die to protect the presidency, they chose instead to wait and see what would happen.

So far, what they have seen has frightened them.

"We have gone back to the days of Mubarak. People have gone underground, they are afraid that they will lose their jobs or face persecution, be jailed without charge - just like in the old days," said a Brotherhood activist who said he was in hiding and asked to remain anonymous.

"We don't know what to do next. Our leaders have been silenced and our communities don't know whether they should take to the streets, try to win the next election, or start fighting," he added.

More extreme groups from the Islamic firmament - such as the Dawa movement of Salafists who are dedicated to establishing strict Sharia law - have abandoned the Brotherhood.

Dawa may see an opportunity in the Brotherhood's dark hours to pick up followers. Its members have been ordered to stay away from demonstrations and return to their homes so they can be distinguished from Mr Morsi's supporters.

Such a calculation is unlikely to prove sound - Dawa is more likely to be seen as a sell-out.

The Brotherhood leaders have been in jail before but the movement has survived.

Come the elections promised by the new incumbent in the presidential palace, the movement can expect a strong showing - that is if it's really going to be invited back to Egypt's political party.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Third Of Children Think Of Suicide By 16

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

Almost a third of children have considered or attempted suicide by the time they turn 16, according to a new survey.

Research for the new mental health charity MindFull also shows that 29% had self-harmed because they felt "down".

The charity is so alarmed by the finding that it is offering 11 to 17-year-olds immediate access to free online counselling with professionals and says it will be working with schools to educate young people on how to cope with mental health issues.

The YouGov poll of over 2,000 young people found almost half of those suffering from depression failed to get the support they needed.

Emma-Jane Cross, founder of the charity, said children are being let down or simply ignored by those they turn to.

She said: "It's unacceptable that so many are having to resort to harming themselves on purpose in order to cope, or worse still are thinking about ending their own lives.

"Early intervention is proven to help prevent adult mental health problems, so swift action must be taken now if we are to avoid a legacy of serious long-term mental illness."

According to the charity, many young children feel down because of stress at school, because they are worried about their future and because they feel they are not "good enough".

Nearly a third said they had thought about or attempted to end their life

April Plater began self harming at the age of 12, cutting her arms, legs and even face as a release from her depression.

She was overwhelmed by problems at home and school, but people she turned to dismissed them as just "teenage troubles".

Now 17, she told Sky News: "After a while of self harming I wasn't getting the release I was originally.

"It was almost like an addiction. So then the suicidal thoughts started to come, because I wasn't getting that satisfaction and I was still not talking about my issues."

Labour leader Ed Miliband and psychologist Tanya Byron are supporting the charity.

Professor Byron said: "Just as we look after our children's physical health, it's vital that we also offer support for their mental wellbeing.

"Children and young people are clearly not getting the help they need and that's why this new online support from MindFull is so important."

:: The Samaritans is available for anyone struggling to cope, round the clock, every single day of the year. Call 08457 90 90 90, email jo@samaritans.org or find local branch details at www.samaritans.org.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

EU Referendum Bill Heads To Parliament

Cameron Attends Brussels EU Summit

Updated: 3:18pm UK, Friday 28 June 2013

The Prime Minister has slammed an EU summit "ambush" aimed at shaving hundreds of millions of pounds off Britain's rebate.

David Cameron said proposed changes could have slashed the rebate by £1.5bn over the 2014-2020 budget period and that he found the way negotiations had been conducted "immensely frustrating".

He said: "I am frustrated I have to go through that battle all over again.

"But in this town you have to be ready for an ambush at any time, and that means lock and load and have one up the spout, and be ready for it.

"And that is exactly what I did."

The late-night dispute in Brussels centred on whether the agricultural grants to new EU members should be included in calculations for the UK rebate.

French negotiators are said to have argued that the rural development spending should be excluded from the sums - potentially reducing the £3bn annual rebate by 10% - around £300m a year - according to the PM.

However, Mr Cameron was adamant that the issue was settled in the UK's favour by EU leaders back in February.

Downing Street sources indicated that European Council president Herman Van Rompuy had assured him the position had not changed, and the agricultural spending would be included in rebate calculations.

Speaking after the talks, Mr Cameron said the rebate was "completely secure".

He added: "It is, and I won't lie, it is immensely frustrating sometimes, the way this organisation works.

"In February, in the conclusions, it was written that the British rebate would continue as before...

"It is frankly not acceptable for it to be left to the last minute and then an attempt at reopening it, and an ambush at 1am at the end of a European Council meeting.

"I think this is no way for an organisation to conduct itself."

The PM said there had been progress at the talks on reducing the burden of EU regulation but that the pace of change was "not fast enough".

He announced the creation of a task force of six business leaders to investigate the impact of red-tape on UK firms and come up with suggestions on how to cut it ahead of the next EU summit.

Sky News Deputy Political Editor Joey Jones said there had been "fairly acrimonious" discussions but the rebate issue appeared to be settled - for now.

But he said other European leaders are likely to raise the rebate again in the future if David Cameron presses ahead with plans to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the EU.

Earlier, it emerged that the European Parliament had backed down after months of resistance to spending restraint as the seven-year EU budget was agreed.

The ceiling for spending from 2014-2020 will fall for the first time to 908bn euro (£776bn), as national leaders agreed in February.

The 136bn euro (£116bn) budget for 2014 is nearly 6% lower than this year.

But there is still criticism that administration costs will be rising, while MEPs claim they have negotiated guarantees that the full budgets will be used - unlike previous years when there have been large underspends.

Mr Van Rompuy has declared improving the job prospects of young people the main theme for the two day gathering.

Some 5.6 million are out of work in the eurozone, and in Greece and Spain the unemployment rate has rocketed to over 50%.

The council president is emphasising the need for money to be pumped into projects that could boost their employment chances.

But Mr Cameron also hopes to urge looser labour market rules and deregulation to help small and medium sized companies.

The PM has staked Britain's continuing membership of the EU on his ability to negotiate fundamental reform of it - with an in-out referendum due to be held in 2017 if the Tories win the general election.

Mr Cameron could also face questions at the summit from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and others after it emerged that eavesdropping agency GCHQ has been mass-monitoring global phone and internet traffic.

Berlin has openly challenged the validity of the Project Tempora surveillance operation, the existence of which was revealed by US National Security Agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Syria's Assad Gloats Over Morsi's Fall

Syrian President Bashar al Assad has hailed the fall of "political Islam" in Egypt as he fights an armed opposition movement at home.

"What is happening in Egypt is the fall of what is known as political Islam," Assad said in an interview with Syrian state newspaper Ath Thawra, excerpts of which were posted on an official Facebook page.

"Anywhere in the world, whoever uses religion for political aims, or to benefit some and not others, will fall.

"You can't fool all the people all the time, let alone the Egyptian people who have a civilisation that is thousands of years old, and who espouse clear, Arab nationalist thought.

"After a whole year, reality has become clear to the Egyptian people. The Muslim Brotherhood's performance has helped them see the lies the (movement) used at the start of the popular revolution in Egypt."

Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi - who was forced from power by a military coup just a year after being elected - had recently called for a "holy war" in Syria during a rally he attended with Sunni leaders.

The two-year uprising against the rule of Assad's family - which is largely secular but from the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam - has largely pitted rebels from the country's Sunni majority against the regime.

There is long-standing animosity between Damascus and the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Mr Morsi is a leader, and membership of the group has been punishable by death in Syria since the 1980s.

Assad's late father, Hafez al Assad, used the military to crush an armed insurgency against his rule led by the Muslim Brotherhood, killing many thousands in the conservative city of Hama.

The city became a centre of the demonstrations against the younger Assad in March 2011.

The Syrian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood today plays a key role in the exiled opposition National Coalition, which is recognised by more than 100 states and organisations as legitimate representative of the Syrian people.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Adult And Child Found Dead In Merthyr Tydfil

The bodies of an adult and child have been discovered at a home in South Wales, police say.

Officers found the pair dead after being called to the property in Church Street in Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil, at around 4.20pm.

The area has been cordoned off and house-to-house inquiries are under way.

Police have yet to confirm the age or sex of the two victims.

Borough councillor Gareth Lewis said he found out about the incident on Twitter, and said it would be wrong to speculate on the nature of what had happened.

"All we know is that a child and somebody else, perhaps a young adult, have lost their lives," he said.

"It is a very close-knit community, the people are very nice and will help the police as much as possible with their inquiry.

"The information started to spread online, and it will have a big impact on this community and its people."

Troedyrhiw is part of an old coal mining area, which Mr Lewis described as a "typical, traditional Valleys community".

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt Military Coup Ousts President Morsi

Egypt's army is holding ousted President Mohamed Morsi, while a new interim leader is to be sworn in.

Millions celebrated all night while as Mr Morsi was ousted only a year after he became Egypt's first democratically elected president.

Mr Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies have blasted the army's intervention as a "full coup" by the generals.

:: Egypt Crisis: Live Coverage On Sky 501

General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi announces the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi

The Islamist leader's forced exit also prompted clashes across Egypt that left at least 14 people dead and hundreds wounded.

The "second revolution" - after Arab Spring uprisings that led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011 - leaves Egypt's 84 million people deeply divided.

Fearing a violent reaction by Mr Morsi's Islamist supporters, troops and armoured vehicles deployed in the streets of Cairo and elsewhere, surrounding Islamist rallies.

Mr Morsi was being detained at the Defence Ministry, according to a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Both the head and deputy chief of the Muslim Brotherhood have also been arrested, with warrants issued for 300 members of the political party.

In a televised address, the commander of the armed forces, General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi, said Mr Morsi had "failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people".

Anti-Morsi protesters react to the army statement

Flanked by military officials, Muslim and Christian clerics and political figures, he unveiled details of a political transition which he said had been agreed with them.

As the military coup got under way with the deployment of tanks and troops including commandos across the capital Cairo, the general declared a review and temporary suspension of the Egyptian constitution.

He also announced the appointment of Adli Mansour, the head of the supreme constitutional court, as interim head of state.

The acting leader will be assisted by an interim council and a technocratic government until new presidential and parliamentary elections are held, he said. No specific details were given as to when the new polls would take place.

The military chief also announced a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements, and said the armed forces and police would deal "decisively" with any violence.

Muslim Brotherhood members and pro-Morsi supporters react in Cairo

"Those in the meeting have agreed on a road map for the future that includes initial steps to achieve the building of a strong Egyptian society that is cohesive and does not exclude anyone and ends the state of tension and division," he said.

President Barack Obama voiced his concern over the military intervention and urged a speedy return to a democratically elected government.

In a statement he said: " ... we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsi and suspend the Egyptian constitution.

"I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton condemned the bloodshed and called for a swift return to democracy.

"I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution," she said.

Mr Morsi's overthrow followed the end of crisis talks after an army deadline for Mr Morsi to yield to mass nationwide demonstrations expired and he refused to step down.

A military helicopter above Tahrir Square

Fireworks and flares were set off over Tahrir Square and near the presidential palace where tens of thousands of jubilant protesters against Mr Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood erupted into cheers on hearing the news, which they hailed as a "victory for the people".

"The people and the army are one hand," they shouted, dancing and waving flags amid the roar of chanting and car horns, and coloured confetti in the air.

One uniformed police officer waved his hands above his head and said: "Great Egypt is victorious. Egypt is victorious over the Brotherhood."

Supporters of the deposed president, who had gathered near Cairo University, were stunned into initial silence at the news.

Elsewhere, four loyalists were killed in clashes with opponents in the northern city of Marsa Matrouh and police were forced to call for security reinforcements in Alexandria, where there was one fatality and 50 others wounded during violence.

Sky's Middle East Correspondent Sam Kiley, reporting from within a military cordon around Cairo University, said: "This is a miserable scene from the perspective of the Muslim Brotherhood's supporters.

"They cannot understand why it is possible to overthrow an elected president of the country simply by taking to the streets and holding loud demonstrations. They are also afraid that this could herald a crackdown against them."

The Muslim Brotherhood's TV station was taken off air and its managers arrested hours after Mr Morsi was overthrown.

A soldier cheers with anti-Morsi protesters

The Egypt25 channel had been broadcasting live coverage of rallies by tens of thousands of pro-Morsi demonstrators in Cairo and around the country, with speeches by leading Brotherhood politicians denouncing the military intervention to oust the elected president.

Around 50 people have been killed in clashes between Mr Morsi supporters and opponents since Sunday.

The offices of Al Jazeera's Egyptian television channel were also reportedly raided by security forces and prevented from broadcasting from a pro-Morsi rally. Several members of staff were also reportedly detained.

Mr Morsi was told he was no longer in charge of the country at around 7pm (6pm UK time).

In a statement on his official Facebook page, he condemned the army's announcement as a "full military coup".

He had spent the day working at a Republican Guard barracks where barbed wire and barriers were erected by soldiers.

Egyptian security forces earlier revealed orders banning Mr Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood chief Mohammed Badie and his deputy Khairat al Shater from travelling abroad had been issued to airport officials.

Troops had also taken up positions in the presidential palace as well as state TV buildings in Cairo, blocking any presidential statements from going out.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK did not support military intervention and called for restraint in Egypt.

"The situation is clearly dangerous and we call on all sides to show restraint and avoid violence," he said.

"We continue to advise British citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Egypt apart from the Red Sea resorts, and to monitor travel advice from the Foreign Office.

"The United Kingdom does not support military intervention as a way to resolve disputes in a democratic system."

Mr Morsi was democratically elected to office just over a year ago after the toppling of autocrat Hosni Mubarak as Arab Spring uprisings took hold in early 2011.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snowden: Bolivian President's Plane Diverted

The Bolivian President's plane was diverted after France and Portugal refused to let it cross their airspace over "unfounded suspicions" whistleblower Edward Snowden was on board, the country has claimed.

Evo Morales' flight made an unscheduled stop in the Austrian capital Vienna while returning home from Moscow.

Bolivian foreign minister David Choquehuanca told reporters that Portugal and France had abruptly cancelled air permits.

"They say it was due to technical issues, but after getting explanations from some authorities we found that there appeared to be some unfounded suspicions that Mr Snowden was on the plane," he said.

Morales' flight was stopped in Vienna on its way from Moscow to La Paz

"We don't know who invented this lie."

Mr Morales had been in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a summit of major gas exporters in the Kremlin.

He had earlier said in an interview with Russia Today television that Bolivia would be willing to consider granting asylum to the former CIA analyst, who has been at Moscow's main airport since June 23.

Mr Snowden leaked details of secret surveillance operations involving the UK and the US. He fled to Hong Kong and then to Russia after White House officials requested his extradition.

He has asked for asylum in a total of 21 countries, many of which have offered little hope of granting his request.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told Russian reporters that his country had not received an application for asylum from Mr Snowden.

Mr Morales had been meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

While defending the former US National Security Agency analyst's actions, he appeared to avoid the question of whether he would take Mr Snowden with him when he left Moscow.

"He did not kill anyone and did not plant a bomb," he said.

"What he did was tell a great truth in an effort to prevent wars. He deserves protection under international and humanitarian law."

Mr Snowden, 30, withdrew a bid for asylum in Russia when he learned the terms Moscow had set out, according to Mr Putin's spokesmaan Dmitry Peskov.

Mr Putin said on Monday that Russia was ready to shelter Snowden as long as he stopped leaking US secrets - but added he had no plans to turn the whistleblower over to the United States.

He has applied for asylum in Venezuela, Bolivia and 18 other countries, according to WikiLeaks, a website that has been advising him.

Many European countries on the list - including Austria, Finland, the Irish Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland - said he would have to make his request on their soil.

WikiLeaks said requests have also been made to Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Iceland, India, Italy and Nicaragua.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egyptian President 'Will Resign Or Be Sacked'

Egypt Since Morsi Came To Power

Updated: 10:24am UK, Tuesday 02 July 2013

Key developments over the year since Mohamed Morsi became Egypt's first democratically elected president.

:: 2012

June 30: Mr Morsi, elected with 51.7% of the vote, is sworn and becomes Egypt's first civilian and Islamist president.

August 12: The new president scraps a constitutional document that gave sweeping powers to the military and sacks Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi who ruled after Hosni Mubarak's ousting in February, 2011.

November 22: Mr Morsi decrees sweeping new powers for himself.

November 30: Islamist-dominated constituent assembly adopts a draft constitution despite boycott by liberals, Christians.

December 8: The president annuls the decree giving himself increased powers.

December 15 and 22: 64% of voters in a two-round referendum back the new constitution. Egypt plunges into political crisis, with demonstrations by Morsi supporters and opponents sometimes turning deadly.

:: 2013

January 24: There is violence between demonstrators and police on the eve of the second anniversary of the uprising that toppled Mubarak. Nearly 60 people die in a week.

April 5: Four Christians and a Muslims are killed in sectarian violence.

May 7: President Morsi's cabinet reshuffle falls short of opposition demands.

May 16: Gunmen kidnap three policemen and four soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula. They are freed on May 22.

June 2: Egypt's highest court invalidates the Islamist-dominated Senate, which assumed a legislative role when parliament was dissolved, and a panel that drafted the constitution.

June 15: Morsi announces "definitive" severing of ties with Syria.

June 21: Tens of thousands of Islamists gather ahead of planned opposition protests.

June 23: Defence Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warns the army will intervene if violence erupts.

June 28: The US says non-essential embassy staff can leave after an American is killed during protests.

June 29: The Tamarod ('rebellion') campaign which called rallies for June 30 says more than 22 million have signed a petition demanding Mr Morsi's resignation and a snap election.

June 30: Tens of thousands of Egyptians take to the streets nationwide determined to oust the president on the anniversary of his turbulent first year in power. At least 16 people die in protests across the country.

July 1: The opposition gives President Morsi a day to quit or face civil disobedience. The Tamarod calls on "the army, the police and the judiciary to clearly side with the popular will as represented by the crowds".

Egypt's armed forces warn that it will intervene if the people's demands are not met within 48 hours.

July 2: The presidency rejects the army's ultimatum, saying it will pursue his own plans for national reconciliation.

Foreign minister Kamel Amr becomes the sixth member of Mr Morsi's cabinet to resign.

US President Barack Obama calls on Mr Morsi to respond to the protests and resolve the crisis through "political process".

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Health Tourism: Foreigners Face £200 NHS Levy

Foreigners face being charged around £200-a-year for using the NHS in an attempt to tackle so-called health tourism.

Ministers will outline plans to introduce the charge for foreign workers and students who come to the UK for more than half a year.

The Department of Health said it would make sure migrants contributed towards healthcare costs without adding to NHS red tape.

A public consultation will be launched about the move, which would form part of a raft of changes to immigration laws.

Foreigners could be given a temporary NHS number which flags up to the system that they should be paying for treatment.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told Sky News: "Hard-working British families pay their taxes for the NHS and we think that people coming from overseas should make some contribution as well.

"At the moment we don't track properly who should be paying and who shouldn't and the result is it is costing British taxpayers a lot of money."

Mr Hunt rejected claims the levy was too low, suggesting it could raise £100m, which would pay for 1,000 GPs.

He will say later: "We have been clear that we are a national health service - not an international health service - and I am determined to wipe out abuse in the system.

"The NHS is a national treasure and we need to work with the entire health system to develop plans and make sure it is sustainable for years to come."

Mr Huntwill also outline plans to end free access to GPs for short-term visitors and pledge to cut the bill for treating tourists, which currently stands at £200m.

But he has already made clear foreign patients would not be refused treatment in an emergency. In those cases, efforts to recoup the money would be made later.

The changes are part of a Government-wide push to cut down on abuse of British services, but doctors warned they feared becoming a "form of immigration control".

Clare Gerada, chair of the Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: "I don't think we should be turning the GP surgery into a border agency."

Dr Gerada also warned immigrants with highly infectious conditions could end up "wandering around for fear of being charged" or going to more expensive emergency units, which could cost more.

And she accused the Government of failing to "find the facts" about the actual cost of NHS use by immigrants and launching a "rushed consultation".

"We need to make sure that what comes out the other end is sensible, proportionate and fair and doesn't cost us all much more money and put us at much more risk than the current situation which is one that, even at the worst estimates, is a tiny proportion of NHS costs," she said.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister David Cameron said immigrants could not expect "something for nothing" in the UK.

But shadow health minister Liz Kendall said: "In its three years in power, the Government has a poor record on announcing policies that sound good, but prove to be completely unworkable.

"We will have many questions to ask about the details when they are published, but the key tests for their proposals are: can they be properly enforced and will they save more money than they cost to put in place?

"The public and NHS staff must be confident that any new measures are about getting taxpayers a better deal and ensuring fairness, not playing politics with our NHS."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Postnatal Depression: Blood Test Breakthrough

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

British doctors have developed the first blood test for postnatal depression in a breakthrough that could ease the plight of tens of thousands of women who suffer from the condition every year, Sky News has learnt.

Doctors believe a £10 screening test they have developed – which could be administered as part of ordinary NHS antenatal checks – would allow women found to be at risk to receive treatment for the disease before they give birth.

Around 90,000 pregnant women a year - around one in seven - develop some level of depression in the first three months after giving birth.

In severe cases it can result in new mums committing suicide or harming their babies.

Professor Dimitris Grammatopoulos, who led the research at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said the research was "extremely important".

He said: "There is evidence that if you can identify women at risk early you could treat early or introduce measures to prevent or stop the process of the disease."

The early warning should mean that simple support from families and health professionals is enough to prevent symptoms developing.

A study of 200 pregnant women, published in the current edition of the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found two molecular "signatures" in the genes that increased the risk of postnatal depression by up to five times.

Although previous research has found genetic "markers" linked to the condition, this is the first time that genetic variations have been found in the hormonal pathway that triggers it.

The researchers believe that changes in oestrogen levels during pregnancy make women more sensitive to the stress hormone cortisol.

But whereas most women "reset" the hormonal imbalance soon after their baby is born, those with the genetic variations are unable to do so, leading to postnatal depression.

Prof Grammatopoulos said he could test women for the genetic changes for between £30 and £40.

But automating the test so that robots could screen large numbers of samples would bring the cost down to just £10.

And he is looking for further genetic changes, called single nucleotide polymorphisms, to increase the predictive power of the test.

He said blood samples already taken routinely in the early stages of pregnancy could then be screened.

"Usually we focus on the mother, but the negative impact on the child is also immense," Prof Grammatopoulos said.

Between a third and a half of women with postnatal depression develop severe symptoms.

Rachael Dobson, 24, said the new test could prevent other women suffering as she did.

She felt "useless as a mum" when her son Andreas was born three years ago.

As her sense of hopelessness grew, she considered suicide - or even harming her son.

Only when she began to consider killing him did she contact her health visitor.

She said: "I remember him crying loads and I'd tried everything in the book - feeding, winding, changing his nappy - because he would not be quiet.

"I just thought 'What if I smothered him?'. At least he would then be quiet and I could sort myself out.

"But within a split second you are almost scared yourself because how could you think that about a vulnerable baby."

Support from health professionals and her husband slowly improved her symptoms. But it has taken the best part of three years.

Mrs Dobson set up the Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support charity (Pandas), which runs a helpline: 0843 2898401.

:: Professor Grammatopoulos is now carrying out a larger study on 1,500 women to help refine the test. Pregnant women interested in taking part should email info@uhcw.nhs.uk

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shipley: Man Arrested Over Murder And Stabbing

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of an 84-year-old woman and the stabbing of a nine-year-old boy in a skate park in West Yorkshire.

Officers found the pensioner's body in a bedroom at her home in Prospect Mount, Shipley.

It followed reports that the boy had been attacked in the town's Carnegie skate park.

West Yorkshire Police said the woman, named as Louisa Denby, had suffered "numerous stab wounds".

The man, aged 26, was arrested at 4.10am on Tuesday in nearby Idle on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, a police spokesman said.

Another 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Three other local men, aged 18, 24 and 29, have been arrested over the incident in the skate park, the spokesman added.

The boy suffered chest and arm injuries when he was attacked at around 4.40pm on Monday.

He was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary where he is expected to undergo surgery.

He remains in a stable condition, police said.

After the attack on the boy, police launched a hunt for a white man, in his twenties, wearing a cap and glasses and believed to be carrying a walking stick.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt: President Morsi Rejects Army Ultimatum

Egypt's president Mohamed Morsi has rejected an ultimatum issued by the country's army threatening to intervene if he does not meet the demands of the people.

It came as US President Barack Obama spoke to the Egyptian leader, urging him to take steps to show he is responding to concerns of protesters - millions of whom took to the streets on Sunday demanding Mr Morsi step down.

At the same time it was confirmed the country's foreign minister, Mohammed Kamel Amr, had resigned.

He is the most senior politician to quit Mr Morsi's government after a series of cabinet ministers stood down on Monday.

The ministerial resignations deal a further blow to the president, who has been warned by the armed forces that he has 48 hours to solve the country's political crisis or face intervention.

Protesters, demanding Mr Morsi quit, camp out overnight in Tahrir Square

But Mr Morsi rejected the ultimatum, insisting he would continue on his path towards national reconciliation. He said the directive "could cause confusion in the complex national environment".

The army statement, read out on television Monday, said: "If the demands of the people are not met in this period ... (the armed forces) will announce a future roadmap and measures to oversee its implementation."

The statement received a rapturous welcome from Mr Morsi's opponents, still camped out in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Tamarod, the grassroots campaign behind Sunday's massive protests against the president, also hailed the statement by the armed forces which it said had "sided with the people".

It "will mean early presidential elections", Tamarod's spokesman Mahmud Badr said.

Egypt's army issued an ultimatum to Mr Morsi and his opponents

Responding to the army's ultimatum, the presidency also denounced any declaration that would "deepen division" and "threaten the social peace".

Mr Morsi was consulting "with all national forces to secure the path of democratic change and the protection of the popular will".

Referring to the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Hosni Mubarak, the presidency added: "The civil democratic Egyptian state is one of the most important achievements of the January 25 revolution.

"Egypt will absolutely not permit any step backward whatever the circumstances."

The White House meanwhile said Mr Obama had called Mr Morsi by telephone from Tanzania, during the final stop of his African tour, on Tuesday to express concerns over the escalating political crisis.

Mr Morsi says the army's directive to restore order is 'confusing'

Mr Obama told him Washington, a major military aid donor to Egypt, was committed to "the democratic process in Egypt and does not support any single party or group". 

He added that the "current crisis can only be resolved through a political process".

Sixteen people died in protests on Sunday, including eight in clashes between supporters and opponents of the president outside the Cairo headquarters of Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.

Early on Monday, protesters set the Brotherhood's headquarters ablaze before looting it.

Mr Morsi's opponents accuse him of having betrayed the revolution by concentrating power in Islamist hands and of sending the economy into freefall.

His supporters say he inherited many problems from a corrupt regime, and that he should be allowed to complete his term, which ends in 2016.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

MPs' Pay: Cameron Warns Against Big Rise

David Cameron has called for restraint on MPs' pay amid rumours they are in line for a bumper rise.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) is reported to be looking at an increase of around £7,500 or 15% which would take salaries to £75,000.

But the Prime Minister has insisted making Westminster more expensive to the taxpayer would be "unthinkable".

"Whatever Ipsa recommends, we can't see the cost of politics or Westminster going up. We should see the cost of Westminster go down," he said.

"Anything would be unthinkable unless the cost of politics was frozen and cut, so I'll wait and see what Ipsa have to say. What I said to Ipsa was that restraint is necessary."

Ipsa is due to announce the findings of a fundamental review into pay and perks later this month, although the main changes will not take effect until after the next general election.

David Cameron wants costs to go down

A survey released by the watchdog earlier this year found most MPs wanted to be paid £86,000, although some demanded more than £100,000.

Even the smaller rise of £7,500 would take their salaries to almost three times the national average of £26,500 and is likely to provoke public anger.

Taxpayers' salaries have risen by just 0.6% on average this year and many are struggling to cope with the rise in the cost of living.

The coalition has also enforced a major squeeze on public sector pay, with salary freezes and new measures in the Spending Review to scrap automatic rises.

Some argue that a significant increase is necessary to compensate for the clampdown on second-home expenses and to attract top quality people into Parliament.

But party leaders fear any such move would play very badly with the public, who are being hit by drastic austerity measures and meagre pay rises.

Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "MPs are already very well paid both in terms of European politicians and the average salary in this country.

"It would be particularly egregious for politicians to be handed a whopping great pay rise while hard-pressed taxpayers tighten their own belts.

"Ipsa must recognise that its own polling shows the public simply do not support an increase, nor would it be consistent for MPs to take a rise while rightly freezing pay elsewhere in the public sector."

Mr Cameron's comments came after sources close to Labour signalled leader Ed Miliband would make MPs accept a 1% pay rise if he won power in 2015.

However, the Government has little power to block the move because control of MPs' pay was handed to Ipsa after the expenses scandal.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude told Sky's Murnaghan programme on Sunday: "MPs' pay is a matter actually not even for Parliament these days.

"It's a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority that was set up in the wake of the expenses scandal."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Arizona Wildfire: 19 Firefighters Killed

A team of 19 elite firefighters have been killed while battling a fast-moving wildfire in Arizona.

The firefighters, 18 of whom are believed to have been from the specially-trained Granite Mountain Hotshots, were caught by the blaze near the central town of Yarnell.

They were hailed as "heroes" by US President Barack Obama, who said they "selflessly put themselves in harm's way to protect the lives and property of fellow citizens they would never meet".

The firefighters were confronted by a fast-moving blaze

The wildfire is the deadliest involving fatalities to fire crews since a blaze at Griffith Park, Los Angeles, nearly 70 years ago, according to figures from the National Fire Protection Association.

"We're devastated," Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo said. "We've just lost 19 of the finest people you'll ever meet."

Hotshot crews often hike long distances and carry chainsaws and backpacks filled with heavy gear to build lines of protection between people and fires.

They were forced to deploy their emergency shelters when confronted by the blaze.

"One of the last fail safe methods that a firefighter can do under those conditions is literally to dig as much as they can down and cover themselves with a protective … fire-resistant material," Mr Frajo said.

"The hope at least is that the fire will burn over the top of them and they can survive it. Under certain conditions there's ... a 50% chance they survive.

"It's an extreme measure that's taken under the absolute worst conditions."

Messages of condolence for the families of those who died have been left on a Facebook page set up in their memory.

Strong winds and low humidity allowed the blaze to spread quickly

"This awful tragedy really reminds us how dangerous a job firefighters have," wrote Lakyn Spivey. "They go to work every day to save lives, not knowing if they themselves will be coming home that day."

Natalie Minafore added: "My son is a firefighter and I cannot imagine the heartache these families must feel. These men are heroes."

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said the state had endured "as dark a day" as she could remember.

"It may be days or longer before an investigation reveals how this tragedy occurred, but the essence we already know in our hearts is that fighting fires is dangerous work," she said.

Hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the fire

According to local newspaper The Republic, around 250 homes - roughly half the town of Yarnell - were destroyed by the wildfire.

Federal government is assisting and President Obama pledged to provide state and local officials with all the support they need.

The blaze, which broke out on Friday, is thought to have been triggered by a lightning strike.

Hot, gusty winds blew the fire out of control over the weekend, as flames ripped through 2,000 acres of dry land.

More follows...

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smethwick Fire: Massive Blaze At Recycling Plant

A blaze at a plastic recycling factory, described by firefighters as one of the biggest ever seen in the West Midlands, is believed to have been started by a single Chinese lantern.

Around 200 firefighters have been tackling the blaze at the site in Smethwick, on the outskirts of Birmingham.

An estimated 100,000 tonnes of recycling material and a factory unit are on fire, and crews have been battling to stop the flames spreading to neighbouring businesses.

Vij Randeniya, chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service, told Sky News: "We believe a Chinese lantern dropped onto some bales of plastic and, looking at CCTV, it would appear that was the cause.

"Chinese lanterns have been involved in a number of incidents and firefighters have been campaigning for there to be better controls.

"They look really nice but they do pose a danger."

Two firefighters were taken to hospital and several more were treated at the scene, although their injuries are thought to be minor.

Mr Randeniya said firefighters were tackling "one of the largest fires we've experienced", with intense heat released from the burning plastics.

"These are difficult fires to extinguish and we anticipate being here for a number of days," he said.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Salford Body: Woman Found Murdered In Home

A murder investigation is under way after the body of a woman was found at her home in Salford.

Linzi Ashton, 25, was found dead after police were called to a home in Westbourne Road, in Winton, shortly before 6pm on Friday.

A post-mortem examination has yet to take place.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton said: "A young woman has been murdered and our thoughts are with her family and friends at what is obviously a totally devastating time for them.

"While it would not be appropriate for us to comment on how she died at this time, a full and thorough post-mortem examination will be taking place in due course to establish exactly how and when she died and following that we will be in a better position to provide more information.

"I want to reassure her loved ones as well as those in the local community that we have a team of highly skilled detectives already working on this case but if anyone has any information they think can assist please call us.

"There will be extra officers in the area to offer reassurance so please talk to them if you have any concerns or want to provide us with any information."

:: Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heatwave: Mercury Soars In Western US States

A blazing heatwave has gripped the western states of America, where the mercury has risen to near-record highs in Las Vegas, Arizona, Nevada and California.

Temperatures in sunbaked Las Vegas are expected to eclipse the record high of 47.2C this weekend. Phoenix is also expected to hit that mark.

Large swathes of California have sweltered under extreme heat warnings, which are expected to last into Tuesday night.

A sign warns of extreme heat in Death Valley National Park

Forecasters predict Death Valley will reach 53C during the heatwave that has also affected large parts of the US.

Death Valley's record high of 56C, set a century ago, stands as the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.

The heat was too much for some festival-goers at the 19th Annual Vans Warped Tour event in Las Vegas.

Authorities say 200 people were treated for heat-related problems as temperatures soared at the outdoor concert.

Lisa Hunter, of Scotland, was overcome by the heat in Las Vegas

Lisa Hunter flew into Las Vegas for the festival from her home in Scotland. She was overcome by the scorching heat just two hours after she arrived.

"I just felt faint, I couldn't see, I couldn't hear and next thing I know I'm here," Ms Hunter told CBS News from the festival's first aid tent.

In California, National Weather Service meteorologist John Dumas said cooling ocean breezes have not been travelling far enough inland to fan Southern California's overheated valleys and deserts.

A tourist protects herself from the sun on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Cooling stations have been set up to shelter the homeless and elderly people who can not afford to run their air conditioners.

At least seven people have been found dead in the last week in Arizona after falling victim to the brutal desert heat.

Scientists say that the jet stream, the river of air that dictates weather patterns, has been more erratic in the past few years.

It is responsible for weather systems getting stuck, like the current heatwave. Scientists disagree on whether global warming is the cause of the jet stream's behaviour.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Meat From Diseased Cattle Sold By Defra

Meat from cattle slaughtered after testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is being sold for human consumption by Defra, the food and farming ministry has said.

The meat is banned by most supermarkets and burger chains, The Sunday Times reported.

Tesco, for example, rejects it because of "public-health concerns surrounding the issue of bTB and its risk to consumers".

But carcasses from around 28,000 diseased animals are sold to caterers and food processors every year.

The meat then finds its way into schools, hospitals and the military, or is used in products such as pies and pasties, the newspaper said.

A Defra spokeswoman said: "All meat from cattle slaughtered due to bovine TB must undergo rigorous food safety checks before it can be passed fit for consumption.

"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed there are no known cases where TB has been transmitted through eating meat and the risk of infection from eating meat, even if raw or undercooked, remains extremely low."

Cattle which test positive for bTB must be slaughtered. Unless a private slaughter is arranged, the animals are taken to slaughter by Defra, which then pays compensation to farmers based on the market value.

Compensation ranges from £81 for a dairy calf up to £1,717 for an older breeding bull. Payments for pedigree cattle vary from £639 to £4,471.

Meat from slaughtered cattle is sold with no warning to processors or consumers that it comes from a bTB-infected herd.

Asked whether the public should know whether or not the meat they are buying originated from a diseased cow, a spokeswoman for the FSA said: "The public do not need to know anything more about that meat other than it is fit for human consumption."

If an inspection of a carcass reveals tuberculous lesions in more than one organ or region it is declared unfit for human consumption and destroyed, she explained.

But if only the lymph nodes in one organ or part of the carcass is infected, then that area is removed and the rest is considered safe to enter the food chain.

She added: "Cooking this meat would be an additional safety step, but we would emphasise the risk even before cooking is very low."

The Sunday Times claimed Defra's reassurances contrasted with experts' warnings that rising levels of bTB in cattle are becoming a serious threat to human health.

Such claims have been used to justify a cull of tens of thousands of badgers which are said by some to help spread the disease between cattle.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More