Thursday, May 4, 2017

Obama endorses Macron in French Presidential election

Former US President Barack Obama has endorsed French Presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron ahead of Sunday's second round in the country's election.


It's a highly unusual move, but the former President says it reflects the high stakes in the weekend battle between the centrist Mr. Macron and the far-right Marine Le Pen.


From Washington, Simon Marks reports.


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President Obama delivered his endorsement in a video message to the French people.

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European Commission dismisses UK election interference claims

The European Commission's spokesperson has dismissed Theresa May's claims that Brussels was seeking to interfere in the UK general election as electioneering. 
May delivered an unexpected attack on unnamed EU figures on Wednesday.
Our Europe correspondent Elena Casas reports from Brussels.

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PRINCE PHILIP RETIRES FROM PUBLIC LIFE

In the UK, the Queen's husband Prince Philip is stepping down from public life at the age of 95.

The announcement came after the royal household gathered at Buckingham Palace to be told the news.

Olly Barratt is there.

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Olly Barratt is there.

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Justin Bieber makes demands ahead of India concert

Justin Bieber has made a long list of demands ahead of his concert in India next Wednesday, including reportedly asking for a jacuzzi backstage, and for a masseuse to be flown in from Kerala. 

The concert in Mumbai will be the Canadian pop star's debut show in India.

Our correspondent Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai.

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Prince Philip to step down from all royal duties

Britain's Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth the Second is reported to be retiring from all royal duties from the autumn.    The Duke of Edinburgh will attend scheduled engagements but won't be accepting any new invitations.   

The announcement comes after an emergency meeting of the Queen's most senior aids.   From London, Catherine Drew reports. 


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Adele's fortunes rise but Rich List still dominated by older men

British pop star Adele has become the richest solo female musician in the UK and Ireland according to the Sunday Times Rich List.   Her fortune rose from  109 million dollars to over 160 million after a global arena tour and increased album sales, making her the richest musician under the age of 30.

However she is joint 19th in the newspapers annual wealth survey, in a list which is dominated by older men and topped by Sir Paul McCartney.    From London, Catherine Drew reports.


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Europol says Islamic State is working to set up social media platform

The Islamic State group is trying to develop its own social media platform according the the head of the EU's policing agency.

The revelation came during a 48 hour operation by Europol looking at online extremism.

Our Europe correspondent Jack Parrock reports.

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE MEETING 'NOT A CAUSE FOR CONCERN'

A meeting of royal household staff at Buckingham Palace in London is understood not to be a 'cause for concern.'

Speculation about the health of senior UK royals took hold of social media as news of the meeting was reported.

UK Correspondent Olly Barratt has more.

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Indian village bans women from using cell phones, imposes $320 fine

A village in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has prohibited women from using cell phones in public. Those found violating the rule will be fined $320. 

Village elders believe this new decree will ensure women don't interact with men.
 
Our India correspondent Neha Poonia reports
 
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Poll: Macron Winner of Heated Debate

A poll done immediately after an extremely contentious debate shows the majority of French voters thought centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron out performed his rival.

Wednesday night's debate—which was filled with vicious barbs and name calling—was the last before the French head vote this weekend to pick their next president.

Our Europe Correspondent Kevin Ozebek has more from Brussels. 

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Second day of fourth round of Astana talks underway

LEAD:


Peace talks on Syria in the Kazakh capital of Astana are entering their second day on Thursday.  This is the fourth round of negotiations between the Syrian government delegation and representatives of the Syrian armed opposition, which also include representatives of the United Nations, United States and Jordan.  Julia Lyubova reports from Moscow.


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French Presidential candidates exchange verbal blows in TV debate

The final two candidates in the French Presidential election locked horns in their first televised debate.

Voters go to the polls on Sunday to choose either independent centrist Emmanuel Macron or far-right Front National candidate Marine Le Pen

The Guardian newspaper's European Affairs Correspondent, John Henley, says Le Pen was on the offensive from the outset...

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Town where 3-year old Madeleine McCann disappeared marks 10th anniversary


'We miss her every day' - the words of Madeleine McCann's parents as they marked the 10th anniversary of her disappearance.

Madeline was just just three years old when she went missing during a family holiday in Portugal

A service was held in the town where the incident occurred, Haynes Hubbard was a priest working in the resort a decade ago...

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Australian PM in the Big Apple to meet with Trump

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has touched down in New York
for a visit with US president Donald Trump and to attend an event
commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Arthur Stevens has more

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House Republicans to vote on Healthcare Bill


The US House of Representatives is scheduling a vote Thursday for a Republican measure to repeal and replace the Affordable Health Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

The big sticking point on its path to a vote were concerns over coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.

Kevin McAleese reports from Washington


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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Hillary Clinton did nothing unlawful - FBI Director Comey

FBI Director James Comey has now explained to the U.S. Congress why the final twists and turns in the investigation into the use of a private email server were so important in determining that Hillary Clinton did nothing unlawful.

He told lawmakers that he felt mildly nauseous that he might have had an impact on the election, but he faced an impossible choice.

Our U.S. correspondent Priscilla Huff reports:

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UNSG calls for end to crackdowns against journalists on World Press Freedom Day

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (goo-teh-resh) is calling for an end to all crackdowns against journalists.


In his message marking World Press Freedom Day this May 3rd, the UN Chief said that free press advances peace and justice for all. 


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Palestinian President in Washington, Trump reaffirms commitment to brokering peace deal


US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to brokering a historic peace deal between Israel and Palestine.

He was speaking alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a joint statement during his visit to the White House.

Our Washington correspondent Giles Gibson has more:

Pres. Trump building wall as promised

The White House continues to insist a wall along the border with Mexico is the best way to keep America safe, reduce illegal drugs and reduce illegal immigration.

Reporters have asked Sean Spicer pointed questions over whether a wall or a fence is under construction - or just sections being repaired with funds allocated in the latest spending compromise.

Spokesman Sean Spicer, after pointing to a series of photographs, insists President Trump's campaign promise is being fulfilled.

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Health care legislation hung up on pre-existing conditions

U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is currently stuck on how to handle insuring the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions.

Some Republicans have suggested that financial support should not be guaranteed for so-called lifestyle choices.

While others - including late night chat show host Jimmy Kimmel - note that millions are born with genetic conditions over which they have little control, but need medical care.

With Republicans wrangling over language, White House spokesman Sean Spicer insisted coverage and support will be maintained for all Americans with pre-existing medical conditions.

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