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Filibuster_HK
France to cut number of lawmakers by 30 percent
http://www.dw.com/en/france-to-cut-number-of-lawmakers-by-30-percent/a-43257954
French President Emmanuel Macron appears to be making made good on a campaign promise by drawing up legislation that would cut the number of lawmakers by 30 per cent.
The reforms were announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, who said the measures would speed up the lawmaking process and give under-represented groups more of a voice in the National Assembly.
The plans, which would need to be approved by both houses, would prevent lawmakers and most mayors from holding office more than three times in a row. Only Mayors from towns of less than 9,000 inhabitants would be allow to remain longer, Philippe tweeted.
Philippe added that the measures would include the introduction of proportional representation for 15 percent of National Assembly seats in the 2022 legislative election.
http://www.dw.com/en/france-to-cut-number-of-lawmakers-by-30-percent/a-43257954
French President Emmanuel Macron appears to be making made good on a campaign promise by drawing up legislation that would cut the number of lawmakers by 30 per cent.
The reforms were announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, who said the measures would speed up the lawmaking process and give under-represented groups more of a voice in the National Assembly.
The plans, which would need to be approved by both houses, would prevent lawmakers and most mayors from holding office more than three times in a row. Only Mayors from towns of less than 9,000 inhabitants would be allow to remain longer, Philippe tweeted.
Philippe added that the measures would include the introduction of proportional representation for 15 percent of National Assembly seats in the 2022 legislative election.
Filibuster_HK
Sierra Leone: Challenger Julius Maada Bio narrowly wins presidential election
http://www.dw.com/en/sierra-leone-challenger-julius-maada-bio-narrowly-wins-presidential-election/a-43258318
The Sierra Leone electoral commission on Wednesday declared opposition candidate Julius Maada Bio the winner of a tightly-contested presidential election run-off.
Bio, of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), claimed almost 52 percent of votes cast in the poll carried out on March 31, the chairman of the country's National Electoral Commission said. The opposition challenger defeated the ruling All People's Congress candidate Samura Kamara, who won just over 48 percent.
Just over 2.5 million people, or around 81 percent of eligible registered voters, cast their ballots in the presidential vote.
http://www.dw.com/en/sierra-leone-challenger-julius-maada-bio-narrowly-wins-presidential-election/a-43258318
The Sierra Leone electoral commission on Wednesday declared opposition candidate Julius Maada Bio the winner of a tightly-contested presidential election run-off.
Bio, of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), claimed almost 52 percent of votes cast in the poll carried out on March 31, the chairman of the country's National Electoral Commission said. The opposition challenger defeated the ruling All People's Congress candidate Samura Kamara, who won just over 48 percent.
Just over 2.5 million people, or around 81 percent of eligible registered voters, cast their ballots in the presidential vote.
Filibuster_HK
Donald Trump orders National Guard to US-Mexico border
http://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-orders-national-guard-to-us-mexico-border/a-43258160
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a proclamation deploying National Guard troops to the Mexican border.
The White House said the move would tighten security at the southern border and help local officials combat drug crime and illegal immigration.
Trump said that in a memorandum to Cabinet members that the "situation at the border has now reached a point of crisis."
Trump will still need congressional approval before National Guard troops make their way to the border, as federal law prohibits active-duty soldiers to be deployed inside the US without authorization from Congress.
http://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-orders-national-guard-to-us-mexico-border/a-43258160
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a proclamation deploying National Guard troops to the Mexican border.
The White House said the move would tighten security at the southern border and help local officials combat drug crime and illegal immigration.
Trump said that in a memorandum to Cabinet members that the "situation at the border has now reached a point of crisis."
Trump will still need congressional approval before National Guard troops make their way to the border, as federal law prohibits active-duty soldiers to be deployed inside the US without authorization from Congress.
Filibuster_HK
Brazil's Lula faces jail for corruption after supreme court ruling
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/05/brazil-former-president-lula-jail-corruption-supreme-court-ruling
Brazil’s supreme court has rejected the former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s plea to avoid prison while he appeals a corruption conviction, in a move that likely ends his political career and deepens divisions in the country.
The pivotal vote was cast by Justice Rosa Weber against Lula’s request to avoid jail and begin serving his 12-year sentence for accepting bribes. Weber was seen as the only swing vote and her decision sealed Lula’s fate. He may be jailed within a week.
Lula has said he is innocent and the charges are politically motivated to prevent him from running for president again.
The decision is a serious blow to the political survival of Brazil’s first working-class president, whose career from a factory shop floor to high office is sinking in the corruption scandals that have rocked the political establishment and especially his Workers’ Party, which held power from 2003 until 2016.
Lula was found guilty last year and for accepting bribes worth 3.7m reais (£790,000) from OAS, the amount of money prosecutors said the construction company spent refurbishing a beach apartment for Lula in return for his help winning contracts with the state-run oil company Petrobras.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/05/brazil-former-president-lula-jail-corruption-supreme-court-ruling
Brazil’s supreme court has rejected the former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s plea to avoid prison while he appeals a corruption conviction, in a move that likely ends his political career and deepens divisions in the country.
The pivotal vote was cast by Justice Rosa Weber against Lula’s request to avoid jail and begin serving his 12-year sentence for accepting bribes. Weber was seen as the only swing vote and her decision sealed Lula’s fate. He may be jailed within a week.
Lula has said he is innocent and the charges are politically motivated to prevent him from running for president again.
The decision is a serious blow to the political survival of Brazil’s first working-class president, whose career from a factory shop floor to high office is sinking in the corruption scandals that have rocked the political establishment and especially his Workers’ Party, which held power from 2003 until 2016.
Lula was found guilty last year and for accepting bribes worth 3.7m reais (£790,000) from OAS, the amount of money prosecutors said the construction company spent refurbishing a beach apartment for Lula in return for his help winning contracts with the state-run oil company Petrobras.
Filibuster_HK
Donald Trump vows to slap another $100 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports
http://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-vows-to-slap-another-100-billion-in-tariffs-on-chinese-imports/a-43275125
US President Donald Trump vowed on Thursday to double down in his tit-for-tat trade rift with China by imposing further tariffs of up to $100 billion (€82 billion) on Chinese imports.
Trump's latest move in his bubbling trade war with China comes after he already called for $50 billion-worth of Chinese goods to be punitively taxed.
Trump's latest move came after Beijing unveiled a list of politically sensitive US goods that could face tariff hikes, including soybeans and small aircraft, should US tariffs enter force.
Trump said that "in light of China's unfair retaliation" he had instructed the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to "consider whether $100 billion of additional tariffs would be appropriate."
http://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-vows-to-slap-another-100-billion-in-tariffs-on-chinese-imports/a-43275125
US President Donald Trump vowed on Thursday to double down in his tit-for-tat trade rift with China by imposing further tariffs of up to $100 billion (€82 billion) on Chinese imports.
Trump's latest move in his bubbling trade war with China comes after he already called for $50 billion-worth of Chinese goods to be punitively taxed.
Trump's latest move came after Beijing unveiled a list of politically sensitive US goods that could face tariff hikes, including soybeans and small aircraft, should US tariffs enter force.
Trump said that "in light of China's unfair retaliation" he had instructed the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to "consider whether $100 billion of additional tariffs would be appropriate."
Filibuster_HK
Italy fails to form coalition government
http://www.dw.com/en/italy-fails-to-form-coalition-government/a-43272072
Italy again failed to form a coalition government after two days of talks came to an end on Thursday.
Italy had a general election on March 4 resulting in a hung parliament, since which once-fringe parties have squabbled over who should lead a potential coalition.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League, or Lega — formerly known as Northern League, or Lega Nord in Italian — party, said the only feasible government he sees is a coalition between his party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S).
http://www.dw.com/en/italy-fails-to-form-coalition-government/a-43272072
Italy again failed to form a coalition government after two days of talks came to an end on Thursday.
Italy had a general election on March 4 resulting in a hung parliament, since which once-fringe parties have squabbled over who should lead a potential coalition.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League, or Lega — formerly known as Northern League, or Lega Nord in Italian — party, said the only feasible government he sees is a coalition between his party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S).
Filibuster_HK
韓半島新聞平台
https://www.facebook.com/knewsonline/
【速報】因「親信干政」案牽扯出青瓦台涉嫌施壓財閥捐款給崔順實，而構成賄賂、濫權與要脅，朴槿惠前總統一審遭判24年徒刑、並處罰金180億韓元。
請持續留意《韓半島新聞平台》，稍後將有緊急特稿。
【南韓大審】前總統朴槿惠一審重判24年 賄賂等16項罪名成立
https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20180406int_park_first_trial_setence-1/?
2016年下半年，朴槿惠前總統密友崔順實，被揭發在幕後經手干預政務運作，並牽扯出朴前總統透過青瓦台秘書官，向南韓各大財閥施壓，捐款給崔順實所主導的MIR及K體育基金會，並提供資金給崔順實女兒從事馬術訓練。民心憤怒下，朴總統最後被彈劾下台，並遭收押至今超過一年。
法院今年2月認定，三星集團副會長李在鎔提供給兩個基金會、共204億韓元的捐款不構成賄賂，讓李在鎔二審獲得緩刑，卻未因此抹除朴前總統在當中所扮演的主動角色。
朴前總統涉及18項嫌疑，其中施壓包括三星、現代、樂天、SK與KT等各大財閥出錢支援崔順實佔5項，涉及金額達774億韓元（約新台幣22.1億元），而她也被指控要求開立黑名單，封殺發表過批判政府言論的藝文人士。
從賄賂與黑名單案中，又延伸出濫權與妨礙權力行使等嫌疑，還有介入脅迫施壓財閥人事案，以及崔順實平板電腦中，暴露出各項政府機密文件，構成公務員洩密，對這些嫌疑，法院最終也都認定有罪。
https://www.facebook.com/knewsonline/
【速報】因「親信干政」案牽扯出青瓦台涉嫌施壓財閥捐款給崔順實，而構成賄賂、濫權與要脅，朴槿惠前總統一審遭判24年徒刑、並處罰金180億韓元。
請持續留意《韓半島新聞平台》，稍後將有緊急特稿。
【南韓大審】前總統朴槿惠一審重判24年 賄賂等16項罪名成立
https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20180406int_park_first_trial_setence-1/?
2016年下半年，朴槿惠前總統密友崔順實，被揭發在幕後經手干預政務運作，並牽扯出朴前總統透過青瓦台秘書官，向南韓各大財閥施壓，捐款給崔順實所主導的MIR及K體育基金會，並提供資金給崔順實女兒從事馬術訓練。民心憤怒下，朴總統最後被彈劾下台，並遭收押至今超過一年。
法院今年2月認定，三星集團副會長李在鎔提供給兩個基金會、共204億韓元的捐款不構成賄賂，讓李在鎔二審獲得緩刑，卻未因此抹除朴前總統在當中所扮演的主動角色。
朴前總統涉及18項嫌疑，其中施壓包括三星、現代、樂天、SK與KT等各大財閥出錢支援崔順實佔5項，涉及金額達774億韓元（約新台幣22.1億元），而她也被指控要求開立黑名單，封殺發表過批判政府言論的藝文人士。
從賄賂與黑名單案中，又延伸出濫權與妨礙權力行使等嫌疑，還有介入脅迫施壓財閥人事案，以及崔順實平板電腦中，暴露出各項政府機密文件，構成公務員洩密，對這些嫌疑，法院最終也都認定有罪。
Filibuster_HK
Trump administration hits 24 Russians with sanctions over 'malign activity'
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/apr/06/trump-russia-sanctions-election-meddling-latest
The Trump administration announced new sanctions on seven Russian oligarchs and 17 top government officials on Friday, in a move that targets Vladimir Putin’s inner circle for “malign activity” including meddling in the 2016 US election and other aggressions.
The new economic sanctions represent the most forceful action yet taken by the Trump administration against Putin’s circle.
Senior Trump administration officials cast the penalties as part of a concerted and ongoing effort by the US to push back Putin’s government, emphasizing that since Trump took office last year, the US has punished 189 Russian-related people and entities with sanctions.
Trump has been under pressure from Congress to respond more forcefully to Russian aggression in the US. In recent weeks his administration has rolled out a series of actions including several economic and diplomatic steps to increase pressure on Putin and those in his circle.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/apr/06/trump-russia-sanctions-election-meddling-latest
The Trump administration announced new sanctions on seven Russian oligarchs and 17 top government officials on Friday, in a move that targets Vladimir Putin’s inner circle for “malign activity” including meddling in the 2016 US election and other aggressions.
The new economic sanctions represent the most forceful action yet taken by the Trump administration against Putin’s circle.
Senior Trump administration officials cast the penalties as part of a concerted and ongoing effort by the US to push back Putin’s government, emphasizing that since Trump took office last year, the US has punished 189 Russian-related people and entities with sanctions.
Trump has been under pressure from Congress to respond more forcefully to Russian aggression in the US. In recent weeks his administration has rolled out a series of actions including several economic and diplomatic steps to increase pressure on Putin and those in his circle.
Filibuster_HK
Zuma in the dock: South Africa's ex-president faces corruption charges
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/06/south-africa-jacob-zuma-court-corruption-charges
Former president Jacob Zuma has appeared in court in South Africa to face corruption charges relating to a multibillion-dollar arms deal that took place 20 years ago.
Zuma, who was ousted as head of state in February, attended a brief preliminary hearing at the high court in Durban, a city on the south-east coast.
The case against Zuma centres on 783 individual payments from his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, who was jailed for corruption in relation to the arms deal.
Charges against Zuma were filed but then set aside by the National Prosecuting Authority shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009. The charges were reinstated in 2016. A summons was issued to Zuma within weeks of his ouster.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/06/south-africa-jacob-zuma-court-corruption-charges
Former president Jacob Zuma has appeared in court in South Africa to face corruption charges relating to a multibillion-dollar arms deal that took place 20 years ago.
Zuma, who was ousted as head of state in February, attended a brief preliminary hearing at the high court in Durban, a city on the south-east coast.
The case against Zuma centres on 783 individual payments from his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, who was jailed for corruption in relation to the arms deal.
Charges against Zuma were filed but then set aside by the National Prosecuting Authority shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009. The charges were reinstated in 2016. A summons was issued to Zuma within weeks of his ouster.
Filibuster_HK
Five Star Movement (M5S) courts Democratic Party (PD) for Italian coalition
http://www.dw.com/en/five-star-movement-m5s-courts-democratic-party-pd-for-italian-coalition/a-43291746
Five Star Movement (M5S) leader Luigi Di Maio called on his Democratic Party (PD) rivals to "bury the hatchet" and consider a governing coalition with his party. Di Maio made the overture in an interview with newspaper La Repubblica, published on Saturday.
Italy has found itself in a political deadlock, after the results of the March 4 general elections yielded no clear winner and no obvious path to the formation of a new government.
Last week, President Sergio Mattarella led the first round of talks with political leaders to try to resolve the issue, but no solution was found.
The leader of M5S said to La Repubblica that he believed there exist "many more points of agreement than one may think," between his party and the PD, despite the fact that the two parties have been bitter foes. Di Maio expressed a willingness to stop the fighting, suggesting that both parties should sit at the negotiation table to "reason and find a project together that can provide solutions."
The immediate response of PD's interim leader Maurizio Martina was unwelcoming, declaring that his party should "faithfully and coherently" stick to its decision to remain in opposition. But outgoing Culture Minister and former PD leader Dario Franceschini expressed openness, writing on Twitter that the party needed "to reflect" on the "political news" that Di Maio's interview represented.
http://www.dw.com/en/five-star-movement-m5s-courts-democratic-party-pd-for-italian-coalition/a-43291746
Five Star Movement (M5S) leader Luigi Di Maio called on his Democratic Party (PD) rivals to "bury the hatchet" and consider a governing coalition with his party. Di Maio made the overture in an interview with newspaper La Repubblica, published on Saturday.
Italy has found itself in a political deadlock, after the results of the March 4 general elections yielded no clear winner and no obvious path to the formation of a new government.
Last week, President Sergio Mattarella led the first round of talks with political leaders to try to resolve the issue, but no solution was found.
The leader of M5S said to La Repubblica that he believed there exist "many more points of agreement than one may think," between his party and the PD, despite the fact that the two parties have been bitter foes. Di Maio expressed a willingness to stop the fighting, suggesting that both parties should sit at the negotiation table to "reason and find a project together that can provide solutions."
The immediate response of PD's interim leader Maurizio Martina was unwelcoming, declaring that his party should "faithfully and coherently" stick to its decision to remain in opposition. But outgoing Culture Minister and former PD leader Dario Franceschini expressed openness, writing on Twitter that the party needed "to reflect" on the "political news" that Di Maio's interview represented.
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Filibuster_HK
Syrian and allied forces enter rebel-held Douma in eastern Ghouta
http://www.dw.com/en/syrian-and-allied-forces-enter-rebel-held-douma-in-eastern-ghouta/a-43289629
Syrian government forces and their Russian allies captured several farms in Douma city on Saturday as they continued their offensive into the last rebel-controlled pocket of territory in eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus.
Airstrikes killed eight civilians, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, raising the civilian death toll in Douma to 48 since the offensive began on Friday.
The offensive started after the evacuation of civilians and rebel fighters from Douma was halted on Thursday following a break down in talks between Jaysh and the Syrian government and Russia.
Unlike other opposition groups that had controlled territory in eastern Ghouta, Jaysh has resisted any talk of leaving Douma for rebel-controlled areas in northern Syria.
http://www.dw.com/en/syrian-and-allied-forces-enter-rebel-held-douma-in-eastern-ghouta/a-43289629
Syrian government forces and their Russian allies captured several farms in Douma city on Saturday as they continued their offensive into the last rebel-controlled pocket of territory in eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus.
Airstrikes killed eight civilians, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, raising the civilian death toll in Douma to 48 since the offensive began on Friday.
The offensive started after the evacuation of civilians and rebel fighters from Douma was halted on Thursday following a break down in talks between Jaysh and the Syrian government and Russia.
Unlike other opposition groups that had controlled territory in eastern Ghouta, Jaysh has resisted any talk of leaving Douma for rebel-controlled areas in northern Syria.
Filibuster_HK
Brazil ex-president Lula negotiating surrender with police
http://www.dw.com/en/brazil-ex-president-lula-negotiating-surrender-with-police/a-43288830
The lawyers of Brazil's disgraced former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were negotiating the terms of his surrender with federal police on Friday after he missed the 5 p.m. (2000 UTC/GMT) deadline to hand himself in.
Lula was supposed to report to local authorities in the city of Curitiba, where a relatively luxurious cell was waiting to usher him in to a 12-year prison sentence for his corruption conviction.
It's now likely that Lula will turn himself in later on Saturday after first attending a Mass for his late wife. Police in Sao Paulo did not say if they would try to forcibly take the former president into custody.
http://www.dw.com/en/brazil-ex-president-lula-negotiating-surrender-with-police/a-43288830
The lawyers of Brazil's disgraced former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were negotiating the terms of his surrender with federal police on Friday after he missed the 5 p.m. (2000 UTC/GMT) deadline to hand himself in.
Lula was supposed to report to local authorities in the city of Curitiba, where a relatively luxurious cell was waiting to usher him in to a 12-year prison sentence for his corruption conviction.
It's now likely that Lula will turn himself in later on Saturday after first attending a Mass for his late wife. Police in Sao Paulo did not say if they would try to forcibly take the former president into custody.
Filibuster_HK
Van drives into crowd in German city of Münster causing deaths and injuries
http://www.dw.com/en/van-drives-into-crowd-in-german-city-of-m%C3%BCnster-causing-deaths-and-injuries/a-43292819
Several people have died after a van drove into a crowd in central Münster in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia on Saturday, according to local police.
"Some people have died and some have been injured," police wrote on Twitter. They added that officers and first responders were on the scene and asked the public to stay away from the old part of the city.
"We have a major police presence at the scene," police said. "You support us by avoiding the area and refraining from any speculation."
http://www.dw.com/en/van-drives-into-crowd-in-german-city-of-m%C3%BCnster-causing-deaths-and-injuries/a-43292819
Several people have died after a van drove into a crowd in central Münster in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia on Saturday, according to local police.
"Some people have died and some have been injured," police wrote on Twitter. They added that officers and first responders were on the scene and asked the public to stay away from the old part of the city.
"We have a major police presence at the scene," police said. "You support us by avoiding the area and refraining from any speculation."
Filibuster_HK
Man drives van into restaurant in Germany, killing two plus himself
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-crash/man-drives-van-into-restaurant-in-germany-killing-two-plus-himself-idUSKBN1HE0IQ
MUENSTER, Germany (Reuters) - A German man drove a van into a group of people sitting outside a restaurant in the old city center of Muenster in western Germany on Saturday, killing two of them before shooting himself dead, police and state officials said.
Herbert Reul, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, home to Muenster, told German television the suspect was a German citizen and there was “no indication of an Islamist background”.
Broadcaster ZDF said police were searching his apartment and that he had contact with far-right extremists, but there was no evidence thus far that he was a far-right extremist himself.
The Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the man had psychological problems. The Interior Ministry in North Rhine-Westphalia would neither confirm nor deny the report.
Bode said investigators were looking at the possibility that other suspects fled the scene, though they had no evidence that this was the case, he added.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-crash/man-drives-van-into-restaurant-in-germany-killing-two-plus-himself-idUSKBN1HE0IQ
MUENSTER, Germany (Reuters) - A German man drove a van into a group of people sitting outside a restaurant in the old city center of Muenster in western Germany on Saturday, killing two of them before shooting himself dead, police and state officials said.
Herbert Reul, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, home to Muenster, told German television the suspect was a German citizen and there was “no indication of an Islamist background”.
Broadcaster ZDF said police were searching his apartment and that he had contact with far-right extremists, but there was no evidence thus far that he was a far-right extremist himself.
The Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the man had psychological problems. The Interior Ministry in North Rhine-Westphalia would neither confirm nor deny the report.
Bode said investigators were looking at the possibility that other suspects fled the scene, though they had no evidence that this was the case, he added.
Filibuster_HK
Deadly gas attack reported on Syrian rebel enclave, Damascus denies
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/deadly-gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel group accused government forces on Saturday of launching a deadly chemical attack on civilians in a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta, and a medical relief organization said 35 people had been killed in chemical attacks on the area.
The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation and that Russia should be blamed if chemicals were used.
Reuters could not independently verify reports of a chemical attack.
A U.S. State Department official in a statement said the Syrian government’s history of using chemical weapons against its own people “was not in dispute”. “Russia ultimately bears responsibility for the brutal targeting of countless Syrians with chemical weapons,” the official said.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/deadly-gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel group accused government forces on Saturday of launching a deadly chemical attack on civilians in a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta, and a medical relief organization said 35 people had been killed in chemical attacks on the area.
The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation and that Russia should be blamed if chemicals were used.
Reuters could not independently verify reports of a chemical attack.
A U.S. State Department official in a statement said the Syrian government’s history of using chemical weapons against its own people “was not in dispute”. “Russia ultimately bears responsibility for the brutal targeting of countless Syrians with chemical weapons,” the official said.
Filibuster_HK
Hungarians expected to grant third term to nationalist PM Orban in election
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hungary-election/hungarians-expected-to-grant-third-term-to-nationalist-pm-orban-in-election-idUSKBN1HE0UC
http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/HUNGARY-ELECTION/0100619X2QP/index.html
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarians are set to reelect Viktor Orban, a hard-liner on immigration, for a third straight term in a Sunday election that could help solidify anti-migrant positions in Central European governments.
After an acrimonious campaign in which Orban has projected himself as a savior of Hungary’s Christian culture against Muslim migration into Europe, all opinion polls put his Fidesz party well ahead.
A strong victory could embolden him to put more muscle into a Central European alliance against the European Union’s migration policies. Orban, Hungary’s longest-serving post-communist premier, strongly opposes deeper integration of the bloc.
A landslide win would make Orban feel vindicated in his decision to run a single-issue campaign, arguing that migration posed a big security threat. Orban’s critics said his stance has fueled xenophobia in Hungary.
According to a poll by Zavech research institute published on Friday, Fidesz had 46 percent support among decided voters, while former far-right Jobbik, which has reshaped its image into a more moderate force, had 19 percent. The Socialists came in third with 14 percent. Voter turnout was estimated between 64 and 68 percent.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hungary-election/hungarians-expected-to-grant-third-term-to-nationalist-pm-orban-in-election-idUSKBN1HE0UC
http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/HUNGARY-ELECTION/0100619X2QP/index.html
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarians are set to reelect Viktor Orban, a hard-liner on immigration, for a third straight term in a Sunday election that could help solidify anti-migrant positions in Central European governments.
After an acrimonious campaign in which Orban has projected himself as a savior of Hungary’s Christian culture against Muslim migration into Europe, all opinion polls put his Fidesz party well ahead.
A strong victory could embolden him to put more muscle into a Central European alliance against the European Union’s migration policies. Orban, Hungary’s longest-serving post-communist premier, strongly opposes deeper integration of the bloc.
A landslide win would make Orban feel vindicated in his decision to run a single-issue campaign, arguing that migration posed a big security threat. Orban’s critics said his stance has fueled xenophobia in Hungary.
According to a poll by Zavech research institute published on Friday, Fidesz had 46 percent support among decided voters, while former far-right Jobbik, which has reshaped its image into a more moderate force, had 19 percent. The Socialists came in third with 14 percent. Voter turnout was estimated between 64 and 68 percent.
Filibuster_HK
Hungarian ruling party leads in parliamentary election results
http://www.dw.com/en/hungarian-ruling-party-leads-in-parliamentary-election-results/a-43302609
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party Fidesz came away victorious in Sunday's parliamentary elections, receiving 48.8 percent of the vote according to preliminary results. With 98 percent of ballots counted, Fidesz has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, with a projected 133 seats of the 199 seats in the chamber.
Hungary's Nationalist Jobbik party came in a distant second with roughly 20 percent of the vote and the Socialist Party received 12 percent. Two other parties, the Democratic Coalition and the green Politics Can Be Different parties are expected to surpass the 5 percent threshold and will join the legislative body.
The parliamentary elections in Hungary were closely monitored across Europe, as Orban has had a troubled relationship with EU institutions due to his rejection of the bloc's refugee resettlement scheme and what many see as his attacks on civil society, the media and the country's institutions.
http://www.dw.com/en/hungarian-ruling-party-leads-in-parliamentary-election-results/a-43302609
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party Fidesz came away victorious in Sunday's parliamentary elections, receiving 48.8 percent of the vote according to preliminary results. With 98 percent of ballots counted, Fidesz has won a two-thirds majority in parliament, with a projected 133 seats of the 199 seats in the chamber.
Hungary's Nationalist Jobbik party came in a distant second with roughly 20 percent of the vote and the Socialist Party received 12 percent. Two other parties, the Democratic Coalition and the green Politics Can Be Different parties are expected to surpass the 5 percent threshold and will join the legislative body.
The parliamentary elections in Hungary were closely monitored across Europe, as Orban has had a troubled relationship with EU institutions due to his rejection of the bloc's refugee resettlement scheme and what many see as his attacks on civil society, the media and the country's institutions.
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Filibuster_HK
Missiles fired at military airport in Homs: Syrian media
http://www.dw.com/en/missiles-fired-at-military-airport-in-homs-syrian-media/a-43302966
Syrian state TV reported on Monday that missiles had been fired at a military facility in the province of Homs. It said that loud explosions had been heard over the airfield, and that the Syrian military was responding to the situation.
"Our air defenses confronted a rocket aggression on T-4 military airport," SANA quoted a military source as saying, adding that it was "likely to be American aggression."
SANA also reported that there were "dead and wounded" at Tayfur airport. Lebanese media said that residents living near the country's border with Syria had heard unindentified jets in the sky in the early morning hours.
US officials immediately issued a denial of the Syrian accusations, saying there was no truth in the claim that the US had been behind an airstrike in Homs, one day after US President Donald Trump warned that there would be a "big price to pay" for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad allegedly using chemical weapons in the rebel stronghold of Douma.
http://www.dw.com/en/missiles-fired-at-military-airport-in-homs-syrian-media/a-43302966
Syrian state TV reported on Monday that missiles had been fired at a military facility in the province of Homs. It said that loud explosions had been heard over the airfield, and that the Syrian military was responding to the situation.
"Our air defenses confronted a rocket aggression on T-4 military airport," SANA quoted a military source as saying, adding that it was "likely to be American aggression."
SANA also reported that there were "dead and wounded" at Tayfur airport. Lebanese media said that residents living near the country's border with Syria had heard unindentified jets in the sky in the early morning hours.
US officials immediately issued a denial of the Syrian accusations, saying there was no truth in the claim that the US had been behind an airstrike in Homs, one day after US President Donald Trump warned that there would be a "big price to pay" for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad allegedly using chemical weapons in the rebel stronghold of Douma.
Filibuster_HK
German police thwart 'crime' during Berlin Half Marathon
http://www.dw.com/en/german-police-thwart-crime-during-berlin-half-marathon/a-43300143
Police have arrested six people suspected of planning a "crime" during the Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday.
"There were separate indications that those arrested, aged between 18 and 21 years, were participating in the preparation of a crime in connection with this event," prosecutors and police wrote in a joint statement. Berlin police wrote separately on Twitter that six people had been arrested.
German daily newspaper Die Welt had reported earlier that one of the men was planning a knife attack on spectators at the half-marathon. Officers had reportedly found two sharpened knives during a raid on the man's apartment in the west of the city.
According to Die Welt, the lead suspect who had planned the knife attack reportedly knew Anis Amri, a Tunisian who killed 12 people and injured several dozen more when he drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016.
http://www.dw.com/en/german-police-thwart-crime-during-berlin-half-marathon/a-43300143
Police have arrested six people suspected of planning a "crime" during the Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday.
"There were separate indications that those arrested, aged between 18 and 21 years, were participating in the preparation of a crime in connection with this event," prosecutors and police wrote in a joint statement. Berlin police wrote separately on Twitter that six people had been arrested.
German daily newspaper Die Welt had reported earlier that one of the men was planning a knife attack on spectators at the half-marathon. Officers had reportedly found two sharpened knives during a raid on the man's apartment in the west of the city.
According to Die Welt, the lead suspect who had planned the knife attack reportedly knew Anis Amri, a Tunisian who killed 12 people and injured several dozen more when he drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016.
Filibuster_HK
Everything You Need to Know About Malaysia’s Upcoming Election
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-12/your-guide-to-malaysia-s-coming-general-election-quicktake-q-a?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-12/your-guide-to-malaysia-s-coming-general-election-quicktake-q-a?
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http://www.dw.com/en/austria-to-ban-girls-wearing-headscarves-in-kindergarten-and-elementary-schools/a-43256707
Austria's right-wing government said on Wednesday it would seek to prohibit girls from wearing headscarves in nurseries and elementary schools.
The Austria Press Agency reported that Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's center-right coalition hopes to draw up its "child protection law" by the summer.
"The veiling of small children should definitely have no place in our country," Kurz told reporters after a cabinet meeting. "Our goal is to confront any development of parallel societies in Austria," Kurz told ORF, using a term he and the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), the coalition partner, favor to describe what they see as a threat posed by some Muslims to mainstream culture.