 The United States cut all diplomatic ties with the newly-sworn in Hamas government this evening as it pushed the Palestinian Authority further towards isolation.An e-mail was sent to all diplomats and contractors directing them to sever contact with Hamas-appointed government ministers, even those who are not members of the Islamist organisation. Communication will still be permitted with the office of Mahmoud Abbas, the President, and with non-Hamas members of the Palestinian parliament. The order took effect from 6pm, when the President began to swear in the new 25-member Cabinet. Analysts say that today's move was a deliberate move to ratchet up pressure on Hamas. The US has already begun manoeuvring to sideline the terror organisation - which swept to a shock landslide victory in elections in January unless it agrees recognise Israel, renounce violence and abide by peace accords. Maybe we should also renounce violence and abide by peace accords . ...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk
censor News |
Editor - 17:45:00 03-29-06
|
 ISRAELI ELECTION ANALYSIS Choosing Divorce over Peace |
Ehud Olmert's election victory shows that Israel is turning inward: voters want their government to focus on fighting poverty inside Israel rather than pursuing a peace process they have lost faith in. Israelis have accepted a plan to separate themselves from the Palestinians with a security barrier and a final redrawing of the border. The Israelis are demanding a change in politics -- center-left instead of center-right, inward rather than outward-looking. They paved the way for that change in Tuesday's parliamentary election. Parties pledging a withdrawal from the West Bank got the most support. Voters hope the pullout will free up the energy and the resources needed to solve the country's problems. Election victor Ehud Olmert has promised to redraw the country's borders in the coming years. He wants to withdraw from parts of the West Bank and dissolve dozens of settlements while annexing the larger ones....
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,408600,00.html
full News |
Editor - 17:20:00 03-29-06
|
| Lobbyist Abramoff gets 70 months? Who said crime doesn’t pay? |
Disgraced US lobbyist Jack Abramoff has been jailed for nearly six years on charges of conspiracy and wire fraud. Abramoff - who had close links to top Republicans - had pleaded guilty to the charges, which relate to the purchase of a fleet of casino boats. In a separate case, he has admitted to tax evasion, defrauding his clients and conspiring to bribe public officials. A federal inquiry into his activities is said to be focusing on his dealings with up to 20 politicians in Congress. The federal judge in Miami gave him a total of 70 months - five years and 10 months - in jail on Wednesday. Abramoff is co-operating in the wide-ranging inquiry that began in 2004 after reports that he and business partner Michael Scanlon had received some $45m (£26m) from Native American tribes with casinos. ...People can get more time for J walking...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4856470.stm
full News |
Editor - 11:07:00 03-29-06
|
| Ukraine in spotlight |
The new ambassador from Ukraine is becoming a frequent visitor to the White House, where yesterday he was present as President Bush signed a landmark trade bill lifting Cold War sanctions on the former Soviet republic. Ambassador Oleh Shamshur presented his diplomatic credentials to Mr. Bush on March 13 and delivered a message from President Viktor Yushchenko, who, he said, views the United States as "a global leader and Ukraine's ally in advancing democracy" in Eastern Europe. He met Mr. Bush on March 10 during the visit of Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk. "Welcome, Mr. Ambassador," Mr. Bush said. "This is the third time we've been together in the last 30 days. I'm better for it." Mr. Bush called the bill to normalize trade relations with Ukraine one that will "create new opportunities for both of our countries." ...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/world/20060323-104942-2320r.htm
full News |
Editor - 10:30:00 03-29-06
|
| Israel vote winners seek allies |
Informal talks have begun in Israel on a new coalition government after the election victory of the Kadima Party. With nearly all votes counted, the party has won 28 of the 120 seats in the Knesset. It was founded four months ago by now coma-stricken Ariel Sharon. Possible partners are second-placed Labour and other smaller parties. Kadima leader and acting PM Ehud Olmert has vowed to pursue plans to define Israel's final borders. Palestinians urged him not to do so unilaterally. Leaders of the militant group Hamas are set to take formal control of the Palestinian government later on Wednesday. ...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4857358.stm
full News |
Editor - 10:06:00 03-29-06
|
| Sensational 9/11 trial coming to a close |
Lawyers for the U.S. government and Zacarias Moussaoui on Wednesday wrap up a tumultuous and bizarre death penalty trial for the only person charged in the United States in the September 11 plot. The lawyers and U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema met to work on instructions for the jury that must decide whether Moussaoui is executed. The panel of 12 jurors and five alternates returns in the afternoon for closing arguments and will begin deliberating his fate by the end of the day.The final summations mark the end of proceedings that began March 6 and were delayed for a week after a government witness improperly contacted and coached key witnesses.Moussaoui provided sensational testimony in declaring he was meant to fly a plane into the White House on September 11, something he had previously denied....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060329/ts_nm/security_moussaoui_dc
full News |
Editor - 10:01:00 03-29-06
|
|
| post The Good, The Bad and The Ugly |
|
|
