Kabul bomb attack kills 17 and injures 79 in Afghan capital
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42843897
A suicide bombing has killed at least 17 people and injured 110 others in the centre of Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, officials say.
It happened near the old interior ministry building, which is close to the offices of the European Union and the High Peace Council.
The Taliban have said they carried out the attack. There are reports an ambulance was used to hide the bomb.
【一蓮托生】國際時事政治選舉集中理性討論區（二）
濕鳩塞鷗
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The Dutch were a secret U.S. ally in war against Russian hackers, local media reveal
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/01/26/dutch-media-reveal-country-to-be-secret-u-s-ally-in-war-against-russian-hackers/?utm_term=.95fecfee3ac1
BERLIN — The Dutch domestic intelligence service AIVD had access to the infamous Russian hacking group Cozy Bear for at least a year starting in mid-2014, local media outlets reported Thursday. According to the reports, the Dutch government alerted the United States to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election after Netherlands-based officials watched the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other operations by the Russians, including a 2014 State Department hack.
Officials later told The Post that the NSA had been alerted to the hacks by an unnamed Western intelligence agency. The Western ally had previously hacked not only the Russians’ computers but also surveillance cameras inside their offices. The unnamed Western analysts were monitoring the hackers’ maneuvers inside U.S. networks and even collected CCTV footage of those involved.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/01/26/dutch-media-reveal-country-to-be-secret-u-s-ally-in-war-against-russian-hackers/?utm_term=.95fecfee3ac1
BERLIN — The Dutch domestic intelligence service AIVD had access to the infamous Russian hacking group Cozy Bear for at least a year starting in mid-2014, local media outlets reported Thursday. According to the reports, the Dutch government alerted the United States to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election after Netherlands-based officials watched the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other operations by the Russians, including a 2014 State Department hack.
Officials later told The Post that the NSA had been alerted to the hacks by an unnamed Western intelligence agency. The Western ally had previously hacked not only the Russians’ computers but also surveillance cameras inside their offices. The unnamed Western analysts were monitoring the hackers’ maneuvers inside U.S. networks and even collected CCTV footage of those involved.
[red]Czech election: Zeman beats Drahos to win second term［/red]
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42832720
Mr Zeman, a pro-Russia and strident opponent of immigration, took 52% of the vote, narrowly beating Mr Drahos, a pro-EU academic with no prior political experience, Czech television reports.
The election has reflected divisions between low-income voters with lower education and those living in rural areas, who tend to vote for Mr Zeman, and wealthier and well-educated residents of bigger cities, who are likely to prefer Mr Drahos, correspondents say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42832720
Mr Zeman, a pro-Russia and strident opponent of immigration, took 52% of the vote, narrowly beating Mr Drahos, a pro-EU academic with no prior political experience, Czech television reports.
The election has reflected divisions between low-income voters with lower education and those living in rural areas, who tend to vote for Mr Zeman, and wealthier and well-educated residents of bigger cities, who are likely to prefer Mr Drahos, correspondents say.
Catalonia's Puigdemont cannot lead from abroad, court rules
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42849055
A Spanish court has moved to block pro-independence politician Carles Puigdemont from assuming the presidency of Catalonia. The former leader has been living in Brussels since he declared independence in October, resulting in charges of sedition and rebellion against him.
Mr Puigdemont is the only candidate for the Catalonian presidency. But the country's constitutional court has now ruled he cannot lead the region's parliament from abroad.
Supporters of Mr Puigdemont had argued that he could carry out his role with the use of technology such as video links from Belgium, where he is currently living.
The Spanish government, however, has contested that a "fugitive" cannot lead a regional parliament.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42849055
A Spanish court has moved to block pro-independence politician Carles Puigdemont from assuming the presidency of Catalonia. The former leader has been living in Brussels since he declared independence in October, resulting in charges of sedition and rebellion against him.
Mr Puigdemont is the only candidate for the Catalonian presidency. But the country's constitutional court has now ruled he cannot lead the region's parliament from abroad.
Supporters of Mr Puigdemont had argued that he could carry out his role with the use of technology such as video links from Belgium, where he is currently living.
The Spanish government, however, has contested that a "fugitive" cannot lead a regional parliament.
Steve Wynn: US casino mogul quits as Republican finance chair
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42848795
US casino mogul Steve Wynn has resigned as finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) amid sexual harassment allegations.
A Wall Street Journal report on Friday alleged that the 76-year-old billionaire harassed massage therapists and forced one staff member to have sex with him. According to the Wall Street Journal, which said it had interviewed dozens of people who worked with Mr Wynn, he is accused of engaging in a pattern of abuse in which he often harassed massage therapists while alone in his private office. Mr Wynn has denied wrongdoing, calling the stories "preposterous".
RNC chair Ronna McDaniel told US media she had accepted his resignation.
Mr Wynn has blamed his ex-wife, whom he is fighting in court, for the "slander".
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42848795
US casino mogul Steve Wynn has resigned as finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) amid sexual harassment allegations.
A Wall Street Journal report on Friday alleged that the 76-year-old billionaire harassed massage therapists and forced one staff member to have sex with him. According to the Wall Street Journal, which said it had interviewed dozens of people who worked with Mr Wynn, he is accused of engaging in a pattern of abuse in which he often harassed massage therapists while alone in his private office. Mr Wynn has denied wrongdoing, calling the stories "preposterous".
RNC chair Ronna McDaniel told US media she had accepted his resignation.
Mr Wynn has blamed his ex-wife, whom he is fighting in court, for the "slander".
Theresa May told: raise your game in three months or face revolt
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/27/theresa-may-conservatives-warning-revolt
Senior Tories have given Theresa May just three months to improve or face a renewed attempt to oust her, amid concerns she is leading the party towards “utter destruction”.
In a sign of the fragility of the prime minister’s leadership after another week of cabinet infighting, figures inside the party said that a disastrous performance in May’s local elections could trigger a no-confidence vote.
A former cabinet minister said: “It looks like these elections are going to be very bad. We could well be wiped out in London and cities like Birmingham because there is no reason to vote Tory. MPs think in two ways: what can I do to save my seat, and what’s in it for me? I think something will then happen. People will begin to manoeuvre over the leadership. There will be a degree of panic.”
A formal vote of no confidence in May would be held if Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 committee, receives letters from 48 MPs demanding a contest. He alone knows how many letters have been submitted, but Tories said this week that more had been despatched in the wake of this month’s chaotic reshuffle, which left many MPs confused and frustrated.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/27/theresa-may-conservatives-warning-revolt
Senior Tories have given Theresa May just three months to improve or face a renewed attempt to oust her, amid concerns she is leading the party towards “utter destruction”.
In a sign of the fragility of the prime minister’s leadership after another week of cabinet infighting, figures inside the party said that a disastrous performance in May’s local elections could trigger a no-confidence vote.
A former cabinet minister said: “It looks like these elections are going to be very bad. We could well be wiped out in London and cities like Birmingham because there is no reason to vote Tory. MPs think in two ways: what can I do to save my seat, and what’s in it for me? I think something will then happen. People will begin to manoeuvre over the leadership. There will be a degree of panic.”
A formal vote of no confidence in May would be held if Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 committee, receives letters from 48 MPs demanding a contest. He alone knows how many letters have been submitted, but Tories said this week that more had been despatched in the wake of this month’s chaotic reshuffle, which left many MPs confused and frustrated.
Clinton staffer who was protected after harassment claims continued misconduct for years: report
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/371075-clinton-staffer-who-was-protected-after-harassment-allegations?rnd=1517114708
Multiple women working at a pro-Clinton super PAC accused Hillary Clinton's former faith advisor Burns Strider of harassment as recently as 2015, according to a report from BuzzFeed News.
Strider, who was accused of sexual harassment on Clinton's 2008 campaign, allegedly harassed women while working at Correct the Record. The allegations made at the pro-Clinton super PAC took place over an 18-month span beginning in November of 2013, according to BuzzFeed News.
While the super PAC had ties to Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, it operated independently of the campaign.
Six of the firm's former employees told BuzzFeed News Strider exhibited inappropriate behavior toward two younger subordinate women in the office.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/371075-clinton-staffer-who-was-protected-after-harassment-allegations?rnd=1517114708
Multiple women working at a pro-Clinton super PAC accused Hillary Clinton's former faith advisor Burns Strider of harassment as recently as 2015, according to a report from BuzzFeed News.
Strider, who was accused of sexual harassment on Clinton's 2008 campaign, allegedly harassed women while working at Correct the Record. The allegations made at the pro-Clinton super PAC took place over an 18-month span beginning in November of 2013, according to BuzzFeed News.
While the super PAC had ties to Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, it operated independently of the campaign.
Six of the firm's former employees told BuzzFeed News Strider exhibited inappropriate behavior toward two younger subordinate women in the office.
Russian presidential vote: Navalny offices raided on day of protests
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42850198
Police in Moscow have raided the offices of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny ahead of nationwide rallies supporting an election boycott.
Footage posted on Mr Navalny's official YouTube channel shows officers entering a studio and questioning staff.
Mr Navalny has called for demonstrations on Sunday against Russia's presidential election, which will be held on 18 March. President Putin's most vocal critic is barred from standing in the election.
A spokesman for Mr Navalny said the officers used a power tool to break into the office, adding that they said they were investigating a bomb threat.
The raid coincides with a day of planned nationwide street protests against an upcoming vote that Mr Navalny says is rigged.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42850198
Police in Moscow have raided the offices of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny ahead of nationwide rallies supporting an election boycott.
Footage posted on Mr Navalny's official YouTube channel shows officers entering a studio and questioning staff.
Mr Navalny has called for demonstrations on Sunday against Russia's presidential election, which will be held on 18 March. President Putin's most vocal critic is barred from standing in the election.
A spokesman for Mr Navalny said the officers used a power tool to break into the office, adding that they said they were investigating a bomb threat.
The raid coincides with a day of planned nationwide street protests against an upcoming vote that Mr Navalny says is rigged.
Israel criticises Poland over draft Holocaust legislation
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/27/israel-criticises-poland-over-draft-holocaust-legislation
Israeli leaders have attacked pending legislation in Poland that would outlaw blaming Poles for the crimes of the Holocaust, with some accusing the Polish government of outright denial as the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On Friday the lower house of the Polish parliament passed the bill, which prescribes prison for using phrases such as “Polish death camps” to refer to the killing sites Nazi Germany operated in occupied Poland during the second world war.
Many Poles fear such phrasing makes some people incorrectly conclude that Poland had a role in running the camps. But critics say the legislation could hinder debating history, thus harming freedom of expression and opening the way to Holocaust denial.
The bill still needs approval from the senate and president. However, it marks a dramatic step by Poland’s rightwing government, targeting anyone who tries to undermine its official stance that Poles were only heroes during the war, not Nazi collaborators who committed heinous crimes.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/27/israel-criticises-poland-over-draft-holocaust-legislation
Israeli leaders have attacked pending legislation in Poland that would outlaw blaming Poles for the crimes of the Holocaust, with some accusing the Polish government of outright denial as the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On Friday the lower house of the Polish parliament passed the bill, which prescribes prison for using phrases such as “Polish death camps” to refer to the killing sites Nazi Germany operated in occupied Poland during the second world war.
Many Poles fear such phrasing makes some people incorrectly conclude that Poland had a role in running the camps. But critics say the legislation could hinder debating history, thus harming freedom of expression and opening the way to Holocaust denial.
The bill still needs approval from the senate and president. However, it marks a dramatic step by Poland’s rightwing government, targeting anyone who tries to undermine its official stance that Poles were only heroes during the war, not Nazi collaborators who committed heinous crimes.
Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal released from detention
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/27/saudi-prince-alwaleed-bin-talal-released-from-detention
The Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal has been released after nearly three months in detention at a luxury hotel as part of an anti-corruption sweep.
The prince was released on Saturday from the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, where he has been held since 4 November. A senior Saudi official said he had been freed after he reached a financial settlement with the attorney general.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/27/saudi-prince-alwaleed-bin-talal-released-from-detention
The Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal has been released after nearly three months in detention at a luxury hotel as part of an anti-corruption sweep.
The prince was released on Saturday from the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, where he has been held since 4 November. A senior Saudi official said he had been freed after he reached a financial settlement with the attorney general.
Separatists take over government headquarters in Aden
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/separatists-government-headquarters-aden-180128073439998.html
Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher has accused separatist forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of staging a coup in the southern city of Aden, after they took over government headquarters.
The prime minister [Bin Dagher] also called on the Saudi-led military coalition to intervene in Aden, stressing that the UAE was the "decision-maker" in the city.
Clashes broke out on Sunday between the army of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who is supported by Saudi Arabia, and UAE-backed forces seeking separation from the country's north.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/separatists-government-headquarters-aden-180128073439998.html
Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher has accused separatist forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of staging a coup in the southern city of Aden, after they took over government headquarters.
The prime minister [Bin Dagher] also called on the Saudi-led military coalition to intervene in Aden, stressing that the UAE was the "decision-maker" in the city.
Clashes broke out on Sunday between the army of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who is supported by Saudi Arabia, and UAE-backed forces seeking separation from the country's north.
Carles Puigdemont 🎗
@KRLS
3時
Defending self-determination and democracy should never be a crime. @chowtingagnes and @demosisto, receive the support of the Catalan people in your democratic struggle
@KRLS
3時
Defending self-determination and democracy should never be a crime. @chowtingagnes and @demosisto, receive the support of the Catalan people in your democratic struggle
Fitness tracking app Strava gives away location of secret US army bases
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/28/fitness-tracking-app-gives-away-location-of-secret-us-army-bases
Sensitive information about the location and staffing of military bases and spy outposts around the world has been revealed by a fitness tracking company.
The details were released by Strava in a data visualisation map that shows all the activity tracked by users of its app, which allows people to record their exercise and share it with others.
The map, released in November 2017, shows every single activity ever uploaded to Strava – more than 3 trillion individual GPS data points, according to the company. The app can be used on various devices including smartphones and fitness trackers like Fitbit to see popular running routes in major cities, or spot individuals in more remote areas who have unusual exercise patterns.
“If soldiers use the app like normal people do, by turning it on tracking when they go to do exercise, it could be especially dangerous,” Ruser added, highlighting one particular track that “looks like it logs a regular jogging route.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/28/fitness-tracking-app-gives-away-location-of-secret-us-army-bases
Sensitive information about the location and staffing of military bases and spy outposts around the world has been revealed by a fitness tracking company.
The details were released by Strava in a data visualisation map that shows all the activity tracked by users of its app, which allows people to record their exercise and share it with others.
The map, released in November 2017, shows every single activity ever uploaded to Strava – more than 3 trillion individual GPS data points, according to the company. The app can be used on various devices including smartphones and fitness trackers like Fitbit to see popular running routes in major cities, or spot individuals in more remote areas who have unusual exercise patterns.
“If soldiers use the app like normal people do, by turning it on tracking when they go to do exercise, it could be especially dangerous,” Ruser added, highlighting one particular track that “looks like it logs a regular jogging route.”
要限制軍人用smart devices 
Carles Puigdemont 🎗
@KRLS
3時
Defending self-determination and democracy should never be a crime. @chowtingagnes and @demosisto, receive the support of the Catalan people in your democratic struggle
都係黃絲 🎗
Finland's President Sauli Niinisto comfortably re-elected
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42854542
Finland's President Sauli Niinisto has been comfortably re-elected for a second six-year term.
Mr Niinisto secured 62.7% of the vote in Sunday's poll, easily beating his Green party rival (12.4%), according to official results.
He is the first candidate to win in the first round of voting since the electoral system was changed in 1994.
Wiki about President of Finland
Finland has for most of its independence had a semi-presidential system, but in last decades the powers of the President of Finland have been much diminished. In constitution amendments, which came into effect 1991, 2000 and 2012, the President's position has become quite symbolic. However, the President still leads the nation's foreign politics together with the Council of state and is the chief-in-command of the Defence Forces.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42854542
Finland's President Sauli Niinisto has been comfortably re-elected for a second six-year term.
Mr Niinisto secured 62.7% of the vote in Sunday's poll, easily beating his Green party rival (12.4%), according to official results.
He is the first candidate to win in the first round of voting since the electoral system was changed in 1994.
Wiki about President of Finland
Finland has for most of its independence had a semi-presidential system, but in last decades the powers of the President of Finland have been much diminished. In constitution amendments, which came into effect 1991, 2000 and 2012, the President's position has become quite symbolic. However, the President still leads the nation's foreign politics together with the Council of state and is the chief-in-command of the Defence Forces.
Cyprus president faces runoff after failing to win overall majority
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/28/greek-cypriots-vote-presidential-election-reuniting-island
Presidential polls in Cyprus were inconclusive on Sunday, with no candidate winning an overall majority, forcing a runoff on 4 February between the incumbent, Nicos Anastasiades, and Stavros Malas, a communist-backed former health minister.
Anastasiades, leader of the conservative Democratic Rally (Disy) party, came in first with 35.50% of the vote but fell short of the 50% required to win outright. In a repeat of the island’s last presidential election, he now faces Malas, who ran as an independent with the support of the Progressive Party of Working People (Akel). The geneticist won 30.35%, sparking scenes of jubilation among supporters.
The Diko party leader, Nikolas Papadopoulos, whose nationalist views are seen as anathema by ethnic Greeks still hoping to unite war-divided Cyprus, trailed with 25.74%. His failure to make it into the second round was greeted with relief by voters desperate to bridge the divide with their Turkish Cypriot compatriots.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/28/greek-cypriots-vote-presidential-election-reuniting-island
Presidential polls in Cyprus were inconclusive on Sunday, with no candidate winning an overall majority, forcing a runoff on 4 February between the incumbent, Nicos Anastasiades, and Stavros Malas, a communist-backed former health minister.
Anastasiades, leader of the conservative Democratic Rally (Disy) party, came in first with 35.50% of the vote but fell short of the 50% required to win outright. In a repeat of the island’s last presidential election, he now faces Malas, who ran as an independent with the support of the Progressive Party of Working People (Akel). The geneticist won 30.35%, sparking scenes of jubilation among supporters.
The Diko party leader, Nikolas Papadopoulos, whose nationalist views are seen as anathema by ethnic Greeks still hoping to unite war-divided Cyprus, trailed with 25.74%. His failure to make it into the second round was greeted with relief by voters desperate to bridge the divide with their Turkish Cypriot compatriots.
Afghanistan: gunmen attack army post at Kabul military academy
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/29/explosions-kabul-military-academy-afghanistan
A group of militants have attacked an army post near one of Afghanistan’s military academies in Kabul in the latest violence to strike the capital.
Ministry of defence officials said at least four militants attacked the outpost near the well-defended Marshal Fahim military academy at around 5am (00.30) on Monday morning.
At least one soldier was dead and three wounded, officials said, while one of the attackers blew himself up, one had been killed and two were still fighting.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/29/explosions-kabul-military-academy-afghanistan
A group of militants have attacked an army post near one of Afghanistan’s military academies in Kabul in the latest violence to strike the capital.
Ministry of defence officials said at least four militants attacked the outpost near the well-defended Marshal Fahim military academy at around 5am (00.30) on Monday morning.
At least one soldier was dead and three wounded, officials said, while one of the attackers blew himself up, one had been killed and two were still fighting.
Donald Trump says US could re-enter Paris climate deal
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/28/donald-trump-says-us-could-re-enter-paris-climate-deal-itv-interview
Donald Trump has said the United States could re-enter the Paris climate change agreement – and that he would have taken a “tougher stand” in Brexit negotiations than Theresa May.
The US president said his country could join the international accord if it had a “completely different deal” but called the existing agreement a “terrible deal” and a “disaster” for the US.
Trump said in the ITV interview that he was a “believer in clean air and clean water” but the Paris agreement would have been a disaster for the US. However, despite initially saying he was “completely out” of the accord, Trump said there could be a way back for the US.
“First of all, it was a terrible deal for the US. If they made a good deal there’s always a chance we’d get back. But it was a terrible deal for the US. It was unfair to the US,” he said.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/28/donald-trump-says-us-could-re-enter-paris-climate-deal-itv-interview
Donald Trump has said the United States could re-enter the Paris climate change agreement – and that he would have taken a “tougher stand” in Brexit negotiations than Theresa May.
The US president said his country could join the international accord if it had a “completely different deal” but called the existing agreement a “terrible deal” and a “disaster” for the US.
Trump said in the ITV interview that he was a “believer in clean air and clean water” but the Paris agreement would have been a disaster for the US. However, despite initially saying he was “completely out” of the accord, Trump said there could be a way back for the US.
“First of all, it was a terrible deal for the US. If they made a good deal there’s always a chance we’d get back. But it was a terrible deal for the US. It was unfair to the US,” he said.
Trump: I would reconsider a massive Pacific trade deal if it were 'substantially better'
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/25/trump-says-he-would-reconsider-trans-pacific-partnership-trade-deal.html
President Donald Trump told CNBC on Thursday that he would reconsider the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal if the United States could strike a "substantially better" agreement. But it's almost certainly too late for the U.S. to negotiate a new deal.
"I would do TPP if we were able to make a substantially better deal. The deal was terrible, the way it was structured was terrible. If we did a substantially better deal, I would be open to TPP," he said in an exclusive interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/25/trump-says-he-would-reconsider-trans-pacific-partnership-trade-deal.html
President Donald Trump told CNBC on Thursday that he would reconsider the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal if the United States could strike a "substantially better" agreement. But it's almost certainly too late for the U.S. to negotiate a new deal.
"I would do TPP if we were able to make a substantially better deal. The deal was terrible, the way it was structured was terrible. If we did a substantially better deal, I would be open to TPP," he said in an exclusive interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Tory ex-ministers deny charging fee for Brexit-related advice is wrong
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/28/tory-ex-ministers-deny-charging-fee-for-brexit-related-advice-is-wrong
Three former Conservative cabinet ministers have denied any wrongdoing after being caught on camera offering to receive money in exchange for advising a fictitious Chinese company about the UK government’s approach to Brexit.
An investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times secretly recorded Lord Lansley, and senior Tory MPs Andrew Mitchell and Peter Lilley, in meetings at a Mayfair hotel they believed were with a Chinese firm.
In the documentary, to be aired on Sunday night, Lansley, a former health secretary, says he will provide “intelligence” to the Chinese company, and would charge €5,000 (£4,400) a day. He also suggests the firm employs him through his wife’s firm, Low, apparently to avoid scrutiny.
The revelations are likely to intensify the sense of crisis at the top of the Tory party, with MPs increasingly concerned about the damage being sustained to the Conservative brand from splits over Brexit and health spending, and the fumbled recent reshuffle.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/28/tory-ex-ministers-deny-charging-fee-for-brexit-related-advice-is-wrong
Three former Conservative cabinet ministers have denied any wrongdoing after being caught on camera offering to receive money in exchange for advising a fictitious Chinese company about the UK government’s approach to Brexit.
An investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times secretly recorded Lord Lansley, and senior Tory MPs Andrew Mitchell and Peter Lilley, in meetings at a Mayfair hotel they believed were with a Chinese firm.
In the documentary, to be aired on Sunday night, Lansley, a former health secretary, says he will provide “intelligence” to the Chinese company, and would charge €5,000 (£4,400) a day. He also suggests the firm employs him through his wife’s firm, Low, apparently to avoid scrutiny.
The revelations are likely to intensify the sense of crisis at the top of the Tory party, with MPs increasingly concerned about the damage being sustained to the Conservative brand from splits over Brexit and health spending, and the fumbled recent reshuffle.
Navalny supporters demand 'Russia without Putin'
http://www.dw.com/en/navalny-supporters-demand-russia-without-putin/a-42344425
Thousands have protested nationwide against Russian President Vladimir Putin's expected re-election. Putin critic Alexei Navalny was again arrested by police, before being released. Miodrag Soric reports from Moscow.
"Citizens, please move aside. You are blocking the way for pedestrians." Again and again, the policeman's voice could be heard from the loudspeaker van on Moscow's Pushkin Square. The approximately 2,000 protesters who had gathered for the demonstration, which was not approved by Russian authorities, ignored the messages. Instead, they loudly shouted "Free Russia" or "Russia without Putin." DW's Emily Sherwin tweeted from the protest, writing that people were calling Putin and Moscow's mayor, Sobyanin, "thieves."
While in most places the authorities allowed demonstrations, the police in St. Petersburg and Moscow have banned public protests. But the angry protesters are not letting themselves be intimated. According to Russian police, 185 protesters across Russia, including Navalny, had been arrested by early evening. The number is likely to increase further overnight.
http://www.dw.com/en/navalny-supporters-demand-russia-without-putin/a-42344425
Thousands have protested nationwide against Russian President Vladimir Putin's expected re-election. Putin critic Alexei Navalny was again arrested by police, before being released. Miodrag Soric reports from Moscow.
"Citizens, please move aside. You are blocking the way for pedestrians." Again and again, the policeman's voice could be heard from the loudspeaker van on Moscow's Pushkin Square. The approximately 2,000 protesters who had gathered for the demonstration, which was not approved by Russian authorities, ignored the messages. Instead, they loudly shouted "Free Russia" or "Russia without Putin." DW's Emily Sherwin tweeted from the protest, writing that people were calling Putin and Moscow's mayor, Sobyanin, "thieves."
While in most places the authorities allowed demonstrations, the police in St. Petersburg and Moscow have banned public protests. But the angry protesters are not letting themselves be intimated. According to Russian police, 185 protesters across Russia, including Navalny, had been arrested by early evening. The number is likely to increase further overnight.
Grand coalition talks adjourned over key refugee issue
http://www.dw.com/en/grand-coalition-talks-adjourned-over-key-refugee-issue/a-42346390
Six hours of nighttime talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Social Democrats led by Martin Schulz were adjourned early Monday morning with "all sides" ostensibly still working toward a February 4 deadline.
A Social Democrat (SPD) source quoted by Reuters said "squealing" summed up the tone of Sunday night's talks, with the three parties still at odds on a SPD call to allow relatives abroad to join refugees granted subsidiary protection status.
Alongside refugee policy, however, key disagreements also remained on labor policy and health insurance — following policy changes demanded at an SPD party conference in Bonn a week ago that handed Schulz only a narrow go-ahead to seek a further grand coalition.
http://www.dw.com/en/grand-coalition-talks-adjourned-over-key-refugee-issue/a-42346390
Six hours of nighttime talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Social Democrats led by Martin Schulz were adjourned early Monday morning with "all sides" ostensibly still working toward a February 4 deadline.
A Social Democrat (SPD) source quoted by Reuters said "squealing" summed up the tone of Sunday night's talks, with the three parties still at odds on a SPD call to allow relatives abroad to join refugees granted subsidiary protection status.
Alongside refugee policy, however, key disagreements also remained on labor policy and health insurance — following policy changes demanded at an SPD party conference in Bonn a week ago that handed Schulz only a narrow go-ahead to seek a further grand coalition.
Egypt election: sole challenger to Sisi registers at last minute
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/29/egypt-election-sole-challenger-to-sisi-registers-at-last-minute
The Egyptian politician Mousa Mostafa Mousa has said he will stand in the presidential elections, hours before a nomination deadline was set to make President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi the sole candidate after withdrawals and a boycott call.
Several leading opposition figures had called on Sunday for a boycott of the March election, citing a wave of repression that has cleared the field of challengers to Sisi and left his top opponent in jail.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/29/egypt-election-sole-challenger-to-sisi-registers-at-last-minute
The Egyptian politician Mousa Mostafa Mousa has said he will stand in the presidential elections, hours before a nomination deadline was set to make President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi the sole candidate after withdrawals and a boycott call.
Several leading opposition figures had called on Sunday for a boycott of the March election, citing a wave of repression that has cleared the field of challengers to Sisi and left his top opponent in jail.