U.S. Navy warships pass through strategic Taiwan Strait
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-taiwan-china-military/u-s-navy-warships-pass-through-strategic-taiwan-strait-idUSKCN1S5003
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military said it sent two Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday as the Pentagon increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.
The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from the Trump administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.
Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the U.S.-China relationship, which also include a trade war, U.S. sanctions and China’s increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.
The two destroyers were identified as the William P. Lawrence and Stethem. The 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from China.
“The ships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a statement.
China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, which it considers a wayward province of “one China” and sacred Chinese territory.
China said a recent Taiwan Strait passage by a French warship, first reported by Reuters on Wednesday, was “illegal.”
國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（六）
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Rod Rosenstein: US deputy attorney general quits
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48100665
Rod Rosenstein, the US deputy attorney general who oversaw the special counsel inquiry into President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia, has resigned.
Mr Rosenstein, who had a fraught working relationship with Mr Trump, will step down on 11 May in a departure that had been expected for months.
In his letter, he paid tribute to Mr Trump, even praising the president's "courtesy and humour".
Mr Trump once tweeted an image showing Mr Rosenstein jailed for treason.
Mr Rosenstein - who was originally appointed by Republican President George W Bush - had been expected to resign in March following the appointment of William Barr as attorney general.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48100665
Rod Rosenstein, the US deputy attorney general who oversaw the special counsel inquiry into President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia, has resigned.
Mr Rosenstein, who had a fraught working relationship with Mr Trump, will step down on 11 May in a departure that had been expected for months.
In his letter, he paid tribute to Mr Trump, even praising the president's "courtesy and humour".
Mr Trump once tweeted an image showing Mr Rosenstein jailed for treason.
Mr Rosenstein - who was originally appointed by Republican President George W Bush - had been expected to resign in March following the appointment of William Barr as attorney general.
IS 'leader' al-Baghdadi appears in first video in five years
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48098528
The Islamic State group has released a video of a man it says is its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, vowing to seek revenge for its loss of territory.
He has not been seen since 2014, when he proclaimed from Mosul the creation of a "caliphate" across parts of Syria and Iraq.
In this new footage, Baghdadi acknowledges defeat at Baghuz, the group's last stronghold in the region.
It is not clear when the video was recorded. IS says it was shot in April.
The footage was posted on the militant group's al-Furqan media network.
Baghdadi says the Easter Sunday Sri Lanka attacks were carried out as revenge for the fall of the Iraqi town of Baghuz.
The BBC's Mina al-Lami points out initial IS claims regarding the Sri Lanka attacks make no reference to the town.
He also says that he has had pledges of allegiance from militants in Burkina Faso and Mali, and talks about the protests in Sudan and Algeria - claiming that jihad is the only solution to "tyrants". Both countries have seen their long-term rulers overthrown this month.
However, Baghdadi's image disappears towards the end of the video and an audio recording of him discussing the Sri Lanka attacks is played instead, suggesting that this part was recorded after the main video was filmed.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48098528
The Islamic State group has released a video of a man it says is its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, vowing to seek revenge for its loss of territory.
He has not been seen since 2014, when he proclaimed from Mosul the creation of a "caliphate" across parts of Syria and Iraq.
In this new footage, Baghdadi acknowledges defeat at Baghuz, the group's last stronghold in the region.
It is not clear when the video was recorded. IS says it was shot in April.
The footage was posted on the militant group's al-Furqan media network.
Baghdadi says the Easter Sunday Sri Lanka attacks were carried out as revenge for the fall of the Iraqi town of Baghuz.
The BBC's Mina al-Lami points out initial IS claims regarding the Sri Lanka attacks make no reference to the town.
He also says that he has had pledges of allegiance from militants in Burkina Faso and Mali, and talks about the protests in Sudan and Algeria - claiming that jihad is the only solution to "tyrants". Both countries have seen their long-term rulers overthrown this month.
However, Baghdadi's image disappears towards the end of the video and an audio recording of him discussing the Sri Lanka attacks is played instead, suggesting that this part was recorded after the main video was filmed.
Venezuela crisis: Maduro aides agreed he had to go, US says
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48114826
Three members of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's inner circle agreed with the opposition that he "had to go" but then backtracked, US officials have said.
It comes after the opposition leader Juan Guaidó called on the military to help him end Mr Maduro's rule.
Protesters took to the streets in the capital Caracas in support on Tuesday.
But military leaders appeared to be standing behind Mr Maduro, accusing Mr Guaidó of an attempted coup.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also alleged the president had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday and fly to Cuba but was talked down by Russia. He has offered no evidence of the claim.
"They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Mr Pompeo told broadcaster CNN.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48114826
Three members of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's inner circle agreed with the opposition that he "had to go" but then backtracked, US officials have said.
It comes after the opposition leader Juan Guaidó called on the military to help him end Mr Maduro's rule.
Protesters took to the streets in the capital Caracas in support on Tuesday.
But military leaders appeared to be standing behind Mr Maduro, accusing Mr Guaidó of an attempted coup.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also alleged the president had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday and fly to Cuba but was talked down by Russia. He has offered no evidence of the claim.
"They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Mr Pompeo told broadcaster CNN.
White House considers move to designate Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/apr/30/muslim-brotherhood-white-house-egypt
The White House has confirmed it is considering the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, after Donald Trump was personally lobbied by Egypt’s president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.
The official designation of the Islamist movement as terrorist would have far-reaching effects, sanctioning companies and individuals who had any interactions with the group.
Such a move has been considered before, most recently by the Trump administration soon after taking office, but had been rejected as being impractical for such a diffuse and multifaceted organisation, and potentially illegal under US law.
However, the White House spokeswoman, Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday: “The president has consulted with his national security team and leaders in the region who share his concern, and this designation is working its way through the internal process.”
The order to look again at the designation, first reported by the New York Times, came in the wake of Sisi’s visit to the White House on 9 April.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/apr/30/muslim-brotherhood-white-house-egypt
The White House has confirmed it is considering the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, after Donald Trump was personally lobbied by Egypt’s president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.
The official designation of the Islamist movement as terrorist would have far-reaching effects, sanctioning companies and individuals who had any interactions with the group.
Such a move has been considered before, most recently by the Trump administration soon after taking office, but had been rejected as being impractical for such a diffuse and multifaceted organisation, and potentially illegal under US law.
However, the White House spokeswoman, Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday: “The president has consulted with his national security team and leaders in the region who share his concern, and this designation is working its way through the internal process.”
The order to look again at the designation, first reported by the New York Times, came in the wake of Sisi’s visit to the White House on 9 April.
Mueller pushed Barr to release report's executive summaries
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2019/apr/30/donald-trump-latest-news-live-stacey-abrams?
The Washington Post is reporting that special counsel Robert Mueller wrote a letter to attorney general William Barr saying that Barr’s depiction of the Mueller report’s findings failed to capture the “context, nature, and substance” of the investigation.
If you’ll rewind the tapes back to last month, you’ll recall that Barr’s summary of the Mueller report was somewhat lacking and left many feeling unsatisfied.
A few weeks ago, a redacted version of the long-awaited report was released, leading many to further question Barr’s characterization of the findings.
The New York Times is now reporting that Mueller wrote his letter in late March, with a Justice Department spokeswoman telling the Times that a conversation took place between Mueller and Barr soon after Barr publicized his summary.
“The special counsel emphasized that nothing in the attorney general’s March 24 letter was inaccurate or misleading,” a Justice Department spokeswoman, Kerri Kupec, told the Times. “But he expressed frustration over the lack of context and the resulting media coverage regarding the special counsel’s obstruction analysis.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2019/apr/30/donald-trump-latest-news-live-stacey-abrams?
The Washington Post is reporting that special counsel Robert Mueller wrote a letter to attorney general William Barr saying that Barr’s depiction of the Mueller report’s findings failed to capture the “context, nature, and substance” of the investigation.
If you’ll rewind the tapes back to last month, you’ll recall that Barr’s summary of the Mueller report was somewhat lacking and left many feeling unsatisfied.
A few weeks ago, a redacted version of the long-awaited report was released, leading many to further question Barr’s characterization of the findings.
The New York Times is now reporting that Mueller wrote his letter in late March, with a Justice Department spokeswoman telling the Times that a conversation took place between Mueller and Barr soon after Barr publicized his summary.
“The special counsel emphasized that nothing in the attorney general’s March 24 letter was inaccurate or misleading,” a Justice Department spokeswoman, Kerri Kupec, told the Times. “But he expressed frustration over the lack of context and the resulting media coverage regarding the special counsel’s obstruction analysis.”
Julian Assange sentenced to 50 weeks in British jail for skipping bail
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wikileaks-assange/julian-assange-sentenced-to-50-weeks-in-british-jail-for-skipping-bail-idUSKCN1S73H9
LONDON (Reuters) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in jail by a London court on Wednesday for skipping bail to enter the Ecuadorean embassy where he was holed up for almost seven years until police dragged him out last month.
Judge Deborah Taylor read out the sentence as Assange, in a black jacket and gray sweatshirt, looked on. Taylor said Assange had exploited his privileged position to flout the law and express his disdain for British justice.
He was convicted last month of skipping bail in June 2012 after an extradition order to Sweden over an allegation of rape. The maximum sentence was a year in jail.
“You remained there for nearly seven years, exploiting your privileged position to flout the law and advertise internationally your disdain for the law of this country,” Judge Taylor said at Southwark Crown Court.
She said that it had cost taxpayers 16 million pounds ($21 million) to ensure that Assange was arrested when he left the embassy.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wikileaks-assange/julian-assange-sentenced-to-50-weeks-in-british-jail-for-skipping-bail-idUSKCN1S73H9
LONDON (Reuters) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in jail by a London court on Wednesday for skipping bail to enter the Ecuadorean embassy where he was holed up for almost seven years until police dragged him out last month.
Judge Deborah Taylor read out the sentence as Assange, in a black jacket and gray sweatshirt, looked on. Taylor said Assange had exploited his privileged position to flout the law and express his disdain for British justice.
He was convicted last month of skipping bail in June 2012 after an extradition order to Sweden over an allegation of rape. The maximum sentence was a year in jail.
“You remained there for nearly seven years, exploiting your privileged position to flout the law and advertise internationally your disdain for the law of this country,” Judge Taylor said at Southwark Crown Court.
She said that it had cost taxpayers 16 million pounds ($21 million) to ensure that Assange was arrested when he left the embassy.
Venezuela's Guaido calls for 'largest march in history' in uprising effort
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-largest-march-in-history-in-uprising-effort-idUSKCN1S734M
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelans were expected to take to the streets on Wednesday for what opposition leader Juan Guaido pledged would be the “largest march” in the country’s history, a day after he called for the military to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
In his boldest effort yet to gain the support of the armed forces, Guaido appeared early Tuesday morning outside a Caracas air force base with dozens of National Guard members. That triggered a day of violent protests, leaving more than 100 injured but without any concrete signs of defection from the armed forces leadership.
“We know that Maduro does not have the backing or the respect of the armed forces,” Guaido said in a video message posted to his social media accounts on Tuesday evening. “We have seen that protest yields results. We should keep up the pressure.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-largest-march-in-history-in-uprising-effort-idUSKCN1S734M
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelans were expected to take to the streets on Wednesday for what opposition leader Juan Guaido pledged would be the “largest march” in the country’s history, a day after he called for the military to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
In his boldest effort yet to gain the support of the armed forces, Guaido appeared early Tuesday morning outside a Caracas air force base with dozens of National Guard members. That triggered a day of violent protests, leaving more than 100 injured but without any concrete signs of defection from the armed forces leadership.
“We know that Maduro does not have the backing or the respect of the armed forces,” Guaido said in a video message posted to his social media accounts on Tuesday evening. “We have seen that protest yields results. We should keep up the pressure.”
Gavin Williamson has been sacked as defence secretary following an inquiry into a leak from a top-level National Security Council meeting.
Downing Street said the PM had "lost confidence in his ability to serve" and Penny Mordaunt will take on the role.
The inquiry followed reports over a plan to allow Huawei limited access to help build the UK's new 5G network.
Mr Williamson, who has been defence secretary since 2017, "strenuously" denies leaking the information.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48126974
Downing Street said the PM had "lost confidence in his ability to serve" and Penny Mordaunt will take on the role.
The inquiry followed reports over a plan to allow Huawei limited access to help build the UK's new 5G network.
Mr Williamson, who has been defence secretary since 2017, "strenuously" denies leaking the information.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48126974
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) launched his presidential bid Thursday morning, joining a crowded primary field of more than 20 contenders vying to take on President Trump in 2020.
The Colorado lawmaker announced his plans on "CBS This Morning."
"My plan is to run for president," he said, adding that he would focus on restoring opportunities for Americans and integrity in government.
Bennet said in April that he would pursue the presidency if he beat his prostate cancer diagnosis. Bennet was declared cancer-free later that month following a successful surgery.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/441707-sen-michael-bennet-announces-presidential-run
The Colorado lawmaker announced his plans on "CBS This Morning."
"My plan is to run for president," he said, adding that he would focus on restoring opportunities for Americans and integrity in government.
Bennet said in April that he would pursue the presidency if he beat his prostate cancer diagnosis. Bennet was declared cancer-free later that month following a successful surgery.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/441707-sen-michael-bennet-announces-presidential-run
Venezuela crisis: Dozens injured in clashes in Caracas
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48128846
A woman was shot dead and dozens injured in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Wednesday, in clashes between opposition supporters and pro-government forces.
The military fired tear gas and water cannon amid rival demonstrations.
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó called for those responsible for the death of a 27-year-old woman to be found.
He also urged public employees to go on strike on Thursday, to try to force President Nicolás Maduro to stand down.
In January, Mr Guaidó declared himself Venezuela's interim leader, and he has been recognised by more than 50 countries including the US, UK and most Latin America nations.
As the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, he invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Mr Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.
But Mr Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela's military - has refused to cede power.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48128846
A woman was shot dead and dozens injured in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Wednesday, in clashes between opposition supporters and pro-government forces.
The military fired tear gas and water cannon amid rival demonstrations.
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó called for those responsible for the death of a 27-year-old woman to be found.
He also urged public employees to go on strike on Thursday, to try to force President Nicolás Maduro to stand down.
In January, Mr Guaidó declared himself Venezuela's interim leader, and he has been recognised by more than 50 countries including the US, UK and most Latin America nations.
As the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, he invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Mr Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.
But Mr Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela's military - has refused to cede power.
LIVE : UK Local Election Results
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-48131095
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-48131095
Election 2019: Council polls close in England and NI
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48142181?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-48131095
The polls have closed in the council and mayoral elections across England and Northern Ireland.
Voting finished at 22:00 BST in the elections for 248 English councils, six mayors and all 11 councils in Northern Ireland.
Sunderland City Council was the first authority to declare a result, with Labour holding onto control.
Results for 108 English councils are expected before 06:00, with the other 140 results expected throughout Friday.
The Northern Irish results will take longer to come in.
No local elections are taking place in Scotland and Wales.
Brexit Minister James Cleverly told Sky News he worried "frustration" over Brexit would be "disproportionally taken out" on the Conservatives at the ballot box.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48142181?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-48131095
The polls have closed in the council and mayoral elections across England and Northern Ireland.
Voting finished at 22:00 BST in the elections for 248 English councils, six mayors and all 11 councils in Northern Ireland.
Sunderland City Council was the first authority to declare a result, with Labour holding onto control.
Results for 108 English councils are expected before 06:00, with the other 140 results expected throughout Friday.
The Northern Irish results will take longer to come in.
No local elections are taking place in Scotland and Wales.
Brexit Minister James Cleverly told Sky News he worried "frustration" over Brexit would be "disproportionally taken out" on the Conservatives at the ballot box.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi accuses Attorney General Barr of lying to Congress
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48138433
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused the Attorney General William Barr of lying to Congress.
Her comments came a day after Mr Barr's testimony to a Senate panel about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russia's alleged meddling in 2016.
Mr Barr faced sharp questioning about his decision to clear President Donald Trump of obstruction of justice.
The top US law official refused to testify to Democratic-led House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
The stand-off raises the prospect that Mr Barr - America's top legal official - could be held in contempt of Congress.
"He lied to Congress. And if anybody else did that it would be considered a crime," Ms Pelosi said on Thursday.
"Nobody is above the law," she added.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48138433
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused the Attorney General William Barr of lying to Congress.
Her comments came a day after Mr Barr's testimony to a Senate panel about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russia's alleged meddling in 2016.
Mr Barr faced sharp questioning about his decision to clear President Donald Trump of obstruction of justice.
The top US law official refused to testify to Democratic-led House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
The stand-off raises the prospect that Mr Barr - America's top legal official - could be held in contempt of Congress.
"He lied to Congress. And if anybody else did that it would be considered a crime," Ms Pelosi said on Thursday.
"Nobody is above the law," she added.
Venezuela crisis: Defiant Maduro appears with soldiers
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48137781
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appeared flanked by soldiers at an army base in Caracas, in a show of defiance towards his opponents.
Mr Maduro called on the armed forces to defeat "any coup plotter", following two days of clashes between opposition and pro-government forces.
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó tried on Wednesday to spark a military rebellion and force Mr Maduro from office.
Mr Guaidó has urged public employees to strike to undermine the government.
But Mr Maduro praised the army's loyalty. "No-one dare touch our sacred ground or bring war to Venezuela", he said.
On Wednesday, both pro- and anti-government supporters held demonstrations in Caracas that were initially peaceful.
There were reports of gunfire in the city, and a local NGO, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, said Jurubith Rausseo, 27, had been shot dead during a rally in the opposition stronghold of Altamira.
At least 46 people were injured in clashes between opposition supporters and the security forces.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48137781
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appeared flanked by soldiers at an army base in Caracas, in a show of defiance towards his opponents.
Mr Maduro called on the armed forces to defeat "any coup plotter", following two days of clashes between opposition and pro-government forces.
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó tried on Wednesday to spark a military rebellion and force Mr Maduro from office.
Mr Guaidó has urged public employees to strike to undermine the government.
But Mr Maduro praised the army's loyalty. "No-one dare touch our sacred ground or bring war to Venezuela", he said.
On Wednesday, both pro- and anti-government supporters held demonstrations in Caracas that were initially peaceful.
There were reports of gunfire in the city, and a local NGO, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, said Jurubith Rausseo, 27, had been shot dead during a rally in the opposition stronghold of Altamira.
At least 46 people were injured in clashes between opposition supporters and the security forces.
原來琴日係英國地方選舉
地方選舉留歐大勝，歐洲選舉預計脱歐大勝，班友究竟想點
話說自由民主黨係咩來頭？
Others 咁跨
發現樓主呢個Post都幾有用
我係到搵source黎做功課
login入黎多謝樓主
我係到搵source黎做功課
login入黎多謝樓主
係同保守黨組織聯合政府一向唔差，之後背叛選民，差少少滅黨