國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（六）
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反正都係講埋Justin fairfox 單野
Sorting through the mess in Virginia
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/06/virginia-governor-northam-fairfax-herring-1152310
The top three statewide elected officials in Virginia, all Democrats, are embroiled in scandal and facing calls to resign, testing the state’s constitution and line of succession and even raising the possibility of a new election later this year.
Last week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam admitted donning blackface in a talent contest after a picture from his medical school yearbook emerged, featuring men dressed in blackface and Ku Klux Klan robes. (Northam admitted and then denied being in the yearbook photo.) He has resisted calls to resign.
On Wednesday, state Attorney General Mark Herring admitted that he too had once worn blackface, for a costume while he was in college. “In the days ahead, honest conversations and discussions will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve as attorney general, but no matter where we go from here, I will say that from the bottom of my heart, I am deeply, deeply sorry for the pain that I cause with this revelation,” Herring said in a statement. Herring had previously called on Northam to resign.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has been accused of sexual assault, which he has denied. Fairfax put out a new statement Wednesday: “As I have stated previously, fifteen years ago, when I was an unmarried law student, I had a consensual encounter with the woman who made the allegation,” the statement read. “I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice. But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true.”
'Utterly shocked and terrified': Fairfax accuser details alleged assault
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/06/fairfax-accuser-issues-statement-detailing-alleged-assault-1152900
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/06/virginia-governor-northam-fairfax-herring-1152310
The top three statewide elected officials in Virginia, all Democrats, are embroiled in scandal and facing calls to resign, testing the state’s constitution and line of succession and even raising the possibility of a new election later this year.
Last week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam admitted donning blackface in a talent contest after a picture from his medical school yearbook emerged, featuring men dressed in blackface and Ku Klux Klan robes. (Northam admitted and then denied being in the yearbook photo.) He has resisted calls to resign.
On Wednesday, state Attorney General Mark Herring admitted that he too had once worn blackface, for a costume while he was in college. “In the days ahead, honest conversations and discussions will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve as attorney general, but no matter where we go from here, I will say that from the bottom of my heart, I am deeply, deeply sorry for the pain that I cause with this revelation,” Herring said in a statement. Herring had previously called on Northam to resign.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has been accused of sexual assault, which he has denied. Fairfax put out a new statement Wednesday: “As I have stated previously, fifteen years ago, when I was an unmarried law student, I had a consensual encounter with the woman who made the allegation,” the statement read. “I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice. But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true.”
'Utterly shocked and terrified': Fairfax accuser details alleged assault
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/06/fairfax-accuser-issues-statement-detailing-alleged-assault-1152900
Explainer: The race for Nigeria's presidency in 2019
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-election-explainer/explainer-the-race-for-nigerias-presidency-in-2019-idUSKCN1PW0SR
ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerians will on Feb. 16 choose between two septuagenarians to lead Africa’s largest democracy: President Muhammadu Buhari and former vice president Atiku Abubakar. The pair have run for president nine times between them.
There are more than 60 other candidates, though their chances of winning are slim as the wealth and patronage networks of the two main parties drive the politics of Africa’s top oil producer and most populous country.
Buhari’s 2015 victory with his All Progressives Congress (APC) party was built on three promises: to rid Nigeria of endemic corruption, fix the economy and tackle security threats.
The government says it is making progress but the military’s efforts to fight the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency and its Islamic State-allied offshoot, now in its tenth year, are crumbling.
The economy entered and climbed out of recession under Buhari, yet the average Nigerian is still getting poorer; and opponents say his government is failing to tackle corruption, targeting only the president’s enemies and ignoring allegations against his allies.
If Buhari wins again, Nigeria would be in for another four years of political torpor and disregard for rights, his opponents say.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-election-explainer/explainer-the-race-for-nigerias-presidency-in-2019-idUSKCN1PW0SR
ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerians will on Feb. 16 choose between two septuagenarians to lead Africa’s largest democracy: President Muhammadu Buhari and former vice president Atiku Abubakar. The pair have run for president nine times between them.
There are more than 60 other candidates, though their chances of winning are slim as the wealth and patronage networks of the two main parties drive the politics of Africa’s top oil producer and most populous country.
Buhari’s 2015 victory with his All Progressives Congress (APC) party was built on three promises: to rid Nigeria of endemic corruption, fix the economy and tackle security threats.
The government says it is making progress but the military’s efforts to fight the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency and its Islamic State-allied offshoot, now in its tenth year, are crumbling.
The economy entered and climbed out of recession under Buhari, yet the average Nigerian is still getting poorer; and opponents say his government is failing to tackle corruption, targeting only the president’s enemies and ignoring allegations against his allies.
If Buhari wins again, Nigeria would be in for another four years of political torpor and disregard for rights, his opponents say.
Trump likely to sign executive order banning Chinese telecom equipment next week
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/07/trump-ban-chinese-telecom-1157090
President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order banning Chinese telecom equipment from U.S. wireless networks before a major industry conference at the end of February, three sources told POLITICO.
The administration plans to release the directive, part of its broader effort to protect the U.S. from cyber threats, before MWC Barcelona, formerly known as Mobile World Congress, which takes place Feb. 25-28.
The current plan is for Trump to sign the long-delayed executive order next week, according to a source close to the administration, who requested anonymity to candidly discuss internal deliberations.
“There’s a big push to get it out before MWC,” said an industry source familiar with the matter, who also requested anonymity to speak candidly.
The White House declined to comment for this story, but National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said that the U.S. was “working across government and with our allies and like-minded partners to mitigate risk in the deployment of 5G and other communications infrastructure.”
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/07/trump-ban-chinese-telecom-1157090
President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order banning Chinese telecom equipment from U.S. wireless networks before a major industry conference at the end of February, three sources told POLITICO.
The administration plans to release the directive, part of its broader effort to protect the U.S. from cyber threats, before MWC Barcelona, formerly known as Mobile World Congress, which takes place Feb. 25-28.
The current plan is for Trump to sign the long-delayed executive order next week, according to a source close to the administration, who requested anonymity to candidly discuss internal deliberations.
“There’s a big push to get it out before MWC,” said an industry source familiar with the matter, who also requested anonymity to speak candidly.
The White House declined to comment for this story, but National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said that the U.S. was “working across government and with our allies and like-minded partners to mitigate risk in the deployment of 5G and other communications infrastructure.”
Isis leader believed to have fled coup attempt by his own fighters
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/07/isis-leader-believed-to-have-fled-coup-attempt-by-his-own-fighters
The Isis leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, survived a coup attempt last month launched by foreign fighters in his eastern Syrian hideout, intelligence officials believe, and the terrorist group has since placed a bounty on the main plotter’s head.
The incident is believed to have taken place on 10 January in a village near Hajin in the Euphrates River valley, where the jihadist group is clinging to its last sliver of land. Regional intelligence officials say a planned move against Baghdadi led to a firefight between foreign fighters and the fugitive terrorist chief’s bodyguards, who spirited him away to the nearby deserts.
Isis has offered a reward to whomever kills Abu Muath al-Jazairi, believed to be a veteran foreign fighter, one of an estimated 500 Isis fighters thought to remain in the area. While Isis did not directly accuse Jazairi, placing a bounty on the head of one of its senior members is an unusual move and intelligence officials believe he was the central plotter.
“They got wind of it just in time,” an intelligence official said. “There was a clash and two people were killed. This was the foreign fighter element, some of his most trusted people.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/07/isis-leader-believed-to-have-fled-coup-attempt-by-his-own-fighters
The Isis leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, survived a coup attempt last month launched by foreign fighters in his eastern Syrian hideout, intelligence officials believe, and the terrorist group has since placed a bounty on the main plotter’s head.
The incident is believed to have taken place on 10 January in a village near Hajin in the Euphrates River valley, where the jihadist group is clinging to its last sliver of land. Regional intelligence officials say a planned move against Baghdadi led to a firefight between foreign fighters and the fugitive terrorist chief’s bodyguards, who spirited him away to the nearby deserts.
Isis has offered a reward to whomever kills Abu Muath al-Jazairi, believed to be a veteran foreign fighter, one of an estimated 500 Isis fighters thought to remain in the area. While Isis did not directly accuse Jazairi, placing a bounty on the head of one of its senior members is an unusual move and intelligence officials believe he was the central plotter.
“They got wind of it just in time,” an intelligence official said. “There was a clash and two people were killed. This was the foreign fighter element, some of his most trusted people.”
Whitaker clashes with Dems over subpoena threat
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/07/jerry-nadler-subpoena-matthew-whitaker-1155247
A subpoena fight between the House Judiciary Committee and the Justice Department escalated Thursday, throwing acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker’s scheduled appearance before the panel in doubt.
Whitaker told the committee on Thursday that he would not appear before the panel as planned on Friday unless Chairman Jerry Nadler dropped his threat to issue a subpoena to compel his testimony. In response, Nadler refused to withdraw his subpoena threat, which was approved by the full committee earlier Thursday.
“If you appear before the Committee tomorrow morning and if you are prepared to respond to questions from our Members, then I assure you that there will be no need for the Committee to issue a subpoena on or before February 8,” Nadler (D-N.Y.) wrote.
If Whitaker declines to answer certain questions, Nadler said, the committee would evaluate Whitaker's objections "on a case-by-case basis."
A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/07/jerry-nadler-subpoena-matthew-whitaker-1155247
A subpoena fight between the House Judiciary Committee and the Justice Department escalated Thursday, throwing acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker’s scheduled appearance before the panel in doubt.
Whitaker told the committee on Thursday that he would not appear before the panel as planned on Friday unless Chairman Jerry Nadler dropped his threat to issue a subpoena to compel his testimony. In response, Nadler refused to withdraw his subpoena threat, which was approved by the full committee earlier Thursday.
“If you appear before the Committee tomorrow morning and if you are prepared to respond to questions from our Members, then I assure you that there will be no need for the Committee to issue a subpoena on or before February 8,” Nadler (D-N.Y.) wrote.
If Whitaker declines to answer certain questions, Nadler said, the committee would evaluate Whitaker's objections "on a case-by-case basis."
A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Whitaker to testify publicly Friday, Judiciary chairman says
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/429072-whitaker-to-testify-publicly-friday-judiciary-chairman-says
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker will testify as planned before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday, Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said.
“CONFIRMED: Acting Attorney General Whitaker will appear tomorrow morning at 9:30am,” Nadler announced on Twitter Thursday evening.
The development came shortly after Nadler sent a letter to Whitaker saying there would be “no need” for the committee to subpoena him if he appeared before the panel as scheduled and is prepared to respond to questions.
Whitaker had agreed to testify publicly before the committee last month on Feb. 8. However, his appearance was abruptly called into question on Thursday after the Democrat-led panel voted to authorize a subpoena to ensure his appearance, in the case he declined to show up or answer certain questions by citing executive privilege.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/429072-whitaker-to-testify-publicly-friday-judiciary-chairman-says
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker will testify as planned before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday, Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said.
“CONFIRMED: Acting Attorney General Whitaker will appear tomorrow morning at 9:30am,” Nadler announced on Twitter Thursday evening.
The development came shortly after Nadler sent a letter to Whitaker saying there would be “no need” for the committee to subpoena him if he appeared before the panel as scheduled and is prepared to respond to questions.
Whitaker had agreed to testify publicly before the committee last month on Feb. 8. However, his appearance was abruptly called into question on Thursday after the Democrat-led panel voted to authorize a subpoena to ensure his appearance, in the case he declined to show up or answer certain questions by citing executive privilege.
Brexit: May says she can get deal through with binding changes
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47152035
Theresa May has told EU leaders she can get the Brexit deal through Parliament if they give her legally-binding changes to it.
The UK prime minister - who also vowed to deliver Brexit "on time" - was speaking after a series of meetings with top EU officials in Brussels.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker again ruled out the kind of changes Mrs May wants to see.
But the two sides agreed to further talks to break the deadlock.
Mrs May said she had also spoken to European Council President Donald Tusk about his comments on Wednesday about there being a "special place in hell" for those who campaigned for Brexit without a plan to deliver it safely.
She said Mr Tusk's language "was not helpful" and had "caused widespread dismay in the United Kingdom".
Mrs May said she had told him he should be "focusing" on working with the UK to get a Brexit deal.
Mr Tusk tweeted that there was "no breakthrough in sight" following his talks with the UK prime minister.
Brexit deal may not be put to MPs until late March, officials say
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/07/theresa-may-juncker-clash-brexit-robush-backstop
It is understood that EU officials are looking at offering May a detailed plan of what a potential technological solution to the Irish border might look like, which could be included in the legally non-binding political declaration on the future trade deal.
The blueprint would pinpoint the problem areas and commit to breaching the technical gaps where possible to offer an alternative to the customs union envisaged in the withdrawal agreement’s Irish backstop.
But officials believe it is increasingly likely that any renegotiated deal will only be put to the Commons at the end of March, necessitating even then an extension of the article 50 negotiating period to get legislation through parliament.
On Thursday the German finance commissioner, Günther Hermann Oettinger, suggested the chance of a no-deal Brexit was now as high as 60%.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47152035
Theresa May has told EU leaders she can get the Brexit deal through Parliament if they give her legally-binding changes to it.
The UK prime minister - who also vowed to deliver Brexit "on time" - was speaking after a series of meetings with top EU officials in Brussels.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker again ruled out the kind of changes Mrs May wants to see.
But the two sides agreed to further talks to break the deadlock.
Mrs May said she had also spoken to European Council President Donald Tusk about his comments on Wednesday about there being a "special place in hell" for those who campaigned for Brexit without a plan to deliver it safely.
She said Mr Tusk's language "was not helpful" and had "caused widespread dismay in the United Kingdom".
Mrs May said she had told him he should be "focusing" on working with the UK to get a Brexit deal.
Mr Tusk tweeted that there was "no breakthrough in sight" following his talks with the UK prime minister.
Brexit deal may not be put to MPs until late March, officials say
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/07/theresa-may-juncker-clash-brexit-robush-backstop
It is understood that EU officials are looking at offering May a detailed plan of what a potential technological solution to the Irish border might look like, which could be included in the legally non-binding political declaration on the future trade deal.
The blueprint would pinpoint the problem areas and commit to breaching the technical gaps where possible to offer an alternative to the customs union envisaged in the withdrawal agreement’s Irish backstop.
But officials believe it is increasingly likely that any renegotiated deal will only be put to the Commons at the end of March, necessitating even then an extension of the article 50 negotiating period to get legislation through parliament.
On Thursday the German finance commissioner, Günther Hermann Oettinger, suggested the chance of a no-deal Brexit was now as high as 60%.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1625814/princess-ubolratana-is-candidate-for-prime-minister
The Thai Raksa Chart Party threw election politics into chaos on Friday when it nominated Princess Ubolratana as its candidate to be prime minister.
The party officially registered the elder sister of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn as news people pushed for vantage points at the Office of the Election Commission.
The move was the focus of election rumours on Thursday and overnight, but no media had been bold enough to mention her name or the royal connection until the actual event at 9am Friday.
Executives of the party arrived at the EC office at the Government Complex after announcing they would have only one candidate for prime minister - what they called "an important person outside the party".
As they checked in at the EC office, they showed an army of reporters a document confirming Princess Ubolratana, 67, as their candidate as prime minister.
The move is a serious blow to plans by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to extend power via the March 24 elections.
PPRP officially registered Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as its prime ministerial candidate, but the nomination of Princess Ubolratana completely overwhelmed his nomination.
The Thai Raksa Chart Party threw election politics into chaos on Friday when it nominated Princess Ubolratana as its candidate to be prime minister.
The party officially registered the elder sister of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn as news people pushed for vantage points at the Office of the Election Commission.
The move was the focus of election rumours on Thursday and overnight, but no media had been bold enough to mention her name or the royal connection until the actual event at 9am Friday.
Executives of the party arrived at the EC office at the Government Complex after announcing they would have only one candidate for prime minister - what they called "an important person outside the party".
As they checked in at the EC office, they showed an army of reporters a document confirming Princess Ubolratana, 67, as their candidate as prime minister.
The move is a serious blow to plans by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to extend power via the March 24 elections.
PPRP officially registered Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as its prime ministerial candidate, but the nomination of Princess Ubolratana completely overwhelmed his nomination.
呢單好痴線，唔跟皇室傳統又挑戰軍方權威
下個月廿四日舉行大選
下個月廿四日舉行大選
Nord Stream 2: EU agrees tighter rules for Russian pipeline
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47170420
EU ambassadors have agreed to toughen regulations on a controversial gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, but they have decided not to back plans that might threaten its completion.
Work on the 1,225km (760-mile) Nord Stream 2 pipeline under the Baltic Sea is already well under way and is set to be finished by the end of 2019.
The EU wants to bring pipelines coming into the bloc under its energy rules.
Germany feared that would make the pipeline uneconomic and unviable.
In the end 27 of the bloc's 28 ambassadors reportedly agreed with a Franco-German compromise, which meant that Germany could remain as lead negotiator on the Nord Stream 2 project.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47170420
EU ambassadors have agreed to toughen regulations on a controversial gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, but they have decided not to back plans that might threaten its completion.
Work on the 1,225km (760-mile) Nord Stream 2 pipeline under the Baltic Sea is already well under way and is set to be finished by the end of 2019.
The EU wants to bring pipelines coming into the bloc under its energy rules.
Germany feared that would make the pipeline uneconomic and unviable.
In the end 27 of the bloc's 28 ambassadors reportedly agreed with a Franco-German compromise, which meant that Germany could remain as lead negotiator on the Nord Stream 2 project.
France recalls ambassador to Italy as diplomatic row deepens
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47161500
A diplomatic row between France and Italy has deepened, with France complaining of "unfounded attacks and outlandish claims" by Italian leaders.
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was "unprecedented" since the end of World War Two.
It comes after Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio met French "yellow-vest" protesters near Paris on Tuesday.
France warned him not to interfere in the country's politics.
Relations between the two countries - both founding members of the EU - have been tense since Italy's populist Five Star Movement and right-wing League party formed a coalition government in June 2018.
The two governments have clashed over a range of issues, including immigration.
Exclusive: Top European politicians blast Italy's 'big mistake' over France spat
https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/08/exclusive-top-european-politicians-blast-italy-s-big-mistake-over-france-spat?fromBreakingNews=1
Two of the most senior members of the European Parliament slammed Italy on Friday in an exclusive interview with Euronews.
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani described Italy as 'isolated' due to an ongoing spat with France.
The last straw was a tweet from Italian deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio this week, showing him meeting with a group of French "gilets jaunes" ("yellow vest") protest leaders.
"The wind of change has crossed the Alps," di Maio wrote.
"This is a big mistake of the vice prime minister Mr Di Maio to go to the Gilets Jaunes in France," Tajani remarked to Euronews' Foteini Doulgkeri in Athens.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47161500
A diplomatic row between France and Italy has deepened, with France complaining of "unfounded attacks and outlandish claims" by Italian leaders.
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was "unprecedented" since the end of World War Two.
It comes after Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio met French "yellow-vest" protesters near Paris on Tuesday.
France warned him not to interfere in the country's politics.
Relations between the two countries - both founding members of the EU - have been tense since Italy's populist Five Star Movement and right-wing League party formed a coalition government in June 2018.
The two governments have clashed over a range of issues, including immigration.
Exclusive: Top European politicians blast Italy's 'big mistake' over France spat
https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/08/exclusive-top-european-politicians-blast-italy-s-big-mistake-over-france-spat?fromBreakingNews=1
Two of the most senior members of the European Parliament slammed Italy on Friday in an exclusive interview with Euronews.
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani described Italy as 'isolated' due to an ongoing spat with France.
The last straw was a tweet from Italian deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio this week, showing him meeting with a group of French "gilets jaunes" ("yellow vest") protest leaders.
"The wind of change has crossed the Alps," di Maio wrote.
"This is a big mistake of the vice prime minister Mr Di Maio to go to the Gilets Jaunes in France," Tajani remarked to Euronews' Foteini Doulgkeri in Athens.
Saudi crown prince wanted to go after Jamal Khashoggi 'with a bullet' – report
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/07/jamal-khashoggi-saudi-arabia-turkey-united-nations
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince told a senior aide he would go after Jamal Khashoggi “with a bullet” a year before the dissident journalist was killed inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate, according to a US media report.
US intelligence understood that Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s 33-year-old de facto ruler, was ready to kill the journalist, although he may not have literally meant he planned to shoot him, according to the New York Times ($).
After initially denying any knowledge of Khashoggi’s disappearance, the kingdom has acknowledged that a team killed him inside the diplomatic mission but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.
The conversation was intercepted by US intelligence agencies, as part of routine efforts by the National Security Agency and other agencies to capture and store the communications of global leaders, including allied ones, the newspaper reported.
In a preliminary report, Callamard said she had heard “parts of the chilling and gruesome audio material obtained and retained by the Turkish intelligence agency”.
She said: “Woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/07/jamal-khashoggi-saudi-arabia-turkey-united-nations
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince told a senior aide he would go after Jamal Khashoggi “with a bullet” a year before the dissident journalist was killed inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate, according to a US media report.
US intelligence understood that Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s 33-year-old de facto ruler, was ready to kill the journalist, although he may not have literally meant he planned to shoot him, according to the New York Times ($).
After initially denying any knowledge of Khashoggi’s disappearance, the kingdom has acknowledged that a team killed him inside the diplomatic mission but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.
The conversation was intercepted by US intelligence agencies, as part of routine efforts by the National Security Agency and other agencies to capture and store the communications of global leaders, including allied ones, the newspaper reported.
In a preliminary report, Callamard said she had heard “parts of the chilling and gruesome audio material obtained and retained by the Turkish intelligence agency”.
She said: “Woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation.”
Thai king opposes sister’s bid to be PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47175604
Thai king says his sister’s unprecedented bid to run for prime minister is “inappropriate” - palace statement
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47175604
Thai king says his sister’s unprecedented bid to run for prime minister is “inappropriate” - palace statement
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4778922/alexandrio-ocasio-cortez-ethics-game
係香港會認為係腐敗嘅舉動, 係美國係合法
延伸閱讀:
CONGRESS TOOK $101 MILLION IN DONATIONS FROM THE ISP INDUSTRY — HERE’S HOW MUCH YOUR LAWMAKER GOT
https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/11/16746230/net-neutrality-fcc-isp-congress-campaign-contribution
神奇 頂級 超卓
係香港會認為係腐敗嘅舉動, 係美國係合法
延伸閱讀:
CONGRESS TOOK $101 MILLION IN DONATIONS FROM THE ISP INDUSTRY — HERE’S HOW MUCH YOUR LAWMAKER GOT
https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/11/16746230/net-neutrality-fcc-isp-congress-campaign-contribution
神奇 頂級 超卓
Second woman accuses Virginia deputy governor of assault
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47179976
A second woman has come forward to accuse the deputy governor of scandal-plagued Virginia of sexual assault.
Meredith Watson alleges Lt Governor Justin Fairfax raped her in 2000 when they were both students at Duke University in North Carolina.
Mr Fairfax, a Democrat, has denied the latest allegation, saying he is the victim of a smear campaign.
The governor of Virginia and state's attorney general are meanwhile both embroiled in racism rows.
According to Ms Watson's legal representatives Smith Mullin, former classmates have provided statements corroborating Ms Watson's allegations and stating that she "immediately told friends that Mr Fairfax had raped her".
She says she was friends with Mr Fairfax while they studied at Duke University, but that they never had a romantic relationship.
Ms Watson is not seeking any damages, her lawyer says, but "came forward out of a strong sense of civic duty" and hopes Mr Fairfax will resign from public office.
Virginia governor vows to stay; calls mount to oust lieutenant governor
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-virginia-politics-rape/virginia-governor-vows-to-stay-calls-mount-to-oust-lieutenant-governor-idUSKCN1PX2DM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47179976
A second woman has come forward to accuse the deputy governor of scandal-plagued Virginia of sexual assault.
Meredith Watson alleges Lt Governor Justin Fairfax raped her in 2000 when they were both students at Duke University in North Carolina.
Mr Fairfax, a Democrat, has denied the latest allegation, saying he is the victim of a smear campaign.
The governor of Virginia and state's attorney general are meanwhile both embroiled in racism rows.
According to Ms Watson's legal representatives Smith Mullin, former classmates have provided statements corroborating Ms Watson's allegations and stating that she "immediately told friends that Mr Fairfax had raped her".
She says she was friends with Mr Fairfax while they studied at Duke University, but that they never had a romantic relationship.
Ms Watson is not seeking any damages, her lawyer says, but "came forward out of a strong sense of civic duty" and hopes Mr Fairfax will resign from public office.
Virginia governor vows to stay; calls mount to oust lieutenant governor
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-virginia-politics-rape/virginia-governor-vows-to-stay-calls-mount-to-oust-lieutenant-governor-idUSKCN1PX2DM
Exclusive: U.S. in direct contact with Venezuelan military, urging defections - source
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-military-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-in-direct-contact-with-venezuelan-military-urging-defections-source-idUSKCN1PX22L
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is holding direct communications with members of Venezuela’s military urging them to abandon President Nicolas Maduro and is also preparing new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on him, a senior White House official said.
The Trump administration expects further military defections from Maduro’s side, the official told Reuters in an interview, despite only a few senior officers having done so since opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, earning the recognition of the United States and dozens of other countries.
“We believe these to be those first couple pebbles before we start really seeing bigger rocks rolling down the hill,” the official said this week, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’re still having conversations with members of the former Maduro regime, with military members, although those conversations are very, very limited.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-military-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-in-direct-contact-with-venezuelan-military-urging-defections-source-idUSKCN1PX22L
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is holding direct communications with members of Venezuela’s military urging them to abandon President Nicolas Maduro and is also preparing new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on him, a senior White House official said.
The Trump administration expects further military defections from Maduro’s side, the official told Reuters in an interview, despite only a few senior officers having done so since opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, earning the recognition of the United States and dozens of other countries.
“We believe these to be those first couple pebbles before we start really seeing bigger rocks rolling down the hill,” the official said this week, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’re still having conversations with members of the former Maduro regime, with military members, although those conversations are very, very limited.”
Thailand's king condemns bid by sister to become PM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47175604
Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn has denounced as "inappropriate" his sister's unprecedented bid to run for prime minister in March's election.
In a palace statement, he said such an act would "defy the nation's culture".
In a palace statement broadcast on all Thai TV networks, the king said: "Even though she has relinquished her royal titles in writing, she maintained her status and carried herself as a member of the Chakri dynasty.
"Involvement of a high-ranking member of the royal family in politics, in whatever way, is considered an act that defies the nation's traditions, customs and culture, and therefore is considered extremely inappropriate."
The statement cited a passage of the constitution that says the monarchy should maintain political neutrality.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47175604
Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn has denounced as "inappropriate" his sister's unprecedented bid to run for prime minister in March's election.
In a palace statement, he said such an act would "defy the nation's culture".
In a palace statement broadcast on all Thai TV networks, the king said: "Even though she has relinquished her royal titles in writing, she maintained her status and carried herself as a member of the Chakri dynasty.
"Involvement of a high-ranking member of the royal family in politics, in whatever way, is considered an act that defies the nation's traditions, customs and culture, and therefore is considered extremely inappropriate."
The statement cited a passage of the constitution that says the monarchy should maintain political neutrality.
The total of 93 presidential hopefuls tried to enter the race. Most of those who have been denied registration failed to collect the required fee of 2.5 million hryvnias (about $90,000).
仲有PAC呢
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/getup-poll-points-to-abbott-electoral-defeat-20190209-p50wqi.html
Independent candidate Zali Steggall is on track to replace former prime minister Tony Abbott as the federal member for Warringah, according to a GetUp poll.
The activist group, which is campaigning to oust Mr Abbott from his traditionally Liberal seat on Sydney's northern beaches, commissioned a poll of 622 residents that showed the four-time Winter Olympian leading 54 to 46 on a two-party preferred basis.
Independent candidate Zali Steggall is on track to replace former prime minister Tony Abbott as the federal member for Warringah, according to a GetUp poll.
The activist group, which is campaigning to oust Mr Abbott from his traditionally Liberal seat on Sydney's northern beaches, commissioned a poll of 622 residents that showed the four-time Winter Olympian leading 54 to 46 on a two-party preferred basis.
New Brexit party recognised
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/feb/08/second-referendum-necessary-if-no-brexit-agreement-says-john-mcdonnell-politics-live?
A new Brexit party, supported by Nigel Farage has been officially recognised by the Electoral Commission and is likely to win over thousands of Tory defectors, the Telegraph reports.
The party is called ...The Brexit Party. It says it will field candidates in England, Wales, Scotland and Europe.
The party leader is former Ukip candidate, Catherine Blaiklock
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/feb/08/second-referendum-necessary-if-no-brexit-agreement-says-john-mcdonnell-politics-live?
A new Brexit party, supported by Nigel Farage has been officially recognised by the Electoral Commission and is likely to win over thousands of Tory defectors, the Telegraph reports.
The party is called ...The Brexit Party. It says it will field candidates in England, Wales, Scotland and Europe.
The party leader is former Ukip candidate, Catherine Blaiklock