Qatar row: Arab states send list of steep demands

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamcn2tNqpYGbtASs0z1FxbQ9Z110GpfTiDZQWBEPVgkZCc0F2DooUzR3DV_rzw7tbP4PJVBKdUF7_uZdr7r8DZIKaE5jZK-KXGxXzvxqXFRxnsjvfBxPgvm7D6Nj6dL96zitzzN9lclg/s1600/_96603009_3afa4a6d-09d8-4b26-926a-6cf8ea9775ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="660" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamcn2tNqpYGbtASs0z1FxbQ9Z110GpfTiDZQWBEPVgkZCc0F2DooUzR3DV_rzw7tbP4PJVBKdUF7_uZdr7r8DZIKaE5jZK-KXGxXzvxqXFRxnsjvfBxPgvm7D6Nj6dL96zitzzN9lclg/s640/_96603009_3afa4a6d-09d8-4b26-926a-6cf8ea9775ff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Four arab states have sent qatar a listing of thirteen needs it have to meet if it wants them to raise their sanctions.<br /> Saudi arabia, egypt, the united arab emirates and bahrain are asking the gulf nation to close down its broadcaster, al jazeera.<br /> They may be additionally asking qatar to lessen ties with iran and near a turkish army base - all within 10 days.<br /> Qatar, which sought to elevate its profile in current years, denies investment terrorism and fostering instability.<br /> It has been subjected to greater than two weeks of unheard of diplomatic and monetary sanctions, inside the worst political disaster among gulf international locations in decades.<br /> Qatar crisis deepens as gulf allies dig in<br /> Why qatar is the point of interest of terrorism claims<br /> 5 sudden statistics about qatar<br /> There has been no immediately reaction from qatar but foreign minister sheikh mohammed bin abdulrahman al-thani said earlier that it might now not negotiate until the punitive measures had been lifted.<br /> He also denied his usa supported "any terrorist enterprise".<br /> Analysis by using bbc security correspondent frank gardner<br /> The stakes have simply been raised, dramatically. The sanctions imposed by using saudi arabia, the uae and others two weeks ago had didn't produce the result they wanted. Qatar has remained defiant, rejecting their accusations and pulling in help from iran and turkey.<br /> The listing of demands now being made are humiliating for qatar - final its flagship television channel al-jazeera, as an example, would spell an stop to a 21-12 months force to place qatar firmly on the global media map.<br /> A few gulf commentators agree with those demands may be just a start line for negotiations however the saudi and uae governments are in no mood for compromise. They do not believe qatar's word.<br /> So if there in reality is no room for manoeuvre at the needs that would depart only  courses: total capitulation by qatar and it is return to the gulf arab fold, as a meek and much reduced country wide discern; or a defiant qatar expelled from the gcc and quite possibly turning into a established best friend of iran's.<br /> Qatar's critics might also yet regret what they have got started out.<br /> What are the other demands?<br /> In line with the related press information employer, which obtained a replica of the listing, qatar need to also:<br /> Sever all ties with the muslim brotherhood, that's banned in other arab states<br /> Refuse to naturalise citizens from the 4 nations and expel those presently on its territory, in what the nations describe as an effort to maintain qatar from meddling of their internal affairs<br /> Give up all individuals who are desired with the aid of the 4 nations for terrorism<br /> Prevent investment any extremist entities which can be distinct as terrorist agencies by way of the united states<br /> Provide particular records about competition figures whom qatar has funded, ostensibly in saudi arabia and the other countries<br /> Align itself politically, economically and in any other case with the gulf co-operation council<br /> Stop investment other information retailers further to al jazeera, such as arabi21 and middle east eye<br /> Pay an unspecified sum in reimbursement<br /> An unnamed reputable from one of the 4 international locations advised reuters information corporation that qatar turned into also being asked to sever hyperlinks with so-referred to as islamic state, al-qaeda and lebanese shia militant institution hezbollah.<br /> Consistent with the record seen through ap, qatar is being requested to close down diplomatic posts in iran, expel any members of iran's elite innovative shield and handiest behavior alternate with iran that complies with us sanctions.<br /> Why is al jazeera being focused?The file specifies that both al jazeera and all of its affiliates have to be shut down. Al jazeera, which has an english-language branch, is one of the maximum broadly watched arabic satellite tv for pc channels.<br /> Gulf countries and saudi arabia's near ally, egypt, have long accused the broadcaster of supplying a platform for islamist moves and inspiring dissent - claims the broadcaster has denied.<br /> Speakme to the bbc global carrier, jamal al shayyal, a senior journalist and spokesman for the award-winning community, said: "the fact that the claims are being levelled by countries who are at once involved either in the creation or investment of [extremist] firms is past ironic.<br /> "no one has proven any proof of any misdoing by our network that might quantity to such a ridiculous accusation."<br /> He stated staff would be persevering with to work as everyday to defend press freedoms and "communicate fact to strength".<br /> Can al jazeera live to tell the tale qatar crisis?<br /> What if qatar doesn't meet the needs?<br /> If ten days bypass and qatar has didn't comply, the list will become "void", the reuters source stated, with out elaborating.<br /> It would appear that as a minimum a number of the needs are unacceptable to qatar.<br /> Overseas minister thani stated this week his country would not take delivery of any "overseas dictations" and "rejected discussing any matter related to the al jazeera channel because it taken into consideration it an inner affair".<br /> Who is assisting qatar?<br /> Turkey has been imparting qatar with meals and different goods by way of air for the reason that sanctions started, and dispatched its first ship sporting food this week, reuters reviews.<br /> Exports from turkey to the gulf country have tripled from their everyday ranges to $32.5m because the sanctions, turkish customs and trade minister bulent tufenkci said on thursday.<br /> Turkish economy minister nihat zeybekci became quoted as saying that 105 planeloads of components have been despatched but the airlifting components changed into no longer sustainable in the end.The turkish navy base in qatar turned into installation beneath an settlement signed in 2014.<br /> Two dozen greater turkish soldiers and 5 armoured vehicles arrived in qatar on thursday, turkish newspaper hurriyet reports. Turkey already has some 90 squaddies deployed at the base.<br /> Turkish defence minister fikri isik become quoted with the aid of reuters as announcing any demand for the base's closure might constitute interference in ankara's family members with qatar.<br /> Qatar is also supplied via iran, which sends approximately 1,one hundred tonnes of fruit and veggies every day with the aid of sea, iran's fars information organization reviews.<br /> It has also opened its airspace to flights to and from qatar, which has been banned from the use of saudi and other countries' airspace.<br /> Where is the united states on this?<br /> The listing of needs changed into announced after us secretary of country rex tillerson urged qatar's neighbours to make their demands "reasonable and actionable".Correspondents say there has been frustration in washington, that is seeking to clear up the dispute, over the time taken by way of the saudis and others to formalise their demands.<br /> Us president donald trump has taken a tough line closer to qatar, accusing it of being a "high level" sponsor of terrorism.<br /> However, the arab states involved inside the crisis are all close allies of the usa.<br /> The us's largest base within the center east is in qatar.

Qatar row: Arab states send list of steep demands

Four arab states have sent qatar a listing of thirteen needs it have to meet if it wants them to raise their sanctions. Saudi arabia, ...

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Mali attack: Two dead as gunmen storm tourist resort

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM38x1Dzv5Ciwjn-B7t0yNIhdgQYfbZaiEx_tmUhup_fOHTfgOMdJXdeB33Ks6OX-61qN4Y7515d0Rloklgj1kSpwbaPfVW6HnlwVquLtdmsJYl_MKxSvOL3FNYpylVWls4LEJObUdj3g/s1600/_96541401_maliresort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM38x1Dzv5Ciwjn-B7t0yNIhdgQYfbZaiEx_tmUhup_fOHTfgOMdJXdeB33Ks6OX-61qN4Y7515d0Rloklgj1kSpwbaPfVW6HnlwVquLtdmsJYl_MKxSvOL3FNYpylVWls4LEJObUdj3g/s1600/_96541401_maliresort.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Gunmen have stormed a traveller resort in mali popular with westerners and two human beings are lifeless, the u . S .'s safety minister has said.<br /> "it's miles a jihadist assault. Malian unique forces intervened and hostages had been launched," salif traore told afp information corporation.<br /> "regrettably for the instant there are two useless, which includes a franco-gabonese."<br /> The attack befell at luxury resort le campement kangaba, east of the capital bamako.<br /> The minister said 4 assailants have been killed by using safety forces.<br /> Advertisement<br /> "we have recovered the our bodies of two attackers who were killed," said mr traore, adding that they were "attempting to find the bodies of  others".<br /> One of them left at the back of a machine gun and bottles full of "explosive materials".<br /> The ministry said another  human beings were injured, which include a civilian.<br /> A safety ministry spokesman instructed reuters 32 visitors have been rescued from the motel.<br /> Malian unique forces intervened, subsidized via un squaddies and troops from a french counter-terrorism force.<br /> Witness boubacar sangare was simply out of doors the compound because the assault unfolded."westerners were fleeing the encampment at the same time as  plainclothes police exchanged fireplace with the assailants," he said.<br /> "there were four national police automobiles and french soldiers in armoured vehicles on the scene."<br /> He added that a helicopter changed into circling overhead.<br /> The ecu union training assignment in mali, eutmmali, tweeted that it become aware about the attack and turned into assisting malian security forces and assessing the scenario.<br /> Earlier this month, the usa embassy in bamako had warned of "feasible destiny assaults on western diplomatic missions, different locations in bamako that westerners frequent".Bbc correspondent alex duval smith says many expats and rich malians go to kangaba at weekends, to experience the pools, cocktail bar, canoeing centers, and different sports for youngsters.<br /> Mali has been preventing a jihadist insurgency for several years, with islamist combatants roaming the usa's north and centre.<br /> In november 2015, at the least 20 humans were killed when gunmen took guests and workforce hostage on the radisson blu lodge in bamako.<br /> Al-qaeda's north african arm, al-qaeda inside the islamic maghreb (aqim), said it was behind that siege.Mali has been in a country of emergency because the radisson blu assault. It become extended for a similarly six months in april.<br /> The country's safety has regularly worsened because 2013, while french forces repelled allied islamist and tuareg riot combatants from elements of the north.<br /> French troops and a 10,000-robust pressure of un peacekeepers were fighting to stabilise the former french colony.

Mali attack: Two dead as gunmen storm tourist resort

Gunmen have stormed a traveller resort in mali popular with westerners and two human beings are lifeless, the u . S .'s safety minis...

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Portugal forest fires: Three days of mourning for 62 victims

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6fwvrNHk3sOlaZzcjDiP-fhqpIPoQOUaX_LT0ps-AQrIf_2IDIYUuMHG8Ou1waLsUdAR44Gnr-uBgexsHveQItfmRwcIWk6_mInZAZXTm8TD8GB8ZAyD3yvnkbH8sI0ycRO1RjIPL9Q/s1600/_96538449_f5c3701c-f320-465e-be1f-bf3032953d29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6fwvrNHk3sOlaZzcjDiP-fhqpIPoQOUaX_LT0ps-AQrIf_2IDIYUuMHG8Ou1waLsUdAR44Gnr-uBgexsHveQItfmRwcIWk6_mInZAZXTm8TD8GB8ZAyD3yvnkbH8sI0ycRO1RjIPL9Q/s1600/_96538449_f5c3701c-f320-465e-be1f-bf3032953d29.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Portugal has declared 3 days of mourning for the sixty two sufferers of one of the united states of america's deadliest forest fires.<br /> Four youngsters are some of the sufferers, lots of whom had been discovered useless inside their automobiles as they tried to escape the critical forested area of pedrógão grande.<br /> Loads of firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze on several fronts.<br /> High minister antonio costa referred to as it "the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in phrases of woodland fires".<br /> He stated it become idea to were sparked through a lightning strike.<br /> Commercial<br /> Portugal hearth survivor: 'i need to have died'<br /> In pictures: portugal woodland fireplace<br /> 4 firefighters are most of the fifty four human beings injured inside the fireplace, which is raging in several elements of a mountainous region some 200km north-east of the capital lisbon.There are fears the demise toll should upward push, as some of humans are nonetheless missing. The duration of country wide mourning ends on tuesday.<br /> Our bodies located inner motors<br /> Emergency provider people were struggling with 156 fires across the country on sunday, top minister costa said, adding that maximum of the sufferers had died in only considered one of them.<br /> Secretary of country for the interior jorge gomes stated that maximum had died from smoke inhalation and burns, while  have been killed in a street twist of fate related to the fires.<br /> Thirty bodies have been located interior cars, with another 17 subsequent to the motors, on one street main directly to the ic8 dual carriageway.<br /> Every other eleven died in a village next to the toll road.Greater than 1,600 firefighters are preventing five of the principle fires, supported by approximately four hundred cars and 18 aircraft, portugal's público reports.<br /> In keeping with the prime minister, simply 11 fires are nevertheless energetic but he said the authorities have been "particularly worried about  of them".<br /> They have got despatched  navy battalions to help the emergency services.<br /> 'i could have died, i must have died' - fire survivor's story<br /> Because the strength went off, the flames hit hard, a fiery pink tornado passed the home windows. We crouched at the floor for an excellent hour, seeking to breathe, praying, crying.<br /> I'm no longer ashamed to say it: i was praying, we had been all praying. I'm not non secular, however at that time, you couldn't do whatever else.<br /> I stated: "it cannot quit like this." i simply started out crying and got emotional - i was little need to all people for 20 minutes.<br /> Finally the fire handed and we emerged to see the smouldering stays of the village. Miraculously, our residence and the only round the corner did no longer burn.<br /> The devastation turned into indescribable. Human beings, bewildered, stays of homes burning uncontrollably, concrete posts exploding over roads.<br /> I could not trust what i was seeing. After the fire surpassed, it must nonetheless have been shiny, however it turned into dark. There has been a bizarre movie over all people's eyes.<br /> You could hear gasoline canisters exploding, see blue flashes going off. There has been just a strange silence. There was a lull, a strange feeling. It then turned to alleviation, there has been crying.<br /> Examine greater from gareth roberts, a brit who survived the fires<br /> France has presented 3 firefighting planes, even as spain has already despatched  water-bombing aircraft to assist tackle the fires. The european union has additionally promised to offer firefighting plane.<br /> Dozens of people who fled their homes have been taken in with the aid of residents of the close by municipality of ansiao.<br /> Pope francis, who visited portugal closing month, referred to the victims in his weekly address: "i explicit my closeness to the cherished human beings of portugal following the devastating hearth."<br /> French president emmanuel macron tweeted: "solidarity with portugal, hit by horrible fires. Our thoughts are with sufferers. France makes its aid available to portugal."the fires started on saturday during an extreme heatwave and rainless thunderstorms, with temperatures of extra than 40c (104f) in some regions. Police say lightning hanging a tree may additionally have brought on the fireplace.<br /> "that is a vicinity that has had fires due to its forests, however we cannot do not forget a tragedy of these proportions," valdemar alves, the mayor of pedrógão grande, changed into quoted as saying by means of the associated press corporation.<br /> "i'm completely bowled over by using the variety of deaths."

Portugal forest fires: Three days of mourning for 62 victims

Portugal has declared 3 days of mourning for the sixty two sufferers of one of the united states of america's deadliest forest fires....

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UN Refugee agency: Record 65.6 million people displaced worldwide

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33XHfpZ_4-sldJjimRA4heKNV5bpPzvCu7JVE6s4L6tBScgIC6JWkKRxacmPlCnBkI6f9mfL2Qme7cTSQF3YRn6yye6x9qqLp4WH3AdvxFMyhXf3XMR2kyzC2MGom38VO_NJv9ni_Vgc/s1600/_96540005_62e9f768-48c1-4b72-90f8-0123a7298114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33XHfpZ_4-sldJjimRA4heKNV5bpPzvCu7JVE6s4L6tBScgIC6JWkKRxacmPlCnBkI6f9mfL2Qme7cTSQF3YRn6yye6x9qqLp4WH3AdvxFMyhXf3XMR2kyzC2MGom38VO_NJv9ni_Vgc/s1600/_96540005_62e9f768-48c1-4b72-90f8-0123a7298114.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A file 65.6 million humans are both refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced across the globe, the un refugee company stated.<br /> The predicted parent for the give up of 2016 is an growth of three hundred,000 on 2015, in keeping with its annual report.<br /> It's far a smaller growth than 2014-15, whilst the parent rose through five million.<br /> But the un high commissioner for refugees filippo grandi said it turned into nevertheless a disheartening failure of global diplomacy.<br /> "the sector seems to have end up not able to make peace," mr grandi stated.<br /> Advertisement<br /> "so that you will see antique conflicts that maintain to linger, and new conflicts erupting, and each produce displacement… forced displacement is a image for wars that in no way give up."<br /> Mr grandi also warned of the burden being positioned on most of the world's poorest states, as a few eighty four% of the sector's displaced humans are residing in terrible and middle earnings international locations.<br /> "how am i to invite international locations with far much less assets, in africa, within the middle east, in asia, to take millions of refugees if the richer nations are refusing to accomplish that?" he said.<br /> The un stated it hoped monday's record breaking numbers of displaced could inspire wealthy international locations to think once more: not simply to just accept more refugees, however to invest in peace promoting, and reconstruction.<br /> The sector's displaced people - in numbers<br /> There are sixty five.6 million displaced people within the world - more people than live within the uk. Of these:<br /> 22.Five million are refugees<br /> Forty.3 million are displaced of their personal united states of america<br /> 2.8 million are searching for asylum<br /> Where do the refugees come from?<br /> Syria: five.5 million*<br /> Afghanistan: 2.5 million<br /> South sudan: 1.Four million<br /> Who's website hosting the refugees?<br /> Turkey: 2.Nine million<br /> Pakistan: 1.Four million<br /> Lebanon: 1 million<br /> Iran: 979,4000<br /> Uganda: 940,800<br /> Ethiopia: 791,600<br /> *any other 6.3 million syrians are internally displaced

UN Refugee agency: Record 65.6 million people displaced worldwide

A file 65.6 million humans are both refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced across the globe, the un refugee company stated. T...

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Australian police find Nazi machine-gun in traffic stop

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RBry4x4vHrpLxyV7sLqZeVOyAhJHs_tainQRNNkUjtGWtHgHXOIiu_8N444BomPiuuTt3c-j6DquPWwORZspQCavKIuYq8Iu_Zw2N3A4yeU-SRPWkYrYLgnju02uHMRm6I-_cm9RPAg/s1600/_96543075_71542b03-c9f9-49ec-adcb-18eb03150305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RBry4x4vHrpLxyV7sLqZeVOyAhJHs_tainQRNNkUjtGWtHgHXOIiu_8N444BomPiuuTt3c-j6DquPWwORZspQCavKIuYq8Iu_Zw2N3A4yeU-SRPWkYrYLgnju02uHMRm6I-_cm9RPAg/s1600/_96543075_71542b03-c9f9-49ec-adcb-18eb03150305.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Australian police have seized a international war ii technology machinegun during a visitors prevent 100km (60 miles) north of sydney.<br /> Officials searched a vehicle at the important coast of recent south wales on sunday night and discovered an mp40 sub-gadget gun plus 60 rounds of ammunition.<br /> The weapon became developed in nazi germany - greater than a million were produced at some stage in the struggle.<br /> A forty-year-vintage guy, who become a passenger inside the automobile, changed into charged with owning a prohibited firearm.<br /> Police stated he became refused bail and might appear at wyong nearby court docket on monday.<br /> A forensic examination might be accomplished at the firearm to decide whether may be connected to any taking pictures incidents.<br /> The gun was lacking its barrel but police stated initial examinations recommended it changed into in working order.<br /> Strict controls<br /> Australia has very strict gun manage legal guidelines. All firearms have to be registered, and to apply one a person have to keep a licence.<br /> However it's miles predicted that there are as many as 260,000 illicit weapons in circulate.<br /> Closing week, australia introduced in a national gun amnesty due to the developing terrorism risk and an inflow of illegal palms inside the u . S ..<br /> Those caught with prohibited weapons all through that length face fines of up to a$280,000 ($212,730; £166,480) or up to fourteen years in jail.<br /> A comparable amnesty changed into held after the 1996 shootings in port arthur, tasmania, wherein 35 humans were shot useless.<br /> Approximately 650,000 firearms had been destroyed in that amnesty, and gun crimes dropped swiftly.

Australian police find Nazi machine-gun in traffic stop

Australian police have seized a international war ii technology machinegun during a visitors prevent 100km (60 miles) north of sydney. ...

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US coalition downs Syrian army plane in Raqqa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoCFitIVC9F5o4eYFEKbivQbKF9fcTdYG5oGuuQveNOnLvEfZ3RmB_METX2QuJvqJzDtWZmuE4mIV-XVqTgmlyEFLdVi273Htj_A6pU8OpeuhLaBEC9YYTSdc2Ebwba-2-E2Rxr0Ksuo/s1600/_96542091_2daf7d62-dd62-41bd-b344-867f736f822f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoCFitIVC9F5o4eYFEKbivQbKF9fcTdYG5oGuuQveNOnLvEfZ3RmB_METX2QuJvqJzDtWZmuE4mIV-XVqTgmlyEFLdVi273Htj_A6pU8OpeuhLaBEC9YYTSdc2Ebwba-2-E2Rxr0Ksuo/s1600/_96542091_2daf7d62-dd62-41bd-b344-867f736f822f.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The US-led coalition in Syria has shot down a Syrian military jet in Raqqa province.<br /> The Syrian army said its warplane was on a mission against the Islamic State (IS) group when it came under fire on Sunday, according to state television.<br /> It said the incident would have "dangerous repercussions" on efforts to fight terrorism.<br /> The US said it acted in self-defence after the Syrian regime dropped bombs near US-backed fighters.<br /> "In accordance with rules of engagement and in collective self-defence of Coalition-partnered forces [the plane] was immediately shot down," said the US military in a statement.<br /> ADVERTISEMENT<br /> The incident took place in the town of Ja'Din, which is held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and lies on the outskirts of Raqqa.<br /> The SDF rebel fighters, supported by US-led coalition air strikes, are encircling the IS stronghold of Raqqa.<br /> Two hours before the plane was shot down, the US said forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attacked SDF fighters, "wounding a number" of them and driving them from Ja'Din.<br /> The US said it responded without hesitation, but emphasised that it did not seek to fight to the Syrian regime.<br /> "The demonstrated hostile intent and actions of pro-regime forces toward Coalition and partner forces in Syria conducting legitimate counter-Isis operations will not be tolerated," it added.<br /> Syrian pro-government forces are not fighting the battle for Raqqa, but they are making ground against IS in the surrounding area, south-west of the city.<br /> Earlier this month, the US shot down a pro-Syrian government armed drone after it fired at coalition forces near the al-Tanf border crossing, between Syria and Iraq.<br /> Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Sunday that it has launched several missiles into eastern Syria, targeting IS fighters.<br /> IS claimed responsibility for an attack on Iranian parliament earlier in June, which killed more than a dozen people.

US coalition downs Syrian army plane in Raqqa

The US-led coalition in Syria has shot down a Syrian military jet in Raqqa province. The Syrian army said its warplane was on a mission...

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France polls: Macron's party wins clear parliamentary majority

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjdB3wpOipjGT8gc9ytGMzypZ0bQMSzD1hd3fVF-mhVUoR5QhTVCezrW0V1RYk3NJHsxvf_8Izo7f-fxNa3aoZGYV3ecH1dgfloU_gAl1jkFp2M8i2l2FR6VTXDaWD4BavL5_SUYAxd8/s1600/_96541470_hi040117934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjdB3wpOipjGT8gc9ytGMzypZ0bQMSzD1hd3fVF-mhVUoR5QhTVCezrW0V1RYk3NJHsxvf_8Izo7f-fxNa3aoZGYV3ecH1dgfloU_gAl1jkFp2M8i2l2FR6VTXDaWD4BavL5_SUYAxd8/s640/_96541470_hi040117934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> French president emmanuel macron's birthday party has won a clear parliamentary majority, results show, weeks after his own presidential victory.<br /> With almost all votes counted, his l.  A. République en marche, alongside its modem allies, won extra than three hundred seats inside the 577-seat national assembly.<br /> The winning margin is decrease than some predicted, with turnout down from 2012.<br /> The birthday celebration became fashioned just over a 12 months ago, and half of its candidates have very little political experience.<br /> The end result has swept aside all of the mainstream events and gives the 39-year-vintage president a strong mandate in parliament to pursue his pro-ecu, business-friendly reform plans.<br /> Commercial<br /> How dominant will macron's birthday celebration be?<br /> Macron's meteoric upward push<br /> What are macron's new regulations?<br /> The second one round of the parliamentary election became marked with the aid of vulnerable voter turnout, envisioned to be a record low of approximately 42%, down sharply on 5 years ago.<br /> Correspondents say opponents of mr macron may additionally certainly have no longer troubled to show out.<br /> High minister edouard philippe mentioned the low turnout, promising his birthday party would act for france as an entire.<br /> What do the effects display?<br /> The comfortable majority of los angeles république en marche (republic at the pass or lrem) and modem - surpassing the 289-seat threshold required to manipulate the country wide meeting - could be a large blow to traditional parties on both the left and right.<br /> The conservative republicans and their allies should shape a large competition block, with one hundred twenty five-131 seats. However this discern is down from 200 seats inside the final parliament.The socialists, who have been in strength for the past 5 years, alongside their companions, looked set to get only forty one-forty nine seats - their lowest tally ever.<br /> Socialist leader jean-claude cambadélis announced his retirement from the put up, and advised the left "to change the entirety, its form and its substance, its ideas and its corporation".<br /> The some distance-proper countrywide front (fn) celebration gained eight seats, however it had set its sights on 15.<br /> Fn chief marine le pen, forty eight, has gained a seat in parliament for the first time, representing henin-beaumont, a depressed former mining city in the north. However two of her pinnacle aides, which includes her deputy chief, were removed.<br /> Ms le pen stated president macron may additionally have were given a massive parliamentary majority, but "he need to understand that his thoughts aren't of the general public inside the united states and that the french will no longer aid a assignment that weakens our state".Wherein does france pass from here? - hugh schofield, bbc paris correspondent<br /> It has all passed off so speedy that the u . S . Feels slightly dazed.<br /> Human beings are looking at their new chief, and lots of extra than voted for him are honestly impressed by his calibre. But many also are questioning: where can we go from here?<br /> There's an unknown component to the approaching mandate that sets it other than all that went earlier than.<br /> President macron's party did not exist until he dreamed it up, and half of of the brand new parliamentarians will need instructions (literally) in a way to do their jobs.<br /> And by no means earlier than - as a minimum no longer due to the fact that charles de gaulle in 1958 - has a head of kingdom had this kind of powerful majority, made up of males and females who depend upon him so personally for their new careers.<br /> Macron's conquest is entire - what now?<br /> Grey line<br /> What passed off in a number of the important thing races?<br /> Based on provisional consequences:<br /> Countrywide front mp gilbert collard narrowly beat ex-bullfighter lrem candidate marie sara, with simply 50.Sixteen% of the vote<br /> Fn deputy chief florian philippot lost his seat within the sixth district of moselle to lrem's christophe arend<br /> Ex-education minister najat vallaud-belkacem become turfed out of her rhône seat by bruno bonnell from lrem<br /> A ways-left ex-presidential candidate jean-luc mélenchon introduced his victory in marseille over lrem first-timer, corinne versini<br /> Manuel valls, the unpopular socialist ex-high minister rejected as a candidate by means of both lrem and the socialists, received a good race for his essonne seat, but his a long way-left opponent farida amrani is contesting the results<br /> Leading centre-proper determine nathalie kosciusko-morizet conceded to lrem newbie gilles le gendre<br /> What are president macron's reforms?<br /> The brand new french president wanted a majority to push thru the modifications that he promised in his marketing campaign, which encompass:<br /> Budget savings of €60bn (£51bn; $65bn) within the next 5 years<br /> Reducing the variety of public servants by a hundred and twenty,000<br /> Reforming the labour marketplace and beneficiant state pension schemes, bringing them into line with non-public schemes<br /> The meantime lrem leader, catherine barbaroux, stated the birthday party may want to now start paintings towards converting france:<br /> "some distance from postures, our members of parliament, via their a couple of studies, will vote for legal guidelines to unlock our economic system, free up our energies, create new solidarities and shield the french," she stated.<br /> The lrem win is big sufficient to provide the brand new president a great danger of weathering the inexperience and variety of his new political military, and to push forward with formidable and arguable labour reforms, says the bbc's lucy williamson in paris.<br /> Macron's economic plans<br /> Who're the lrem candidates?<br /> At the least half of lrem applicants are unknown, drawn from a variety of backgrounds.<br /> Mr macron sought gender equality in candidate choice, which led to a 50:50 male to female ratio.

France polls: Macron's party wins clear parliamentary majority

French president emmanuel macron's birthday party has won a clear parliamentary majority, results show, weeks after his own presiden...

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French voter turnout falls sharply in second round

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQ_ZOb_1PhvFs4DPzfajtDQdSzgPMagFN1pwcvp1c6lzRwjcB3yNrJN03u7cfFN7nIZ78brXIskvalz2ICse5yFlEIAh1Jhn1aAMrKpSw2YoCZYUW_e-J_3-9Qmt90XiFctPtMHTnTHM/s1600/_96534515_76b97072-cc94-438a-83b4-db9ed061837d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQ_ZOb_1PhvFs4DPzfajtDQdSzgPMagFN1pwcvp1c6lzRwjcB3yNrJN03u7cfFN7nIZ78brXIskvalz2ICse5yFlEIAh1Jhn1aAMrKpSw2YoCZYUW_e-J_3-9Qmt90XiFctPtMHTnTHM/s640/_96534515_76b97072-cc94-438a-83b4-db9ed061837d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Voter turnout in the 2nd round of france's parliamentary election is sharply down on the ultimate vote five years ago, reputable facts show.<br /> Turnout become 35.Three% at 17:00 neighborhood time (16:00 bst) on sunday, down from 46.Forty two% on the same time in the 2012 election.<br /> The second-spherical vote is a run-off among the top applicants from final sunday's first round.<br /> President emmanuel macron is hoping to reap a strong mandate in parliament to help him pursue his reform plans.<br /> His la république en marche (republic on the circulate or lrem) with its modem allies is predicted to win maximum seats.<br /> Advertisement<br /> Conventional parties are urging citizens to back mr macron's competitors to prevent a monopolisation of strength.<br /> President macron fashioned his birthday party just over a year in the past, and half of of its applicants have little or no political experience.<br /> They encompass a retired bullfighter, a rwandan refugee and a mathematician.<br /> A celebration needs 289 seats to manipulate the 577-seat national meeting. Lrem is expected to win extra than 400.<br /> What took place in component one?<br /> Within the first spherical mr macron's lrem and modem won 32.Three% of the vote.<br /> The centre-proper republicans had 21.5%, whilst the a ways-proper country wide the front (fn) had thirteen.2%, accompanied by the some distance-left l.  A. France insoumise (france unbowed) on simply over 11%.<br /> The socialists, formerly france's ruling birthday party, and their allies won simply nine.5%.<br /> But, the turnout became low, notwithstanding claims that president macron had re-energised the balloting public.<br /> Analysts stated it meditated a feel of resignation among his fighters.<br /> How dominant will macron's party be?<br /> Macron's meteoric upward push<br /> What are macron's new guidelines?Who is within the second round?<br /> Best 4 seats were settled in the first spherical.<br /> The second one spherical will see the 2 pinnacle-placed contenders for each seat going through each other, at the side of some other candidate who gained the assist of at least 12.Five% of registered voters inside the district.Here are some of the key battles to appearance out for:<br /> Ex-training minister najat vallaud-belkacem may be turfed out of her rhône seat with the aid of bruno bonnell from lrem<br /> National the front mp gilbert collard is neck and neck with ex-bullfighter and lrem candidate marie sara<br /> Manuel valls, the unpopular socialist ex-top minister rejected as a candidate through both lrem and the socialists, is tipped for victory in his essonne seat<br /> Leading centre-proper discern nathalie kosciusko-morizet has a actual fight on her hands in opposition to lrem amateur gilles le gendre<br /> Fn leader marine le pen is possibly to win within the pas-de-calais branch of northern france in which she is facing lrem novice anne roquet<br /> A ways-left ex-presidential candidate jean-luc mélenchon is expected to win his struggle in marseille in opposition to lrem first-timer, corinne versiniis macron the anti-trump?<br /> Can macron's new party win majority he needs?<br /> What are the challenges for macron?<br /> Mr macron, 39, defeated marine le pen inside the presidential run-off in may.<br /> He desires a majority to push via the modifications that he promised in his campaign, which encompass:<br /> Price range savings of €60bn (£51bn; $65bn) inside the next 5 years<br /> Slicing the number of public servants via one hundred twenty,000<br /> Reforming the labour marketplace and beneficiant nation pension schemes, bringing them into line with non-public schemes<br /> Macron's monetary plans

French voter turnout falls sharply in second round

Voter turnout in the 2nd round of france's parliamentary election is sharply down on the ultimate vote five years ago, reputable fac...

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Portugal forest fires: Three days of mourning for 61 victims

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYRkacXPmmkN0e9y2jXgBSZqITIVMpieJjkMJ5CsHF9Zt9Jq8jq9fUG3J9B8oUQITanEIqIbTDvVaxZMatvO1IM1MeJg1TeQWS0UQ-D-l8qED99IUtM1uYCYyatTFOn0dCbHQNvmkSqk/s1600/_96538449_f5c3701c-f320-465e-be1f-bf3032953d29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYRkacXPmmkN0e9y2jXgBSZqITIVMpieJjkMJ5CsHF9Zt9Jq8jq9fUG3J9B8oUQITanEIqIbTDvVaxZMatvO1IM1MeJg1TeQWS0UQ-D-l8qED99IUtM1uYCYyatTFOn0dCbHQNvmkSqk/s640/_96538449_f5c3701c-f320-465e-be1f-bf3032953d29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Portugal has declared three days of mourning for the 61 victims of one of the usa's deadliest forest fires.<br /> Four youngsters are among the victims, many of whom have been observed useless interior their motors as they tried to escape the important forested area of pedrógão grande.<br /> Loads of firefighters are continuing to address the blaze on numerous fronts.<br /> Top minister antonio costa referred to as it "the greatest tragedy we've got seen in latest years in phrases of woodland fires".<br /> He said it changed into concept to have been sparked by way of a lightning strike.<br /> Commercial<br /> Portugal fireplace survivor: 'i must have died'<br /> In pix: portugal wooded area fireplace<br /> 4 firefighters are some of the 54 humans injured within the fireplace, that's raging in several elements of a mountainous place some 200km north-east of the capital lisbonthere are fears the loss of life toll could rise, as a number of people are nonetheless missing. The duration of country wide mourning ends on tuesday.<br /> Our bodies found inner automobiles<br /> Emergency service people have been battling 156 fires throughout the u . S . A . On sunday, prime minister costa said, including that maximum of the sufferers had died in only one in every of them.<br /> Secretary of kingdom for the interior jorge gomes said that maximum had died from smoke inhalation and burns, while  were killed in a street accident related to the fires.<br /> Thirty bodies have been found interior cars, with any other 17 subsequent to the vehicles, on one avenue main directly to the ic8 motorway.<br /> Some other eleven died in a village next to the motorway.Greater than 1,600 firefighters are fighting five of the primary fires, supported through approximately four hundred vehicles and 18 aircraft, portugal's público reports.<br /> In step with the prime minister, just eleven fires are nonetheless active however he stated the government had been "in particular concerned about two of them".<br /> They have got sent  military battalions to assist the emergency services.<br /> 'i may want to have died, i ought to have died' - hearth survivor's tale<br /> As the energy went off, the flames hit tough, a fiery crimson twister passed the home windows. We crouched on the floor for an amazing hour, trying to breathe, praying, crying.<br /> I am now not ashamed to mention it: i was praying, we have been all praying. I am now not spiritual, but at that time, you could not do some thing else.<br /> I stated: "it cannot quit like this." i just commenced crying and were given emotional - i was little need to anybody for 20 minutes.<br /> Eventually the fireplace surpassed and we emerged to peer the smouldering remains of the village. Miraculously, our residence and the one round the corner did now not burn.<br /> The devastation was indescribable. Human beings, bewildered, remains of homes burning uncontrollably, concrete posts exploding over roads.<br /> I couldn't believe what i used to be seeing. After the fire surpassed, it ought to nevertheless had been shiny, however it become dark. There was a ordinary movie over every body's eyes.<br /> You may listen gasoline canisters exploding, see blue flashes going off. There was only a extraordinary silence. There was a lull, a peculiar feeling. It then grew to become to comfort, there was crying.<br /> Examine more from gareth roberts, a brit who survived the fires<br /> France has provided 3 firefighting planes, whilst spain has already despatched  water-bombing aircraft to assist tackle the fires. The eu union has additionally promised to offer firefighting aircraft.<br /> Dozens of those who fled their houses were taken in by way of residents of the close by municipality of ansiao.<br /> Pope francis, who visited portugal closing month, noted the victims in his weekly deal with: "i express my closeness to the beloved humans of portugal following the devastating hearth."<br /> French president emmanuel macron tweeted: "harmony with portugal, hit by terrible fires. Our mind are with victims. France makes its useful resource to be had to portugal."the fires started on saturday for the duration of an intense heatwave and rainless thunderstorms, with temperatures of extra than 40c (104f) in a few regions. Police say lightning putting a tree may also have brought on the fire.<br /> "that is a place that has had fires due to its forests, however we can not do not forget a tragedy of those proportions," valdemar alves, the mayor of pedrógão grande, turned into quoted as saying via the related press organization.<br /> "i'm absolutely greatly surprised by using the variety of deaths."<br /> Are you inside the pedrógão grande place? Have you been stricken by this incident? Allow us to know with the aid of emailing haveyoursay@bbc.Co.United kingdom<br /> You may also contact us within the following methods:<br /> Tweet: @bbc_haveyoursay<br /> Ship pictures/video to yourpics@bbc.Co.United kingdom<br /> Add your pix / video here<br /> Whatsapp: +447555 173285<br /> Text an sms or mms to 61124 (uk) or +forty four 7624 800 a hundred (global)<br /> Please examine our terms & situations<br /> <br />

Portugal forest fires: Three days of mourning for 61 victims

Portugal has declared three days of mourning for the 61 victims of one of the usa's deadliest forest fires. Four youngsters are amon...

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