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MH370: Hunt Resumes For Plane's Black Box

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 12 April 2014 | 18.26

The hunt for missing flight MH370 has resumed as authorities race to identify further signals which could point to the location of the plane's black box recorder.

The search operation is seeking to determine the black box's exact resting place in the southern Indian Ocean before the device's beacons fade.

The Australian defence vessel Ocean Shield will today carry out "focused sweeps" of the search area with a towed pinger locator in an attempt to pick up more signals.

Today's operation covers an area of 15,982 square miles, some 1,450 miles northwest of Perth.

Message for family members and friends of passengers onboard the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is seen on a screen in Kuala Lumpur A message for family members seen in Kuala Lumpur

Nine military aircraft, one civil plane and 14 ships will assist in the search, according to the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC).

"Today, Australian defence vessel Ocean Shield continues more focused sweeps with the towed pinger locator to try and locate further signals related to the aircraft's black boxes," JACC said.

"This work continues in an effort to narrow the underwater search area for when the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle is deployed."

Ocean Shield has already picked up four signals linked to aircraft black boxes, with the first two revealed to be consistent with signals from aircraft flight recorders.

The beacons on the plane's flight data and cockpit voice recorders only have a normal battery lifespan of around 30 days.

The renewed search comes after Australia's prime minister said searchers were "very confident" that signals detected in the Indian Ocean are from the plane's black box.

Relative sleeps next to banner dedicated to passengers onboard missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 as he waits for a briefing given by Malaysian representatives at Lido Hotel in Beijing A relative beside a banner dedicated to passengers at Lido Hotel in Beijing

Tony Abbott told reporters during a visit to China that authorities have "very much narrowed down the search area".

"We are very confident that the signals that we are detecting are from the black box," he said.

"Nevertheless, we're getting into the stage where the signal from what we are very confident is the black box is starting to fade.

"We are hoping to get as much information as we can before the signal finally expires."

The Malaysia Airlines plane went missing on March 8 with 239 people on board.


18.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland 'Should Determine Its Own Future'

By Niall Paterson, Scotland Correspondent

"Put Scotland's future in Scotland's hands." That is the message Alex Salmond will deliver to delegates today at the SNP's Spring Conference.

As the nationalist party committed to fulfilling an 80-year pledge to gain Scotland its independence from the United Kingdom continues to reduce the gap in the polls ahead of September's referendum, he is expected to maintain that the vote is not about him.

"This referendum is not about this party, or this First Minister, or even the wider Yes campaign," he will say in the speech, which will be shown live on Sky News at 3pm.

"It's about putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands.

"Our party is hugely popular, and we are currently five, 10 and 15 points ahead in polls for Westminster, Europe and Holyrood respectively.

"But a Yes vote in September is not a vote for me, or for an SNP government in 2016.

"It's a vote for a government in Scotland that the people of Scotland choose, pursuing policies the people of Scotland support."

The speech, much like the campaign, will make much of the fact that Scots have voted in a way at significant variance with the overall result of recent general elections.

He will say: "I tell you what (the government of an independent Scotland) won't be. It won't be a government led by a party with just a single MP in Scotland.

Salmond speech

"A government dismantling our welfare state. Determined to privatise public services.

"In an independent Scotland we can give this guarantee: The era of unelected Tory governments handing out punishment to the poor and the disabled will be gone and gone for good."

Results vary, but the Yes campaign is still significantly behind the No vote in all major polls, although the margin has narrowed in recent months.

And despite the fact the Yes campaign has yet even to come close to a majority in said polls, the SNP leader in Westminster remains upbeat, with five months of campaigning to go.

"When people are able to contrast the Yes case with the No case and understand the momentum is going in the direction of the Yes case, I'm confident we will get a Yes result," Angus Robertson MP told Sky News.

"It might surprise some people in the bunkers of Whitehall and Westminster when it does, but when they wake up they will realise this is about Scotland governing itself like so many other places have decided to do over recent decades.

"We will have excellent relations with our friends on these islands.

Alex Salmond Mr Salmond says a Yes vote is a vote for the future of Scotland

"But we will always have a government that we actually elect making better decisions for people who life here - regardless of where they are from."

Given their lead in the polls it's unsurprising that the Better Together camp remains positive, despite considerable media and public opinion branding their campaign negative.

Asked whether it was easier for people to enthuse about independence rather than maintaining the status quo, Lewis Macdonald, a Labour member of the Scottish Parliament, told Sky News: "It's important to say there's a lot to be enthusiastic about.

"The union has worked very, very well for many generations and it's delivered us many benefits. But this isn't about change versus the status quo. This is about devolution, the kind of change that people in Scotland have wanted for a long time.

"It's a referendum that will be decided by the judgement people make at the end of the day. I think many people have made up their minds, some still have to choose.

"My expectation is that those people who still have to make up their mind will come to the same conclusion as those who have already made up their mind.

"At the moment, and for as long as I can remember the split has basically been two to one for remaining in the UK. I expect that the undecideds will come down in much the same kind of split.

"But only time will tell."


18.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Interrogation Pokes Holes In Pistorius Defence

By Emma Hurd, Sky Correspondent, in Pretoria

After a weekend of respite, Oscar Pistorius will return to the witness box on Monday to face more questions under cross-examination in his murder trial.

His account of the shooting that left his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead has already been challenged in three days of tough interrogation.

This has exposed some of the weaknesses in his defence and posed questions that could prove crucial to judge Thokozile Masipa's eventual verdict.

:: Where was Reeva?

The crucial issue of why the athlete failed to realise his girlfriend was not in the bed when he went with his gun to investigate a noise coming from the bathroom was the focus of many of prosecutor Gerrie Nel's questions.

Oscar Pistorius said he had spoken to Reeva Steenkamp in the bedroom and asked her to call the police when he heard what he thought was an intruder.

Oscar Pistorius Is Tried For The Murder Of His Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp Gerrie Nel has appeared incredulous at some of Pistorius' evidence

He said he was "fixated on the noise" and did not think it was strange that she had not replied.

Mr Nel insisted that it was "unreasonable" to believe that, given that Ms Steenkamp was in the toilet, she would not have shouted out to the runner who had been screaming "at intruders" just metres away.

The prosecution also pressed the athlete on whether he had heard Ms Steenkamp screaming when he fired shots into the toilet door.

The runner said he was sure she had not screamed but was forced to admit that he might not have heard her because of the sound of the shots.

:: Did he intend to shoot?

The issue of intent is vital in a murder trial and the prosecution has attempted to show Oscar Pistorius shot to kill that night - whoever he thought he was firing at.

Special programme

The athlete insisted he "fired out of fear" after hearing a noise from the toilet. His said he did not have time to think and that it was "a mistake".

The prosecution repeatedly stressed that Pistorius approached the toilet with his gun held out and the safety catch off ready to shoot, even "wanting to shoot".

He knew someone might be in the small, enclosed space of the toilet, Mr Nel claimed, and the shooting was a deliberate act.

:: Why did he go towards the threat?

Another difficult moment for Oscar Pistorius came when Gerrie Nel asked him why he went towards the danger of the noise in the bathroom.

The athlete could not explain why - if he thought there was an intruder - he had not taken Reeva Steenkamp and escaped out into the safety of the rest of the house through the bedroom door.

Pistorius admitted he had to walk right past the exit from the bedroom to get to the bathroom.

"It is my personality not to run away," he insisted, while re-iterating that he wanted to protect Ms Steenkamp.

The prosecution has declared his whole defence "a lie".


18.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

MH370: 'Confidence' Over Black Box Search

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 11 April 2014 | 18.26

Searchers are "very confident" that signals detected in the hunt for missing flight MH370 are from the plane's black box, Australia's prime minister says.

Tony Abbott told reporters during a visit to China that authorities have "very much narrowed down the search area" in the southern Indian Ocean.

"We are very confident that the signals that we are detecting are from the black box," Mr Abbott said.

"Nevertheless, we're getting into the stage where the signal from what we are very confident is the black box is starting to fade.

"We are hoping to get as much information as we can before the signal finally expires."

The search is currently focused on an 18,000 square mile search area after a fifth ping was detected around 1,400 miles off Perth, in western Australia.

The signal was captured on Thursday by an Australian Air Force P-3C Orion surveillance plane, which has been dropping sonar buoys into the ocean.

Zhang looks at a board covered with pictures of his fiancee Li, a passenger on board the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370, at their leased apartment in Tianjin Zhang Zhiliang looks at photos of his fiancee, who was on board the flight

However, Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) chief Angus Houston says an initial assessment of the latest signal indicates it is not related to an aircraft's black box.

Speaking from Perth, Sky's Nick Martin said there were "mixed messages" from Australia this morning as the hunt for the plane continued.

Mr Abbott was first quoted as saying he was confident the black box had been found, and then later said he was confident signals picked up by search teams were from a black box.

"Either he's been misquoted or he has slightly jumped the gun," said Martin.

Twelve military aircraft, three civil planes and 13 ships have joined the search today. The Royal Navy vessel HMS Echo is also part of the operation.

Angus Houston, head of the Australian agency coordinating the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, addresses the media in Perth Joint Agency Coordination Centre chief Angus Houston

Authorities have been racing to locate the plane's data and cockpit recorders, as the ping-emitting beacons are expected to fade.

No floating debris from the Malaysia Airlines aircraft has yet been found, despite the major multinational air and sea operation.

The renewed search operation comes as Malaysia's acting transport minister admitted that mistakes were made in how authorities treated the victims' families.

Hishammuddin Hussein said the missing plane had posed an "unprecedented situation without benchmark".

The Malaysia Airlines plane went missing on March 8 with 239 people on board.


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Clinton Dodges Shoe During Las Vegas Speech

Hillary Clinton has dodged a shoe thrown at her at a Las Vegas convention - before cracking a couple of jokes and continuing with her speech.

The former secretary of state was speaking to some 1,000 people attending a metal recycling conference when the shoe was hurled at her.

"Is that somebody throwing something at me?" Mrs Clinton said after the object flew past her.

"Is that part of Cirque de Soleil?"

Hillary Clinton Dodges Shoe Mrs Clinton drew applause for her quick response

She then quipped: "My goodness, I didn't know that solid waste management was so controversial.

"Thank goodness she didn't play softball like I did."

A woman was taken into federal custody after the incident. She faces criminal charges.

While still on stage, Mrs Clinton reflected on what she called "an atmosphere and attitude in politics" that she said rewards inflexibility and extremism.

"That is not the way democracy works," she said.

"People bring their beliefs and their concerns to the table, and work them through."

Al Zeidi throws shoes at Mr BushBush takes cover from flying shoe thrown by journalist George W Bush had to dodge two shoes thrown at him in Iraq in 2008

The former first lady and Democratic senator from New York has been travelling the country giving paid speeches to industry organisations and appearing before key Democratic Party constituents.

She is considering a presidential bid.

In December 2008 former President George W Bush dodged two shoes thrown by an Iraqi journalist during a news conference in Baghdad.

Shoe-throwing is considered an insult in Arab cultures.


18.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pistorius Accused Of 'Tailoring Evidence'

Oscar Pistorius has been accused of "tailoring his evidence" at his murder trial, where he denies murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel repeatedly challenged the Paralympian's "improbable" account of events while questioning him about the details of the night he shot Ms Steenkamp.

At one point the confrontation led an emotional Pistorius to admit he could be giving inconsistent answers because he was tired - prompting the judge to ask if he was able to continue with his evidence.

Pistorius told the court that his first intention when he heard a noise on February 14 was "to put myself between the intruder and Reeva" and that he reached for his gun under the bed and told Ms Steenkamp to call the police.

Mr Nel put it to him that a "reasonable person" would have done more to ensure that his partner "was okay or scared".

Pistorius said that he started screaming at the intruder to "get out of my house" and at Ms Steenkamp to call the police as he rushed down the passage to the bathroom in his home.

#askbrunt

Mr Nel said: "The safety was off and you wanted to shoot someone. If you saw someone you were ready to shoot."

Pistorius replied: "I never wanted to shoot anyone."

The athlete said he could not explain why he had rushed toward the danger instead of taking the opportunity to escape with Ms Steenkamp through the bedroom door.

He said he kept quiet as he reached the bathroom door, telling the court: "I wanted to peer around the corner. I wasn't sure if the person was waiting for me. I was kneeling down."

He said that after hearing the toilet door slam, he was "sure" that there was an intruder in his house.

He said: "I was fighting for my life, my lady. I was not sure who was in the bathroom."

Pistorius Promo

Mr Nel told Pistorius his claim that Ms Steenkamp was in the toilet but did not respond to his shouts was "the most improbable part of your story".

He said: "She was talking to you, that is why she was standing there before you shot her in the head. She was scared of you, not an intruder. She was scared of you."

Pistorius became emotional again when asked: "Did she scream while you shot her four times?"

Mr Nel said it was not possible for Pistorius to say that there had been no screaming, when he admitted he could not hear properly because of the sound of the gunshots.

Mr Nel also claimed the athlete was lying about an incident when he claims he was shot at while driving on a highway in 2008 or 2009, because he could not remember who he had called for help that night.

Pistorius court arrival Pistorius has faced a gruelling week of questions in the Pretoria court

He said: "It is so improbable that you can not remember - the only reason you can not remember is that it didn't happen."

Mr Nel cast doubt on the defence's assertion that a number of items in the couple's bedroom must have been moved in the hours after the shooting.

Proceedings were briefly adjourned after Pistorius broke down in the witness box.

Asked why he was getting emotional, he told the prosecutor: "Because this is the night that I lost the person that I cared about. I don't understand why you can't understand it."

Pistorius was asked about security measures at his house, as the lawyer known as the "Pit Bull" sought to undermine his claims that he was concerned about crime.

Pistorius told the court he had never been a victim of crime at his Silver Woods home, apart from an occasion when he said police stole his watches.

Reeva Steenkamp's mother June (L) watches with family friends as Oscar Pistorius gives evidence Reeva Steenkamp's mother watches Pistorius as he gives evidence

He said security measures in the area had been upgraded several times, but he had never attended meetings of a home owners association where those issues were raised.

Mr Nel again suggested the athlete was a selfish person, raising his previous statements that Ms Steenkamp had often prayed for him and his training.

At one point, the barrister's combative approach earned him a reprimand from judge Thokozile Masipa, who warned him, "mind your language" after he called Pistorius a liar.

Mr Nel has sought to dismantle the Paralympian's heroic life story and portray him as self-centred, short-tempered, gun-obsessed and eager to shirk responsibility for his actions.

Pistorius denies premeditated murder and illegally possessing ammunition in relation to Ms Steenkamp's death.

He also denies two further counts related to shooting a gun in public in separate incidents prior to the killing.


18.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Oscar Pistorius Gives Evidence: Live Updates

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 09 April 2014 | 18.25

Oscar Pistorius Gives Evidence: Live Updates

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Maria Miller Resigns As Culture Secretary

Maria Miller has spoken to insist she was not pushed from her role of Culture Secretary but had to go because the scandal over her expenses was becoming a "distraction".

In an interview after her early morning resignation following a week of mounting pressure, a clearly upset Mrs Miller said she took "full responsibility" for her decision to step down.

She said: "This has been a really difficult 16 months. Because I was cleared of the central allegation made about me by a Labour Member of Parliament, I hoped that I could stay. But it has become clear to me in recent days that it has become an enormous distraction.

"It is not right that I am distracting from the incredible achievements of this Government."

She denied she thought there had been a "witch-hunt" against her because of her role overseeing the reforms on press freedom suggested in the Leveson report, as had been claimed by her aide on Tuesday.

Prime Minister's Questions

Asked if she was sorry she replied: "I have made it clear and apologised unreservedly to the House of Commons and made sure that it was clear to everybody that I took full responsibility for those findings.

"I want to make that the situation is clear to everybody and make sure that I can move on."

In her resignation letter to David Cameron Mrs Miller, 48, told him she was "very grateful" for his personal support during the growing row over her expenses.

Mr Cameron, who consistently offered public support for his minister, said he was saddened by her departure but hoped the Basingstoke MP could make a return "in due course".

He has announced that Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove, is to become the new Culture Secretary.

Mr Javid, the son of a bus driver, is a former managing director at Deutsche Bank, where he was reportedly on a salary of £3m a year, and a rising star in the Conservative party. He has been tipped as a future leader.

Maria Miller in House of Commons Maria Miller's 32-second apology in the Commons was incendiary

Mrs Miller finally stepped down six days after she was forced to apologise in the House of Commons for her attitude to an inquiry into the allowance claimed on her second home.

The Prime Minister had been under increasing pressure in recent days to sack her from Tory activists and MPs, and Mrs Miller's position had become untenable.

Mr Cameron was facing a difficult time at Prime Minister's Questions at lunchtime and had to tackle Tory back benchers at a meeting of the powerful Conservatives 1922 committee later.

The announcement of her resignation sparked criticism that it had taken so long for her to step down and raised questions over Mr Cameron's leadership.

Labour MP John Mann, who made the original expenses complaint against Mrs Miller, said: "Why has it taken five days in what was a clear cut case she had to leave Government that she could be responsible for media freedom in this country after her behaviour?

"I mean where was the Prime Minister's leadership on this? He should have sacked her straight away when she refused to go."

Lord Tebbit told Sky News: "If the Prime Minister had taken my advice a week ago, if he had asked for it before I had to give it in public, the issue would have been done and dusted by now."

But Education Secretary Michael Gove defended the Prime Minister, telling the Radio 4 Today programme: "I don't think his judgement has been flawed; hindsight is a wonderful thing.

David Cameron Mr Cameron repeatedly backed his Culture Secretary

"The Prime Minister's attitude throughout has been governed by the basic human decency that is his hallmark."

Mrs Miller's camp had on Tuesday night attempted a fight-back after days of newspaper headlines and the faltering support for her within Government.

Her aide Mary Macleod appeared on Sky News to claim she was a victim of a witch-hunt because she was dealing with press reforms recommended in the Leveson report. She had sent a text to MPs attempting to garner support for Mrs Miller.

She also claimed that Mrs Miller was unpopular because she was responsible for steering through the legislation on gay marriage.

In her resignation letter Mrs Miller said: "Of course, implementing the recommendations made by Lord Justice Leveson on the future of media regulation, following the phone hacking scandals, would always be controversial for the press.

Maria Miller's second home The second home at the centre of the row

"Working together with you, I believe we struck the right balance between protecting the freedom of the press and ensuring fairness, particularly for victims of press intrusion, to have a clear right of redress."

Her departure leaves four women in the Cabinet: Home Secretary Theresa May, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers, and International Development Secretary Justine Greening. Baroness Warsi sits in the Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio.

Conservatives in Mrs Miller's constituency voice disappointment at her departure. Stephen Marks, a Conservative councillor on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: "She did Leveson on press complaints and I feel the press were going to get their own back on her. I am saddened that she had to resign, but that is the way it is."

Mrs Miller issued a much-derided 32-second apology on Thursday after Parliament's sleaze watchdog upbraided her for her attitude to an expenses inquiry into her claims for a second home.

She was also ordered to pay back £5,800 of wrongly claimed allowances on the house in Wimbledon, southwest London, which she sold for a £1.2m profit in February.

However, it emerged that the Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards had found that Mrs Miller should have paid back £45,000 in expenses claimed on the home but this was over-ruled by the Standards Committee of 10 MPs and three independent members, who do not have a vote.

It led to calls for an end to a system where MPs are allowed to police their own expenses, with the head of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Sir Ian Kennedy, saying they should not "mark their own homework".


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pistorius: Angry Exchanges At Murder Trial

Oscar Pistorius has broken down in court after the prosecuting barrister demanded he look at a grisly picture of his girlfriend's wounded head in court.

Pistorius raised his voice and refused to look at the picture after barrister Gerrie Nel said Reeva Steenkamp's head had "exploded like a watermelon".

As Pistorius sobbed in the dock, Mr Nel referred to a Sky News video showing Pistorius shooting and hitting a watermelon on a firing range.

Olympic and Paralympic track star Pistorius arrives ahead of his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria Pistorius arrives for the trial today

"You know that the same happened to Reeva's head - it exploded," Mr Nel said.

As the picture was shown in court, the barrister continued: "Have a look. I know you don't want to because you don't want to take responsibility. Take a look."

Appearing to lose his composure, Pistorius replied: "I will not look at a picture. I touched her head that night. I know how it felt.

"I am taking responsibility, by standing here today - I am not looking at that picture."

The photograph showed a side view of Miss Steenkamp's bloodied head, with her eyes closed.

Pistorius Promo

Mr Nel said: "It's time that you look at it."

The judge eventually asked for the picture to be taken down and ruled that the line of questioning was inappropriate, as Pistorius was forced to take a break.

Earlier, Pistorius shook in the dock as Mr Nel went for the jugular, asking: "You killed Reeva Steenkamp, didn't you?"

Pistorius said: "I did, I made a terrible mistake."

Mr Nel replied: "Won't you take responsibility? Take responsibility - say 'I shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp'."

Murder trial June Steenkamp, Reeva's mother, watches today's proceedings

Pistorius began today's evidence by describing how he carried the model down the stairs of his home after finding her slumped on the toilet.

"She was sitting with her weight on top of the toilet bowl. I checked to see if she was breathing and she wasn't," he told the court.

"I pulled her weight on to me and I sat there crying for some time. I felt her head on my shoulder and I could feel the blood running down me. 

"I thought I felt her breathing. I could see her arm was broken.

"I was trying to pick Reeva up. I could see she was still breathing. She was struggling to breathe." 

Pistorius said that he rang 911 and also security - but did not remember either call clearly.

"After I got off the phone with 911, I ran downstairs to open the front door. I could barely pick Reeva up. I opened the front door," he said.

Reeva Steenkamp Pistorius said Miss Steenkamp died in his arms

"I ran back up to my room. I went back to the bathroom and tried to pick up Reeva.

"I got to the second flight of stairs. I was shouting and screaming for help in getting her to the hospital."

Pistorius said he was told to put Miss Steenkamp down as neighbours said an ambulance was on its way.

"I just sat there and waited for the ambulance to arrive," he said.

"I had my fingers in her mouth to help her breathe. I had my hand on her hip to try and stop the bleeding.

"Reeva had already died when I was holding her so I knew there was nothing the ambulance could do.

"Then the paramedic came to me and said she would like to inform me that Reeva had passed.

"The paramedic asked me if there was some form of ID. I went to get Reeva's handbag."

Oscar Pistorius murder trial Pistorius has broken down several times since the start of the trial

Pistorius said that police officers then arrived and checked the house to see if anyone else was there.

"I asked the policeman if I could wash my hands because the smell of the blood was making me throw up. I washed my hands and face," he said.

The athlete was later taken to the police station and arrested over the death. Afterwards he was taken to hospital where doctors conducted tests on him.

In dramatic scenes in court, Pistorius then demonstrated how he tried to break down the toilet door with a cricket bat "using his entire body".

Swinging the bat, he said: "I hit the door with all my might."

PISTORIUS Sky's Alex Crawford and Jeremy Thompson with a South African newspaper

Asked by his barrister whether he intended to kill his girlfriend, Pistorius responded: "I did not intend to kill Reeva or anyone else for that matter." 

Yesterday, Pistorius wept uncontrollably in the dock as he described shooting Miss Steenkamp, claiming he thought she was an intruder.

The court case was halted for the day because the 27-year-old Paralympian was unable to continue giving evidence, wailing in court: "She was everything."

Pistorius denies premeditated murder and illegally possessing ammunition and two further counts related to shooting a gun in public in separate incidents prior to the killing.


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Hunt For MH370 'Pings' Delays Sub Launch

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 08 April 2014 | 18.25

China Trying To Scoop Malaysia In MH370 Search

Updated: 3:31pm UK, Monday 07 April 2014

By Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Defence Correspondent

The authorities are, quite rightly, not publicly concluding that they've found the plane; but reading between the lines, there are clear signs that they believe this is it.

Tony Abbott, the Australian PM, phoned his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak this morning to tell him what ADV Ocean Shield had heard overnight.

That is a sign of how significant this development is. The two leaders wouldn't speak in person were it being treated as a routine update.

And the wheels are now fully in motion to fly the relatives to Perth, maybe in the coming days. The Malaysians are compiling a list of the next of kin. Again, a demonstration of how seriously this news is being treated.

No-one has mentioned the Chinese. At least not voluntarily. It was a tweet from Chinese state-run media that got everyone's hopes up on Saturday evening. Much was made of their find. Pictures from Chinese journalists on board showed Chinese sailors listening to a signal with the correct frequency.

The news took all of us by surprise.

The head of the search operation Angus Houston kept his nerve. By rights China's news should have been relayed to the world by him or the Malaysians. That would have been the protocol.

A mea culpa: I accused the Australians of losing control of the media strategy.

In some respects I was right, this was not how they wanted the news to break.  The Chinese had gone rogue.

But I should have given Angus Houston the benefit of the doubt. He has been extremely impressive since taking control of the situation and I think he knew exactly what he was going on over the weekend.

Behind the scenes he was learning about Ocean Shield's discovery.

On Sunday morning, in between a flurry of questions about the Chinese discovery, he mentioned that Ocean Shield had had an "acoustic event" but details were sketchy. Few of us gave it much thought: all eyes were on the Chinese discovery and HMS Echo steaming towards the area. That was the real discovery. Or so we thought.

Clearly, even to me, the two didn't match up. Either one of them had heard the black box, or neither of them. Given their distance from each other, it couldn't be both of them.

Patiently, Houston waited until Ocean Shield was sure about what it had heard, and only then was it announced as a major development.

In their respective press conferences today, Australia and Malaysia have declined to criticise the Chinese but the way they've answered questions about them, short and to the point, says much.

China has shown frustration with the Malaysians in particular throughout this past month. They first questioned and then demanded the Inmarsat data be handed over. They allowed their nationals to protest outside the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing. Things like don't happen without the state turning a blind eye at the very least.

And the breakthroughs were being made by companies in other countries: the British firm Inmarsat, the French company Airbus, Boeing from the US.

But I think they've also been frustrated with their own inability to find the plane. This was a chance to demonstrate the ability of their technology to the world. A chance to reassure their own people that China is superior.

A chance to say, "don't worry, we've got it; if anyone is going to solve this global mystery, we will".

They haven't managed to.

There were 154 Chinese nationals on board MH370 and clearly Beijing has a right to play a major role in the search, but more than once by various senior people I have been told how they are not operating as team players. There are clearly two separate search operations going on and that isn't helpful.

It might be a race to find the black box but it isn't a competition.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Peaches Geldof: 'Rest In Peace Gorgeous Girl'

The family of Peaches Geldof may have to wait for days to find out how she died.

 said they were continuing to investigate

her death, adding that a post-mortem examination will be carried out "in the

next few days".

The death of the mother-of-two, who had worked as a DJ, model and television personality, is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious.

Police were called to her house in the village of Wrotham, Kent, at 1.35pm on Monday after receiving a report of concern for the welfare of a woman.

Officers said she was pronounced dead at the scene and they are continuing to investigate her death, adding that a post-mortem examination will be carried out "in the next few days".

Ms Geldof had previously admitted drug use as a teenager but said in 2009 that she was "sober now".

In her last message on Twitter, she posted a picture of her as a child with her mother, Paula Yates, who died of a heroin overdose in 2000 when Peaches was 11.

Lily Allen is among a host of celebrities to pay tribute following the sudden and tragic death of the 25-year-old.

Lily Allen The singer Lily Allen was among the stars to pay tribute

The singer said: "My thoughts are with Peaches' family at this awful time. I hope they get to grieve in peace. Peaches, rest in peace gorgeous girl."

Scottish musician Midge Ure, who co-organised Band Aid with Sir Bob Geldof, told Sky News the news was "astounding" and "hideous".

"It's just unbelievable that any one family can have so much tragedy and loss in their lives, it's just horrible."

As news of her death emerged, Kelly Osborne, a childhood friend of Peaches, tweeted: "Words seem inadequate 2 express the sadness I feel about @peaches_g death We are here 2 support U @pixiegeldof1 stay strong my little Pepsi!"

TV and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary said: "Met Peaches several times. Really sweet girl. So so sad for the Geldof family. Thoughts and prayers..."

Peaches Promo

The Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon said: "No words can express any comfort at the loss of a child and mother as beautiful as Peaches Geldof. God bless."

Coleen Rooney, wife of England footballer Wayne, tweeted: "Can't believe what I have just heard. RIP Peaches Geldof, such sad news."

X Factor creator Simon Cowell tweeted: "So sad to hear about Peaches. Rest in peace."

He said later: "The few times I met Peaches she was a sweet, funny warm person. Much love to her family she has left behind."

Peaches Geldof Dies Aged 25 A private ambulance drives away the body of Peaches Geldof

Sharon Osborne wrote: "Devastated about @peaches--g. Sending condolences & respect to the Geldof family. It's unimaginable what they must be going through right now."

Presenter Myleene Klass tweeted: "The news of beautiful Peaches is utterly devastating, God bless her babies. RIP mama xxx"

This Morning host Phillip Schofield, who appeared with Ms Geldof on the ITV show, wrote: "Utterly stunned at the terrible news of the death of Peaches Geldof! The dreadful loss of a really lovely woman."

His co-host Holly Willoughby said: "Just heard about Peaches, so unbelievably tragic. So shocked and sad. Sending my thoughts and love to her family".

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said: "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest".

In a post on Twitter, rapper Professor Green said: "never knew Peaches but the loss of a life so young is a horrible thing, especially leaving behind two children".

Peaches Geldof Dies Aged 25 Police at the address where the 25-year-old was found dead

Singer Ellie Goulding said: "Even if you think you've got it all figured out, some things still can't be explained or understood. Two beautiful children. RIP Peaches".

Her friend the model Daisy Lowe posted a picture of a broken heart on Twitter.

Author Irvine Welsh said: "Very sad to hear of the tragic, untimely death of Peaches Geldof. Thoughts with Bob G and the family."


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Pistorius Describes Evening Before Shooting

Oscar Pistorius has dramatically described the seconds before shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The athlete took his prosthetic legs off in court to emphasise his vulnerability as he described grabbing his gun amid fears he was being burgled. 

"My lady that's the moment everything changed," he told the court.

South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius arrives to attend his trial at the high court in Pretoria Oscar Pistorius arrives at court today

"I thought there was a burglar gaining entry into my home. I think initially I just froze. I heard a noise and In interpreted it as someone climbing into the bathroom."

He told the court how he "whispered" to Reeva to call the police as he made his way to the bathroom with his firearm.

The court was adjourned for lunch before Pistorius was able to describe the actual shooting.

During a dramatic morning in court, Pistorius outlined in fine detail his version of events on the evening and night of the shooting on February 13/14 last year.

A bucket is seen on the floor in the dock where South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Pistorius will sit during his trial at the high court in Pretoria A bucket in the dock in case Pistorius is sick again

He began by explaining how Reeva had cooked him dinner and the pair ate about 7pm.

After dinner they sat at the dining room table and "chatted about our days".

"Just before 8pm I came into my room and I opened the balcony doors - it was very humid," he told the court.

"I drew the curtains around the fans. They were blackout curtains.

Aimee Pistorius, sister of South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, attends his trial at the high court in Pretoria Aimee Pistorius, Oscar's sister, at the trial today

"At that point Reeva came into the room and I took my drink and I put it down on the bedside table. I locked the bedroom door and I put the cricket bat about 2cm from the door. I put the cricket bat on the floor so the door would be blocked by the cricket bat.

"I took my prosthetic legs off, so they could air. I put them as close to the door as I could. I climbed onto the bed.

"Reeva jumped on the bed and we were chatting. I was texting my cousin - Reeva was on a social media application. She was showing me pictures of cars and things that she liked."

Pistorius then called his cousin and Reeva got out of bed and started doing yoga at the foot of the bed. 

"Every now and then, Reeva would get up and give me a kiss. Reeva then walked to the bathroom. She called me to come and brush my teeth. She went back to the bedroom. When I came back she was lying in the middle of the bed."

Pistorius Promo

Pistorius said that he fell asleep between 9 and 10pm.

His voice quaking, Pistorius continued: "I woke up in the early hours of February 14.

"It was extremely warm. I sat up in bed. I noticed that the fans were still running and the door was still open. Reeva was still awake. She rolled over to me and said 'Can't you sleep my baba?'.

"I said 'no I can't, not tonight'."

Pistorius said he then locked the sliding doors of the room.

June, mother of Reeva Steenkamp, looks on during the murder trial of Pistorius, at the high court in Pretoria June Steenkamp sat stony-faced through the evidence yesterday

"I came into the room. The only bit of light was a little LED light. I could see a pair of jeans on the floor. I picked them up and was going to place them over the lights.

"At this point I heard a window open in the bathroom.

"My lady, that's the moment everything changed. I thought there was a burglar gaining entry into my home. I think initially I just froze. I heard a noise and In interpreted it as someone climbing into the bathroom.

"I immediately thought someone could be there any moment and the first thing that ran through my mind was that I needed to arm myself, to protect Reeva and I - that I needed to get my gun.

"I ran and grabbed my firearm. When I got before the passage wall, I was scared that the person could have been in a closet space. I had my firearm extended in front of me. I whispered to Reeva to get down and phone the police."

Oscar Pistorius In Court Emotional Oscar Pistorius wept in court yesterday before giving evidence

He continued: "I was overcome by fear. I screamed at the person to get out. I screamed at Reeva. I was constantly aware this person could come at me at any time. I did not have my legs on. Just before I got to the bathroom, I stopped shouting.

"I heard the toilet door slam. It confirmed there was someone inside the bathroom at that time."

Earlier in his evidence, Pistorius said he had bought Reeva a bracelet from a designer that she liked for Valentine's Day, which he planned to give her.

He said that Reeva had wrapped a present for him on the evening of the shooting but he was told he was only allowed to open it the following day.

"On August 8 last year, on Reeva's birthday, I opened it, it was a photo frame, with four photos of her and I and the card that she wrote....," he sobbed.

Reeva Steenkamp on set of reality TV show Tropika Island of Treasure (Pic: Stimulii) Pistorius said meeting Reeva Steenkamp was a 'blessing'

Pistorius was too upset to continue with the description.   

Earlier, the 27-year-old was "dripping with tears" as he gave evidence for the second time at his murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa. 

He described the start of their relationship and read out a series of instant messaging texts, detailing its ups and downs. 

During another emotional morning in court, he also denied details relating to firearms charges against him.

In one of the texts read out in court by Pistorius, Reeva denies being a "flirt" and in another she denies being a "stripper and a ho".

Pistorius reads Reeva's message to him The court is sitting for its 18th day in the trial

Reeva also sent Pistorius a message saying: "I'm scared of you sometimes and how you snap at me and how you will act towards me."

In a reply to Reeva, Pistorius admitted to feeling "jealous and insecure".

Describing a fight at an engagement party he told the court: "I just think it was a bad hour in our relationship."

Reeva's mother June attended the hearing along with Reeva's friend Gina Myers, who was wearing tags that bore a black-and-white print of the model.

The athlete's voice faltered as he read a series of loving messages where they traded affectionate pet names.

The pet names included "amazballs", "baba", "boo", "angel" and "babycakes".

One text from Reeva to Pistorius read: "I only have eyes for you." In another she wrote: "I want to kiss you and feel your arms around my neck."

He also described buying Reeva flowers and chocolates.

Describing the start of their relationship Pistorius told the court how they began dating at a sports award ceremony.

He said: "I really didn't think that she would go with me (...) I phoned her and she said she would go with me. 

"After the evening we sat speaking until 2 or 3 in the morning. She was a fantastic date."

Pistorius said he believed that he was "more into" Reeva than she was into him.

"I was very keen on Reeva. I was besotted with her," he said.

Pistorius also explained how Reeva was subjected to a "hate campaign" after she began dating him, including people who set up fake social media accounts.

"She had her own stress, on top of what I had to deal with," Pistorius told the court.

Speaking from the court Sky's Alex Crawford said: "Often he's literally dripping with tears, he's using his handkerchief to mop his tears.

"Reeva's mother June has been staring steadfastly ahead."

Pistorius is expected to field questions all day and describe events relating to the death of his girlfriend.

Pistorius shot Reeva, 29, dead in the bathroom of his home but denies murder, claiming that he thought the model was an intruder.  

He also denies illegally possessing ammunition and two further counts related to shooting a gun in public in separate incidents prior to the killing.

Yesterday, Pistorius slumped on the floor of the dock after testifying for most of the day, unable to continue because he was too exhausted.

He wept and trembled his way through his first day of defence evidence, describing how panic attacks had left him hiding in cupboards since the shooting.

He  told the court he woke "smelling blood", was unable to sleep and was on anti-depressants and sedatives.  

And in dramatic scenes in Pretoria, the day ended early with Pistorius sitting on the floor of the dock with his psychologist wiping away tears and stroking his face.

The athlete's family formed a protective shield around him as he composed himself before eventually leaving the building.

Moments earlier, the court hearing had been adjourned for the day after Judge Thokozile Masipa agreed that Pistorius was "exhausted", having not slept.

Yesterday morning, Pistorius cried as he turned towards Reeva's mother June and apologised for all the hurt he had caused her.

His voice cracking, he said: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Reeva's family, to those of you who knew her who are here today, to her friends.

"There hasn't been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven't thought about your family."


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Missing Plane: MH370 Team Detect Two Signals

Written By Unknown on Senin, 07 April 2014 | 18.25

Teams searching for missing flight MH370 believe they may have detected the plane's black box flight recorders after a ship picked up signals in the southern Indian Ocean.

The Australian defence vessel Ocean Shield picked up signals twice, around 370 miles north of where two signals were detected by a Chinese ship on Saturday.

Crucially, there were two distinct pinger returns - suggesting transmissions from a flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder on a Boeing 777 jet.

Angus Houston, the former Australian defence chief heading the search, said the information was "the most promising lead" in the search so far.

But he warned it could be days before authorities confirm if the signals are from the Malaysia Airlines flight, which vanished on March 8 with 239 people on board.

Malaysian acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said he was "cautiously hopeful that there will be a positive development in the next few days, if not hours".

Missing plane

Search teams are involved in a race against time as the batteries on the plane's flight recorders could run out at any moment, meaning the signals would no longer be emitted.

Mr Houston said the Ocean Shield detected the sounds on two occasions over a period totalling more than two-and-a-half hours.

He said: "Clearly this is a most promising lead, and probably in the search so far, it's the probably the best information that we have had.

"This would be consistent with transmissions from both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder."

Stressing the need for further confirmation, he said: "I am much more optimistic than I was a week ago."

MH370 pinger locator deployed A screen shows the data fed back from the pinger locator deep under the sea

But he added: "We are talking about a long operation here and we have yet to find the aircraft."

Search co-ordinators stressed the signals were picked up in very deep water - 4,500 metres - which is at the limit of underwater search equipment being used.

The position of the sound needed to be further pinpointed, and then an underwater drone could be sent down to investigate, Mr Houston said.

He went on: "It could take some days before the information is available to establish whether these detections can be confirmed as being from MH370.

Missing malaysia airline plane search map A map shows where signals were picked up in recent days by search ships

"In very deep oceanic water, nothing happens fast.

"I would want more confirmation before we say this is it. Without wreckage, we can't say it's definitely here. We've got to go down and have a look and hopefully we'll find it somewhere in the area that we narrowed to."

The latest development in the search effort came as the British navy ship HMS Echo joined the hunt. The vessel carries sophisticated sound-locating equipment.

No wreckage from the plane has been found during the month-long search, despite a number of debris sightings.

MH370 pinger locator deployed Divers help as the pinger locator is deployed from the ADV Ocean Shield

Malaysian officials concluded - based on satellite data from several countries - that the aircraft crashed into the southern Indian Ocean to the west of Perth.

Investigators have not established why the plane lost contact with air traffic controllers and appeared to divert so far from its intended route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

The backgrounds of passengers, crew and both pilots have been investigated, while terrorism and hijack have also been considered as possible explanations for the plane's disappearance.

The families of those on board have been frustrated by the huge international search operation, accusing the Malaysian authorities of mismanagement and holding back information. 


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'Russian Soldier Kills Ukrainian Officer'

A Ukrainian naval officer in Crimea has been killed by a Russian soldier, according to the Ukrainian Defence Ministry.

The victim is reported to have been unarmed and the Russian is said to be under arrest and being detained in Sevastopol.

It comes as tensions continue to rise between the two countries following a weekend of unrest involving pro-Russian protesters in several eastern cities.

Russia annexed Crimea three weeks ago after a referendum in the peninsula in which the vast majority of residents voted to leave Ukraine.

Since then, members of the Ukrainian armed forces have been ejected from their bases in Crimea by soldiers who are thought to be backed by Russia.

The dead officer was apparently killed late on Wednesday in the Crimean town of Novofyodorovka, about 30 miles west of Simferopol. It is not clear why the death has just been announced.

A map showing the location of a shooting and protests in Ukraine A map showing the location of a shooting and protests in Ukraine

He had been preparing to leave the dormitory where he lived to go to another part of Ukraine when an argument broke out with Russian servicemen.

The officer, Stanislav Karachevsky, was married and had two children, the Ukrainian defence ministry said.

His death is the second to occur in a largely violence free hand over of power from Ukraine to Russia in the peninsula, despite the high tensions.

Another Ukrainian soldier was also beaten by Russian servicemen and detained.

A defence ministry statement said the attackers had been wearing Russian military uniforms and were holding the base commander in a nearby building.

On Sunday, demonstrators in the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk demanded a referendum similar to that held in Crimea.

An armed man, believed to be a Russian soldier, stands on guard outside a military base in Perevalnoye Russian troops, dressed like this soldier, are said to be in Crimea

Eastern Ukraine is largely Russian speaking and pro-Russia supporters say that many in that half of the country are closer to the Moscow than to Kiev.

The calls for a referendum followed a series of seizures of government buildings by pro-Russia protesters in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkin.

Some of those who seized one of the buildings in Donetsk went further on Monday, declaring an independent 'republic of Donetsk' and saying they would ask Russia to provide peacekeeping troops to stop aggression from Kiev.

Ukrainian prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk accused Russia of being behind the seizures. 

By Monday morning, buildings in Kharkiv were reported to have been 'cleared' of protesters, but Ukraine's authorities said protesters in Donetsk had captured weapons, prompting them to seal off the city.

Justin Timberlake and Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake's sanction-threatened gigs wil go ahead

Mr Yatsenyuk claimed that Moscow was trying to 'dismember' his country.

The Prime Minister said: "There is a plan to destabilise the situation, a plan for foreign forces to cross the border and seize the territory of the country, which we will not allow.

"This scenario is written by the Russian Federation and its only purpose is to dismember Ukraine."

He said Russian troops were within 30kms (19 miles) of the Ukrainian border.

Moscow wants Ukraine to be transformed into a federation that allows eastern regions to adopt Russian as a second state language and be able to overrule decisions made it Kiev.

Meanwhile, American pop stars Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake can go ahead with shows in Finland despite US sanctions against the Helsinki venue's Russian owners, the concerts' promoter said on Monday.

The concerts were at risk last week as the Hartwall Arena venue is owned by Gennady Timchenko and Boris and Arkady Rotenberg, all of whom feature on a list of visa bans and asset freezes imposed by the United States.


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Pistorius Gives Evidence: Oscar Says Sorry

Oscar Pistorius has taken the stand to give evidence in his murder trial and apologised to the family of Reeva Steenkamp.

Weeping and trembling in the dock, he said: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Reeva's family, to those of you who knew her who are here today, to her friends.

"There hasn't been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven't thought about your family."

Pistorius sobbed as he described panic attacks and nightmares, while Ms Steenkamp's relatives listened intently in the public gallery.

Pistorius Promo

Almost inaudible at times, the Paralympian addressed the model's mother, June, who was sitting in the public gallery.

"I wake up every morning and you're the first people I think of. The first people I pray for," he told her.

"I can't imagine the pain and the sorrow and the emptiness that I've caused you and your family.

"I was simply trying to protect Reeva. I can promise you that when she went to bed that night she felt loved.

Oscar Pistorius Pistorius was led from the court 'heaving and retching'

"I have tried to put my words on papers many, many times to write to you but no words would ever suffice."

Pistorius said he is taking anti-depressant medicine and that he has sometimes woken up in terror, suffering from panic attacks.

"I have terrible nightmares about things that happened that night," he said.

"I wake up and I can smell blood and I wake up to being terrified. I hear a noise and I wake up in a complete state of terror, to the point that I would rather not sleep." 

Reeva Steenkamp Reeva Steenkamp was killed on Valentine's Day last year

He described how, on one occasion, he woke in panic and had to ring a family member for help.

"I climbed into a cupboard and I phoned my sister to come and sit by me, which she did for a while," he said.

He later outlined the story of his Paralympian success - describing how he had overcome disadvantages to excel in athletics.

Before taking  to the stand the Paralympian "heaved and retched" as he prepared to explain for the first time in public how and why he killed his girlfriend.

Pistorius trial Pistorius arrives at the court in Pretoria

His testimony may take several days and he can expect a gruelling cross-examination from state prosecutor Gerrie Nel.

Earlier this morning, the athlete bent down in the dock, plugging his ears with his fingers, as more details about Ms Steenkamp's death were revealed in court.

He was also seen hunched and weeping before the first witness of the defence case - pathologist Professor Jan Botha - was called.

Then, before the mid-morning break, he was led from the court in a distressed state, as he prepared himself to give evidence. 

Sky's Alex Crawford, reporting from the court, said that Pistorius was "literally heaving, retching" before the mid-morning break.

He was escorted out of the court amid "audible sobs", by his psychologist and family members.  

Professor Botha was allowed to testify first, and ahead of Pistorius, in an agreement with prosecutors because of a family illness.

Contradicting the state's account, Professor Botha said Ms Steenkamp was first shot in the hip, then in the arm.

The third bullet hit her hand and the fourth hit her head, he said.

The state said Ms Steenkamp was first shot in the hip, that the second bullet missed, the third bullet hit her arm, and the fourth went through her hand and head. 

Professor Botha also testified that if the athlete fired his 9mm pistol in two quick bursts, as Pistorius claims he did, his girlfriend probably didn't have time to scream.

The testimony combats prosecutors' claims that Steenkamp screamed during the gunshots that killed her and that the athlete therefore must have known he was firing at her.


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