bbc--2020-02-24--Your rights as a traveller

Your rights as a traveller

With new cases of the coronavirus being diagnosed in more and more locations , it 's hard to predict where it will pop up next .
But one thing is for certain : the disease has already become a nightmare for travellers and the tourism industry alike .
China , Italy , South Korea and Iran have reported significant numbers of cases and are doing their best to contain the threat .
So how do I stay safe without losing out financially ?
If you have a trip booked to one of those destinations , your rights can depend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ print of your insurance policy .
But in practice , insurers and airlines generally take their cue from UK government travel advice .
If your intended destination is or was China , the situation is very clear-cut .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) is advising against all but essential travel to mainland China and all travel to Hubei Province .
So if you travel against that advice and do manage to get there , you risk invalidating your insurance policy , though you may be able to argue that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there already , travel cover may not be valid in Hubei , but should continue elsewhere in China - again , if your stay is essential .
Actually , I was intending to go to Milan this weekend .
Can I change my mind ?
This is where it gets tricky .
The mayor of Milan has temporarily closed all schools and universities as a precautionary measure .
And major events in northern Italy have been cancelled , cut short or rescheduled , including the Venice carnival and the Bologna book fair .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malpensa airport , prepare to undergo a thermal scan to make sure you do n't have fever .
But for the time being at least , airlines will still sell you a ticket to go there , since flights from the UK are operating normally .
That 's because they rely on the FCO to tell them whether or not it is safe .
At the moment , the official UK government travel advice for Italy does not warn against visiting Milan , but it does note that the authorities have introduced `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other regions .
`` If you are already in the regions affected , you should follow the instructions of local authorities , '' it adds .
Does my insurance cover me if my trip does n't go ahead ?
If the FCO has n't issued a warning , that means you ca n't expect compensation if you get cold feet and decide to call the journey off .
Su Crown , a spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers , said : `` In general , cancellation or travel disruption cover will activate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or all but essential travel to an area .
`` Travel insurance is not designed to cover 'disinclination to travel ' where the FCO advice has not changed to advise against travel . ''
AXA UK , one of the leading travel insurers , agrees with that view .
`` Our stance is consistent with the travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office , '' says Nel Mooy , its head of travel proposition .
`` At the moment , the FCO is n't advising against travelling to Italy .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of Lombardy , Veneto , Friuli Venezia Giulia , Piemonte and Emilia Romagna to follow the instructions of local authorities .
`` For people who are preparing a trip there , it is sharing tips on how to reduce the risk of exposure .
Our general stance is consistent with those . ''
So where does that leave me ?
If you 're on a flight to northern Italy in the near future , it looks set to operate normally .
British Airways , easyJet and Ryanair have all told the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nor have their terms and conditions .
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs takes a slightly different line from the UK government .
It says : `` Citizens are advised not to travel to affected areas . ''
However , it places the onus on travellers to find out whether the area to which they are travelling is affected , advising them to `` consult with your transport and accommodation providers '' .
How is the travel industry coping ?
Well , it 's braced for a financial shock .
The International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines stand to lose $ 29.3bn ( £23.7bn ) of revenue this year because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Airlines in China and other parts of the Asia Pacific region are expected to absorb most of the impact , but no-one really knows how big the ultimate impact could be .
And obviously , if you and other tourists do n't visit a place on holiday , then hotel rooms are unoccupied , restaurant meals go uneaten , shops sell fewer goods and so on .
Some of those businesses could go under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression on the tourism industry of the future .

Omicron: What Covid refund rights are there for holidays abroad? Published 29 November 2021
Image source, Getty Images
The newly identified Omicron variant of Covid has led to more disruption for international travellers.
Quarantine is being reintroduced for people arriving from some African countries, flights have been cancelled and PCR tests will be mandatory within 48 hours of arrival to the UK from 30 November.
Will I be refunded if my holiday is cancelled?
If the government announces that travel to a particular country is not advised, then airlines and travel companies are likely to cancel any pre-booked flights or holidays there.
For example, that is already the case for some flights to and from South Africa as a result of risks associated with the Omicron variant.
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund and you can choose to receive that refund in cash rather than as a voucher.
An airline should refund the money within seven days, although some people have waited longer.
A package holiday should be refunded, in full, within 14 days.
What if I decide it is too risky to travel?
This is far less clear-cut. If you cancel, rather than your travel provider, then you have no automatic right to a refund.
In this situation, it is worth contacting the airline/holiday provider to see what options you have.
EasyJet, for example, has announced that it will extend its "freedom to change" service - which allows passengers to change flights up to two hours before departure for free - until 31 March, 2022.
Some may charge a fee to transfer to another date or destination, but some may allow it without charging a fee. You would have to pay the difference if the alternative flight is more expensive.
They may give you a voucher, or they may allow you to cancel and get a refund.
What about my accommodation costs?
That may be trickier, according to Rory Boland, travel editor at Which? who said that the property's specific policy will determine whether refunds would be given.
"If your trip is several weeks or months away, travellers should at this stage do nothing as the situation may change," he said.
"Those booking a trip should do so through holiday providers with good, flexible booking policies in case it cannot go ahead."
People who have booked a package holiday will be refunded in full, including accommodation, if it is cancelled by the operator.
Image source, PA Media
Can I cancel my holiday if I have to self-isolate?
Operators do not have to refund you if you are unexpectedly forced to self-isolate.
It is best to study their policies before booking, or see whether they can offer some support if you have already booked and want to cancel.
Will travel insurance cover me if I get Covid?
Travel insurers are offering different levels of cover. In part, this depends on how much you pay for a policy.
The majority, but not all, will pay out if you test positive for Covid and have to cancel before you travel.
Importantly, if the Foreign Office advises against travel to a country - as it is for some in southern Africa at the moment, then all but a handful of travel insurance policies would be invalid if you still decide to go.
Why is this so complicated?
Rules are inevitably going to be complex, given the risk of Covid varies so much between countries.
The government has published a charter that "clearly sets out consumer rights and responsibilities when booking travel while Covid-19 measures remain in place".


bbc--2020-02-24--Coronavirus: Drone captures massive queue for masks in South Korea

A drone has captured footage of hundreds of South Koreans queuing for masks in Daegu , one of the epicentres @ @ @ @ @ the country .
The Emart supermarket in the Chilseong district of the city is offering @ @ @ @ @ .
South Korea has the largest number of Covid-19 cases outside of China , with @ @ @ @ @ .
A large number of them are in or near Daegu , which is South @ @ @ @ @ .
So far the country 's biggest virus clusters have been linked to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ the city .

A drone has captured footage of hundreds of South Koreans queuing for masks in Daegu, one of the epicentres of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The Emart supermarket in the Chilseong district of the city is offering discounted masks for Daegu residents.
South Korea has the largest number of Covid-19 cases outside of China, with more than 760 people infected. A large number of them are in or near Daegu, which is South Korea's fourth largest city.
So far the country's biggest virus clusters have been linked to a hospital and a religious group near the city.
Original drone footage by The Maeil Shinmun.


bbc--2020-02-24--BTS ask fans to avoid shows over fears

BTS ask fans to avoid shows over fears

Pop group BTS have asked fans to stay away from their upcoming shows to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The South Korean band are due to film several TV shows in Seoul this week , marking the release of their latest album , Map Of The Soul : 7 .
In an email to fan club members , they said the shows would go ahead , but without a studio audience .
Earlier on Monday , the band streamed a press conference from a virtually empty hall due to fears over the virus .
`` Health is always on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages of facing your inner self and loving yourself are ultimately only possible when you 're healthy , '' said singer Jimin , '' Especially since it is very risky outside these days .
I hope you take care of yourself '' .
The band continued to answer pre-selected questions from journalists at the event , which took place in Seoul .
`` We have decided to fully co-operate with the government 's policy to refrain from holding events with a massive number of participants in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` We would like to advise fans to refrain from visiting the venue of the press conference for your own safety , and ask you to support BTS by watching the press conference via livestreaming . ''
Seven people have died from coronavirus in South Korea , with more than 760 infected .
About 7,700 troops have been quarantined after 11 military members were diagnosed with the disease .
South Korean broadcasters recently took the decision to uninvite audiences from their shows to help contain the outbreak .
BTS will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MCountdown , scheduled for broadcast on 27 February ; and Inkigayo , a Top Of The Pops-style programme filmed in Seoul every Sunday , despite the lack of an audience .
The high profile `` SBS Super Concert '' m which featured BTS alongside fellow K-pop stars Zico , NCT 127 and Cherry Bullet , had previously been postponed following the outbreak of coronavirus in the southeastern city of Daegu .
The Korean Music Awards , where BTS were nominated for artist of the year and song of the year , has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced online on 27 February .
In an email , BTS apologised to their fans who had been `` looking forward to attending the shows '' , adding : `` Thank you for understanding '' .
Coronavirus has had a big effect on the entertainment industry in Asia , with multiple acts cancelling their tours .
Stormzy postponed dates in Shanghai , Hong Kong , Singapore and Malaysia next month ; while K-pop band Got7 cancelled three stadium shows in Thailand and Singapore .
The Chinese premiere of the latest James Bond film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been scrapped ; while participation in this weekend 's Tokyo Marathon has been restricted to the elite field of 176 athletes and 30 wheelchair athletes .
Despite scaling back their promotional plans , BTS 's latest album is expected to top the charts around the world this week .
The album amassed pre-orders of 4.02 million copies , according to their record label , Big Hit Entertainment .
That would make it the world 's biggest-selling album since Ed Sheeran 's Divide in 2017 , based on pre-sales alone .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Map Of The Soul : 7 was outselling its nearest three rivals combined , all-but-guaranteeing it the number one slot on Friday .
BTS are currently in the US , where they will appear on Jimmy Fallon and James Corden 's late night chat shows before heading home for their Korean TV specials .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbc--2020-02-24--Coronavirus: What should I do if I travel to Italy? And other questions

There have so far been more than 78,000 cases of the new coronavirus , 77,000 of them in China .
The disease , which has spread to 30 countries , has been declared a global health emergency , and about 2,600 people have died .
Here are the BBC News Health team 's answers to a range of of readers ' questions about the disease .
I am a British citizen living in Italy , what precautions should I take ?
Alex Darlbosco , Milan A number of towns in the Veneto and Lombardy regions in the north of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Carnival of Venice has been cut short .
About 50,000 people will not be able to enter or leave affected areas for the next fortnight without special permission .
For people living in Italy - and the many thousands who travel there - a number of steps can be taken to limit the risk of coronavirus .
The virus spreads through human-to-human contact , via droplets from coughs .
So it 's important to wash the hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or warm water and soap , and to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should avoid contact with anyone coughing , sneezing or with a fever .
Anyone who thinks they may have caught coronavirus should speak to their doctor on the phone .
Is coronavirus more infectious than flu ?
- Merry Fitzpatrick , Sydney It is still early days for making a direct comparison but we know both viruses are highly contagious .
On average , people with the coronavirus infect two to three other people , while those with flu pass it on to about one other person .
However , people infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others more quickly , so both viruses are able to spread with ease .
Could the virus be being spread by wildlife ?
- Robert Scammell , Fareham , Hampshire It 's almost certain the initial outbreak of coronavirus in China began in an animal source .
Early cases of this new infection were traced to the South China Seafood Wholesale Market , where live wild animals were also sold , including chickens , bats and snakes .
However , an animal may not be the host that spread it to people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chance of catching the virus from an animal is extremely low .
We are now in a different stage of the outbreak , with cases being spread from person to person .
This is the real threat .
• What you need to know about the virus Can coronavirus be transmitted by things like door handles and how long does it survive ?
- Jean Jimenez , Panama If someone infected with the virus coughs on to their hand and then touches something , that surface may become contaminated .
Door handles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that might pose a risk .
It 's not yet known how long the new coronavirus might be able to live on such surfaces .
Experts suspect it is hours rather than days but it is best to wash your hands regularly to help reduce the risk of infection and spread of the virus .
Does climate and temperature affect the transmission of the coronavirus ?
- Ariyana , Märkisch-Oderland , Germany We still have much to learn about this virus .
It is not yet clear whether seasonal temperature changes will affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as flu , follow a seasonal pattern , peaking in colder months .
There is some research suggesting Middle East respiratory syndrome ( Mers ) - another virus from the same family as coronavirus - is influenced by climate conditions , being slightly more common in warmer months .
Can you catch the virus from food prepared by an infected individual ?
- Sean McIntyre , Brisbane , Australia Someone infected with coronavirus could potentially pass it on to someone else if the food they prepare has not been handled hygienically .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hands .
Washing your hands before touching and eating food is good advice for anyone , to stop the spread of germs .
Once you 've had coronavirus , will you then be immune ?
- Denise Mitchell , Bicester , Oxfordshire When people recover from an infection , their body is left with some memory of how to fight it should they encounter it again .
This immunity is not always long-lasting or totally efficient , however , and can decrease over time .
It is not known how long immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask useful against the virus and how often does it have to be replaced ?
- Tom Lim , Bali , Indonesia There is very little evidence wearing face masks makes a difference .
Experts say good hygiene - such as regularly washing your hands and certainly before putting them near your mouth - is vastly more effective .
It is not clear yet whether this is a route of transmission we should be concerned about .
Currently , coughs and sneezes are thought to be the main source of spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to full health ?
- Chris Stepney , Milton Keynes Yes .
Many of those who contract coronavirus will experience only mild symptoms and most people are expected to make a full recovery .
However , it can pose a particular risk for elderly people and those with pre-existing problems such as diabetes or cancer , or weak immune systems .
An expert at China 's National Health Commission has said it can take a week to recover from mild coronavirus symptoms .
Can the coronavirus be transferred through items bought from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stefan There is no evidence this is a risk .
Some diseases , including coronavirus , can spread through surfaces contaminated by people coughing or sneezing on them , but it is thought that the virus does not survive for long .
Something that has been sent in the post is unlikely to be contaminated by the time it arrives at its destination .
Is it possible to vaccinate in order to prevent this respiratory illness ?
- Hans Friedrich At the moment , there is no vaccine that can protect people against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to develop one .
It is a new strain that has n't been seen in humans before , which means doctors still have lots to learn about it .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your @ @

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbc--2020-02-28--Syria war: Alarm after 33 Turkish soldiers killed in attack in Idlib

At least 33 Turkish soldiers have died in a Syrian government attack in opposition-held north-western Syria , in a major escalation of the conflict .
Turkey , which backs the opposition , says it hit 200 government targets in response , `` neutralising '' 309 soldiers .
Russia , Syria 's key military ally , says Turkish troops were attacked in Idlib province by Syrian forces while operating alongside jihadist fighters .
The EU has warned the crisis could escalate further .
`` There is a risk of sliding into a major open international military confrontation , '' EU foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is also causing unbearable humanitarian suffering and putting civilians in danger . ''
• Why does the battle for Idlib matter ?
• The town with more cats than people The Turkish and Russian presidents spoke by phone on Friday .
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin both expressed concern and agreed on the need for `` additional measures '' to normalise the situation , with the possibility of a summit in the near future , the Kremlin says .
Russian and Turkish officials are due to meet at the Turkish foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and US military officials have discussed the situation in Idlib .
Russia denies its own forces were involved in the fighting in the Balyun area .
Government forces , supported by Russia , have been trying to retake Idlib from jihadist groups and Turkish-backed rebel factions based there .
The attack came after Turkish-backed rebels retook the key town of Saraqeb , north-east of Balyun .
Idlib is the last Syrian province where Syrian rebel groups still control significant territory .
Meanwhile , Turkey says it is opening its western land and sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refugees and migrants it hosts can travel onwards towards Europe .
Turkey 's communications director Fahrettin Altun said the migrants were now also Europe and the world 's problem .
He said Turkey had `` no choice '' but to relax border controls because it had not received enough support in hosting about 3.7 million Syrian refugees , Reuters reported .
Mr Altun had earlier said Turkey did not have the capacity to allow entry to the nearly 1 million Syrians fleeing the fighting in Idlib .
He called for the international community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genocide '' by imposing a no-fly zone .
What do we know about the attack ?
`` Thirty-three of our soldiers were martyred as a result of the air strike ... by the forces of the [ Bashar al- ] Assad regime , '' said Rahmi Dogan , the governor of Turkey 's neighbouring Hatay province .
After President Erdogan held an urgent top-level security meeting in Ankara , Turkish forces began conducting ground and air strikes .
Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that in addition to the casualties inflicted , five Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ howitzers , and two air defence systems had been destroyed .
According to the Russian defence ministry , the Turkish soldiers had been killed in a `` bombardment '' while operating alongside `` terrorists '' in the Balyun area where , it said , fighters from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance ( formerly the Nusra Front ) were attacking Syrian government forces .
Russia said it was in constant contact with Turkey to ensure Turkish troops were not targeted in Idlib and had not been informed that Turkish forces were active at Balyun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been informed about the locations of Turkish troops and said no armed groups had been present near the soldiers who were attacked .
He also said ambulances had been hit in the attack .
Two Russian warships equipped with cruise missiles have passed through Istanbul 's Bosphorus Strait on their way to the Syrian coast .
President Erdogan wants Syrian government forces to pull back from positions where Turkey has set up military observation posts and earlier threatened to attack them if they did not halt their advance .
But Syria 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pull back to ceasefire lines agreed in 2018 .
Russia has also accused Turkey of violating the 2018 ceasefire by backing rebels with artillery fire .
In reaction to the crisis : • Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg promised `` strong political support and ... practical support '' for Turkey , and urged Syria and Russia to engage fully with UN-led efforts to find a peaceful solution • A spokesman for the US state department said : `` We stand by our Nato ally Turkey and continue to call for an immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assad regime , Russia and Iranian-backed forces .
We are looking at options on how we can best support Turkey in this crisis '' • UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed `` grave concern '' over the latest escalation , calling for an immediate ceasefire .
Will Ankara or Damascus back down ?
The scene is set for a full-scale confrontation between Turkey and Syria .
This leaves all sorts of questions .
Will Ankara or Damascus back down ?
Can Moscow - hardly a neutral party - in some way encourage de-escalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade the Syrian regime to halt its wider offensive in Idlib ?
This appears doubtful since President Assad seems intent on taking back control of the area , and the Russians have already been backing him to this end .
Is the EU facing a new migrant crisis ?
News that Turkey would let migrants cross into Europe prompted several hundred people to gather at the border with Greece .
But Greece has sent extra police to the crossing to prevent them entering .
Other migrants have been boarding boats to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The European Commission said it expected Turkey to uphold its commitments to control the flow of migrants to the EU .
Under a 2016 agreement with the EU , which followed a wave of Syrian refugees and refugees and migrants from other countries to Europe , Turkey imposed stronger controls to curb the flow .
The deal involved an EU pledge to provide €6bn ( £5.4bn ; $ 6.6bn ) in aid to Turkey to house Syrian refugees .
What about Syrian civilians in Idlib ?
At least 948,000 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive began on 1 December , the UN says .
At least 465 civilians , including 145 children , have been killed during that period , the vast majority of them victims of attacks by the Syrian government and its allies , according to the UN .
Children are also dying from the cold .
Russia has rejected calls in the UN Security Council for a humanitarian ceasefire in northern Syria , saying the only solution is to chase what it calls terrorists from the country .
The Syrian government , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians during the country 's civil war , says it is liberating Idlib from `` terrorism '' .
Why is Turkey so deeply involved in Syria ?
Its long border with Syria has brought it into close contact with the civil war and its strong opposition to the Assad government has made it a natural destination for refugees .
But Turkey is also actively trying to prevent Syria 's Kurdish community establishing control over the border region , fearing that this would encourage Kurdish separatism within Turkey itself .
It has been accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border in order to establish a safe area within Syria to rehouse two million of the refugees it is hosting .

Syria war: Alarm after 33 Turkish soldiers killed in attack in Idlib Published 28 February 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, A new air strike was reported in the flashpoint town of Saraqeb on Friday
At least 33 Turkish soldiers have died in a Syrian government attack in opposition-held north-western Syria, in a major escalation of the conflict.
Turkey, which backs the opposition, says it hit 200 government targets in response, "neutralising" 309 soldiers.
Russia, Syria's key military ally, says Turkish troops were attacked in Idlib province by Syrian forces while operating alongside jihadist fighters.
The EU has warned the crisis could escalate further.
"There is a risk of sliding into a major open international military confrontation," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted. "It is also causing unbearable humanitarian suffering and putting civilians in danger."
How is Turkey reacting?
The Turkish and Russian presidents spoke by phone on Friday. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin both expressed concern and agreed on the need for "additional measures" to normalise the situation, with the possibility of a summit in the near future, the Kremlin says.
Russian and Turkish officials are due to meet at the Turkish foreign ministry. Russia also says top Russian and US military officials have discussed the situation in Idlib.
Russia denies its own forces were involved in the fighting in the Balyun area.
Government forces, supported by Russia, have been trying to retake Idlib from jihadist groups and Turkish-backed rebel factions based there. The attack came after Turkish-backed rebels retook the key town of Saraqeb, north-east of Balyun. Idlib is the last Syrian province where Syrian rebel groups still control significant territory.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Migrants head for Turkey's EU borders
Meanwhile, Turkey says it is opening its western land and sea borders so some of the millions of refugees and migrants it hosts can travel onwards towards Europe.
Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun said the migrants were now also Europe and the world's problem. He said Turkey had "no choice" but to relax border controls because it had not received enough support in hosting about 3.7 million Syrian refugees, Reuters reported.
Mr Altun had earlier said Turkey did not have the capacity to allow entry to the nearly 1 million Syrians fleeing the fighting in Idlib. He called for the international community to protect civilians in Idlib from "genocide" by imposing a no-fly zone.
What do we know about the attack?
"Thirty-three of our soldiers were martyred as a result of the air strike... by the forces of the [Bashar al-] Assad regime," said Rahmi Dogan, the governor of Turkey's neighbouring Hatay province.
Image source, AFP/Getty Images Image caption, Turkish-backed Syrian fighters were seen taking positions in Saraqeb on Thursday
After President Erdogan held an urgent top-level security meeting in Ankara, Turkish forces began conducting ground and air strikes.
Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that in addition to the casualties inflicted, five Syrian government helicopters, 23 tanks, 23 howitzers, and two air defence systems had been destroyed.
According to the Russian defence ministry, the Turkish soldiers had been killed in a "bombardment" while operating alongside "terrorists" in the Balyun area where, it said, fighters from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance (formerly the Nusra Front) were attacking Syrian government forces.
Russia said it was in constant contact with Turkey to ensure Turkish troops were not targeted in Idlib and had not been informed that Turkish forces were active at Balyun.
But Mr Akar insisted the Russians had been informed about the locations of Turkish troops and said no armed groups had been present near the soldiers who were attacked. He also said ambulances had been hit in the attack.
Two Russian warships equipped with cruise missiles have passed through Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait on their way to the Syrian coast.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Watch: Turkey's defence ministry reiterates his country's threat to Syria
President Erdogan wants Syrian government forces to pull back from positions where Turkey has set up military observation posts and earlier threatened to attack them if they did not halt their advance.
But Syria's government and Russia have rejected his demand to pull back to ceasefire lines agreed in 2018. Russia has also accused Turkey of violating the 2018 ceasefire by backing rebels with artillery fire.
In reaction to the crisis:
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg promised "strong political support and... practical support" for Turkey, and urged Syria and Russia to engage fully with UN-led efforts to find a peaceful solution
A spokesman for the US state department said: "We stand by our Nato ally Turkey and continue to call for an immediate end to this despicable offensive by the Assad regime, Russia and Iranian-backed forces. We are looking at options on how we can best support Turkey in this crisis"
UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed "grave concern" over the latest escalation, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Will Ankara or Damascus back down?
The scene is set for a full-scale confrontation between Turkey and Syria.
This leaves all sorts of questions.
Will Ankara or Damascus back down? Can Moscow - hardly a neutral party - in some way encourage de-escalation?
And is there any way to persuade the Syrian regime to halt its wider offensive in Idlib?
This appears doubtful since President Assad seems intent on taking back control of the area, and the Russians have already been backing him to this end.
Is the EU facing a new migrant crisis?
News that Turkey would let migrants cross into Europe prompted several hundred people to gather at the border with Greece. But Greece has sent extra police to the crossing to prevent them entering.
Other migrants have been boarding boats to make the crossing to the Greek island of Lesbos.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Some migrants have made their way to Greece's Kastanies border crossing - but the Greeks have closed it
Image source, AFP Image caption, A boat carrying Afghans landed on the Greek island of Lesbos on Friday
The European Commission said it expected Turkey to uphold its commitments to control the flow of migrants to the EU.
Under a 2016 agreement with the EU, which followed a wave of Syrian refugees and refugees and migrants from other countries to Europe, Turkey imposed stronger controls to curb the flow.
The deal involved an EU pledge to provide €6bn (£5.4bn; $6.6bn) in aid to Turkey to house Syrian refugees.
What about Syrian civilians in Idlib?
At least 948,000 people have been displaced in north-west Syria since a government offensive began on 1 December, the UN says.
At least 465 civilians, including 145 children, have been killed during that period, the vast majority of them victims of attacks by the Syrian government and its allies, according to the UN. Children are also dying from the cold.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Syrian refugee families on their search for safety
Russia has rejected calls in the UN Security Council for a humanitarian ceasefire in northern Syria, saying the only solution is to chase what it calls terrorists from the country.
The Syrian government, which has regularly been accused of committing atrocities against civilians during the country's civil war, says it is liberating Idlib from "terrorism".
Why is Turkey so deeply involved in Syria?
Its long border with Syria has brought it into close contact with the civil war and its strong opposition to the Assad government has made it a natural destination for refugees.
But Turkey is also actively trying to prevent Syria's Kurdish community establishing control over the border region, fearing that this would encourage Kurdish separatism within Turkey itself.


bbc--2020-02-28--Downfall: BP refinery worker sacked over Hitler parody wins job back

A BP refinery worker in Australia has successfully won back his job after being sacked for parodying the company in a well-known Hitler meme .
Scott Tracey used the popular meme , from the 2004 film Downfall , to portray scenes from company wage negotiations , posting it on a closed Facebook group .
He later lost an unfair dismissal case which ruled the video was offensive .
But an appeal judgement on Friday found it was unreasonable to say the parody had likened BP managers to Nazis .
`` Anyone with knowledge of the meme could not seriously consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make some point involving Hitler or Nazis , '' the Fair Work Commission wrote in its decision .
The meme takes Downfall 's climactic scene - in which Hitler confronts his generals in his bunker - and replaces the subtitles with topics of parody .
There are thousands of other examples online .
BP fired Mr Tracey in 2018 after deeming the video to be `` highly offensive and inappropriate '' , a position that was upheld in the original unfair dismissal case .
But Mr Tracey argued he had not intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was meant to be humorous .
He added it did not identify BP or anyone specifically .
• Is this 1921 cartoon the first ever meme ?
In siding with him , the Fair Work Commission found the meme had been `` culturally dissociat [ ed ] '' from real events .
The commission added it had been used `` thousands of times over a period of more than a decade for the purpose of creating , in an entirely imitative way , a satirical depiction of contemporary situations '' .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for satirical purposes , the position BP had reached in the enterprise bargaining process as at September 2018 to the situation facing Hitler and the Nazi regime in April 1945 , '' it added .
Australian Workers Union spokesman Daniel Walton welcomed the decision , saying employees should be able to lampoon bosses in their own time .
`` The day that right is lost would be a very bleak day for Australia , '' he said .
Mr Tracey 's lawyer , Kamal Farouque , told local Nine newspapers : `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and is looking forward to going back to work at BP refinery . ''
You might be interested in :

"Anyone with knowledge of the meme could not seriously consider that the use of the clip was to make some point involving Hitler or Nazis," the Fair Work Commission wrote in its decision.


bbc--2020-02-28--Eight-year ban for Chinese triple Olympic champion

China 's three-time Olympic champion Sun Yang has been banned for eight years for missing a doping test in September 2018 .
The 28-year-old was initially cleared of wrongdoing by Fina , the swimming federation , in January 2019 .
Following an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency ( Wada ) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport ( Cas ) , the decision has been overturned .
An eight-year ban was imposed on Sun because this was his second offence .
He had served a three-month suspension in 2014 for taking prohibited stimulant Trimetazidine .
Sun told China 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal against the decision .
He said : `` This is unfair .
I firmly believe in my innocence . ''
Cas said its decision can be challenged before the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days .
Sun had told an appeal hearing in November that he missed a test because testers failed to prove their identity when they arrived at his home .
He also denied a vial containing his blood samples was smashed with a hammer .
Cas said : `` The athlete failed to establish that he had a compelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and forego the doping control when , in his opinion , the collection protocol was not in compliance with the ISTI ( international standard for testing and investigations ) .
`` As the Cas panel noted , it is one thing , having provided a blood sample , to question the accreditation of the testing personnel while keeping the intact samples in the possession of the testing authorities ; it is quite another thing , after lengthy exchanges and warnings as to the consequences , to act in such a way that results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminating any chance of testing the sample at a later stage . ''
Wada welcomed the ruling , and added that it was `` satisfied that justice in this case has been rendered '' .
At the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in July , Sun won gold in the 200m freestyle but Britain 's Duncan Scott refused to share the podium with him .
Australian Mack Horton took a similar stance after the 400m freestyle , years after accusing him of being a `` drug cheat '' .
Scott said on Friday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision that has been made .
`` I believe in clean sport and a level playing field for all athletes and I trust in Cas and Wada to uphold these values . ''
Sun 's results prior to , during and after the championships will stand because he has not tested positive for doping .
He has won 11 world titles since 2011 , including two golds at last year 's event in Gwangju , South Korea .
When Fina originally cleared him , it said that testers had breached several rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nursing licence .
Sun was subsequently issued with a warning .
The Cas appeal was heard in public .
The only previous time that had happened was in 1999 when Ireland 's triple Olympic swimming champion Michelle Smith de Bruin failed with her appeal against a four-year ban for tampering with an anti-doping sample .
Adam Peaty , British Olympic 100m breaststroke champion : `` Very good .
For anyone that 's been banned once , potentially it 's a mistake .
`` You 're looking at it twice - you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're disrespecting the sport , you 're disrespecting yourself and you 're disrespecting your country . ''
Lizzie Simmonds , British two-time Olympian & former European champion : `` I once called this man the Harry Houdini of doping control , but it seems that justice has finally been served .
`` Imagine there will be a few very relieved freestylers waking up across the world .
`` Given the damning length of this sentence , it seems inconceivable that he originally just received a slap on the wrist from Fina .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I hope an even stronger message to those who seek to protect bureaucratic harmony over sporting integrity . ''
James Guy , British four-time world swimming champion : `` The truth always comes out . ''
This is a hugely significant case for sport , and one that will lead to serious questions about the judgement and credibility of Fina , which will now come under pressure to establish an integrity unit , similar to those created for athletics and cycling .
Swimming 's world governing body caused dismay among many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
That decision , combined with Sun 's mega-stardom in the sporting superpower of China , his infamy after already serving a doping suspension in 2014 , and the dramatic symbolism of a case in which a blood vial was smashed with a hammer , meant an especially bitter controversy - the antipathy with some of his rivals marring last year 's World Championships .
The severity of the eight-year ban ( which almost certainly ends Sun 's career ) will be celebrated by many in swimming and beyond as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doping , and perhaps restore some faith in the anti-doping system .
But it will no doubt provoke outrage in China , and may reinforce the sense both there and in places like Russia ( which is appealing over its Olympic ban ) that Cas is biased against countries in the east .
Expect further appeals ( to the Swiss Federal Tribunal ) and recriminations .

Last updated on .From the section Swimming
Sun Yang was a double Olympic gold medallist at London 2012 and won the men's 200m freestyle title in 2016
China's three-time Olympic champion Sun Yang has been banned for eight years for missing a doping test in September 2018.
The 28-year-old was initially cleared of wrongdoing by Fina, external-link the swimming federation, in January 2019.
Following an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), the decision has been overturned.
An eight-year ban was imposed on Sun because this was his second offence.
He had served a three-month suspension in 2014 for taking prohibited stimulant Trimetazidine.
Sun told China's Xinhua news agency that he plans to appeal against the decision.
He said: "This is unfair. I firmly believe in my innocence."
Fina said it would implement the decision "notwithstanding any further legal action and as directed".
Cas said its decision can be challenged before the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days.
Sun had told an appeal hearing in November that he missed a test because testers failed to prove their identity when they arrived at his home.
He also denied a vial containing his blood samples was smashed with a hammer.
Cas said: "The athlete failed to establish that he had a compelling justification to destroy his sample collection containers and forego the doping control when, in his opinion, the collection protocol was not in compliance with the ISTI (international standard for testing and investigations).
"As the Cas panel noted, it is one thing, having provided a blood sample, to question the accreditation of the testing personnel while keeping the intact samples in the possession of the testing authorities; it is quite another thing, after lengthy exchanges and warnings as to the consequences, to act in such a way that results in destroying the sample containers, thereby eliminating any chance of testing the sample at a later stage."
Wada welcomed the ruling, external-link and added that it was "satisfied that justice in this case has been rendered".
At the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in July, Sun won gold in the 200m freestyle but Britain's Duncan Scott refused to share the podium with him.
Australian Mack Horton took a similar stance after the 400m freestyle, years after accusing him of being a "drug cheat".
Scott said on Friday: "I fully respect and support the decision that has been made.
"I believe in clean sport and a level playing field for all athletes and I trust in Cas and Wada to uphold these values."
Sun's results prior to, during and after the championships will stand because he has not tested positive for doping.
He has won 11 world titles since 2011, including two golds at last year's event in Gwangju, South Korea.
When Fina originally cleared him, it said that testers had breached several rules, including failing to produce authorisation letters and a nursing licence. Sun was subsequently issued with a warning.
The Cas appeal was heard in public. The only previous time that had happened was in 1999 when Ireland's triple Olympic swimming champion Michelle Smith de Bruin failed with her appeal against a four-year ban for tampering with an anti-doping sample.
'You're disrespecting your country' - reaction
Adam Peaty, British Olympic 100m breaststroke champion: "Very good. For anyone that's been banned once, potentially it's a mistake.
"You're looking at it twice - you're a fool. I believe that you're disrespecting the sport, you're disrespecting yourself and you're disrespecting your country."
Mack Horton, Australian swimmer who refused to share a podium with Sun: "My stance has always been for clean sport. It is not, and never will be about individuals or nations. Today's outcome does not change my stance."
Lizzie Simmonds, British two-time Olympian & former European champion: "I once called this man the Harry Houdini of doping control, but it seems that justice has finally been served.
"Imagine there will be a few very relieved freestylers waking up across the world.
"Given the damning length of this sentence, it seems inconceivable that he originally just received a slap on the wrist from Fina.
"A strong message to those who cheat, but I hope an even stronger message to those who seek to protect bureaucratic harmony over sporting integrity."
James Guy, British four-time world swimming champion: "The truth always comes out."
Analysis
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor
This is a hugely significant case for sport, and one that will lead to serious questions about the judgement and credibility of Fina, which will now come under pressure to establish an integrity unit, similar to those created for athletics and cycling.
Swimming's world governing body caused dismay among many in the sport when it cleared Sun last year.
That decision, combined with Sun's mega-stardom in the sporting superpower of China, his infamy after already serving a doping suspension in 2014, and the dramatic symbolism of a case in which a blood vial was smashed with a hammer, meant an especially bitter controversy - the antipathy with some of his rivals marring last year's World Championships.
The severity of the eight-year ban (which almost certainly ends Sun's career) will be celebrated by many in swimming and beyond as a sign of the sport getting tougher on doping, and perhaps restore some faith in the anti-doping system.
But it will no doubt provoke outrage in China, and may reinforce the sense both there and in places like Russia (which is appealing over its Olympic ban) that Cas is biased against countries in the east. Expect further appeals (to the Swiss Federal Tribunal) and recriminations.


bbc--2020-02-28--Philippines volcano: Residents return to visit island

In January 2020 , Taal volcano erupted in the Philippines , sending a thick column of ash kilometres into the @ @ @ @ @ were evacuated from surrounding areas as seismologists warned of the possibility of further hazardous eruptions @ @ @ @ @ now reduced by the authorities , residents have briefly returned to their homes to search @ @ @ @ @ inspect the damage .
Warning : you may find some of the images in this @ @ @

In January 2020, Taal volcano erupted in the Philippines, sending a thick column of ash kilometres into the sky.
Thousands of people were evacuated from surrounding areas as seismologists warned of the possibility of further hazardous eruptions.
With the alert level now reduced by the authorities, residents have briefly returned to their homes to search for their loved ones and inspect the damage.
Warning: you may find some of the images in this report distressing.
Video produced by Manolito Gaya, Howard Johnson and Virma Simonette.


bbc--2020-02-28--Belgian wine alert after woman dies from sip of MDMA drug

Belgian authorities have issued a warning after a woman died , having apparently taken one sip of a glass of wine contaminated with the drug MDMA .
The 41-year-old woman from Puurs near Antwerp died in December , five days after losing consciousness and being admitted to hospital .
It is unclear how she got hold of the bottle but some drugs are commonly dissolved into wine for smuggling .
Investigators say the woman was not a drug user .
Prosecutors have warned anyone who finds a similar bottle with a cork that has been tampered with not to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died of a lethal amount of MDMA and MDA in her bloodstream and that a witness had said she had only taken a sip from the bottle because it tasted bad .
The two drugs are synthetic substances and MDMA forms the base for ecstasy .
Where did the wine come from ?
Mystery surrounds how the woman got hold of the wine , which was in a bottle that originally came from Dutch company Black and Bianco .
Prosecutors said the original black cork with the company logo had been removed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company said it was very shocked by the news that one of its Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon bottles had been used .
But in a bizarre twist , it emerged that the woman who died had worked at a shop that sold products confiscated by Belgium 's federal finance service .
According to reports , another person had fallen ill in 2017 as a result of wine taken home from the shop .
However , the finance ministry insisted the latest incident was different .
A spokesman said the shop no longer sold food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allowed to take confiscated goods home .
`` We only sell sizeable batches to buyers and only after the necessary tests have been carried out by the customs laboratory , '' Francis Adyns of the public finance service told Le Soir .
• 'Impossible ' to know how MDMA affects you

They said the woman had died of a lethal amount of MDMA and MDA in her bloodstream and that a witness had said she had only taken a sip from the bottle because it tasted bad. The two drugs are synthetic substances and MDMA forms the base for ecstasy.


bbc--2020-02-28--Telescopes detect 'biggest explosion since Big Bang'

Scientists have detected evidence of a colossal explosion in space - five times bigger than anything observed before .
The huge release of energy is thought to have emanated from a supermassive black hole some 390 million light years from Earth .
The eruption is said to have left a giant dent in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster .
Researchers reported their findings in The Astrophysical Journal .
`` I 've tried to put this explosion into human terms and it 's really , really difficult , '' co-author Melanie Johnston-Hollitt told BBC News .
`` The best I can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to occur over the 240 million years of the outburst - which it probably did n't , but anyway - it 'd be like setting off 20 billion , billion megaton TNT explosions every thousandth of a second for the entire 240 million years .
So that 's incomprehensibly big .
Huge . ''
Scientists had long thought there was something strange about the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster , which is a giant aggregation containing thousands of individual galaxies intermingled with hot gas ( plasma ) and dark matter .
US and European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge to it .
The speculation was that this might be the wall of a cavity that had been sculpted in its plasma by emissions from a gargantuan black hole in one of the core galaxies .
Black holes are famous for gorging on infalling matter - any gas or even stars that happen to get too close .
But they can also expel prodigious amounts of material and energy in the form of radio jets that then slam through the local environment .
Scientists at first doubted the black hole explanation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big .
It implied the black hole emission would have to have been unimaginably large .
But new low-frequency telescope data from the Murchison Widefield Array ( MWA ) in Australia and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope ( GMRT ) in India seems to confirm the theory .
`` This object was actually observed with the Chandra X-ray telescope by a previous team and they saw this bubble in the hot X-ray plasma in the centre of this galaxy cluster , and they said , 'Well , this ca n't be from one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be enormous ; the scale would be unthinkable ' .
So , they dismissed that possibility , '' explained Prof Johnston-Hollitt , who directs the MWA .
`` But we went back and we observed with low-frequency radio telescopes and discovered that this cavity is filled with radio plasma . ''
The amount of energy required to create the cavity in Ophiuchus far exceeds the previous record holder - a cluster known by the designation MS 0735+74 .
`` In some ways , this blast is similar to how the eruption of Mount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ripped off the top of the mountain , '' said Simona Giacintucci of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington , DC , and lead author of the study .
Prof Johnston-Hollitt added : `` To give it another dimension ; [ the cavity ] is about one-and-a-half-million light-years across .
So the hole that was punched in the surrounding space in the hot X-ray plasma would take light itself one-and-a-half-million years to traverse .
`` It 's absolutely enormous the amount of energy that we 're talking about here . ''
You might @ @ @ @

"This object was actually observed with the Chandra X-ray telescope by a previous team and they saw this bubble in the hot X-ray plasma in the centre of this galaxy cluster, and they said, 'Well, this can't be from one of these energetic outputs because it would be enormous; the scale would be unthinkable'. So, they dismissed that possibility," explained Prof Johnston-Hollitt, who directs the MWA.


bbc--2020-02-27--Investigate Trump wealth, Scottish ministers urged

Scotland 's first minister has been urged to use unexplained wealth orders to investigate how Donald Trump paid for his Scottish golf resorts .
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said the US Congress had heard concerns about possible money laundering involving some of the president 's business deals .
He claimed there were `` big questions '' over Mr Trump 's dealings in Scotland .
Mr Trump 's son Eric said the claims had `` no basis in fact '' .
He accused Mr Harvie of making `` disgusting statements '' that were `` reckless , irresponsible and unbecoming for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• What are Trump 's links to Scotland ?
And he said the Green politician had `` long expressed deep-seated animus to the Trump Organisation '' , which he said had `` invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Scotland while creating thousands of jobs '' .
Donald Trump opened his controversial golf course on the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire in 2012 , before purchasing the Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire in 2014 - into which the Trump Organisation claimed to have invested about £150m within the first two years .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations about possible links between Mr Trump and Russia heard allegations that Turnberry may have been used for money laundering - a claim that Mr Trump has always strongly denied .
What is an unexplained wealth order ?
An unexplained wealth order ( UWO ) is a type of order issued by a UK court to compel someone to reveal the sources of their unexplained wealth .
It was introduced to target suspected corrupt foreign officials who have potentially laundered stolen money through the UK .
The first unexplained wealth order was issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife of Jahangir Hajiyev , the former chairman of the International Bank of Azerbaijan , who spent £16m in Harrods .
The media has sometimes nicknamed UWOs `` McMafia laws '' - after the BBC crime drama about a Russian crime family living in London .
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday , Mr Harvie said the purchase of Menie and the Turnberry golf resort were part of Mr Trump 's `` huge cash spending spree in the midst of a global financial crisis '' .
Mr Harvie said that the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We saw patterns of buying and selling that we thought were suggestive of money laundering '' - with particular concern expressed about Mr Trump 's golf courses in Scotland and Ireland .
He added : `` Trump 's known sources of income do n't explain where the money came from for these huge cash transactions .
`` There are reasonable grounds for suspecting that his lawfully obtained income was insufficient .
`` Scottish ministers can apply via the Court of Session for an unexplained wealth order , a tool designed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The orders can be issued by the courts to compel their target to reveal the source of funding , and are often used to tackle suspected international money laundering .
Mr Harvie said seeking the order would `` make it clear that Scotland is not a country where anyone with the money can buy whatever land and property they want , no questions asked '' .
Ms Sturgeon responded by saying that `` Scotland is not that kind of country and should never be that kind of country '' , but that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers without the full information in front of her .
She added : `` I think most people here would recognise that I am no defender of Donald Trump , of his politics or any of his other dealings . ''
Ms Sturgeon 's spokesman later said that the decision on whether to apply for a unexplained wealth order is made on behalf of Scottish ministers by the Civil Recovery Unit , which reports to the lord advocate .
He said the government had last year received a report from campaigners seeking an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lord Advocate on that basis .
Sarah Malone , executive vice president of Trump International , Scotland , described Mr Harvie 's comments as `` utterly baseless and malicious '' and called on him to retract them .
She added : `` This attention seeking behaviour is not what is expected of a responsible elected member of Scottish Parliament .
`` Is this seriously how Scotland treats its inward investors ?
The Trump Organization has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into our economy and this sort of garbage is seriously harmfully @ @ @ @ @ @

Ms Sturgeon responded by saying that "Scotland is not that kind of country and should never be that kind of country", but that she did not want to give Mr Harvie answers without the full information in front of her.


bbc--2020-02-28--Delhi riots: 'Hero cop' who braved a mob to save lives

An Indian policeman is being hailed as a hero after he braved rioting mobs to save families during days of religious violence in the capital Delhi .
Riots in the city broke out on Sunday , killing 39 people and injuring more than 200 .
Neeraj Jadaun , a superintendent of police in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state , told the BBC 's Vikas Pandey that he was patrolling a border checkpoint on 25 February when he heard sounds of gunfire coming from Karawal Nagar in Delhi - just 200m ( 650ft ) away from him .
He saw a mob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when one of them jumped into a house with a petrol bomb .
At that point , Mr Jadaun decided to break with traditional police protocol and made a split-second decision to cross the state border into Delhi .
In India , police officers need explicit permission to cross state borders .
`` I chose to cross .
I was willing to go alone despite being aware of the danger and the fact that it was beyond my jurisdiction .
Those were the most terrifying 15 seconds of my life .
Thankfully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seniors also supported me when I informed them later , '' he said .
• Why Delhi violence has echoes of the Gujarat riots '' It was dangerous as we were outnumbered and the rioters were armed .
We first tried to negotiate with them and when that failed , we told them that police would open fire .
They retreated but seconds later , they threw stones at us and we also heard gunshots , '' he added .
However , Mr Jadaun and his team held their positions and kept pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richi Kumar , a reporter with the Hindi daily Amar Ujala , described Mr Jadaun 's decision as the `` bravest act '' he had ever seen .
`` The situation was very dangerous .
The rioters were fully armed and they were not ready to listen anybody .
I can describe them as bloodthirsty .
They were throwing stones at the police but Mr Jadaun did not back down .
There was real danger of policemen being shot at by rioters , '' he told the BBC .
The violence first broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and against a controversial citizenship law .
But they have since taken on communal overtones .
Mr Jadaun said the rioters he saw had come prepared for arson .
`` The area had many shops with stocks of bamboo .
A fire would have engulfed the whole area and had that been allowed to happen , the death toll in Delhi would have been much higher . ''
But , Mr Jadaun is uncomfortable about being hailed as a hero .
`` I am not a hero .
I have taken oath to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just doing my duty because I was n't willing to let people die under my watch .
We were in a position to intervene and we did that , '' he added .
Similar small acts of heroism - of Hindus and Muslims standing together - have also begun to emerge .
Subhash Sharma , from Ashok Nagar , one of the worst-affected areas , described how he ran to help after mobs set a mosque on fire .
`` There were thousands of people in the mob and there were only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as I saw it set on fire , I switched on the water pump in my house and ran there with a hose , '' Mr Sharma told BBC Hindi .
Murtaza , a man from the same neighbourhood , said that he wanted to flee the area , but his Hindu neighbours told him not to leave .
`` They assured us they would not let anybody harm us , '' he said .
BBC Hindi 's Faisal Mohammed also spoke to two neighbours - a Hindu and a Muslim - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the areas worst-affected by the violence .
The two described how they rallied their neighbours to chase away a mob that had been burning vehicles and shattering windows in the vicinity .
`` The next day we shut the main road and people from the neighbourhood gathered together and sat outside , '' one of the men , Jamaluddin Saifi , said .
Residents there also set up a `` peace committee '' - made up of both Hindus and Muslims - who went from house to house telling people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children inside .
As the Indian capital struggles to pick up the pieces , it is these stories that are giving residents some hope that life can eventually go back to normal .

"I chose to cross. I was willing to go alone despite being aware of the danger and the fact that it was beyond my jurisdiction. Those were the most terrifying 15 seconds of my life. Thankfully, the team followed me, and my seniors also supported me when I informed them later," he said.


bbc--2020-02-28--Leap years and why we need them

Leap years and why we need them

It 's a leap year which means there 's an extra day in the calendar - 29 February 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ it ?
The answer is a little more complicated than you may think .

It's a leap year which means there's an extra day in the calendar - 29 February 2020. But why do we need it? The answer is a little more complicated than you may think.


bbc--2020-02-28--Plans for first US 'safe injection site' derailed again

Plans to open the first `` safe drug injection site '' in the US have been scrapped after widespread opposition in Philadelphia .
The proposed centre , where people with addictions could receive medical help to inject drugs , was due to open next week .
However , Safehouse , the charity behind the proposed safe injection facility ( SIF ) , withdrew the plan on Thursday .
The backlash it faced laid bare the controversy over SIFs in the US .
A protest was planned for Sunday in South Philadelphia and an online petition to stop the site from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 hours .
The outpouring of community anger prompted the charity to postpone the opening of the SIF days after winning a two-year court battle for the right to operate .
`` We 're going to take a pause , even though we are legally entitled to open , '' Ronda Goldfein , the charity 's vice president said .
The group said it would seek to have `` meaningful conversations '' with the community before going forward .
Meanwhile , the US attorney for Pennsylvania 's Eastern District has said he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open the SIF .
The battle is latest hurdle to opening a safe injection facility in the US .
Such places , sometimes called `` fixing rooms '' , have existed in Europe since the 1970s and were pioneered in London as early as in the 1960s .
Advocates say that by providing places with medical help for people with addictions to inject , more overdose deaths can be prevented and more people who need help can be reached .
However , they are controversial , especially in the US , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed amid legal and local concern .
A site that was to have opened in Seattle , Washington in 2018 was stopped by a lawsuit .
Over half a dozen states have put forward bills supporting SIFs , but have seen efforts similarly stalled .
On Tuesday , a federal judge ruled that Safehouse 's plans to open a SIF on South Broad Street in South Philadelphia - a neighbourhood at the centre of an addiction crisis in the city - was legal , prompting the charity to announce plans to open next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate agent , told BBC : `` This is n't right , not only for the community , but for the addict . ''
The neighbourhood near the SIF could become a place where dealers easily target people with addiction on their way to the site , Mr Cavaliere , 55 , said .
Addicts might also encounter children .
`` This is personal to me , '' he said .
`` My son passed away from addiction , 22 years old . ''
An online petition against the SIF started by Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
About 100 SIFs are currently in operation worldwide , mostly in Europe , Canada in Australia .
Studies largely found them to be effective at reducing overdose fatalities .
However , advocates have not been able to assuage opponents ' concerns that SIFs increase drug use .
The idea of SIFs is `` all just theory , '' said Mr Cavaliere .
`` People do n't understand the mindset of the addicted person , '' he said .
`` If you 're really concerned , then make a rehab centre .
@

"We're going to take a pause, even though we are legally entitled to open," Ronda Goldfein, the charity's vice president said. The group said it would seek to have "meaningful conversations" with the community before going forward.


bbc--2020-02-27--Obama slams 'despicable' attack ad against Joe Biden

Barack Obama has made a rare intervention in the 2020 White House race to blast a `` despicable '' racially charged attack ad against Joe Biden .
A pro-Trump group put out the clip that twists Mr Obama 's own words in order to undermine the Democratic contender .
Mr Biden is hoping the black vote in South Carolina 's primary on Saturday will revive his campaign .
Though Mr Biden was his vice-president , Mr Obama has observed neutrality in the race , refusing to endorse a contender .
Joe Biden is one of eight candidates remaining in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take on President Donald Trump , a Republican , in November 's election .
What does the ad say ?
The clip - entitled South Carolina , Joe Biden Ca n't Be Trusted - was broadcast on TV stations in the southern state before Tuesday night 's Democratic debate in Charleston , formerly America 's largest slave port .
A female narrator introduces audio from former US President Obama 's 1995 memoir , Dreams from My Father , in which he reads a quotation from a Chicago barber who had expressed cynicism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard saying : `` Plantation politics .
Black people in the worst jobs , the worst housing .
Police brutality rampant .
`` But when the so-called black committeemen came around election time , we 'd all line up and vote the straight Democratic ticket .
But the hairdresser cited by Mr Obama was talking about the Illinois city 's first black mayor , not Mr Biden .
Captions flash up on screen during the ad attacking Mr Biden 's record on race .
He is currently the frontrunner in the South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationally .
Mr Obama 's lawyers say they will file a cease-and-desist letter to immediately stop televisions stations in South Carolina running the clip .
`` This despicable ad is straight out of the Republican disinformation playbook , '' Katie Hill , Obama 's communications director , said in a statement .
`` And it 's clearly designed to suppress turnout among minority voters in South Carolina by taking President Obama 's voice out of context and twisting his words to mislead viewers .
`` In the interest of truth in advertising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take this ad down and stop playing into the hands of bad actors who seek to sow division and confusion among the electorate . ''
Ms Hill reiterated that Mr Obama `` has several friends in this race , including , of course , his own esteemed vice-president '' , but `` has no plans to endorse in the primary '' .
Where is the ad from ?
The clip was put out by the Committee to Defend the President , a political action committee devoted to re-electing Mr Trump .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislator from Colorado , Ted Harvey .
Mr Harvey told Politico the ad is fair game , arguing that Mr Biden `` is simply giving lip-service for votes '' .
`` That 's the point President Obama made in his book , and we have every right to use his own words - in his own voice - in the political forum , '' he added .
Mr Obama was himself criticised in the 2012 presidential election after his supporters ran a misleading attack ad against his Republican opponent , Mitt Romney .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's wife had died of cancer after he lost his health insurance when his factory was shut by Bain Capital , a private equity firm that Mr Romney had managed .
The ad failed to mention Mr Romney was not working at Bain when the factory closed and that Mr Soptic 's wife had health insurance through her own job and was diagnosed with cancer five years after her husband was laid off .
Several ads released only this year have provoked widespread cries of disinformation , a sensitive issue in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division online in the lead-up to the 2016 White House vote won by Mr Trump .
Twitter and Facebook this month refused House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's request to take down a Trump attack ad that was edited to show her repeatedly tearing up his State of the Union address to Congress .
• YouTube does not have to guarantee free speech Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg was also criticised for an attack ad that doctored TV debate footage to show his rivals speechless after he asked if any of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race-baiting campaign clip distributed by George HW Bush 's supporters about a black convict , Willie Horton , is one of the most infamous attack ads of all time .
How do they get away with it ?
The Federal Trade Commission is empowered to sue or fine any advertiser who puts out a misleading ad , but the agency can only regulate commerce .
Political speech is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution , granting attack ads wide latitude to say just about anything .
The Federal Communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate .
Who will take on Trump in November ?
• Choose your candidate and filter by category • All you need to know about the presidential race

The ad failed to mention Mr Romney was not working at Bain when the factory closed and that Mr Soptic's wife had health insurance through her own job and was diagnosed with cancer five years after her husband was laid off.


bbc--2020-02-27--Canada to stop paying Harry and Meghan's security

Canada will soon stop providing security for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , the federal government has confirmed .
Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ) have been providing assistance to the couple since their arrival in Canada `` intermittently since November 2019 '' .
It had not been clear whether Canadians would be paying for their security following their move .
The couple will formally step down as senior royals from 31 March .
They will no longer carry out duties on behalf of the Queen but arrangements will be reviewed after 12 months .
They have indicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and North America .
What are Canadians saying ?
RCMP has been providing security to the couple at the request of the Metropolitan Police .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex choosing to re-locate to Canada on a part-time basis presented our government with a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances , '' said Canada 's federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair in a statement on Thursday .
• The big question Canadians have about royal move '' The RCMP has been engaged with officials in the UK from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the duke and duchess are currently recognised as Internationally Protected Persons , Canada has an obligation to provide security assistance on an as needed basis . ''
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had faced repeated questions over who would be paying to provide security for the prince and his wife Meghan .
`` The assistance will cease in the coming weeks , in keeping with their change in status , '' according to the statement from public safety .
Neither the Metropolitan Police nor a spokeswoman for the couple would comment on security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was first reported by CBC News .
What are the couple 's plans ?
Earlier this year Harry and Meghan announced they would be stepping back from royal duties and working to become financially independent .
Details of how this would work were then unveiled , following days of talks with the Queen and other senior royals .
• Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights • How might Harry and Meghan make money ?
The couple had previously spoken about how they had struggled under the media spotlight .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son Archie for much of this year , after briefly returning to the UK in January following an extended six-week Christmas break on Vancouver Island .
When news broke that the couple would be spending part of their time in Canada , one of the main preoccupations was about who would foot the bill , especially if they are spending the bulk of their time as private citizens .
A public opinion poll released in January by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute indicated that 73 % of Canadians had no interest in paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other expenditures associated with their relocation .

"The RCMP has been engaged with officials in the UK from the very beginning regarding security considerations. As the duke and duchess are currently recognised as Internationally Protected Persons, Canada has an obligation to provide security assistance on an as needed basis."


bbc--2020-02-28--Jimmy Lai: Pro-democracy media tycoon arrested and charged

One of Hong Kong 's most high-profile entrepreneurs , pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai , has been charged with illegal assembly and intimidation .
The illegal assembly charge relates to a banned anti-government march on 31 August , which Mr Lai is accused of attending .
The intimidation charge relates to a clash with a journalist in 2017 .
The newspaper Mr Lai founded , Apple Daily , is frequently critical of Hong Kong and Chinese leadership .
Two other pro-democracy figures , politicians Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum , were also arrested on Friday .
They have also been charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relation to the same protest .
Senior Superintendent Wong Tung-kwong said all three men would be called to the Eastern Magistrate Court on 5 May .
• The background you need on the Hong Kong protests The coronavirus outbreak has paused the city 's pro-democracy rallies - but anger against the government is still widespread .
Prior to the outbreak , the city had seen almost weekly protests , with activists having a series of demands - including more democracy and less control from Beijing .
According to an Apple Daily report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and taken to a Kowloon police station .
Police spoke to him in 2018 about the journalist incident but the investigation did not continue .
Thousands of people turned out for the August march , ignoring the government ban .
The journalist Mr Lai is accused of intimidating is from news outlet Oriental Daily - a major rival of Apple Daily that 's seen as being pro-Beijing .
Mr Lai - who was estimated by Forbes in 2009 to be worth $ 660m ( £512m ) - is known to be critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The establishment hates my guts , '' he previously said in an interview with the New York Times .
`` They think I 'm a troublemaker . ''

Prior to the outbreak, the city had seen almost weekly protests, with activists having a series of demands - including more democracy and less control from Beijing.


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Shares face worst week since global financial crisis

US shares have sunk further as stock markets suffer their worst week since the global financial crisis of 2008 .
The Dow Jones , which suffered its biggest ever daily points drop on Thursday , opened down 1.7 % as fears over the impact of the coronavirus continued to grip investors .
The main European markets all fell sharply on Friday , with London 's FTSE 100 index down more than 3 % .
Investors are worried the coronavirus impact could spark a global recession .
The news of more coronavirus cases , notably in Italy , has raised concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously expected .
In an interview with Sky News , Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that the coronavirus outbreak could lead to a downgrade of the UK 's economic growth prospects .
Dozens of firms have warned of disruptions to their supply chains and a decline in consumer demand .
US tech giants Apple and Microsoft have both said their business will be affected , while US investment bank Goldman Sachs warned on Thursday that it now thinks the coronavirus will wipe out any growth in US company profits this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-hit as travel bans are imposed and companies limit staff travel .
On Friday , airline group IAG - which owns British Airways and Iberia - said its earnings had been affected by `` weaker demand '' as a result of the outbreak .
`` A known unknown '' is how one major company boss described the economic fallout of coronavirus to the BBC .
But what the markets have woken up to - perhaps belatedly - is that the disruption to the economic activity from coronavirus is wider , deeper and perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major outbreaks spring up outside China , it is clear that it is not just global supply chains but also demand from consumers that 's suffering , as efforts to contain the virus keep them away from shops , bars and restaurants .
What is unknown is exactly how bad and how lasting the impact could be .
But what is known is that this comes at an already tricky time for the global economy with Japan , Italy , China and the UK among those already seeing growth faltering .
As economists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debating how much they can do to help , given how low interest rates remain .
What 's entirely clear is that investors face more anxiety ahead .
All the main European share indexes saw big falls on Friday , with Germany 's Dax index down 4.4 % and France 's Cac 40 index falling 3.9 % .
Earlier in Asia , Japan 's Nikkei 225 index fell 3.7 % , bringing its fall for the week to more than 9 % .
China 's Shanghai Composite index also fell 3.7 % on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at AJ Bell , said : `` This has been one of the worst weeks on the markets in a very long time , leaving investors ' portfolios battered and bruised . ''
Mayank Mishra , a strategist at Standard Chartered Bank , said : `` Previously the market had taken some comfort in the falling infection rates in China as a result of containment measures put in place earlier .
`` But the spread of the coronavirus infection outside China , with clusters emerging in South Korea , Italy and Japan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key global market indexes - including the FTSE 100 and the Dow Jones - have fallen 10 % from recent highs .
A drop of that magnitude is generally referred to as a correction .
`` What markets are trying to digest is how long this is going to go on and what the economic damage will be , '' Sonja Laud , chief investment officer at Legal & General Investment Management , told the BBC .
However , Ms Laud noted that the falls followed a very strong period for shares .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] are significant if you look at a very short period of time , but if you put it in the context of the very strong markets in 2019 , then the starting point has been all-time highs for quite a number of markets . ''
Many analysts are now expecting the US central bank to cut interest rates to try to counter any impact .
However , Ms Laud said that many central banks had little room for manoeuvre , given that rates are already so low .
`` Realistically it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bank of England that still have the chance to cut rates , '' she said .
`` I think there will be a huge focus on governments to step up fiscal stimulus under the assumption there is not a lot more that central banks can do to stimulate the economy . ''
The oil price has also fallen sharply on fears that the virus outbreak will lead a big drop in demand , as factories reduce or halt production during the outbreak .
The price of Brent crude fell nearly 2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its lowest level for more than a year .

What is unknown is exactly how bad and how lasting the impact could be. But what is known is that this comes at an already tricky time for the global economy with Japan, Italy, China and the UK among those already seeing growth faltering.


bbc--2020-02-27--How making a violin brought these two together

Nine Months in the Bronx - 'Do n't take my baby' Felicia is 22 and pregnant .
Her baby could @ @ @ @ @ New York authorities on the day she gives birth - unless she can prove she @ @ @ @ @ mother .
In Nine Months in the Bronx , the BBC ’ s Anna Bressanin @ @ @ @ @ as she navigates a welfare system which critics claim puts unfair demands on poor and @ @ @

When Nashville musician Amanda asked violinmaker Ray to make her a new instrument, little did she know where it would lead.
Not only did he share with her the secrets of his craft, but the two strangers soon became firm friends.
Video by Hannah Long-Higgins in Tennessee
This is part of the BBC's Crossing Divides season, which tells stories of people coming together.


bbc--2020-02-27--Burst water main leaves drivers stranded

A burst water main caught drivers out on the East Loop 610 in Houston , Texas .
Flooding led to @ @ @ @ @ having to take refuge on their roofs .
The chaos forced some schools and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ Authorities say there have been no reported injuries .

A burst water main caught drivers out on the East Loop 610 in Houston, Texas.
Flooding led to cars being submerged and people having to take refuge on their roofs.
The chaos forced some schools and restaurants to close as well.
Authorities say there have been no reported injuries.


bbc--2020-02-27--'Crabbing': Why your pilot might land sideways in high wind

Extreme weather conditions can make the task of landing an aeroplane much trickier .
Many pilots have undergone special training @ @ @ @ @ a technique called `` crabbing '' that makes landings safer .
BBC Breakfast 's Tim @ @ @ @ @ more .

Extreme weather conditions can make the task of landing an aeroplane much trickier.
Many pilots have undergone special training in flight simulators, learning a technique called "crabbing" that makes landings safer.
BBC Breakfast's Tim Muffett has been finding out more.


bbc--2020-02-28--Quiz of the week: Remember much about the big fight?

It 's the weekly news quiz - have you been paying attention to what 's been going on in the @ @ @ @ @ days ?
If you can not see the quiz , follow this link .
Try @ @ @ @ @ this link .

It's the weekly news quiz - have you been paying attention to what's been going on in the world during the past seven days?


bbc--2020-02-28--Africa's week in pictures: 21-27 February 2020

And schoolchildren cross a road in the same city on Thursday .
Guinea is holding a referendum on Sunday to @ @ @ @ @ allow President Alpha Conde to run for a third term .

Image caption,
And schoolchildren cross a road in the same city on Thursday. Guinea is holding a referendum on Sunday to change the constitution which would allow President Alpha Conde to run for a third term.


bbc--2020-02-27--'Scent of terror' created in protest against Moscow perfume store

How would you like a perfume that smelt of terror ?
A team in Moscow has created the putrid scent @ @ @ @ @ plans for a perfume store in a historic building with a terrible past .
The @ @ @ @ @ of people condemned to death during Stalin 's Great Terror in the 1930s .
The @ @ @ @ @ has not returned the BBC 's request for comment .

How would you like a perfume that smelt of terror?
A team in Moscow has created the putrid scent, in a protest against plans for a perfume store in a historic building with a terrible past. The former military court saw thousands of people condemned to death during Stalin's Great Terror in the 1930s.
The business owner proposing the perfumery has not returned the BBC's request for comment.
Correspondent: Sarah Rainsford
Filmed and edited by Elizaveta Vereykina


bbc--2020-02-27--The Californian nuns who set up their own community

The ancient oak tree that taught the world a lesson The remarkable Turner 's Oak in Kew Gardens in London @ @ @ @ @ Storm of 1987 , but also changed the way that trees are cared for around @ @ @

A group of Californian nuns left their convent and set up their own independent community in 1970.
They’d wanted to reform the convent’s rules – including abandoning their traditional clothing and set prayer times – but their conservative cardinal refused to discuss change.
Former Sister Lucia Van Ruiten tells Witness History about the crisis they caused in the Catholic church.
Witness History: The stories of our times told by the people who were there.


bbc--2020-02-27--Tasmania snow concludes Australia's summer of extremes

Australians recount the drought , dust , fire and floods of one of the most turbulent summers in memory .

Snow has fallen in mountainous parts of Tasmania, rounding out a summer of dramatic weather changes in Australia.


bbc--2020-02-27--Coronavirus: The ‘propaganda push’ in China

As China battles coronavirus , medics treating people on the front line are being hailed as heroes .
For the @ @ @ @ @ new , potentially fatal , disease , it was always going to be tough .
@ @ @ @ @ been putting their lives as risk .
And the BBC ’ s Stephen McDonell says @ @ @ @ @ key to the government ’ s “ propaganda push ” .

As China battles coronavirus, medics treating people on the front line are being hailed as heroes.
For the first country dealing with this new, potentially fatal, disease, it was always going to be tough.
Chinese doctors and nurses have been putting their lives as risk. And the BBC’s Stephen McDonell says they’re now also key to the government’s “propaganda push”.
Read more: Infected Iran minister appears unwell at briefing