bbc--2020-03-10--Climate change: UK 'can't go climate neutral before 2050'

The UK can not go climate neutral much before 2050 unless people stop flying and eating red meat almost completely , a report says .
But it warns that the British public do not look ready to take such steps and substantially change their lifestyle .
The report challenges the views of campaign group Extinction Rebellion .
It believes the UK target of climate neutrality by 2050 will result in harm to the climate .
The claim comes from the government-funded research group Energy Systems Catapult , whose computer models are used by the Committee on Climate Change , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` A number of groups have called for net zero to be accelerated to 2025 , 2030 or 2040 .
`` Achieving net zero significantly earlier than 2050 in our modelling exceeds even our most speculative measures , with rates of change for power , heat and road transport that push against the bounds of plausibility . ''
But the authors offer some optimism too .
They calculate that the UK can cut emissions fast enough to be climate neutral by 2050 – but only if ministers act much more quickly .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in three key technologies : carbon capture and storage with bioenergy crops ; hydrogen for a wide variety of uses ; and advanced nuclear power .
The report modelled options for society to 2050 .
It concluded that if decisions are made early , the cost of climate neutrality can be held down to 1-2 % of national wealth - GDP .
Scenarios rely on some technologies still in their infancy , which will be controversial .
For instance , it draws heavily on burning energy crops , capturing the carbon emissions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use will need to grow to supply industry , heat and heavy transport .
Electricity generation will need to double with heavy reliance on solar power and offshore wind .
• GRETA THUNBERG : What does she want ?
• YOUR HOME : How much warmer is your city ?
• FOOD : What is your diet 's carbon footprint ?
• IN CHARTS : How warm has the world got ?
Controversially , it calls for small , modular nuclear reactors to support three-quarters of heating in cities through district heating systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conventional reactors , and brought to a site in a kit of parts to be assembled .
It warns that livestock production for dairy and meat may need to be cut by 50 % rather than the 20 % currently envisaged by the Committee on Climate Change .
And people will need to eat less meat and dairy by the same amount .
The report ’ s author , Scott Milne , said : “ Whichever pathway the UK takes , innovation , investment and inducements across low-carbon technology , land use and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And there are massive economic opportunities for the UK to lead the world in these areas . ''
However , the report warns that the public do not appear ready for substantial lifestyle changes .
It warns , for instance , that if people ’ s homes are better insulated , they may choose to spend the same amount on heating to deliver a warmer home .
It says : “ Early evidence suggests a general willingness to adopt new technologies ( such as new heating or mobility ) as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as before .
“ Conversely , approaching the subject of dietary change or aviation often elicits a more resistant and emotional response.
” Some experts will be critical of the report ’ s expectation that new technologies such as carbon capture and storage will be rapidly adopted .
A recent report said it was unrealistic to expect that carbon capture and hydrogen will develop fast enough to achieve the net zero target .
The report was not welcomed by the National Beef Association .
Its spokesman Neil Shand told BBC News that scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in capturing carbon in the soil .
He said : “ It does seem rather unfortunate that the report links beef production and aviation in this way .
“ The timing is more than a little ironic ; the shops are full of people panic-buying and it seems clear that the nation ’ s food sector relies very heavily on imports , and the associated transport that brings them into the UK .
`` Food produced on their own doorstep , using a system where animal and non-animal foods are symbiotic requires very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of the resources our beautiful country provides .
Foreign travel does not have the same necessity . ''

It warns that livestock production for dairy and meat may need to be cut by 50% rather than the 20% currently envisaged by the Committee on Climate Change. And people will need to eat less meat and dairy by the same amount.


bbc--2020-03-10--The million-dollar trade in trafficked rosewood trees

The Rosewood tree is one of the most trafficked species on earth .
When it 's cut it bleeds a @ @ @ @ @ exhausted stocks elsewhere , Chinese traders have turned to West Africa .
BBC Africa Eye @ @ @ @ @ is illegal to fell or export a Rosewood tree .
And yet , we can @ @ @ @ @ and smuggled at an alarming rate .
From the forests of Casamance , through the @ @ @ @ @ all the way onto China .
For a year BBC Africa Eye with Umaru Fofana @ @ @ @ @ trade in trafficked rosewood .

The Rosewood tree is one of the most trafficked species on earth.
When it's cut it bleeds a blood red sap.
Having exhausted stocks elsewhere, Chinese traders have turned to West Africa.
BBC Africa Eye are in Senegal where it is illegal to fell or export a Rosewood tree. And yet, we can reveal they are been logged and smuggled at an alarming rate.
From the forests of Casamance, through the port of neighbouring Gambia and all the way onto China.
For a year BBC Africa Eye with Umaru Fofana has been investigating the million-dollar trade in trafficked rosewood.


bbc--2020-03-10--Hundreds of billions of locusts swarm in East Africa

Hundreds of billions of locusts are swarming through parts of East Africa and South Asia in the worst infestation for a quarter of a century , threatening crops and livelihoods .
The insects , which eat their own body weight in food every day , are breeding so fast numbers could grow four hundredfold by June .
In January , the UN appealed for $ 76m ( £59m ) to tackle the crisis .
That figure has now risen to $ 138m .
But so far , only $ 52m has been received , $ 10m of which has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gates Foundation .
The main threats are in East Africa and Yemen , as well the Gulf states , Iran , Pakistan and India .
Most recently , locusts have been seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo and swarms have arrived in Kuwait , Bahrain and Qatar and along the coast of Iran .
Aerial and ground spraying combined with constant tracking of the swarms are viewed as the most effective strategies .
But Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa head Stephen Njoka told BBC News aircraft were in short supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kenya six for spraying and four for surveying , he said .
But the Kenyan government says it needs 20 planes for spraying - and a continuous supply of the pesticide Fenitrothion .
Kenya has trained more than 240 personnel from affected counties in monitoring of locust swarms .
The Chinese government announced in February it was sending a team of experts to neighbouring Pakistan to develop `` targeted programmes '' against the locusts .
According to reports , they could deploy 100,000 ducks .
Lu Lizhi , a senior researcher with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Bloomberg the ducks were `` biological weapons '' .
And while chickens could eat about 70 locusts in one day , a duck could devour more than three times that number .
`` Ducks like to stay in a group , so they are easier to manage than chickens , '' he told Chinese media .

Most recently, locusts have been seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo and swarms have arrived in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar and along the coast of Iran.


bbc--2020-03-09--Mexican women strike to protest against gender-based violence

Millions of women in Mexico have taken part in a day-long strike to highlight rising levels of gender-based violence .
The protest , dubbed `` The Day Without Us '' , saw women across the country stay home from work and school on Monday .
In Mexico City , few women could be seen on public transport , in major shopping areas or in restaurants and cafes .
An estimated 10 women are killed each day in Mexico and police are investigating more than 700 cases of `` femicide '' , the killing of women .
Many schools were closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female students boycotted university lectures .
• The women killed in one day around the world '' This is what a society without women would look like , '' Jorge Luna , a 21-year-old employee at a cafe where only male staff turned up for work , told AFP news agency .
Some women who did choose to work wore purple ribbons or clothing to express solidarity with the action .
Several newspapers featured purple-coloured pages and left empty spaces where women writers would normally have appeared .
The protest followed a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked International Women 's Day .
About 80,000 people took to the streets and there were clashes between police and protesters .
The rally began peacefully , but police said some groups threw petrol bombs and officers responded with tear gas .
More than 60 people were injured .
The problem of violence against women in Mexico is getting worse and the government is being accused of inaction .
President López Obrador was criticised in February for suggesting that media were `` manipulating '' the problem .
He later said his government was @ @ @ @ @

Some women who did choose to work wore purple ribbons or clothing to express solidarity with the action. Several newspapers featured purple-coloured pages and left empty spaces where women writers would normally have appeared.


bbc--2020-03-10--Ellie and Nele: From she to he - and back to she again

Studies suggest that most people who transition to another gender do not have second thoughts .
But after two trans men met and fell in love , their personal gender journeys took an unexpected turn , to a destination neither had foreseen .
`` I always felt we have a very special history .
We have special bodies , and a special connection based on the physical experience we had . ''
Ellie is 21 and Belgian .
Her German partner , Nele , is 24 .
Both took testosterone to become more masculine , and they had their breasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have detransitioned , and live again as female - the gender they were assigned at birth .
`` I 'm very happy I did n't have a hysterectomy , '' reflects Nele .
`` It means I can stop taking hormones , and my body will return to looking feminine . ''
Last year , they both made the decision to end their use of testosterone and start using the female pronouns `` she '' and `` her '' again .
Slowly their own natural oestrogen has begun to re-feminise their bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the changes , '' says Ellie .
Their faces have softened , their bodies become curvier .
But years of taking testosterone has had one profound , irreversible effect .
`` My voice will never come back , '' says Nele .
`` I used to love singing and I ca n't sing any more - like my voice is just very monotone , it works very differently .
When I call someone on the phone , I get gendered as male . ''
The stories of these two young people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who have transitioned to another gender .
And they are not a judgement on the decisions of other trans people , be they trans men , trans women or non-binary .
Ellie does not remember being uncomfortable as a girl when she was a child .
But that changed as she became adolescent .
`` I realised I was doing a lot of boy things , and some people were n't fine with that - especially other kids .
I remember being called things like 'hermaphrodite ' . ''
Tall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was identified as , `` a boy thing '' too .
At 14 , she realised she was attracted to other girls , and later came out to her parents .
`` I was dating girls and happy about it , '' she says .
Then Ellie told her sister she was a lesbian .
`` My sister told me she was proud of the woman I was becoming .
And somehow that rang a bell for me .
And I remember thinking , 'Oh , so I 'm a woman now ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
It was n't that I wanted to be a boy - I just did n't want to be a woman .
I wanted to be neutral and do whatever I wanted . ''
At 15 , Ellie believed becoming a woman might limit her choices in life .
For Nele too , growing up female was not fun .
`` It started with puberty , when I was around nine years old - with getting breasts before I even realised what it means to have them .
My mother forbade me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of fights because I was like , 'Why can my brother go out bare-chested ? '
Obviously , my mother wanted to protect me , but I could n't understand at the time . ''
As Nele matured , there were also lecherous men to contend with .
`` I experienced a lot of catcalling .
There was a street next to mine , and I could n't go down there without a man hitting on me .
I 'm slowly realising now that I internalised all of that - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexy , something men desire , but not a personality . ''
With her body developing fast , Nele saw herself as too large .
She would later develop an eating disorder .
`` Too fat , too wide - the thoughts about needing to lose weight started very early . ''
Nele was attracted to women , but the thought of coming out as a lesbian was terrifying .
`` I really had this image that I would be this disgusting woman , and that my friends would n't want to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might hit on them . ''
At 19 , Nele came out as bisexual - that seemed safer .
But the experience of unwanted male attention and the discomfort she felt with her female body stayed with her .
Nele fantasised about removing her breasts .
Then she learned trans men get mastectomies .
`` And I was like , 'Yeah , but I 'm not trans . '
And then I was like , 'Maybe I could fake being trans ? '
And then I was doing a lot of research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trans men say are very similar to what I experienced - like ' I always felt uncomfortable with my body , and as a kid I wanted to be a boy . '
'' Listen to Ellie and Nele in The Detransitioners She2He2She on the BBC World Service - click here for transmission times Or catch up here with the first episode - He2She2He The distress trans people feel because there is a mismatch between their gender identity and their biological sex is called gender dysphoria .
Nele thinks her own dysphoria began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actually , ' I do n't have to fake being trans .
I am transgender . '
'' Nele could see only two options - transition or suicide .
She sought help from a transgender support organisation .
They sent her to a therapist .
`` When I arrived , I was like , 'Yeah , I think I might be trans . '
And he directly used male pronouns for me .
He said it was so clear I 'm transgender - that he 's never been as sure with anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nele was prescribed testosterone .
Ellie too became determined to access male hormones - in her case when she was just 16 .
`` I watched some YouTube videos of trans guys who take testosterone , and they go from this shy lesbian to a handsome guy who is super-popular .
I liked thinking of myself having that possibility - it felt like I should have a male body . ''
But being so young , she needed parental approval for any medical intervention .
The first doctor she visited with her parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was transphobic and found another medic who was positive about her desire to transition .
`` He told my parents that all the effects were reversible - which is the biggest lie .
I had done my research , and I knew that this doctor could not be trusted .
But I was just so happy that he said that , because then my parents were OK with it . ''
Ellie 's dad , Eric , was worried about the impact testosterone would have on his child 's health , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were still in shock from having a girl who wanted to be a boy , '' he remembers .
`` And the doctor said hormones would be better for her . ''
Eric and Ellie 's mum felt all at sea in this new world of changing genders .
`` I would 've liked to have met someone to give me the words and find arguments to make her wait and think about it longer , but there was no-one , '' he reflects .
At first , testosterone made Ellie feel emotionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At 17 , she had a double mastectomy .
Later , she graduated from high school , and left Belgium to go to university in Germany .
Transitioning to male had not ended Nele 's feelings of despair .
She was still suicidal , and her eating disorder was manifesting itself in extreme calorie-counting , and an obsession with her diet .
Nele began to think testosterone was the only good thing in her life - and she still wanted a mastectomy .
But she did not feel she could be totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was very ashamed of my eating disorder .
I mentioned it in the beginning , but I did n't dare talk about it more because of the shame - I think that 's normal with eating disorders . ''
Nele was worried her transgender treatment might be halted if there was any doubt about her mental health .
`` It 's a very tricky situation in Germany , because the therapist is the one who gives you the prescriptions for hormones and for surgery . ''
There are few studies exploring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One review of the UK 's Gender Identity Development Service in 2012 showed that 16 % of all adolescent referrals in that year had some kind of `` eating difficulty '' .
But bear in mind that most referrals are young people assigned female at birth - natal girls , as they are called , who are more vulnerable to eating disorders than their natal male counterparts .
Brian and Daniel have been on a similar journey to Ellie and Nele but from a different starting point .
Both were assigned male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and later detransitioned to become male again .
Some clinicians have suggested that eating disorders develop as a response to gender dysphoria , says Anastassis Spiliadis , a UK-based psychotherapist who treats patients with eating disorders and gender identity issues .
The theory is that if you treat the gender distress , the eating disorder will diminish .
This can happen , but it is not what Spiliadis has seen among many of his clients - natal females in their 20s who , like Nele , are detransitioning .
`` They thought transitioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating disorder and the dysphoria , but things have been much more complex .
They regret the decision to take testosterone and have surgery .
But what 's really worrying is that some of them still have an eating disorder . ''
He believes someone who is suffering from anorexia or bulimia may not be equipped to make irreversible health decisions .
`` We know that eating disorders affect people at a bio-psychosocial level .
Those who are medically and physically , but also cognitively compromised might have a distorted view of themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good practice in this field should mean screening young people with gender identity issues for eating disorders .
And because they are life-threatening , eating disorders should be treated before responding medically or surgically to the distress caused by gender dysphoria .
As a new student and trans man in Germany , Ellie thought her own dysphoria was a thing of the past , and she was getting on with life .
`` I was passing as a man - I was passing so well .
I got so many comments from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success , because they could n't tell I was trans . ''
But an ambivalence about her male identity crept in .
`` I started to feel like I had to hide so many aspects of my life , and not talk about my childhood as a girl .
I did n't feel comfortable being seen as a cis man , and I started to feel like I did n't fit in anywhere . ''
Transgender or trans - a person whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth Cisgender or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not differ from their assigned sex at birth Non-binary - a person who does n't identify as only male or only female Pansexual - a person attracted to others regardless of their sex or gender identity Beyond 'he ' and 'she ' : The rise of non-binary pronouns '' I was n't comfortable dating women because I did n't want to be taken for a straight guy .
And this discomfort I had with my own body parts… Well , I started to see female bodies as less good-looking , less valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be attracted to men and identified as pansexual .
`` I think that came about because of internalised misogyny .
But I never really felt any connection with any cis men .
Then I thought , maybe dating another trans man would make me feel close to someone and attracted at the same time . ''
So Ellie went on a dating app and met Nele - who was not especially looking for romance with another trans man .
`` But it was definitely a plus when I started texting with Ellie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I feel very comfortable around her . ''
After a first date in Düsseldorf , their relationship moved swiftly .
Nele got the go-ahead for a long-desired mastectomy , and Ellie was a great support .
The couple moved into a flat together .
And it was around this time that Ellie , a gender studies student , became interested in the culture war between trans activists and radical feminists that often erupts in the social media ether .
She started to question whether she was really transgender .
`` Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go through life ? ''
she wondered .
Ellie and Nele had intense discussions about their own identities .
And there was something else - both were diagnosed with vaginal atrophy , a soreness and dryness commonly found in menopausal women , but also a side-effect of taking testosterone .
The remedy was oestrogen cream .
`` But it did n't really help , '' says Nele .
`` And I thought , ' I 'm putting my body full of hormones , when my body can make those on its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
`` Is n't it worth trying to go natural for a bit , and just see how it goes ? ''
she thought .
That is when they stopped taking testosterone .
But the decision to detransition was daunting .
`` I was afraid of ending the hormones and going back to my body .
I did n't even know my natural body because I transitioned so early , '' says Ellie .
`` The thought of going back was scary , because I transitioned to escape my problems .
Detransitioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overcome , '' says Nele .
There is little academic research about detransition .
The studies that have been done suggest the rate of detransition is very low - one put the proportion of trans people who return to the gender they were assigned at birth at less than 0.5 % .
But so far , researchers have not taken a large cohort of transitioning people and followed them over a number of years .
`` The longitudinal studies just have n't been done , '' says Dr Catherine Butler , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But on social media - for example on Reddit - there 's a detransitioning group that has over 9,000 readers .
There will be academics like myself who are part of that , but even so , it is a huge number of people . ''
The lack of academic research in this area has an impact for those re-thinking their gender journeys .
`` It means there are n't guidelines or policy that informs how statutory services can support detransitioners .
So they 've had to self-organise , to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And that is what Nele and Ellie did .
Using Nele 's skills as a professional illustrator , they created post-trans.com - an online space where people like them can get in touch and share their experiences .
Both of these young people are conscious of how stories of detransition have been used by transphobic organisations and commentators to invalidate the experience of trans and non-binary people , and attack their hard-fought access to health care .
Neither Ellie nor Nele deny the rights of trans people .
They do , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right solution .
Now , just months into their detransition , they are adjusting to life as female and lesbian .
And so are their friends and family .
`` It was hard for her to call us and tell us , '' says Eric , Ellie 's father , who is still getting used to using female pronouns for his once-again daughter .
`` It 's not black or white for me .
I knew from the start when she first transitioned she would never be a man - she never had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So now it 's a new in-between somewhere , but it 's always her . ''
So does his daughter regret her choices - her mastectomy , for example ?
`` All those physical changes I experienced during my transition helped me develop a closer relationship with my body - they 're just part of my journey , '' says Ellie .
`` Bodies change through ageing and accidents - I do n't feel sad my breasts are gone . ''
Neither plans to have reconstructive surgery .
More difficult sometimes is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as female - especially by men on lonely station platforms at night , who might be a threat .
`` Because if he perceives me as a man , I would n't feel that… But if I 'm seen as a woman , maybe I 'm in danger and have to watch out , '' says Nele .
But her experience - from `` she '' to `` he '' and back to `` she '' again - has also had a positive impact , especially on Nele 's career .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm just a girl who draws - I could n't be a professional , self-employed illustrator . '
And then I transitioned to become a man , and suddenly I was like , 'Oh , I can do those things . '
It 's something I hear a lot , that trans men feel more confident .
I had the same experience .
So I will take that and keep it . ''
Ellie and Nele boarded a gender rollercoaster when they were still teenagers .
It has not been an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , looking forward to life - perhaps with the addition of some pet cats .
Ellie and Nele approve of the use of female pronouns to refer to them throughout their lives , including when they were living as trans men .
You may also be interested in : As a gay teenager in post-Soviet Russia , Wes Hurley breathed a sigh of relief when his mother married an American and they moved to the US - but he soon discovered his stepfather , James , was violently homophobic .
This led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected transformation . '
I hated my homophobic stepdad , then he came out as trans '

"It started with puberty, when I was around nine years old - with getting breasts before I even realised what it means to have them. My mother forbade me from going outside bare-chested. We had a lot of fights because I was like, 'Why can my brother go out bare-chested?' Obviously, my mother wanted to protect me, but I couldn't understand at the time."


bbc--2020-03-10--Why Russia has shunned the MH17 plane disaster trial

Investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov has spent more than five years researching the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 , which killed 298 people in 2014 .
`` I think there are not so many things in the world that are proven better than that Russia is responsible for shooting down MH17 , '' Roman tells me .
`` We have photos , we have audio recordings of telephone calls , we have witnesses , we have interviews with people who were on the ground . ''
The trial of four suspects - three Russian men and a Ukrainian man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Netherlands on Monday .
Most of the MH17 victims were Dutch .
The Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) says it has proof that the missile system used to shoot down the Malaysian Boeing 777 over eastern Ukraine came from a military base in neighbouring Russia .
But Moscow continues to reject all the evidence presented thus far , including photos , videos , intercepted telephone calls and social media posts that appear to link the Buk launcher to Russia , and the pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at large .
They are : Igor Girkin ( ex-FSB colonel ) ; Sergei Dubinsky ( ex-GRU ) ; Oleg Pulatov ( ex-GRU ) and Leonid Kharchenko ( Ukrainian , ex-rebel commander ) , the indictment says .
• Trial opens for murder of 298 on flight MH17 • MH17 plane crash in Ukraine : What we know '' We are watching , we are hearing that those who are guilty have already been nominated , '' foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova tells me .
`` We are watching the situation when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the battle .
It 's a real pressure on the court . ''
Ms Zakharova denied reports that Russia had refused to co-operate with the international investigation .
`` We sent lots of materials upon their request on different issues .
We answered all the questions .
Probably not all the questions .
I can not be that precise .
But mostly . ''
Since 2014 , state media in Russia have spread a number of conspiracy theories about MH17 , including that the plane was shot down by a Ukrainian fighter jet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The JIT has disproved such allegations .
`` The Russian authorities are trying to create a situation where the information space is full of noise with all these fakes , disinformation and conspiracy theories , '' Roman Dobrokhotov believes .
`` A normal person fails to find truth in this noise and decides it is impossible , that there is no reason even to try to look for truth there , because we will never know it . ''
For the Russian state , denial has become the most common response to incoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been plenty of those , including of election meddling , hacking , the Salisbury poisoning and of Russian troop deployments to eastern Ukraine .
`` Why does Russia never admit to anything ? ''
I ask state TV talk show host Vladimir Solovyov .
`` That 's easy , you never have evidence , '' he replies .
`` And you 've always been accusing Russia , going back to the 19th Century .
At the same time , you never admit your own faults . ''
`` Does n't it worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation for being a global denier or liar ? ''
I ask .
`` Definitely not .
Are you the one that is always trying to tell the truth ?
Are you talking about Boris Johnson ?
Is he the most truthful person in the world ?
Are you pulling my leg ?
Come on .
Wake up ! ''
`` You keep talking and keep talking on issues you can not prove , '' Maria Zakharova accuses me .
`` And you 're doing that on purpose .
You 're shaping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's propaganda .
I 'm sorry .
You are a piece of propaganda . ''
Referring to the March 2018 Salisbury poisoning , Ms Zakharova complains that `` Russian citizens were accused publicly '' of trying to kill the Skripals `` with no evidence - how can you do this to them ? ''
`` You mean those two people who claimed to be tourists , but were [ Russian ] GRU agents ? ''
I ask .
`` We 're not talking about what organisation they belonged to , '' she replies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected to what happened to the Skripals ?
Probably they were near this place .
Probably they touched something .
Probably they - I do n't know - gave him some medicine .
What happened ?
Can you tell me ? ''
• Will a deal with Russia bring peace to Ukraine ?
Does denying everything have political consequences ?
`` Russia is getting away with it , '' concludes political scientist Andrei Zubov .
He points out that Western leaders are still happy `` to work with Putin , out of profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , America and Germany to have some political and economic contacts with Russia . ''
In Russia many people do not care enough to question the official version of events .
`` There are some people who are interested in facts and they can find the truth , '' journalist Roman Dobrokhotov tells me .
`` But there are others who are not really that motivated to find the truth .
Of course it is easier to manipulate them with instruments , like trolls , hackers , and fake news . ''

"We're not talking about what organisation they belonged to," she replies. "How are those two guys connected to what happened to the Skripals? Probably they were near this place. Probably they touched something. Probably they - I don't know - gave him some medicine. What happened? Can you tell me?"


bbc--2020-03-10--Boeing 737 Max: 'Nothing will ever be the same'

`` I learn to cope but nothing will ever be the same again .
I was at a party last night with people having fun , and it suddenly struck me that I 'm no longer able to join in with things like that . ''
Adrian Toole describes his daughter Joanna as a `` star '' destined to go on to greater things in her UN career .
The 36-year-old was one of 157 people killed when an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed one year ago .
It was the second time a Boeing 737 Max plane had crashed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I do n't think there 's anything I could have done to stop her being on that plane .
I did n't know any of the issues .
Few people did know about them . ''
Mr Toole is now calling for the UK government to remain a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA ) .
EASA is the organisation in charge of regulating aviation safety in Europe .
Among other things , it makes sure new types of aircraft are safe to fly and sets training requirements for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that at the end of 2020 , Britain will leave EASA after the Brexit transition period comes to a close .
`` Our government should ultimately be ensuring the safety of the travelling public .
More people nowadays fly .
People should be able to rely on whatever regulatory framework there is to keep them safe , '' Mr Toole says .
`` I do n't think you can rapidly replace the structure of EASA - so just take the difficult decision to remain a member . ''
The Department for Transport ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EASA `` is not compatible with the UK having genuine economic and political independence '' .
A DfT spokesperson added : `` We will maintain world-leading safety standards for industry , with the Civil Aviation Authority [ CAA ] taking over these responsibilities , and will continue to work with colleagues in the EU to establish a new regulatory relationship . ''
But Adrian Toole cited concerns with the CAA taking on a vast amount of work .
He called it an `` impossible task '' .
`` What I would expect would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'rubber-stamping ' decisions either taken in America by the Federal Aviation Administration [ FAA ] or in Europe , without having any direct input .
And that 's not a good solution . ''
The issues with the 737 Max • 29 October 2018 : A 737 Max 8 operated by Lion Air crashes after leaving Indonesia , killing all 189 people on board • 31 January 2019 : Boeing reports an order of 5,011 Max planes from 79 customers • 10 March 2019 : A 737 Max 8 operated by Ethiopian Airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board In the wake of two crashes involving the 737 Max , the FAA faced criticism over the way in which it had delegated a large amount of safety work relating to the aircraft to Boeing itself .
In January , its chief executive Steve Dickson insisted that the FAA was working alone on resolving issues with the 737 Max .
He said : `` We 're not delegating anything in this process . ''
Adrian Toole suggests : `` The relationship between the FAA and Boeing was too close for comfort .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly like to be able to trust [ Boeing ] .
In the corporate world , putting safety first is the most difficult thing to actually achieve ...
I 'm not convinced that the top management at Boeing are the people that are going to change this around . ''
Boeing 's new chief executive , David Calhoun , said last month he was `` confident in the future '' of the firm .
He told staff his `` primary focus '' would be returning the 737 Max to the skies .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I also see opportunities to be better , '' he said .
Europe 's aviation regulator , EASA , has also reassured the families of victims of the Ethiopian Airlines crash that it will `` take nothing for granted '' when it conducts its own assessment of the Boeing 737 Max before it is allowed to fly again in Europe .

He adds: "I would certainly like to be able to trust [Boeing]. In the corporate world, putting safety first is the most difficult thing to actually achieve... I'm not convinced that the top management at Boeing are the people that are going to change this around."


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus spread: Barcelona v Napoli to be played behind closed doors

Barcelona 's Champions League game against Napoli on 18 March will be played behind closed doors at the Nou Camp because of coronavirus concerns .
`` The decision has been made strictly for health reasons , '' said Joan Guix , Catalunya government 's health chief .
It is the second Spanish-Italian Champions League fixture at which supporters have been banned , following Valencia versus Atalanta on Tuesday .
Getafe 's game with Inter Milan in the Europa League suffered the same fate .
Paris St-Germain 's Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday will also be closed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been suspended until at least 3 April because of coronavirus .
The ruling includes Serie A matches but not Italian clubs or national teams participating in international competitions .
Reports state that Spain 's La Liga is expected to declare that its forthcoming matches will be played behind closed doors .
Manchester United 's Europa League last-16 first leg match at LASK Linz in Austria on Thursday could also be played without fans being admitted .
• Latest : How the virus has impacted sporting events around the world • All sport in @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Barcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in the first leg of their last-16 tie
Matches in the top two divisions in Spain and France are to be played behind closed doors because of coronavirus concerns.
La Liga announced its ruling will affect the next two rounds of fixtures while the French league said fans will be banned until 15 April.
La Liga said it acted on guidance from Spain's ministry of health.
The French government announced on Sunday a ban on all gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
In Germany, Borussia Monchengladbach's Bundesliga tie against Cologne on Wednesday night will take place behind close doors, as will five of the nine top-flight matches over the weekend.
Union Berlin's match against Bayern Munich on Saturday will go ahead with fans present, but the status of the other three games is yet to be decided.
Germany's health minister Jens Spahn has called for gatherings of more than 1,000 people to be cancelled and several regional governments have issued such bans.
Barcelona's Champions League match against Napoli on 18 March will also be played at an empty Nou Camp.
"The decision has been made strictly for health reasons," said Joan Guix, Catalunya government's health chief.
It is the second Spanish-Italian Champions League fixture at which supporters have been banned, following Valencia versus Atalanta on Tuesday.
Sevilla's match against Roma and Getafe's game with Inter Milan in the Europa League have suffered the same fate.
Paris St-Germain's Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday will also be closed to fans.
The Spanish players' union AFE have called for the suspension of all men's and women's football in the country.
In letters to the Higher Sports Council, Spanish football federation (RFEF) and La Liga, it said the request was "exclusively about the health of the players" the body represents.
"In addition, playing in stadiums closed to the public for several weeks undermines the meaning of sports competitions," AFE added.
All sport in Italy has been suspended until at least 3 April because of coronavirus. The ruling includes Serie A matches but not Italian clubs or national teams participating in international competitions.
Germany's international friendly with Italy in Nuremberg on 31 March will also be played behind closed doors. England are due to play Italy at Wembley four days earlier.
Manchester United's Europa League last-16 first leg match at LASK Linz in Austria on Thursday is another match that will be played without fans.


bbc--2020-03-10--Champions League last 16: What are each side's chances?

Who are the clubs well placed to progress as crunch time arrives in the Champions League last 16 ?
And who has it all to do ?
Three of England 's four clubs head into the second leg with a deficit to turn around - with only Manchester City enjoying a lead .
To assess the percentage chance of each side reaching the quarter-finals , sports data analysts Gracenote have used their Euro Club Index - feeding the results to us at BBC Sport .
And BBC Radio 5 Live 's European football experts discuss how they see each Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favourites to win it ?
Last year 's Champions League winners Liverpool might be running away with the league , but their 1-0 loss at Atletico Madrid three weeks ago them leaves perilously close to going out .
`` As Liverpool have a tough task on their hands to reach this season 's Champions League quarter-finals , Bayern Munich , Manchester City and Barcelona are the three big favourites to reach the final , '' says Simon Gleave , head of sports analysis at Gracenote .
`` Should Liverpool knock out Atletico , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big favourites to reach the final and win the tournament as they are the Euro Club Index 's number one ranked team . ''
But if you think it looks tough for Liverpool , then spare a thought for Chelsea , whose 3-0 first-leg loss to Bayern Munich gives them a 0.3 % chance of winning the competition .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams winning 1-0 away in the first leg have gone on to progress 18 times and been eliminated three times .
European football journalist Raphael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spurs game was almost a watershed moment for Leipzig because people were n't sure if they could deal with the occasion .
They had never been in the Champions League knockout stages before - [ manager ] Julian Nagelsmann had never been there .
But they were so sure , they were balanced .
Everything points towards Leipzig . ''
Former Tottenham and Sevilla striker Freddie Kanoute : `` Jose Mourinho has been a top manager and his record speaks for itself but the past few games from Tottenham have lacked passion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the FA Cup ] and it was like they were waiting for something to happen .
Most of the time it is too late .
I am not a big fan of the way their game plan goes right now . ''
Any hope for Spurs ?
Lightning could n't strike twice , could it ?
Tottenham lost 1-0 at home to Ajax in the first leg of last year 's semi-final and conceded another two goals in the first half of the second leg before launching one of the competition 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night and going through on the away goals rule .
But the fact that the feat has only been managed two other times in 21 attempts suggests history is not on their side .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams winning 4-1 at home in the first leg have progressed three times and been eliminated twice .
Any hope for Valencia ?
Remember Kostas Manolas ?
Barcelona still have nightmares about him .
The Greek centre-back , then with Roma , completed one of the remarkable Champions League comebacks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-1 down from their quarter-final first leg , won 3-0 in Rome to go through on the away goals rule .
That was the second time in Champions League history that a team had gone through after losing the first leg 4-1 - Deportivo La Coruna did it in a 2003-04 quarter-final against AC Milan , winning the second leg 4-0 .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams winning 1-0 at home in the first leg have progressed 23 times and been eliminated 10 times .
European football journalist Kristof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game plan when they beat Liverpool but they have n't been that good .
We saw the real Atletico against Liverpool - but do n't underestimate Liverpool at home .
Usually they can go the extra mile . ''
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague : `` Liverpool have struggled to break teams down .
It needs to be a low-scoring game for Atletico to go through .
Their hope again is to score early , but if it is about defending they are happy to do it , not scared at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't need to look too far back for inspiration .
The feat of overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Barcelona in last season 's semi-final will be fresh in their minds .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams winning 2-1 at home in the first leg have progressed 11 times and been eliminated 14 times .
Any hope for Paris St-Germain ?
PSG have suffered some particularly cruel blows at the last-16 stage .
In 2017 , they blew a 4-0 first-leg lead against Barcelona by losing 6-1 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having won 2-0 at Old Trafford , they conceded a late penalty to lose 3-1 at home to Manchester United and go out on away goals .
Maybe having to come from behind , rather than hold on to an advantage , will suit them better ?
Porto were the last team to come back from a 2-1 away defeat in the first leg , winning 3-1 at home to Roma after extra time in last season 's last 16 .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams winning 1-0 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 times and been eliminated 10 times .
Any hope for Juventus ?
Lyon 's last foray into the last 16 did not go well a year ago .
They held Barcelona 0-0 at home in the first leg but then suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat at the Nou Camp .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams winning 2-1 away in the first leg have progressed eight times and been eliminated once .
Any hope for Real Madrid ?
Zinedine Zidane 's side will need to draw on their shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Real won 2-1 in Amsterdam - then got thumped 4-1 at the Bernabeu .
How has this score played out previously ?
Teams drawing 1-1 at home in the first leg - as Napoli did - have progressed 12 times and been eliminated 24 times .
Who has the advantage ?
The fact that Napoli have gone out in both of their previous appearances at this stage does not bode well .
Barcelona also drew their last-16 first leg last season - 0-0 with Lyon - before winning the return 5-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously ?
Teams winning 3-0 away in the first leg have progressed five times and have never been eliminated .
Any hope for Chelsea ?
If we go by history alone , no .
No team has overturned a 3-0 deficit when travelling away for the second leg .
Saying that , Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate with 35 minutes to play in Amsterdam last season , so miracles do happen .

Kevin de Bruyne's late penalty at the Bernabeu sealed a 2-1 first-leg win for Manchester City against Real Madrid
Who are the clubs well placed to progress from the Champions League last 16? And who has it all to do?
Football's suspension because of coronavirus meant the competition was halted with four last-16 ties completed and four still to be concluded.
RB Leipzig knocked out Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid edged past Liverpool, Atalanta eliminated Valencia and Paris St-Germain fought back to see off Borussia Dortmund.
Two English sides remain in the competition - with Chelsea trailing by three goals against Bayern Munich, and Manchester City leading Real Madrid 2-1.
To assess the percentage chance of each side progressing, sports data analysts Gracenote have used their Euro Club Index external-link - feeding the results to us at BBC Sport.
Juventus v Lyon (7 August, agg 0-1)
Percentage chance of progression Team Quarter-final Semi-final Finalists Runners-up Winners Juventus 48% 19% 7% 4% 4% Lyon 52% 10% 2% 1% 1% Favourites to progress in bold. Source: Euro Club Index
What happened in the first leg? Lucas Tousart scored the only goal while Juve defender Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch getting treatment for a head injury. Maurizio Sarri's side failed to have a single shot on target.
How has this score played out previously? Teams winning 1-0 at home in the first leg have progressed 23 times and been eliminated 10 times.
Any hope for Juventus? Lyon's last foray into the last 16 did not go well in 2019. They held Barcelona 0-0 at home in the first leg but then suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat at the Nou Camp.
How have both teams done since the restart? Juve come into the game having clinched a ninth consecutive Serie A title - although they stumbled over the line with some patchy form. France's Ligue 1 was finished early so Lyon's only competitive game since 8 March was the French League Cup final against Paris St-Germain - which they lost on penalties - on 31 July.
Who will the winners meet in the quarter-finals? Real Madrid or Manchester City
Manchester City v Real Madrid (7 August, agg 2-1)
Percentage chance of progression Team Quarter-final Semi-final Finalists Runners-up Winners Manchester City 80% 58% 28% 11% 17% Real Madrid 20% 13% 6% 2% 3% Favourites to progress in bold. Source: Euro Club Index
What happened in the first leg? Manchester City produced a stunning late fightback as Gabriel Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne scored in the final 12 minutes after Isco had given Real the lead. Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off, meaning he will be banned for the second leg.
How has this score played out previously? Teams winning 2-1 away in the first leg have progressed eight times and been eliminated once.
Any hope for Real Madrid? Zinedine Zidane has never been knocked out of the Champions League as a manager, winning it with each of his three attempts.
How have both teams done since the restart? Real have been in magnificent form since the coronavirus break, winning 10 and drawing their other La Liga game to wrap up the title. City have won nine of their 12 games, but lost their Premier League title to Liverpool and were beaten in the FA Cup semi-final by Arsenal.
Who will the winners meet in the quarter-finals? Lyon or Juventus
Barcelona v Napoli (8 August, agg 1-1)
Percentage chance of progression Team Quarter-final Semi-final Finalists Runners-up Winners Barcelona 74% 34% 20% 7% 13% Napoli 26% 6% 2% 1% 1% Favourites to progress in bold. Source: Euro Club Index
What happened in the first leg? Dries Mertens put Napoli ahead to become their all-time joint-top scorer (a record he has since claimed outright) before Antoine Griezmann's equaliser. Barca had Arturo Vidal sent off late on.
How has this score played out previously? Teams drawing 1-1 at home in the first leg - as Napoli did - have progressed 12 times and been eliminated 24 times.
Who has the advantage? The fact that Napoli have gone out in both of their previous appearances at this stage does not bode well. Barcelona also drew their last-16 first leg last season - 0-0 with Lyon - before winning the return 5-1.
How have both teams done since the restart? Barca are in disarray. On the day they lost the La Liga title to Real Madrid, Lionel Messi said that "if we continue like this, we'll lose to Napoli". Napoli beat Juventus on penalties to win their first Coppa Italia since 2014 but finished outside of Serie A's top six for the first time since 2008-09.
Who will the winners meet in the quarter-finals? Bayern Munich or Chelsea
Bayern Munich v Chelsea (8 August, agg 3-0)
Percentage chance of progression Team Quarter-final Semi-final Finalists Runners-up Winners Bayern Munich 98% 59% 36% 12% 24% Chelsea 2% 1% 0% 0% 0% Favourites to progress in bold. Totals of 0% have been rounded down so can be anything up to 0.49%. Source: Euro Club Index
What happened in the first leg? Bayern Munich were sensational at Stamford Bridge, blowing away Frank Lampard's side in the second half. Serge Gnabry scored twice while Robert Lewandowski scored a third. Chelsea pair Jorginho and Marcos Alonso picked up bans for the second leg.
How has this score played out previously? Teams winning 3-0 away in the first leg have progressed five times and have never been eliminated.
Any hope for Chelsea? If we go by history alone, no. No team has overturned a 3-0 deficit when travelling away for the second leg. Saying that, Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate with 35 minutes to play in Amsterdam last season, so miracles do happen.
How have both teams done since the restart? Bayern Munich won every game to seal the German double and keep them in contention for the treble. They have won their past 17 matches. Chelsea booked a place in next season's Champions League, but then lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup final on 1 August.
Who will the winners meet in the quarter-finals? Barcelona or Napoli


bbc--2020-03-09--Symptoms 'take five days to show'

Symptoms 'take five days to show'

It takes five days on average for people to start showing the symptoms of coronavirus , scientists have confirmed .
The Covid-19 disease , which can cause a fever , cough and breathing problems , is spreading around the world and has already affected more than 114,000 people .
The US team analysed known cases from China and other countries to understand more about the disease .
Most people who develop symptoms do so on or around day five .
Anyone who is symptom-free by day 12 is unlikely to get symptoms , but they may still be infectious carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be infectious - whether they have symptoms or not - to self-isolate for 14 days to avoid spreading it to others .
If they follow that guidance - which has already been adopted in the UK and US - it is estimated that for every 100 individuals quarantined for a fortnight , one of them might develop symptoms after being released , Annals of Internal Medicine reports .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Visual guide to the outbreak Lead researcher Prof Justin Lessler , from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , said the findings were the best `` rapid '' estimate we have to date , based on 181 cases in total .
But he said we still have much more to learn about the virus .
It is unclear how many people develop symptoms overall - the study did not assess that .
Experts believe most people who get the infection will only have mild disease .
Some will be asymptomatic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
But the disease can be very serious and even deadly for some - typically elderly people with pre-existing health conditions .
Prof Jonathan Ball , an expert in molecular virology at the University of Nottingham , said the study confirmed that for the vast majority of cases , the incubation and therefore quarantine period for new coronavirus , will be up to 14 days .
And , encouragingly : `` There is little if any evidence that people can routinely transmit virus during the asymptomatic period . ''
People are thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obvious symptoms , like cough and fever .
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms , but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads .
The best way to protect yourself and help prevent infection is to : • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell • Avoid touching your eyes , nose and mouth with unwashed hands • Use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes , then put them in the bin and wash your hands • Wash your hands often with soap and @

If they follow that guidance - which has already been adopted in the UK and US - it is estimated that for every 100 individuals quarantined for a fortnight, one of them might develop symptoms after being released, Annals of Internal Medicine reports.


bbc--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Trapped in a virus-struck care home

A care home near Seattle is at the centre of America 's coronavirus outbreak , with more than a dozen @ @ @ @ @ to their rooms .
Susan Hailey , 76 , was in the Life Care Center @ @ @ @ @ but is now quarantined in her room after experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
Susan is still @ @ @ @ @ see if she has Covid-19 .
Her daughters told the BBC 's Chris Buckler they @ @ @ @ @ only been able to see their mother through a window .
UPDATE 9 MARCH , @ @ @ @ @ 's test results came back positive two days after this interview took place .

A care home near Seattle is at the centre of America's coronavirus outbreak, with more than a dozen deaths, and residents confined to their rooms.
Susan Hailey, 76, was in the Life Care Center to prepare for surgery, but is now quarantined in her room after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
Susan is still waiting for test results to see if she has Covid-19.
Her daughters told the BBC's Chris Buckler they feel helpless, and have only been able to see their mother through a window.
UPDATE 9 MARCH, 1330 EST: Susan Hailey's test results came back positive two days after this interview took place.


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Cruise ship Grand Princess docks in California

Passengers aboard a virus-hit cruise liner in California have begun disembarking after being kept off the coast of San Francisco for five days .
Nineteen crew members and two passengers on the Grand Princess have tested positive for Covid-19 .
The vessel carrying 3,500 people from 54 countries , has docked in Oakland .
The US has reported more than 607 coronavirus cases and 24 deaths .
President Donald Trump said it had `` blindsided '' the world .
Cases of the virus have been recorded in 34 states plus Washington DC .
Some US politicians - including Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meadows - are self-isolating after coming into contact with an individual who has tested positive .
The number of infections worldwide is more than 109,000 , with about 3,800 deaths .
• Passengers 'have to fight for rotten food' Italy now has the highest number of confirmed infections outside China , where the outbreak originated in December .
It has confirmed 7,375 cases and overtaken South Korea , where the total number is 7,313 .
Some 16 million people - a quarter of Italy 's population - are under strict quarantine measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• IMMUNITY : Coronavirus : Are women and children less affected ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The Grand Princess cruise ship came to the attention of authorities when a previous voyager on the vessel died last week after being stricken by the coronavirus .
The 71-year-old , who had an underlying health condition , had been on a round trip from San Francisco to Mexico in February .
The operation to move passengers from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
Passengers requiring urgent medical care are being taken to hospital first .
Then US residents not needing treatment will be moved to military bases in California , Texas and Georgia for a 14-day isolation period .
Several hundred foreign passengers , including 140 Britons , will be repatriated to their home countries .
The UK Foreign Office said it was `` working intensively '' with US authorities to arrange a flight for British nationals which is currently expected to leave the US on Tuesday evening and return to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Shrewsbury , told BBC Radio Shropshire the Foreign Office had confirmed in an email that they would be sending a plane to repatriate Britons .
`` We know when we dock , that the Americans will be getting off first and that is going to take , they reckon , two to three days , and I think we are after that , hopefully . ''
Ms Stennet said morale is good on board , but that passengers are `` going a bit stir crazy '' after being confined to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will be also repatriating over 200 Canadian nationals on the vessel .
All asymptomatic Canadians will be flown home and placed under 14-day quarantine at a military base in Ontario .
Any symptomatic individuals will be further screened and may be treated in the US , Canadian officials said .
The ship 's crew members will remain quarantined on board , which will depart from Oakland as soon as the passengers have disembarked , officials said .
`` No one will be quarantined in Oakland , or released to our community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference .
The ship is operated by Princess Cruises , which also owns the Diamond Princess , which was placed into quarantine in Japan last month .
Several other Princess Cruises have been blocked , with the Regal Princess held off the coast of Florida until coronavirus testing is completed .
Another cruise ship , the Costa Fortuna , with around 2,000 aboard , was turned away by Malaysia and Thailand , an official said .
The virus ' spread has also reached Washington DC , affecting lawmakers and locals - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of separation away from the outbreak .
The first confirmed case of Covid-19 in the capital is a church rector in his 50s .
DC officials on Monday urged the several hundred members of Christ Church Georgetown to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days .
The second DC case is a man currently in hospital in Maryland who had stayed in the capital for a night before being diagnosed .
Four Republican lawmakers - Texas Senator Ted Cruz , Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar , Georgia Congressman Doug Collins and Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an infected individual at a conservative political conference at the end of last month .
Mr Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence also attended the event .
While neither directly interacted with the individual , Mr Trump did shake hands with the conference chairman who had had contact with the patient .
And Mr Gaetz boarded the presidential plane Air Force One with Mr Trump on Monday before announcing that he had been tested for the virus .
At a news conference on Monday evening , Mr Pence was asked if President Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say .
The president has continued to urge calm in the midst of the outbreak , taking to Twitter on Monday to compare Covid-19 to the common flu .
The president told reporters that he was proposing measures to cut taxes to support the economy .
`` We 'll be discussing a possible payroll tax cut or relief , substantial relief , very substantial relief , that 's a big number , '' Mr Trump told the White House briefing .
As of Monday morning , there were 76 confirmed or presumptive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Canada , including one confirmed death in North Vancouver , British Columbia .
Most of the cases are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia , though some have also been discovered in Quebec and Alberta .
Canadian public health officials are advising against all cruise ship travel .
Just last week , Canadian passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship were released from quarantine .

"We know when we dock, that the Americans will be getting off first and that is going to take, they reckon, two to three days, and I think we are after that, hopefully."


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Troops sent to New York 'containment zone'

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced a one-mile ( 1.6km ) coronavirus `` containment zone '' around a town north of New York City .
New Rochelle has seen `` probably the largest cluster '' of US cases , he said .
National Guard troops will be used to clean schools in the town and deliver food to any quarantined individuals .
The death toll in Italy , one of the countries worst hit by the virus , rose to 631 as the authorities placed the whole country in lockdown .
The latest increase in deaths in Italy - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has recorded in a single day , and the total number of cases went from 9,172 to 10,149 .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• IMMUNITY : Are women and children less affected ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Italy 's death toll is the highest outside China , which recorded its lowest number of new infections , just 19 , on Tuesday .
China , where the virus was first detected , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 3,136 deaths .
• A UK junior health minister , Nadine Dorries , says she has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating at home • Turkey confirmed its first case of coronavirus , saying a Turkish man had been infected in `` Europe '' and his family members were under observation • The World Trade Organization suspended all meetings until 20 March after a staff member became infected • Thousands of flights were cancelled worldwide as airlines struggled to cope with a slump in demand • Harvard University asked its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spring Recess on 23 March as scheduled but instead to resume their classes online until further notice What does containment mean ?
New York state has 173 active cases , the most in the US , and 108 of them are in Westchester County , where New Rochelle is located .
New York City , 25 miles ( 40km ) south of New Rochelle , has 36 confirmed cases of the virus in its population of eight million people .
Mr Cuomo said there would be no travel restrictions in New Rochelle ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area would be closed .
Schools , gathering places and businesses in the virus hot spot will be closed for two weeks .
Officials will also set up a coronavirus testing facility at a local hospital .
`` It is a dramatic action but it is the largest cluster in the country and this is literally a matter of life and death , '' Mr Cuomo said , adding that numbers of cases were `` going up unabated '' in New Rochelle .
`` You 're not containing people .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at the centre of the New Rochelle outbreak , local media report .
A man in his 50s who attended religious services is believed to be `` patient zero '' in the region .
Around 1,000 people associated with the temple are now under quarantine .
Economists say the coronavirus outbreak presents the greatest risk to the US economy in more than a decade , but for now it is not clear whether the tools being mobilised are up to the task .
Spurred on by plunging financial markets , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax cut which would reduce the amount of money deducted from worker pay cheques to pay for social programmes .
A bit of extra cash in people 's pockets could help boost confidence but economists say much more needs to be done .
They have called for paid sick leave , relief for state health programmes , loan deferrals and money mailed directly to families , among other stimuli .
For now , even Mr Trump 's fellow Republicans seem unconvinced a payroll tax cut is the most effective response .
As Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Brookings Institution , told me : `` If we do n't do enough… there 's going to be unnecessary pain in the economy that we know ways to prevent . ''
How far has the virus spread in the US ?
There were 804 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US as of Tuesday afternoon , according to Johns Hopkins University in Maryland , which is tracking the outbreak .
Twenty-nine people have died in the US as a result of the virus - 24 in Washington state , two in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New Jersey .
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , Dr Anthony Fauci , has urged Americans to `` start taking seriously '' the risk of infection .
`` Although we keep coming in and saying , appropriately , as a nation , the risk is relatively low , there are parts of the country right now that are having community spread where the risk is more than that and you know the places - Washington state , California , New York , Florida , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would like the country to realise that as a nation , we ca n't be doing the kinds of things we were doing a few months ago .
That it does n't matter if you 're in a state that has no cases , or one case , you have to start taking seriously what you can do now . ''
Pointing to government guidelines on keeping communities and workplaces safe , he added : `` This should be universal for the country ... Everybody should say , 'All hands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do . '
'' President Donald Trump said he had been told he did not need a coronavirus test after appearing at a conference last month that was attended by an infected individual .
Five senior Republicans , including Mark Meadows - the president 's newly appointed chief of staff - announced they would be self-quarantining after interacting with the unidentified person .
The White House has said Mr Trump did not have direct contact with the patient .
The US is working to repatriate passengers from the Grand Princess cruise that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 21 individuals on the vessel have tested positive for Covid-19 thus far .
Some 140 Britons were on the cruise .
The BBC understands the British passengers will be flown out of the US on Tuesday evening .
They will be advised to self-isolate for two weeks upon return to the UK , and the cruise company is expected to arrange transport for them after they land in the UK .
How has a race row erupted over the virus ?
Mr Trump and some of his fellow Republicans have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease as the `` China Virus '' and the `` Wuhan virus '' .
The disease was widely referred to by those terms after it was first reported in China in December .
But US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that it was wrong to refer to the virus as Chinese .
He pointed out that there were serious outbreaks in many countries .
The president had earlier shared a tweet saying his planned wall at the US-Mexico border would help contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-runner Joe Biden responded by saying : `` A wall wo n't stop a virus .
Racism wo n't stop a virus .
Do your job . ''

A bit of extra cash in people's pockets could help boost confidence but economists say much more needs to be done. They have called for paid sick leave, relief for state health programmes, loan deferrals and money mailed directly to families, among other stimuli. For now, even Mr Trump's fellow Republicans seem unconvinced a payroll tax cut is the most effective response.


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Could the US do what Italy has done?

As coronavirus sweeps across the US , American officials have warned that mandatory prevention measures may be needed to stop its spread .
But is the US willing to go as far as Italy - another democracy - or even authoritarian China ?
Italy has banned mass gatherings and barred from citizens travelling outside their home region .
China has forced more than 50 million citizens to self-isolate and even threatened severe penalties , including death , for quarantine breakers .
So what measures is the US prepared to take , and could coronavirus besiege an American city ?
Experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's plan to quarantine a large segment of its population , but it would be very hard and would face strong opposition .
`` The likelihood of that happening in the United States is extremely , extremely small , '' says Dr Irwin Redlener , Director of Columbia University 's National Centre for Disaster Preparedness .
`` Essentially that amounts to martial law , '' he tells BBC News .
`` Government ordered shutdowns '' of public spaces and ability to travel would be `` a very far step for Americans to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just part of our culture .
It 's just the antithesis of the freedoms that we theoretically have . ''
Dr Anthony Fauci of the US National Institutes of Health has said that `` anything is possible '' given the scale of the outbreak , but large scale quarantines do not appear to be on the horizon .
On Tuesday , New York 's governor mandated a one-mile `` containment zone '' for the city of New Rochelle , about 20 miles ( 32km ) from downtown Manhattan .
Governor Andrew Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You 're not containing people , you 're containing facilities . ''
Emergency managers are focused on individual precautions , but they are also talking about the possibility of travel restrictions similar to Italy 's , says Kyle McPhee , the Director of Preparedness Programmes for disaster management firm Hagerty Consulting .
According to Mr McPhee , the emphasis now is on `` self-imposed quarantine or voluntary quarantine '' .
It puts the burden `` on the individual and the public to keep themselves and their neighbours and their community safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make contingency plans based on worst and best case scenarios , so plans for forced quarantines are certainly being discussed .
But Mr McPhee warned that mass closures could have knock-on effects and it could be short-sighted to implement them in a hurry .
For example , closing schools could have unintentional consequences in the US , says Dr Redlener .
`` By closing schools in poorer neighbourhoods , working parents have to take off , they wo n't get compensation , and there 's a tremendous economic impact on them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide breakfast and lunch to pupils , making it likely that children would go hungry .
`` These are not steps to be taken lightly '' he says , adding that any quarantine measure will face `` strenuous legal challenges , at every level of government '' from civil rights groups .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has written a letter signed by 450 public health experts acknowledging that `` individual rights must sometimes give way to the greater good '' during an outbreak .
People can sometimes be quarantined , for example .
`` This is as it should be '' - as long as the measures are in line with scientific research proving effectiveness , says the group .
However , citizens must not lose their right to challenge the government 's ability to hold them in captivity even if there is a quarantine , the group warns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could become `` politicised '' , for example if the US government tries to use them to find undocumented immigrants and deport them .
If migrants are afraid to come forward to seek medical treatment , the larger community will be at greater risk , the letter warns .
Finally , there are far more gun-owners in the US than anywhere else in the world , as well as anti-government factions that would certainly oppose government intrusion in their lives .
During public health emergencies local governments form `` emergency operation centres '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McPhee .
They are typically lead by the local health agency , which would take advice from experts before issuing quarantine orders .
The legal situation at US borders is different and managed federally .
Under President Donald Trump , the federal government has banned non-citizens from coronavirus-hit regions entry , but US citizens are allowed back into the country after a two-week quarantine .
Local officials need more help from Washington , said Scott Gottlieb , the former Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) commissioner .
`` There 's no systematic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , when they should tell businesses that they have to telework , when they should close movie theatres and cancel large gatherings , '' he told CBS news .
`` We leave these decisions to local officials , but we really should have a comprehensive plan in terms of recommendations to cities . ''
The governor of Washington state , where the majority of US deaths from Covid-19 have occurred , has said that officials are weighing `` whether mandatory measures are required '' .
But closing events and public spaces `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they may not have seen the full wave yet , '' Gov Jay Inslee said .
Washington has been receiving face masks and hospital gowns from the Strategic National Stockpile , the country 's emergency medical stash , but more has to be done by the federal government to make emergency medical supplies available , Mr Inslee said .
The US health secretary has warned that the Strategic stockpile has only a fraction of the face masks that medical workers need to stay safe while treating US patients .
Prison reform activists say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contract the virus due overcrowding and low levels of sanitisation .
The US jails more of its citizens per capita than any other country .
Inmates are quarantined from the rest of society , but not from each other .
Activists warn that prisoners often lack hand-washing facilities or hand sanitiser , which is sometimes deemed contraband due to its alcohol content .
Handcuffed people also can not cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze .
Incarcerated inmates across Italy rioted when new restrictions were announced on prison visits due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released 70,000 prisoners to keep Covid-19 from spreading behind bars .
New York state has hired prisoners to produce approximately 100,000 gallons of hand sanitiser per week , but activists questioned whether they would be permitted to actually use the stuff .
What are countries doing ?
• The UK is in `` containment '' mode , with no immediate plans to cancel large events • Saudi Arabia has banned pilgrims from visiting Mecca , the holiest site for the world 's 2bn Muslims • France has banned gatherings of over 1,000 people

Businesses within the epicenter of the state's outbreak will remain open, but large gathering spaces such as community centres, schools and houses of worship will be closed. National Guards troops will be deployed to help to clean the shuttered facilities and deliver food to self-quarantining residents, who are free to leave the zone if they desire.


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive

Health minister and Conservative MP Nadine Dorries says she has tested positive for coronavirus .
She said in a statement that as soon as she was informed she took all the advised precautions and had been self-isolating at home .
It comes as a sixth person died from the virus in the UK , which has a total of 382 cases .
The latest person to die was a man in his early 80s who had underlying health conditions .
GPs are warning that routine appointments at surgeries may have to stop as the number of coronavirus cases rises .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of long-term health conditions might have to stop to enable GPs to `` focus on the sickest patients '' .
• Coronavirus in the UK : How are people responding ?
Ms Dorries said in a statement she took `` all the advised precautions '' as soon as she was informed of her diagnosis .
She added : `` Public Health England has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted that she had `` done the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wished `` her well as she recovers '' .
He added : `` I understand why people are worried about this disease .
We will do all we can to keep people safe , based on the best possible science . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Earlier , England 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay closing schools and introducing other stringent measures , saying experts were assessing new cases on an hourly basis to achieve a `` balanced response '' .
Dr Jenny Harries said she expected significant increases in the number of cases in the UK beginning in about 10 to 14 days time , at which point people with flu-like symptoms would be advised to self-isolate .
The vast majority of those diagnosed with coronavirus in Britain were `` pretty well '' but might `` feel a bit rough for a few days '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` wherever clinically and practically possible '' people should access GP appointments `` through phones and digital means '' , rather than going to surgeries in person .
The number of total cases for the UK include 324 cases in England , 27 in Scotland , 16 in Northern Ireland and 15 in Wales .
There are 91 in London , with the next highest infected area being south-east , with 51 cases .
Cases by local council area in England can be viewed here .
The latest person to die , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with underlying health conditions who was being treated at Watford General Hospital .
He caught the virus in the UK and officials are trying to trace who he had been in contact with .

He also said the government will meet the cost of statutory sick pay for firms with up to 250 people, and people who are self-employed and fall sick will be eligible for benefits from day one.


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Dutch PM tells nation not to shake hands – then does

The Dutch prime minister has apparently been caught out by his own handshake policy , moments after announcing it to @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking during a press conference , Mark Rutte told people to use alternative greetings @ @ @ @ @ – before then shaking the hand of the official standing beside him .
Realising his @ @ @ @ @ sorry '' and `` we ca n't do that anymore '' .

The Dutch prime minister has apparently been caught out by his own handshake policy, moments after announcing it to his nation on live TV.
Speaking during a press conference, Mark Rutte told people to use alternative greetings to help combat the coronavirus – before then shaking the hand of the official standing beside him.
Realising his mistake, Rutte said "sorry" and "we can't do that anymore".


bbc--2020-03-10--Will Joe Biden's political record come back to haunt him?

Joe Biden has emerged as the front-runner in the Democratic nomination race to take on President Donald Trump in November 's White House election .
But his last viable opponent , Bernie Sanders , is keen to highlight the former US vice-president 's political baggage from a long career as a Washington insider - and tar him as out of touch with the mainstream of the modern Democratic party .
Here , we break down the challenges Mr Biden still faces in the contest to become the Democratic nominee .
Some of Mr Sanders ' attack lines are already being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Here 's the deal : Joe Biden has repeatedly advocated for cuts to Social Security .
I 've fought my whole career to protect and expand it , '' Mr Sanders tweeted recently .
Going after Mr Biden 's mixed record of support for the US government 's social welfare programme for retirees has been a theme for the Vermont senator in recent days as he seeks to boost his campaign .
Reform of such so-called `` entitlement '' programmes has long been a political bugaboo for candidates as well as elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career has laid bare this point .
A senator before his stint as vice-president , Mr Biden argued that Social Security should be subject to government austerity .
`` When I argued that we should freeze federal spending , I meant Social Security as well , '' he said in 1995 .
`` I meant every single solitary thing in the government .
And I not only tried it once , I tried it twice , I tried it a third time , and I tried it a fourth time . ''
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trail , Mr Biden has flat-out denied backing Social Security cuts .
His campaign has said that , if elected , a President Biden would expand the programme , paying for it through a tax on the wealthy .
But his record could come back to haunt him .
• Where Biden and Sanders stand on issues • All you need to know about US election '' Joe Biden in the past has voted for what is called the Hyde Amendment , that said that women could not use Medicaid dollars in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abortion , '' Sanders told supporters at a rally .
An exit poll analysis by the political forecast website FiveThirtyEight found that white women were the single largest voting group in the Super Tuesday primaries that turned around Mr Biden 's campaign fortunes .
Given the importance of female voters , it is hardly surprising that Mr Biden 's votes on reproductive health would be scrutinised .
Mr Sanders has honed in on the former vice-president 's positions on abortion , which have transformed over the past few decades .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support an amendment that would have allowed states to overturn the landmark Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing the US right to abortion .
As recently as last year , he said he still supported the Hyde Amendment ( which forbids public money from being used for abortions ) , but reversed course after it became clear he was the only Democrat in the field who did so .
Abortion access is an important issue for Democratic women , but Mr Sanders ' denunciation of Mr Biden 's record appears to go only so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from women overall for the former vice-president is slightly higher than for the Vermont senator .
Young women under 30 back Mr Sanders .
Those older than 45 back Mr Biden - and it is this group that votes more reliably .
`` Does anybody think that Joe can go to Michigan or Wisconsin or Indiana or Minnesota and say vote for me , I voted for those terrible trade agreements ? ''
Mr Sanders asked supporters in March .
`` I do n't think so . ''
The anti-free trade line worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same criticism of Hillary Clinton helped the senator , a protectionist and a populist , eke out a surprise win in Michigan over his rival .
Mr Biden has said he stands by his vote for the North American Free Trade Agreement ( Nafta ) , which critics say hollowed out manufacturing in the US .
However , Mr Biden has argued that he is a `` fair trader '' who believes that `` we should treat other countries in a way they treat us '' , rather than a `` free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden looks to be less effective for Mr Sanders this time around than four years ago .
According to a recent Gallup poll , 67 % of self-described Democrats now say that Nafta has been beneficial for the US .
The debate will play out in the general election , however .
`` Believe me , Trump will and has already talked about Joe 's record on trade , '' Mr Sanders told CNN .
`` Just looking at the facts - if you 're going into the heartland of America ... it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Trump has made trade such an important part of his agenda . ''
• WHO IS HE ?
Third White House run for 'Middle Class Joe Biden' • ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL : Watch Biden on 'No Malarkey ' tour • WHERE HE STANDS : Against other Democrats like Obama • HIS RIVALS : Choose your candidate and filter by category Mr Sanders ' sharpest lines against Mr Biden have been against the former vice-president 's ties to moneyed interests .
Mr Biden `` bailed out the crooks on Wall Street who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , Mr Sanders said on Monday night , on a day when US stocks experienced their steepest freefall since the 2008 financial crisis .
On the debate stage , the senator has hit out at Mr Biden for taking money from well-heeled backers , in contrast to the Vermont senator 's campaign fundraising mainly through small-dollar donations .
Mr Biden has positioned himself as a champion of the masses , arguing that it is not him , but Mr Trump who is in the pockets of Wall Street .
At one point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money from political action committees - private groups that can donate big money to campaigns with little oversight - but was forced to reverse course when his White House hopes were looking anaemic before Super Tuesday .
A campaign spokeswoman defended the decision , saying : `` Those who are dedicated to defeating Donald Trump are organising in every way permitted by current law '' .
A recent Gallup poll found just 23 % of Americans are satisfied with campaign finance laws , but many Democrats may see big money as a necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
`` Joe is going to have to explain to the American people - who are so tired of endless wars which have cost us too many lives , destabilised too many regions around the world , have cost us trillions of dollars - why he was a leader in getting us involved in the war in Iraq , '' Mr Sanders said last week .
The Vermont senator has often pointed out that as a congressman he voted against the US invasion of Iraq .
On this point , Mr Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistake , and I acknowledge that , '' he has said .
Given the primary season results so far , it would appear that despite voters ' mixed feelings over the war ( half of Americans think it was a mistake , according to Gallup ) , this particular error of judgement is not costing Mr Biden much - so many people made the same wrong judgment and , politically speaking , it was so long ago .
Could it be weaponised by Mr Trump in the general election ?
Given the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military footprint in the region , it could be a risky one for him - but that has never stopped Mr Trump from throwing a punch .

Given the importance of female voters, it is hardly surprising that Mr Biden's votes on reproductive health would be scrutinised. Mr Sanders has honed in on the former vice-president's positions on abortion, which have transformed over the past few decades. As a senator in 1981, he voted to support an amendment that would have allowed states to overturn the landmark Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing the US right to abortion. As recently as last year, he said he still supported the Hyde Amendment (which forbids public money from being used for abortions), but reversed course after it became clear he was the only Democrat in the field who did so.


bbc--2020-03-10--Rare white giraffes killed by poachers in Kenya

Two extremely rare white giraffes have been killed by poachers in north-eastern Kenya , conservationists say .
Rangers had found the carcasses of the female and her calf in a village in north-eastern Kenya 's Garissa County .
A third white giraffe is still alive .
It is thought to be the only remaining one in the world , the conservationists added .
Their white appearance is due to a rare condition called leucism , which causes skin cells to have no pigmentation .
News of the white giraffes spread across the world after they were photographed in 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other stories The manager of the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy , Mohammed Ahmednoor , said the two killed giraffes were last spotted more than three months ago .
`` This is a very sad day for the community of Ijara and Kenya as a whole .
We are the only community in the world who are custodians of the white giraffe , '' Mr Ahmednoor said in a statement .
`` Its killing is a blow to the tremendous steps taken by the community to conserve rare and unique species and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts , '' he added .
The poachers have not yet been identified , and their motive is still unclear .
The Kenya Wildlife Society , the main conservation body in the East African state , said it was investigating the killings .
• It is different to albinism where no melanin is produced at all • Animals with leucism may have darker pigment in their soft tissue • Giraffes with leucism retain their dark eyes , whereas animals with albinism have pink eyes • Birds , lions , fish , peacocks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and snakes have all displayed traits of leucism The conservancy is in a vast unfenced area .
There are also villages within the conservancy .
White giraffes were first spotted in Kenya in March 2016 , about two months after a sighting in neighbouring Tanzania , the conservancy says on its website .
Some 40 % of the giraffe population has disappeared in the last 30 years and poaching for meat and skin continues , according to the Africa Wildlife Foundation .
The population went from around 155,000 in 1985 to 97,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) .

"This is a very sad day for the community of Ijara and Kenya as a whole. We are the only community in the world who are custodians of the white giraffe," Mr Ahmednoor said in a statement.


bbc--2020-03-10--Putin paves way for another presidential term

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not ruled out running for president again beyond 2024 , when his term ends .
But he told parliament that the Constitutional Court would first have to approve such a step .
An MP has proposed `` resetting to zero '' the number of presidential terms .
Mr Putin , 67 , could potentially stay in power until 2036 , by winning two more six-year terms .
The former Soviet KGB officer has been in power for 20 years .
Mr Putin however rejected as `` not expedient '' a different proposal that would simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving more than two consecutive terms .
By serving as prime minister in 2008-2012 , Mr Putin remained at the pinnacle of power without violating the two-term rule .
His close ally Dmitry Medvedev was president for those four years .
The amendments addressed by Mr Putin in his televised speech on Tuesday were put forward by MP Valentina Tereshkova , the first woman in space and a strong supporter of his presidency .
Most MPs in parliament - the State Duma - are pro-Putin .
Russia will hold a `` public vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional changes will go ahead .
They could significantly alter the balance of power between the presidency and parliament .
The `` reset to zero '' proposal would , according to Mr Putin , mean `` removing the restriction for any person , any citizen , including the current president , and allowing them to take part in elections in the future , naturally in open and competitive elections '' .
It could go ahead if approved by citizens in the public vote on 22 April , he said , and `` if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not go against ( the constitution ) '' .
That amendment has now been approved by the Duma .
Vladimir Putin had denied , several times , that he wanted to stay on in power .
So he did his best to appear reluctant to accept this proposal , framing it as a demand 'from below ' .
Even so , he stressed the need for stability at a `` tumultuous '' time , suggesting that Russia is not developed enough yet for a change of president .
Many people wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do n't actually like Mr Putin , they do n't mind him too much either .
Plenty of people view him as a strong leader who stands up to the West .
Talk of there being no alternative is also commonplace .
But this move is not without risk for the Kremlin .
It now looks like the entire constitutional reform process was about ensuring Mr Putin 's future , and that gives the opposition something concrete to rally against .
The last time he schemed to stay in power , engineering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there were mass street protests .
Mr Putin 's critics are now facing the prospect of him staying in office into his 80s .
Mr Putin also said he saw no need for early elections to the Duma , rejecting another MP 's proposal .
• What Putin 's plans mean for Russia He triggered intense debate about changing the constitution when , unexpectedly , he put forward draft amendments in January .
He proposed transferring some powers from the presidency to parliament .
In his speech on Tuesday , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , but he added that the Duma `` should get wider powers '' .
Such changes were needed , he said , `` to strengthen our sovereignty , traditions and values '' in a world in the throes of fundamental change , including new challenges such as digital technology and coronavirus .
In the long term , he said , Russia `` needs a guarantee that the people in power can be changed regularly '' , and he insisted that `` elections must be open and competitive '' .
He also ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` for years in some European countries they can not form a government '' .

Many people won't have a problem with that. If they don't actually like Mr Putin, they don't mind him too much either. Plenty of people view him as a strong leader who stands up to the West. Talk of there being no alternative is also commonplace.


bbc--2020-03-10--Taliban prisoner swap begins as part of Afghan peace talks

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has approved the release of 1,500 Taliban prisoners as part of efforts to secure a peace deal with the insurgent group .
The presidential decree requires all prisoners to give `` a written guarantee to not return to the battlefield '' .
In exchange , the Taliban has agreed to hand over 1,000 government troops .
It comes as the US begins withdrawing troops from the country as part of a linked agreement signed earlier with the Taliban .
According to the decree signed by President Ghani , all 1,500 prisoners will be released within 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of Afghan jails every day '' .
Talks between the Afghan government and Taliban will take place in parallel with the release .
If talks progress , the government has pledged to free 500 more Taliban prisoners every two weeks until a total of 5,000 have been released .
• The Afghan war : The short and long story As part of the agreement , the Taliban must continue its reduction in violence , and bar al-Qaeda or any other extremist groups from operating in areas under their control .
The prisoner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides and kick off direct talks to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan .
The talks were due to start on Tuesday , but negotiations were delayed by demands over the prisoner release .
Speaking with AFP news agency , an unnamed member of the Taliban 's leadership council said the group had presented a list of captives they wanted freed .
But he accused the government of acting in bad faith , saying it only planned to release `` those prisoners who are elderly , very ill , or those whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's political spokesman , Suhail Shaheen , tweeted on Tuesday that the group would only accept prisoners named on their list .
Under the presidential decree , the government will release Taliban prisoners `` based on their age , health status and the remaining jail term '' .
President Ghani had earlier refused to free 5,000 prisoners as part of the US agreement with the Taliban , but Wednesday 's decree signalled a softening of his stance .
Under the historic deal , endorsed by the UN Security Council , America also agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 8,600 within 135 days .
The US and its Nato allies have agreed to withdraw all troops within 14 months if the militants uphold the deal .
America 's drawdown began on Monday , but deal appeared fragile last week after the US launched an air strike in response to Taliban fighters attacking Afghan forces in Helmand province .
Fresh political instability has also threatened the prospect of talks between all sides in the country .
Two separate swearing-in ceremonies took place on Monday for two different politicians after disputed presidential elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says incumbent Mr Ghani narrowly won September 's vote , but Abdullah Abdullah alleges the result is fraudulent .
Experts warned the current political rivalry would `` gravely affect the government 's position '' during peace talks .
The Trump administration has also said it opposed `` action to establish a parallel government , '' in an apparent show of support for Mr Ghani 's presidency .

Speaking with AFP news agency, an unnamed member of the Taliban's leadership council said the group had presented a list of captives they wanted freed. But he accused the government of acting in bad faith, saying it only planned to release "those prisoners who are elderly, very ill, or those whose sentences have expired".