The British government planned to announce Thursday that all 36,000 retired Gurkhas who served in its army will be allowed to settle in the UK, a campaigner told CNN, marking a major turnaround in official policy. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith planned to make an announcement on Gurkhas in the House of Commons on Thursday afternoon
Tag Archives: prime
Israel’s Netanyahu: Taking a Turn Toward Pragmatism?
Israel is a nation of worriers. No matter how pleasant the evening, at a certain point, after the jokes and well into the merlot from the Judaean hills, the worrying starts. No doubt, Israelis have plenty to worry about.
Berlusconi ‘pained’ amid divorce reports
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi refused to deny reports Sunday that his wife plans to file for divorce after finally running out of patience over his roving eye. Hours after newspapers said Veronica Lario had contacted a divorce lawyer and was seeking a quick separation after nearly 30 years of marriage, Berlusconi, 72, issued a terse statement Sunday that appeared to give credence to the reports. “It is a personal affair that pains me.
Australia adds 450 troops in Afghanistan
Australia will boost its troop commitment in Afghanistan by 450 soldiers to help in the international fight against a resurgent Taliban, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Wednesday.
Protesters step up violence in Thailand
Thai army soldiers fired a volley of gunshots on Monday on the streets of Bangkok as they advanced toward anti-government protesters demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva step down. It was not immediately known whether the troops fired rubber bullets or live gunshots. Demonstrators commandeered at least two buses, rigged the steering wheels and sent them toward police officers — who fired at the vehicles in response
British PM’s aide quits over ‘smear’ e-mails row
A key aide to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has resigned after e-mails reportedly smearing top political opponents were leaked, British media said Sunday. The e-mails, which made a number of innuendo-laden suggestions about the private lives of politicians, including Conservative Party leader David Cameron, ended up in the hands of a well known political blogger, it was reported Saturday. According to The Observer, Damian McBride, a special adviser to Brown, discussed setting up a Web site to publish “scurrilous allegations about opponents” with former Labour party adviser Derek Draper
Thai police say protest leader arrested
The leader of an anti-government protest that forced cancellation of a summit in Thailand was arrested Sunday and charged with instigating people to break the law, police said. Arismun Pongruengrong was being interrogated after his arrest at his residence, a police spokesman said
Anti-government protesters amass in Thailand
About 50,000 anti-government demonstrators amassed Wednesday in the capital in a push to topple Thailand’s prime minister. The “Red Shirt” protesters — named for the color of their shirts — had gathered outside Government House in Bangkok, according to the chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks to destabilize the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Iraq bombing leaves 22 dead
At least 22 civilians were killed and 38 other people were wounded Thursday in a Baghdad car bombing, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said. The number of protesters outside Government House had grown sharply since the afternoon, said Worapong Tuepreecha, the chief of the Metropolitan Police. He said they set up a stage and tents in front of the building.
Thousands of protesters surround Thai govt. headquarters
About 20,000 anti-government demonstrators surrounded the Thai government headquarters Thursday evening and set up camp in a bid to oust the prime minister, police said. The number of protesters outside Government House had grown sharply since the afternoon, said Worapong Tuepreecha, the chief of the Metropolitan Police. He said they set up a stage and tents in front of the building.