FSN World News Feed

Moscow urged to step up pressure on ally Syria

The United States is warning countries like Russia that they will end up on the "wrong side of history", if they continue to support the Syrian government.

The White House is calling for the international community to further isolate the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and press for a political transition in the country.

Russia and China have both blocked further sanctions at the United Nations.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says the US is working to get Moscow to change its position.

IN: "We are...
OUT: ...Assad regime"
DUR: 15 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530syria-carney1.mp3

At a press briefing, Jay Carney said that countries will be judged by the positions they take on Syria.

IN: "Supporting the...
OUT: ...fifteen months"
DUR: 13 seconds

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530syria-carney2.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 09:43 PM | Permalink

White House apologizes for Polish mis-statement

The Obama administration is apologizing for using the wrong adjectives to describe the concentration camps located in Poland during World War II.

At a ceremony to honor Jan Karski, U.S. President Barack Obama used the phrase "Polish death camps" instead of "Nazi concentration camps in German-occupied Poland."

Priscilla Huff has more on the apology.

IN: "The Obama...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 55
POT: 36

White House Spokesman Jay Carney formally apologized for President Obama's poor choice of words during the medal for Poland's Jan Karski.

IN: "The President...
OUT: ...of tyranny."
DUR: 22

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530apology-carney1.mp3

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Posted on May 30, 2012 at 09:22 PM | Permalink

Syria's honorary consul-general in California resigns

The man who has long served as the honorary consul general for Syria in California has resigned his post in protest over the massacre of more than 100 of his countrymen at Houla.

The resignation of Hazem Chehabi came on the heels of the expulsion of Syrian diplomats from 10 countries, including the United States.

At the same time, Washington is increasing sanctions against the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Lindsey Mastis reports from Los Angeles.

IN: "In California...
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DUR: 43

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Posted on May 30, 2012 at 08:13 PM | Permalink

Britain: Military action in Syria "much more difficult" than Libya

The Russian government says it strongly opposes any foreign military intervention in Syria, and believes that any new steps by the UN Security Council would be "premature".

The statement came amid growing international outrage over the massacre of 108 people in the Syrian city Houla, and the latest discovery of 13 bodies in the eastern part of the country.

The United Nations says the latest victims had their hands bound, and were shot at close range.

Meanwhile, the British Foreign Secretary William Hague isn't ruling out the use of force to effect change in Syria, but is underlining the complexity of any military mission there.

IN: "I don't think…"

OUT: "….in the case of Libya"

DUR: 13 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530syria-hague.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 07:21 PM | Permalink

Ahmadinejad: West shouldn't be trusted on Syria violence

The Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, says western powers cannot be trusted to pass judgement on the violence in Syria.

Speaking to the French television channel France 24, the Iranian leader said that anyone responsible for acts of violence in Syria should face justice.

But, speaking through an interpreter, he said he finds it hard to imagine that the Syrian government is responsible for orchestrating the latest carnage.

IN: "It seems…."

OUT: "….must be condemned"

DUR: 32 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530syria-ahmadinejad1.mp3

(ALT)

But, speaking through an interpreter, he said he had no confidence in international claims that the Syrian government is at least partly responsible for the latest carnage.

IN: "I'm not excluding…."

OUT: "…cannot trust them"

DUR: 33 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530syria-ahmadinejad2.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 07:06 PM | Permalink

Polish PM demands White House corrects the record on death camps

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has demanded that the White House correct the historical record after the US President used the phrase "Polish death camp".

Barack Obama was referencing concentration camps set up by German Nazis during World War Two in occupied Poland.

From Washington Daniel Ryntjes reports...

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DUR: 52"

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 06:13 PM | Permalink

Pentagon chief to explain Asia-Pacific focus

The US defence secretary has embarked on a week-long trip to Asia, to explain America's increased focus on the region.

Leon Panetta is expected to brief friends and allies on Washington's strategic tilt to the Asia-Pacific, which was outlined earlier this year.

The trip, which will include time in Singapore, Vietnam and India, will be watched especially closely for what it reveals about the future of the relationship between the US and China.

Malcolm Brown reports.

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DUR: 49 seconds

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Posted on May 30, 2012 at 06:00 PM | Permalink

Queen Elizabeth II set to mark Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II is set to mark the Jubilee anniversary of her time on the throne of the United Kingdom.

Ahead of the special bank holiday weekend in Britain, the royal family has been visiting the Commonwealth countries.

In a rare interview with America's ABC News, Prince William observed how much has changed in the sixty years of Queen Elizabeth's rule.

IN: "The biggest...
OUT: ...done it brilliantly."
DUR: 37

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530jubilee-william1.mp3

In an interview with America's ABC News, younger brother Prince Harry noted that Queen Elizabeth has been able to change wiht the times.

IN: "When we were ...
OUT: ...you'se changing."
DUR: 38

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530jubilee-harry1.mp3

Prince William, second in line to the throne, told America's ABC News, Queen Elizabeth is primarily his grandmother.

IN: "I still ...
OUT: ...my grandmother."
DUR: 12

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530jubilee-william2.mp3

Younger brother Prince Harry told America's ABC News, Queen Elizabeth is a remarkably normal grandmother.

IN: "Really, very...
OUT: ...what we do."
DUR: 21

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530jubilee-harry2.mp3

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Posted on May 30, 2012 at 05:49 PM | Permalink

Obama phones Romney to offer congratulations

US President Barack Obama has telephoned Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Masachussets, to congratulate him on securing the Republican Party's Presidential nomination.

The two men who will square off in this November's battle for the Presidency told one another that they're looking forward to a healthy debate about America's future.

From Washington, Simon Marks reports.

IN: "It is unlikely…."

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DUR: 45 seconds

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(ALT)

White House spokesman Jay Carney told reports the phone call was brief, but important.

IN: "It was very…."

OUT: "….during this campaign"

DUR: 18 seconds

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Posted on May 30, 2012 at 05:25 PM | Permalink

13 more bodies found in Syria

The head of the United Nations' observer mission in Syria says the bodies of 13 people have been found in Eastern Syria.

The victims' hands had been bound, and they were reportedly shot at short range.

The discovery comes just days after more than 100 people - including dozens of children - were killed in the Syrian city of Houla.

At UN headquarters in New York, China and Russia are blocking measures to call for the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.

UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous says the world body remains committed to the peace proposals formulated by Special Envoy Kofi Annan.

IN: "We have...
OUT: ...work for."
DUR: 20 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530syria-ladsous1.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 05:25 PM | Permalink

Moscow objects to "premature" steps against Syria

The Russian government says it strongly opposes any foreign military intervention in Syria, and believes that any new steps by the UN Security Council would be "premature".

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 04:27 PM | Permalink

Charles Taylor receives 50 year sentence

Liberia's former president Charles Taylor has received a 50 year jail sentence by the UN-backed war crimes court at the Hague.

Special Court for Sierra Leone judges said the sentence reflected his betrayal of public trust, as a head of state at the time of his offences.

He was found guilty last month of aiding and abetting rebels in Sierra Leone during the civil war between 1991 and 2002.

Taylor says he is innocent and reportedly intends to appeal.

Our Europe editor Sandra Gathmann is at the Hague and says his sentence is not as tough as the prosecution wanted.

IN: "Taylor's...
OUT: ...trial."
DUR: 33 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530taylor-sg1.mp3

ALT:

Our Europe editor Sandra Gathmann is at the Hague and says his sentence is not as tough as the prosecution wanted.

IN: "Judges...
OUT: ...period."
DUR: 41 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530taylor-sg2.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 02:46 PM | Permalink

Assange loses extradition appeal

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has lost his appeal to the UK's highest court against his extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations.

However, his extradition will be delayed while his legal team challenge the ruling.

UK correspondent Olly Barratt reports.

IN: "The Supreme...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 40 seconds

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 01:17 PM | Permalink

Coulson detained by police investigating perjury allegations

The former communications chief for British Prime Minister David Cameron has been detained by police investigating allegtions of perjury.

44 year old Andy Coulson, who has featured in the phone-hacking scandal due to his role as former editor of the News of the world newspaper, is to be questioned about a 2006 court case in which he denied illegal activities at the paper.

From London, Catherine Drew reports.

IN: "Andy Coulson...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 56 seconds
POT: 43 seconds

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 12:57 PM | Permalink

Assange's lawyers plan to appeal to Supreme Court on rare technicality

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lost his latest attempt to avoid extradition to Sweden over rape and sexual assault allegations after a ruling by the Supreme Court, but the case could yet be reopened on a rare technicality.

The 40 year old founder of thewhistle-blowing website had argued that the European Arrest Warrant issued for him was invalid because it was made by prosecutors rather than a judge.
However Britain's highest court rejected his claim in a ruling made by a 5-2 majority of senior judges.
Lord Phillips, the president of the court, said 'judicial authority' could mean a prosecutor.

But lawyers for the maverick Australian, who maintains the charges against him are politically motivated, indicated they may try to have the case reopened.

Assange's lawyer, Gareth Pierce (correct name) emerged from the hearing to say they would be appealing for the Supreme Court to reopen the case.

IN: "We will be....
OUT: ...fair hearing."
DUR: 26 SECS

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530Assange-Gareth.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 11:02 AM | Permalink

Lawyers for Assange vow to appeal his extradition order

Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited to Sweden to face sex crime allegations.

Mr Assange's lawyers had asked the UK's highest court to block his removal, arguing that a European arrest warrant issued against him was "invalid". But the court ruled the extradition request had been "lawfully made".

The Swedish authorities want 40 year old Assange to answer accusations of raping one woman and sexually molesting and coercing another in Stockholm in August 2010. Assange has always insisted the sex was consensual and that the allegations against him are politically motivated. The Wikileaks website has published a mass of diplomatic cables that have embarrassed several governments and institutions.

His lawyers say they will take the unusual step of applying to have the Supreme Court reopen the case on the basis that its majoirty decision was made on legal points not argued during the appeal.

Seven Supreme Court judges gave their judgment, the court's president Lord Phillips announced the result at the televised hearing.

IN: "The majority has....
OUT: ....dismissed."
DUR: 19

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530Assange-Judge.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 10:48 AM | Permalink

Assange loses Supreme Court appeal against extradition

Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited to Sweden to face sex crime allegations.

Mr Assange's lawyers had asked the UK's highest court to block his removal, arguing that a European arrest warrant issued against him was "invalid". But the court ruled the extradition request had been "lawfully made".

The Swedish authorities want 40 year old Assange, to answer accusations of raping one woman and sexually molesting and coercing another in Stockholm in August 2010. Assange has always insisted the sex was consensual and that the allegations against him are politically motivated.
The wikileaks website has published a mass of diplomatic cables that have embarrassed several governments and institutions.

FSN's Olly Barratt reports from outside the court.

IN: "The Supreme Court....
OUT: ...can stand."
DUR: 30

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530Assange-Barratt1.mp3

FSN's Olly Barratt is outside the court, he says the legal process is not quite finished for Assange.

IN: "As ever....
OUT: ...as yet."
DUR: 34

CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0530Assange-Barratt2.mp3

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 10:10 AM | Permalink

Lucky third time for PNG PM O'Neill

It's been another day of almost slapstick comedy in the chambers of the Papua New Guinea government.
The day started with a vote of confidence in Peter O'Neill, and a refusal to conduct a swearing in ceremony by the acting Governor-General.
Arthur Stevens has more from Melbourne

IN: "The man who..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 43 sec

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 09:06 AM | Permalink

UK MPs recommend body image lessons in schools

British MPs have recommended all children should take part in compulsory body image and self-esteem lessons.

A study by the All Party Parliamentary group on body image found two out of three people in the UK are unhappy with their bodies.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: "The report...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 53 seconds

Posted on May 30, 2012 at 07:59 AM | Permalink

Iran confirms infection by Flame computer virus

Iran is confirming that that government computers have been infected with a new, and possibly destrutive, Flame virus.

Previously, the StuxNet virus contributed to significant damage at several centrifuges used by the Iranian's to refine uranium.

The White House has no comment, as Priscilla Huff reports.

IN: "Flame is no ...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 46

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Posted on May 29, 2012 at 11:54 PM | Permalink

Facebook shares hit new low

Shares of the social networking company Facebook hit a new low, trading below 29 dollars a share when markets closed in the United States.

The company has lost some 24 percent of its value since going public as investors question the young company’s ability to profit from its huge online network.

Silicon Valley correspondent Quinn Bowman reports:

IN: "While Facebook...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 44 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 10:11 PM | Permalink

Supreme Court to rule on Assange extradition

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will find out later (Wednesday) if he will be extradited from Britain to Sweden to face sex charges.

The UK's Supreme Court is due to rule on his appeal against extradition.

As Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: "A panel...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 47 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 10:00 PM | Permalink

Radioactive tuna contaminated by Japanese disaster found in US waters

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 09:50 PM | Permalink

Romney set to clinch Republican nomination

Mitt Romney is set to officially clinch the Republican US Presidential nomination later [Tuesday].

The former Massachusetts Governor is expected to win the Texas primary, giving him enough delegates to secure victory.

Romney now is focusing on campaign events in key swing states which he'll need to win in November in order to defeat President Obama.

Steve Mort reports from Colorado.

IN: "Mitt Romney…
OUT: SOC
DUR: 47 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 09:12 PM | Permalink

US not keen on military option in Syria, but exploring pressure tactics at UN on Wednesday

The White House says it doesn't believe military action is the right measure to tackle the crisis in Syria because it risks creating more chaos in the country.

The US and others have expressed disgust over the massacre of more than 100 civilians in the Syrian town of Houla by expelling top Syrian diplomats.

Meanwhile, one of the UN's top officials is briefing the Security Council on Wednesday and the US says the members will discuss what further steps they might take on Syria.

US State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland says investigations on the massacre will demonstrate Syrian government involvement...

IN: It's going to show...
OUT: ...we hope so.
DUR: 20"

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US State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland echoed UN envoy Kofi Annan's statement that the situation had reached a "tipping point".

IN: In recognition...
OUT: ...inside Syria.
DUR: 22"

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UN envoy Kofi Annan has been holding talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad...

IN: I've urged the government...
OUT: ...political process.
DUR: 19"

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Posted on May 29, 2012 at 08:58 PM | Permalink

Annan calls for bold steps from Assad to end violence, uphold peace plan

UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan met with the Syrian president and called for “bold steps” to curb the escalating violence in Syria.

His meeting comes in the wake of one of the deadliest events in the 15-month long uprising that saw more than 100 civilians killed in the village of Houla, including women and children, and after fresh attacks in the city of Hama.

Liling Tan reports from New York.

IN: “In Damascus, Annan…

OUT: SOC

DUR: 47”

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 06:33 PM | Permalink

Al Queda leader al-Taifi killed in airstrike, according to NATO

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 06:17 PM | Permalink

Pentagon denies report, US special forces entered North Korea

The US military is denying that its special forces have secretly parachuted into North Korea to gather intelligence.

It comes in response to a press report, based on comments made by an American commander at an industry conference.

The Tokyo-based publication concerned now concedes that a mistake may have been made.

But, as Malcolm Brown reports, the story looks like a propaganda gift for Pyongyang.

IN: The US…
OUT: SOC
DUR: 45

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Posted on May 29, 2012 at 05:10 PM | Permalink

US joins other nations to expel Syrian diplomats

The Obama administration has given the charge d'affaires at the Syrian Embassy in Washington 72 hours to leave the United States.

The U.S. joins Australia, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany in kicking Syrian diplomats out of their countries following the deaths of more than 100 Syrians in Houla.

Priscilla Huff has more:

IN: "The United States...
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DUR: 43

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Posted on May 29, 2012 at 04:08 PM | Permalink

Western powers expel Syrian diplomats following Houla massacre

Major Western powers have announced they are expelling senior Syrian diplomats from their embassies, following the killing of 108 people, including dozens of children, in the Houla region of Syria on Friday.

The UN says many of the victims, civilians and entire families, were summarily executed. France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada and Australia have all announced expulsions. From London, Catherine Drew reports.

IN: "Coordinating the...
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DUR: 55 seconds
POT: 38

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 02:38 PM | Permalink

Australia expels Syrian diplomats

Australia's federal government is expelling two Syrian diplomats in the wake of the Houla massacre.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr says Syrian Charge d'Affairs Jawdat Ali and another diplomat have been given 72 hours to leave the country, and he expects other Western governments to announce similar measures soon.
Arthur Stevens reports from Melbourne

IN: "The move comes..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 39 sec

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 01:32 PM | Permalink

PNG Prime Minister position declared vacant

Papua New Guinea has gone from two prime ministers to none, with parliament declaring the office vacant until Wednesday.
Arthur Stevens has more:

IN: "Papua New Guinea's..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 35 sec

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 01:24 PM | Permalink

Syrian diplomats sent home over Houla

Several governments around the world have begun expelling Syrian diplomats over the massacre of more than 100 people in Syria's Houla region on Friday.

France, Germany, and the UK are among those taking action after the UN said witnesses told investigators pro-regime militias carried out most of the killings.

Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr, has also announced Syrian diplomats are being asked to leave, as Brian Portland reports from Brisbane.

IN: "The Gillard...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 40 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 12:50 PM | Permalink

New 5.8 quake hits Northern Italy, kills nine

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has struck Northern Italy and killed at least nine people.

The tremor comes ten days after another quake in the same region killed seven people and left thousands displaced.

Our Europe correspondent Sandra Gathmann reports:

IN: "The earthquake..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 43 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 11:43 AM | Permalink

UK government backtracks on plan for secret court hearings

A UK government plan to hold more sensitive court hearings in secret has been watered down, following intense criticism from civil liberties groups, and coalition partner the Liberal Democrats.

But some say the scaled-back proposals do not go far enough.

UK correspondent Nina-Maria Potts reports:

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DUR: 48 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 09:55 AM | Permalink

UK team to tackle war zone sexual violence

Britain is launching a new initiative aimed at tackling sexual violence in war zones around the world.

The scheme is designed to lead to more perpetrators of sexual violence being pursued in international courts.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: "A team...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 34 seconds

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 09:14 AM | Permalink

Spanish borrowing costs soar on news of Bankia bailout

Spanish borrowing costs have soared to near-crisis level as investers show concern over plans to nationalise Spain's fourth largest bank.

Interest yields have shot to 6.45% on news the Spanish lender Bankia will receive 19 billion euro (or 23.8 billion dollars) in government aid.

Our Europe correspondent Sandra Gathmann reports:

IN: "Spain's over..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 43 seconds

Posted on May 28, 2012 at 05:50 PM | Permalink

Poll: Majority of Americans favor marijuana regulation

A public opinion poll by Rasmussen shows 56 percent of Americans in the United States favor legalizing and regulating marijuana similar to regulation of alcohol and cigarettes.

As our Los Angeles correspondent Lindsey Mastis reports, the poll has received criticism from anti-marijuana groups.

IN: "Results from...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 30 sec

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 03:31 PM | Permalink

US Defence Secretary Panetta to travel to Asia

U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta is set to travel to Asia for the Shangri-la dialogues (leaving Wednesday, May 30).

During his week-long trip, he is also expected to make stops in Singapore and India, to discuss key Asian security matters.

Priscilla Huff has a preview:

IN: "To start his...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 54
POT: 36

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 03:28 PM | Permalink

Blair denies 'deal' with Murdoch

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told London's Leveson Inquiry a close relationship between politicians and press is inevitable.

But he's denied ever feeling under pressure to back Rupert Murdoch's commercial interests in exchange for support from the media boss's UK newspapers.

The Leveson Inquiry is exploring the nature of dealings between UK politicians and the media, as part of its investigation into press ethics.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

((WRAP))

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OUT: SOC
DUR: 65 seconds

Posted on May 28, 2012 at 02:52 PM | Permalink

Blair: No deal with Murdoch

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told London's Leveson Inquiry a close relationship between politicians and press is inevitable.

But he's denied ever feeling under pressure to back Rupert Murdoch's commercial interests in exchange for support from the media boss's UK newspapers.

The Leveson Inquiry is exploring the nature of dealings between UK politicians and the media, as part of its investigation into press ethics.

It was set up after the scandal over phone-hacking at Rupert Murdoch's now-closed News of the World newspaper.

Tony Blair told the inquiry he had no agreement with any media boss.

IN: "There was...
OUT: ...absolutely not."
DUR: 31 seconds

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ALT:

Tony Blair admitted a trip to see Rupert Murdoch in Australia in 1995 had been designed to secure his company's support.

IN: "I wouldn't...
OUT: ...persuade them."
DUR: 18 seconds

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ALT:

Mr Blair's evidence was briefly interrupted by an anti-war protester.

IN: "Excuse me...
OUT: ...war criminal."
DUR: 19 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0528blair-protester1.mp3

B/A: Mr Blair quickly denied the protester's claims about his relationship with JP Morgan.

Posted on May 28, 2012 at 01:53 PM | Permalink

Annan continues to push peace plan

UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is in Damascus for talks on his six-point peace plan, as international condemnation of a massacre in the Syrian town of Houla grows.

The UN has condemned the killings of over 100 people, mostly women and children, but the Syrian regime says anti-government forces were to blame.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says rebels in the country were partly responsible.

In Damascus, Kofi Annan said he would continue to push his peace plan and to attempt get to the bottom of the massacre.

IN: "To...
OUT: ...account."
DUR: 13 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0528syria-annan1.mp3

ALT:

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, in Moscow for talks with Sergey Lavrov, says Britain still wants Assad to go.

IN: "We have...
OUT: ...pursued."
DUR: 13 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0528syria-hague1.mp3

Posted on May 28, 2012 at 01:34 PM | Permalink

Blair at Leveson

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told London's Leveson Inquiry a close relationship between politicians and press is inevitable.

But he's denied ever feeling under pressure to back Rupert Murdoch's commercial interests in exchange for support from the media boss's UK newspapers.

The Leveson Inquiry is exploring the nature of dealings between UK politicians and the media, as part of its investigation into press ethics.

Mr Blair says there is nothing necessarily wrong with politicians talking to senior figures in the media.

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 11:13 AM | Permalink

Lady Gaga apologises to Indonesian fans

Lady Gaga has told fans she's devastated at having to cancel her sold-out show in Indonesia following threats by Islamic hard-liners, who say she's a "devil worshipper".
Arthur Stevens has more from Melbourne

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:48 AM | Permalink

British tourists caught in Cocaine sting in Bali

A 55-year-old housewife is among four British nationals facing a possible death sentence in Indonesia after the alleged seizure of more than $2.5 million of cocaine in Bali.
Arthur Stevens reports from Melbourne

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:42 AM | Permalink

Fresh doubts erupt over future of UK's ruling coalition

The UK's Business Secretary, Liberal Democrat Vince Cable, has raised the prospect of a coalition government break-up before the next general election.

His comments follow criticism from tycoon Richard Branson, who has accused the government of failing to invest in business.

UK correspondent Nina-Maria Potts reports:

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 09:49 AM | Permalink

Hague in Moscow for Syria talks

British Foreign Secretary William Hague is in Moscow for talks over the massacre in the Syrian town of Houla.

The Syrian charge d'affaires has also been summoned to the Foreign Office to hear the British government's criticism.

The United Nations has condemned Syria over its use of heavy weaponry after at least 108 people were killed in Houla.

UK correspondent Olly Barratt reports.

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Posted on May 28, 2012 at 08:59 AM | Permalink

Greeks outraged over 'unsympathetic remarks' by head of IMF

Outrage in Greece has erupted over remarks made by head of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde- that Greeks were not paying their taxes and that they had to help themselves.

The comments appearing in an interview with the Guardian newspaper have prompted reaction from political leaders and many Greeks are taking to Facebook to express offense.

Our Europe correspondent Sandra Gathmann reports:

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