Doubts over ElBaradei's appointment as Egypt PM
Egypt's new president says pro-reform leader Mohamed Elbaradei has not yet been appointed as interim prime minister despite earlier reports.
A spokesman for interim President Adly Mansour said consultations were continuing.
Officials had earlier named Mr ElBaradei - a former head of the UN's nuclear watchdog - for the post.
News of his appointment had been criticised by the Salafist Nour Party, which said it would not work with him.
It came three days after the army removed Islamist leader Mohammed Morsi following growing public unrest.
The appointment of Mr ElBaradei caused anger among supporters of Mr Morsi, who want to see him returned to power.
"Interim President Adly Mansour met today with Dr ElBaradei but so far there has been no official appointment," Agence France-Presse news agency quoted presidential advisor Ahmed al-Muslimani as saying.
But he added that Mr ElBaradei was "the logical choice" among a list of names being considered, the news agency said.
Mr ElBaradei and other party leaders attended a meeting called by Mr Mansour on Saturday.
He leads an alliance of liberal and left-wing parties, the National Salvation Front.
In a BBC interview on Thursday, Mr ElBaradei defended the army's intervention, saying: "We were between a rock and a hard place."
"It is a painful measure, nobody wanted that," he said. "But Mr Morsi unfortunately undermined his own legitimacy by declaring himself a few months ago as a pharaoh and then we got into a fist fight, and not a democratic process."
Earlier, news of Mr ElBaradei's appointment was greeted with cheers in Cairo's Tahrir Square - the main focus of anti-Morsi demonstrations.
People there set off firecrackers, honked car horns and waved flags when they heard the news, AFP news agency reports.
However Egypt's second-biggest Islamist group, the Salafist hard-line Nour party - which had initially backed the army-led "roadmap" to new elections - criticised the nomination.
Nour deputy leader Ahmed Khalil told the state news website Al-Ahram that the appointment "violates the roadmap that the political and national powers had agreed on". He added that the party would withdraw from the transition process if Mr ElBaradei was sworn in.
The move comes a day after more than 30 people died and about 1,000 were wounded in protests staged by Islamist supporters of the deposed president.
The Muslim Brotherhood - to which Mr Morsi belongs - has said its followers would remain on the streets until he is restored to office.
On Saturday funerals were held for those who died. Outside Cairo's Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque - where the Islamists have camped for the past 10 days - an imam told mourners to pray for the "martyrs of legitimacy".
Source-BBC
Britain Deports Radical Cleric to Jordan
Radical Islamic cleric Abu Qatada was deported from Britain to Jordan early Sunday, ending a nearly decade-long legal battle to get him sent back to Jordan to face terrorism charges.
The move comes after Britain and Jordan ratified a treaty on torture aimed at easing the human rights concerns that blocked previous attempts to deport the Palestinian-born Jordanian preacher.
The 53-year-old Abu Qatada, once dubbed Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe, is wanted in Jordan to face retrial in several terrorism cases in which he was sentenced in absentia.
British governments have tried since 2001 to deport him, but courts have blocked his extradition due to concerns that Jordan might use evidence obtained under torture against him.
The treaty ratified last month ensures that will not happen.
British officials welcomed Abu Qatada's departure Sunday, with Home Secretary Theresa May pledging to work to eliminate the many layers of appeals processes available in such cases, so that this kind of drawn-out legal battle cannot be repeated.
More Deaths Expected in Canada Oil Train Explosion
Many people remain missing in Canada's Quebec province, a day after a train carrying crude oil hurtled off track and exploded in the center of a town, destroying dozens of buildings and killing at least one person.
The accident in the lakeside town of Lac-Megantic occurred in the wee hours of Saturday morning, when the town center was crowded with weekend partygoers.
Officials have confirmed one fatality, but say they expect the toll to rise. Media reports indicate up to 80 people could be missing.
The derailment caused four of the train's more than 70 cars to explode in the middle of the town, sending a gigantic fireball into the night sky. The fires destroyed dozens of buildings, including stores and at least one bar, and continued burning for hours as both Canadian and U.S. firefighters fought the blazes.
The accident forced up to 2,000 people to evacuate from their homes - a third of Lac-Megantic's 6,000 residents.
The cause of the derailment is still not known. The rail company that operated the train - the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway - said the train's conductor parked it shortly before midnight Friday. The rail line says it believes the conductor set the brakes properly, but that "sometime after, the train got loose," speeding into the town "under its own inertia," before derailing.
Canada's transportation safety agency is investigating.
Montreal, Maine & Atlantic owns more than 800 kilometers of track in Canada's Quebec and New Brunswick provinces and the northeastern U.S. states of Maine and Vermont.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the accident "shocking and truly devastating." He said his "thoughts and prayers" are with the people of Lac-Megantic and that the government is ready to provide assistance.
Just last week, Canada suffered another derailment of a train carrying petroleum products. The train went off track in Calgary, Alberta, when a flood-damaged bridge sagged toward the still-swollen Bow River. The derailed rail cars were able to be removed without spilling their cargo.
Deputy Governor to meet Civil Servants
Acting Governor Hon. Anya Williams, in her capacity as head of the Turks and Caicos Island’s Civil Service will meet with the country’s public servants this week.
On Monday July 8, 2013, Public Servants are being invited to meet with the Deputy Governor and senior members of the TCIG management at Dillon Hall between 3.30 – 5.30pm.
She will then turn her attention to Providenciales on Wednesday July 10, the meeting will be held at the Gustavos Lightbourne Complex between 3.30pm – 5.30pm.
POLICE REAFFIRM GUN SAFETY COMMITMENT AFTER DISAPPOINTING AMNESTY
The month long gun amnesty in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) saw no weapons handed in announced Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force, Colin Farquhar, today, Friday, 5 July 2013.
The amnesty ran throughout the month of June and intended to recover as many unregistered and unwanted guns as possible and to stop them reaching the wrong hands: weapons that have been handed down in families, or which were not properly registered in some other way.
The amnesty had the support of the TCI Governor, Premier, Deputy Premier, as well as religious and civil leaders across the Territory.
“Everyone involved is clearly disappointed that no weapons were handed in during this amnesty,” said Commissioner Farquhar. “We believe that guns are unnecessary for civilians in this country and we will be taking steps to make having a gun even more exceptional than it is now.
“We will continue to monitor intelligence reports about weapons and will undertake raids designed to capture and remove these weapons as and when required. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of the people who live in the TCI and our hundreds of thousands of visitors each year through a number of ongoing control measures.”
Farquhar continues to encourage businesses to use the services of security firms to move cash or to become cashless by encouraging credit and debit card use.
Sadly and ironically, on the final day of the Amnesty, two persons in the Turks & Caicos sustained injuries during the commission of a gun-related crime. Thankfully, both persons are expected to make full recoveries.
Commissioner Farquhar thanked the Governor, Premier, Deputy Premier, Youth Director Angela Musgrove, families, church leaders, media, and other persons of influence who helped support this initiative. Further, Commissioner Farquhar acknowledged the press conference held by Pastors Pedro S. Williams, Bradley Handfield, Solomen Morency and Daniel Calcaño who joined forces to get the message out. He stated, “Each of you is a great example of the moral commitment that is needed.”
Commissioner Farquhar was proud of Mr. Dekkel Simmons and Miss Phildreka Mayham, the TCI Youth Ambassadors, who also participated. Commissioner Farquhar stated, “These two young people demonstrated their willingness to help their community and they proved to be positive role models for other youth to follow”.
TCI Marine Police campaign for boaters to wear lifejackets
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force are campaigning this summer for the use of lifejackets while traveling on-board private boats and yachts as they do their part to promote accident prevention on the sea during the summer months.
During a recent interview, Special Constable Audley Astwood who is responsible for Public Relations for the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force spoke of the importance of wearing lifesaving gear when venturing out on private crafts.
"A heavy wave action, a collision, bad weather or just a slip on a wet deck during travel can result in passengers falling overboard. Rough seas or sea swells can easily swallow the best of swimmers within seconds. Non-swimmers are at even greater risk. With a secured life vest, the chances of surviving are much greater," Special Constable Astwood, noted.
While the law does not mandate wearing lifejackets on-board boats, Special Constable Astwood hopes the campaign will encourage people to view lifejackets as they view seatbelts.
"Lifejackets save lives. It is equipment no private vessel should be without. I recommend that persons ask the captain for a lifejacket before getting on any private boat. If the captain does not have lifejackets, you should borrow or consider other options for traveling," he said.
Special Constable Astwood further noted the need for passengers to ask for the captain's credentials. "Not because you can drive a car, you can drive a boat. These are two very different forms of transports. Ensure that your captain has the prerequisite maritime skills to operate a vessel," he said.
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force want the TCI public to join in their effort to prevent accidents and emergencies both on land and sea during the summer months here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Deputy Governor discusses South Caicos visit concerns
As a part of the Deputy Governor's tour of the family islands, a senior team of Government officials visited the island of South Caicos on Thursday, June 27th, 2013.
During her visit the Deputy Governor took the opportunity to host devotions and a staff meeting at both the Primary School and also the Marjorie Basden High School.
She also met with Special Needs Coordinator Mrs. Noreane Lightbourne and visited the Clinic and Wellness Centre among other government departments.
Commenting on the visit the Deputy Governor said:
"It is always a pleasure to visit the island of South Caicos and to engage with the people there, but I was quite alarmed at the state and working conditions of many of the staff.
“Due to a combination of several government properties being destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Ike and a general lack of maintenance, several staff are working in substandard accommodation which certainly inhibits their ability to work effectively.
“The Acting Permanent Secretary Ian Astwood has taken note of this and will raise these matters with his Minister. I have also brought these concerns to the Premier and other Ministers’ attention. In the meantime it is my intention to move several staff into temporary accommodations.
“The schools on the other hand are in immaculate condition, but are in need of new computers, sporting equipment and other supplies which will be addressed in the new budget."
Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Related Charges
Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and Customs Department have detected a significant amount of Cannabis and Cocaine hidden onboard motor vessel Luchador that originated out of Haiti. Lissia Henry (31 years old) of Haiti who was M/V Luchador’s mechanic was formally charged for the offence of Attempted Fraudulent Evasion, Possession of Controlled drugs with Intent to Supply namely cocaine and Possession of Controlled drugs with Intent to Supply namely cannabis. On Tuesday July 2, 2013 Henry pled guilty to all of the charges laid against him, which related to an incident at the dock at Grand Turk on Wednesday June 26, 2013.
RTCIPF Commissioner Colin Farquhar today commended Police and Custom officers for the swift and professional method in which the case was wrapped up. “I am extremely pleased with the hard work and dedication displayed. The search of this vessel was arduous. Ass’t Supt. Clifford Henry displayed great leadership and the search team displayed great tenacity,” Commissioner Farquhar said.
Commissioner Farquhar’s comments were made after Lissia Henry entered Guilty Pleas to the charges. Henry was given custodial sentences of 16 months, 14 months, and 12 months respectively to run concurrently in Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk; with deportation being recommended upon completion of his sentence.
There are currently a number of persons charged and awaiting trial for other drug related offences. Commissioner Farquhar took the opportunity to warn drug traffickers that the Police and the Customs Department are working in partnership to combat drug trafficking in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Korean Passenger Jet Crashes in San Francisco, 2 Dead
An Asiana Airlines passenger jet carrying 291 passengers and 16 crew members crash landed at San Francisco International Airport Saturday, killing at least two people. More than 100 people were hurt, with some in serious condition.
Flight 214 originated in Shanghai, China and stopped in Seoul, South Korea before heading to San Francisco on the west coast of the United States.
Various reports say the tail of the Boeing 777 hit the runway before the plane crashed and caught fire. No distress signal from the cockpit was issued before the crash.
Teams of investigators are headed to the sight of the wreckage to determine the exact cause of the crash, which occurred in good weather.
Television pictures show the plane on the ground with its tail missing and one wing appearing to have collapsed. The top of the fuselage is burned through. Debris from what appears to be part of the tail is scattered along the runway.
Witnesses say the plane approached the runway at an awkward angle and upon landing, wobbled and spun around, its tail breaking off.
Officials say among those onboard were 141 Chinese, 77 South Koreans, 61 Americans and one Japanese national. The identities of two people killed are not currently known.
President Barack Obama said his thoughts and prayers go out to the families that lost a loved one and all those affected by the crash. He also expressed his gratitude to the emergency crews who first responded to the disaster.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says there is no indication of terrorism. It will work with the National Transportation Safety Board, Korean investigators and Boeing as the probe unfolds.
Investigators hope the flight data recorders will give them vital information into what caused the crash.
Target founder Douglas Dayton dies at 88
Douglas Dayton began the remaking of his family’s company and helped reinvent American retailing when he launched the first Targetstores in 1962.
The former Dayton’s Department Store executive and Twin Cities philanthropist died Saturday at the age of 88 after a months-long battle with cancer.
The youngest of the five Dayton brothers who took over their father’s eponymous department store in downtown Minneapolis in the 1940s, Dayton got his start in the business after wartime service as a sergeant in an infantry division that won him the Purple Heart and attending college at Amherst.
The Dayton brothers “were damn good department store merchants in our heyday,” Dayton recalled in a May interview. He served as a store manager, taking note along the way of the rise of discounter Kmart and the threat it and others posed to full-service department stores.
Dayton was an early proponent of the family trying its hand at the discount business. In 1960, he and a like-minded Dayton’s merchandiser were charged with planning the launch of what became Target.
Dayton was named Target’s president and the company invested $4 million to open the first four Targets two years later in the Twin Cities suburbs of Roseville, Crystal, St. Louis Park and Knollwood.
“Target was the best job I had,” he recalled.
By the end of Target’s first year, Dayton told his disbelieving brothers that he thought the discount business could double their early estimates of $50 million in annual revenue in just a few years.
His confidence was bolstered when he starting hearing customers refer to Target as “Tarzshay.” The fledgling company was establishing itself as something new — an upscale discounter that attracted customers for its bright stores and attractive merchandise, not just low prices.
“I remember telling my brother Bruce that we were going to do $100 million and he sent me a nice note when we did it in 1968,” Doug Dayton recalled in the May interview. “We laughed at that one. It took about 10 years to get to $1 billion in sales but I think we put down a good base.
By the time Dayton was recalled to Dayton Hudson corporate headquarters in 1969, Target was on its way to becoming the retail force that would one day eclipse its parent. Minneapolis-based Target is now No. 36 on the Fortune 500.
Dayton spent two years as senior vice president of administration for Dayton Hudson, but found he didn’t enjoy the work like he had at Target.
“I didn’t cotton to that staff job,” Dayton said in the May interview.
He retired and began a second career as a venture capitalist, small-business owner, community volunteer and philanthropist.
He spent nearly two years after his retirement from Dayton’s leading a team of volunteer executives that found ways to make state government more efficient and effective.
Dayton is survived by his wife, three sons, a stepdaughter, six grandchildren and his brother, Bruce. Gov. Mark Dayton is his nephew.
-StarTrubine