Russia - Anti-Putin rally in Moscow ends in more arrests / Россия - против Путина митинг в Москве заканчивается в новые аресты

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Thousands of people in Russia have again rallied in protest at last weekend's election of Vladimir Putin as president.

But their numbers were far fewer than in previous weeks. Organisers of the main rally in Moscow put the crowd at 25,000, the police said 10,000.

The protesters allege electoral fraud and want to overhaul a system in which Putin's grip on power has become entrenched.

They chanted "time for change" and "Russia without Putin". "12 more years? No thanks!" read one banner.

"The most awful thing that can happen is that we lose heart, that we let this government win finally and say we no longer have a chance," said opposition leader Garry Kasparov, the former chess champion.

"Were these elections? Tell me, were these elections?" cried another protest organiser, Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov, echoing many slogans at the rally as he addressed the crowd.

"And that man who cried those crocodile tears, can we call him the elected president?" he went on. Vladimir Putin was famously seen wiping his eyes at his victory celebration rally.

"Comrades, it's simple - either they have us for another six years or we have them. I don't want to be had for another six years, I will fight... will you fight?" The crowd shouted "yes" in unison.

Udaltsov's attempt to act on his words, by taking the protest in the direction of Pushkin Square, immediately got him into trouble. He was arrested by waiting police.

The first rally had been sanctioned by the authorities; this impromptu follow-up protest most definitely had not.

Several others, around 20, were also detained. Another 10 were reported to have been held in St Petersburg.

It follows hundreds of arrests a day after the election. Putin has made it clear the authorities will crack down on protests that have no official permission.

Slovakia - election: "Gorilla" may help Roberto Fico to victory

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Robert Fico is poised to sweep to victory in the Slovakian election on Saturday.

The Leftist former Prime Minister has gained much support pledging to tax the rich and better protect the working classes in the country which is facing high unemployment and economic turmoil.

The election - in the euro zone's second poorest country - has been called two years early after the coalition collapsed when one of its junior members refused to back the expansion of the euro zone's bailout fund.

Fico will be helped by the decision of popular Prime Minister Iveta Radicova to resign the leadership of the Slovak Democratic Union.

The new leader of the centre-right party, Mikulas Dzurinda, looks set to lose his seat at the top table and faces being voted out of parliament. There is great upset in the country following the apparent leak of a secret service file codenamed "Gorilla" in December.

It claimed to show bugged conversations between top politicians and businessmen in which they discuss kickbacks in return for the sale of public companies.

Tens of thousands of angry Slovaks took to the streets in the aftermath of the leak. Many voters are said to be disillusioned by corruption in the country. Analysts estimate a record low turnout of around 40 per cent, a factor which should also help Fico.

USA - President Barack Obama Strikes Back at GOP on Gas Prices

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by AssociatedPress

President Barack Obama is hitting back at Republican criticism of his energy policies and his role in controlling gasoline prices. (March 10)

Brazil - Prince Harry plays rugby and beach volleyball in Rio de Janiero

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Mar 10, 2012

UK's Prince Harry plays rugby with kids and has beach volleyball lessons during his visit to Rio de Janeiro.

Today in History March 10

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Here is a look at some of the notable events that took place on this day in history, March 10.

Syria - Kofi Annan Bashar al-Assad meeting in Damascus., State TV reports a "positive atmosphere".

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ The UN and Arab League's special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, has met President Bashar al-Assad to call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.

Syrian state TV said the meeting in Damascus took place in a "positive atmosphere".

It came a day after government forces are said to have killed more than 70 people across Syria, mainly in Homs and the northern province of Idlib.

Last week the UN's refugee agency said neighbouring Lebanon had received more than 1,500 people, mostly women and children, who'd crossed the border from Syria fleeing the violence.

One hospital in northern Lebanon has witnessed a steady flow of wounded arriving from Syria: 180 in February, almost another 40 this month.

Some say they dare not seek treatment in Syrian hospitals because they claim security forces seek out opponents of the regime among the injured and kill them.

Kofi Annan was also expected to call on President Assad to allow access for humanitarian aid.

Russia - protests in key anti-Putin test 50,000 in Moscow / Россия - протесты в ключевых антипутинской тест 50 000 в Москве

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Thousands of people have turned out for more protest rallies in Russia against the election of Vladimir Putin as president.

In Moscow activists say up to 50,000 gathered in the city centre - the police say 10,000 - hoping to keep up the momentum over allegations of electoral fraud.

It is a key moment for the opposition, for whom large numbers are essential to keep up the pressure on those in power.

The Moscow rally has been approved by the authorities, but observers say the venue's large size may make numbers look smaller.

International election monitors say the presidential election was weighted in Putin's favour, although Russia's Central Election Commission said there were no serious violations.

Vladimir Putin is preparing for a third term as president after spending the last four years as prime minister.

One opposition leader who was barred from running in the election has said people should be patient in seeking to change a political system dominated by Putin.

Coke and Pepsi alter colouring process over cancer listing

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Coca-Cola has denied reports that it is changing its drinks formula because of health concerns over an ingredient in the US.

Like its rival Pepsi, it is making changes to the production of a caramel colouring - beginning in California where a chemical ingredient, 4-MEI, has been added to a list linked to cancer.

A US watchdog, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, has told the consumer protection agency the Food and Drug Administration that it found unsafe levels of the chemical in various colas.

"Even the amount of 4-methylimidazole that remains in California colas exceeds the amount that the FDA considers acceptable. We've urged the FDA to take action and get this caramel colouring off the market," said Michael Jacobson, the CSPI's Executive Director.

The FDA said last week that it was reviewing the group's petition.

It has described the colas as safe, saying people would need to drink 1,000 cans a day to absorb doses of the chemical that have shown links to cancer in mice and rats.

"There is no link to cancer in humans. The dose consumed each day is extremely small, so that's why there's no risk," said French scientist Jean-François Narbonne, Professor of Toxicology at Bordeaux University.

By reducing the amount of 4-MEI in the colouring, manufacturers will avoid having to add health warnings in California.

Coca Cola and Pepsi say their products remain safe and consumers will notice no difference.