Thursday, September 29, 2016

US election 2016: Trump accused of Cuba embargo breach

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Hillary Clinton says presidential rival Donald Trump appears to have violated US laws, after a report said he broke a trade embargo with Cuba.
Newsweek reports that Mr Trump's company secretly conducted business in Cuba, violating the US trade embargo against the country.
The company allegedly spent at least $68,000 (£52,300) in Cuba in 1998.
Mr Trump's spokesman Kellyanne Conway said the money was not paid, and that he was against deals with Cuba.
Mr Trump has also repeatedly said he had rejected offers to invest in Cuba.
The Newsweek report says Mr Trump's company funnelled the cash through a US consulting firm to make it appear legal.
Mrs Clinton said: "We have laws in our country, and the efforts that Trump was making to get into the Cuban market - putting his business interests ahead of the laws of the United States and the requirements that businesses were operating under with sanctions shows that he puts his personal and business interests ahead of the laws and values and the policies of the United States of America."
"This is something they're going to have to give a response to," said Marco Rubio, the Cuban-American senator from Florida who has endorsed Mr Trump. "I mean, it was a violation of American law, if that's how it happened.
"I hope the Trump campaign is going to come forward and answer some questions about this, because if what the article says is true - and I'm not saying that it is, we don't know with 100% certainty - I'd be deeply concerned about it," he told a podcast hosted by ESPN and ABC.

Analysis: Anthony Zurcher, BBC News North America reporter

Don't run afoul of Florida's expatriate Cuban community. It's one of those iron-clad rules that Republican presidential nominees have obeyed since the rise of Fidel Castro - and it's now another rule that Donald Trump has apparently broken.
Cuban-Americans who fled the island after the revolution historically have been a reliable voting bloc in Florida for Republicans because of the party's hard-line anti-communist stance. While new generations of Cuban-Americans have been less rigid on the issue, Republican presidential candidates continue to pay deference to their interests in this presidential swing state, where every vote is precious.
Earlier this week, the Republican nominee was making nice with Cuban-Americans in Miami's Little Havana and ordering coffee at the famous Versailles Restaurant - much like his predecessors had before him. His efforts, however, may be undone by his past actions.

What the report says



Newsweek's front-page - citing company records, interviews with former Trump executives and court filings - alleges that Mr Trump's company, then called Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, sent a consulting firm to Havana on its behalf in search of business opportunities.
Newsweek says Mr Trump's senior officers disguised the cash by making it appear that the trip was connected to a Catholic charity.
If the consulting firm spent US money during the visit, without permission from the US government, it would have directly violated the Cuban embargo, which remains in place to this day despite a warming in US-Cuba ties.

What the Trump campaign has said

Speaking on ABC earlier on Thursday, Ms Conway initially said: "As I understand from the story, they paid money in 1998." Later in the same interview, she said: "Did his hotel invest in 1998 in Cuba? No."
There has been no further statement from the Trump campaign.
Ms Conway referred to comments Mr Trump has made in the past that were critical of the Cuban regime, and supportive of the embargo.
In a 1999 column in The Miami Herald, Mr Trump wrote that he had snubbed chances to do business in Cuba. "It would place me directly at odds with the longstanding US policy of isolating Fidel Castro. I had a choice to make: huge profits or human rights. For me, it was a no-brainer.

A history of the US trade embargo with Cuba

1959: Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro leads a guerrilla army into Havana overthrowing the Batista regime.
1960: In response to Castro's communist reforms, US breaks off diplomatic relations with Cuba and imposes a trade embargo.
1962: Castro agrees to allow the Soviet Union to deploy nuclear missiles on the island bringing the US and the USSR to the brink of nuclear war.
April 2009: President Barack Obama lifts restrictions on family travel and the sending of remittances to Cuba.
July 2015: The US and Cuba reopen embassies in each other's capitals and restore full diplomatic ties.
March 2016: President Obama makes a three-day visit to Cuba and holds talks with President Raul Castro. He expresses hope the embargo will be ended, but it can only be lifted by the US Congress which is controlled by Republicans who oppose the move.
Aug 2016: US commercial flight arrives in Cuba for the first time in more than half a century.
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Monday, September 26, 2016

Colombia peace deal: Historic agreement is signed

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Colombia's President Santos, left, and the rebel leader known as Timochenko shook hands after signing the dea

lThe Colombian government and left-wing Farc rebels have signed a historic agreement that formally brings an end to 52 years of civil war.
The rebel leader Timoleon Jimenez, known as Timochenko, apologised to "all the victims of the conflict" and was greeted by cheers and applause.
He said: "I would like to ask for forgiveness for all the pain that we have caused during this war."
Guests dressed in white at the ceremony in Cartagena, to symbolise peace.
The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, and leaders of Latin American countries were among those present.
The last of the major Cold War conflicts killed 260,000 people and left six million internally displaced.
President Juan Manuel Santos said: "We will achieve any goal, overcome any hurdle and turn our nation into a country we've always dreamed of - a country in peace."

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, second from left, and the rebel leader Timochenko, right, watched as the president signed the historic deal

Timochenko said the Farc, a group founded as the armed wing of the Communist Party in 1964, is leaving armed conflict behind and moving in to peaceful politics.
"No-one should doubt that we are moving into politics without arms," he said.
"Let us all be prepared to disarm our hearts."
The president and TImochenko used a pen made from a bullet to sign the deal.
The deal must pass a referendum on Sunday before it can pass into law. Polls indicate the majority of Colombians will vote for it, although there has been some opposition, led by two ex-presidents.
Timochenko travelled to Cartagena on Saturday for the historic ceremony

Relatives of people kidnapped and murdered by Farc rebels are attending the ceremony

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is in Cartagena for the signing ceremony

Under the deal, the Farc will be relaunched as a political party. The entire peace agreement will be put to Colombian voters in a popular vote on 2 October.
It comes after four years of talks in Havana, Cuba, between President Santos and Timochenko.
About 2,500 foreign and local dignitaries witnessed the signing ceremony in the walled, colonial city of Cartagena.
The president said the decision to use a bullet-pen was intended to illustrate Colombia's transition from a country of bullets into a country of "education and future".

Correspondents say most Colombians are expected to support the deal - these supporters have made a sign of the Spanish word for "peace"

But some people are opposed to it - demonstrations against the deal were held in Cartagena on Monday

Correspondents say President Santos has risked his political future on the success of the peace deal.
Dignitaries attending the ceremony include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Cuban President Raul Castro.
"This step that your country is going to take is a giant step," Mr Kerry said as he arrived in the country.
He praised the efforts of Mr Santos to secure the deal and and pledged $390m (£300m) to help implement it.
The US is not yet ready to remove the Farc from its list of terrorist organisations, he said, but is prepared to review that sanction once the peace agreement is up and running.
However, only hours before the signing, the EU announced it was removing the Farc from its list.
"This decision will allow us to support the post-conflict programme and will be of benefit to all Colombians," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on social media.
Correspondents say that although there is widespread hope that the deal may bring an end to the kidnappings and bloodshed that have blighted Colombia over five decades, it has also led to divisions in Latin America's fourth-biggest economy.
Some are angry that it allows rebels to enter parliament without serving time in prison.
Farc rebels must now hand over weapons to the UN within 180 days.

The Farc's 52-year fight



1964: Set up as armed wing of Communist Party
2002: At its height, it had an army of 20,000 fighters controlling up to a third of the country. Senator Ingrid Betancourt kidnapped and held for six years along with 14 other hostages
2008: The Farc suffers a series of defeats in its worst year
2012: Start of peace talks in Havana
2016: Definitive ceasefire

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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Miami Marlins baseball star Jose Fernandez dies in boat crash

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Jose Fernandez, a pitcher for the Miami Marlins baseball team, has died in a boat crash at the age of 24.
The US Coast Guard said Fernandez was one of three people killed in the crash on Sunday, off Miami Beach, Florida.
The club said it was "devastated". Marlins's home game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday was cancelled.
Fernandez was born in Santa Clara, in Cuba, and defected to Florida when he was 16, after three failed attempts. He made his debut for the Marlins in 2013.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Todd Garofalo told local news station WSVN: "They found a boat that was up against the jetties. They did do an initial search and they found three victims - two on top of the water, one underneath the boat and they had unfortunately passed away."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the 32-foot vessel had a "severe impact" with large rocks that form part of the jetty.
Officials said Fernandez was not wearing a life vest at the time of the crash.
The names of the other two individuals are being withheld until their relatives can be informed, the Coast Guard said.
Fernandez shared a picture on Instagram five days ago which appears to show his girlfriend Carla Mendoza pregnant.
The caption reads: "I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst."

Sports fans and players paid tribute to the player across social media. Fellow Cuban, Yasiel Puig, a right-fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, hung Fernandez's jersey in the dugout before his game against the Rockies, expressing his sadness on Twitter.


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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Tulsa shooting police officer charged

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A police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been charged with manslaughter, a prosecutor has said.
District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler has filed first-degree manslaughter charges against Officer Betty Shelby.
Ms Shelby shot and killed Terence Crutcher, 40, last week while he was standing next to his broken-down car.
She claimed Mr Crutcher did not follow her commands and she opened fire when he began to reach into his car window.
Mr Crutcher was also struck with a stun gun by another officer, Tyler Turnbough, police said.
But aerial and dashcam police footage showed Mr Crutcher walking away from Officer Shelby with his arms in the air before leaning on his vehicle.
It is unclear in the footage whether Mr Crutcher drops his hands at any point.
Mr Crutcher's family has also disputed Ms Shelby's claim, arguing that his window was closed at the time of the incident.
The family held a news conference on Tuesday showing an enlarged photo appearing to show the SUV window rolled up.
Police have said no gun was found on Mr Crutcher or inside his vehicle.



"Although she is charged, she is presumed innocent until a judge or jury determines otherwise," Mr Kunzweiler said in announcing the charges. "I don't know why things happen in this world the way they do."
Mr Crutcher's death along with the police killing of Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina, have sparked protests in both cities. In Charlotte, there was violence for two nights.
Ms Shelby's lawyer, Scott Wood, told the Tulsa World that his client believed Mr Crutcher was under the influence of the synthetic drug, PCP.
Police confirmed to the newspaper on Tuesday that a vial of the drug was found in the car.
Mr Kunzweiler said a warrant has been issued for the officer's arrest and arrangements were being made with her lawyer for her surrender.
Ms Shelby faces a minimum of four years in prison.
The US Justice Department has also opened a separate investigation to see if Mr Crutcher's civil rights were violated.

More on this story




Source by:http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37447533
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Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Charlotte police: Keith Scott was warned to drop gun

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North Carolina officers repeatedly warned an armed man to drop his gun before fatally shooting him, a police chief said after a night of protests.
Keith Lamont Scott left his car with a handgun when officers opened fire, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney said during a news conference.
Mr Scott, a 43-year-old black man, was shot by a black officer and died at the Carolinas Medical Center.
His death sparked violent protests overnight, leaving 16 officers injured.
Chief Putney said Mr Scott first got out of the car with a gun and got back in when officers directed him to drop his weapon.
As he got out again, he said, officers shot him.
"It's time to change the narrative, because I can tell you from the facts that the story's a little bit different as to how it's been portrayed so far, especially through social media," he said.


Chief Putney added that officers did not find a book at the scene, contradicting claims by Mr Scott's family that he was reading a book in his car when he was shot.
He added while it was evident Mr Scott was armed, it was unclear whether he was pointing the weapon at officers.
Officer Brentley Vinson, a two-year veteran who shot Mr Scott, has been placed on administrative leave over the incident.
Charlotte police were looking for a different suspect to serve a warrant at a block of flats when Mr Scott was killed, police spokesman Keith Trietley said.
When police saw Mr Scott leave the car with a gun, they deemed him as a threat and opened fire.
He died later in hospital.
At a subsequent news conference of black leaders, a Nation of Islam leader called for an economic boycott of Charlotte.
BJ Murphy said: "We don't got nothing to lose."
Mayor Jennifer Roberts, meanwhile, called for calm after protests convulsed the city overnight.
Police used tear gas on dozens of protesters and arrested one in the unrest, which shut down part of Interstate 85.

Following the shooting, a woman who claimed to be Mr Scott's daughter posted a video to Facebook saying her father was unarmed and had a disability, the Charlotte Observer reports.
She claimed Mr Scott was unarmed and reading while he was waiting for his son's school bus and was struck with a stun gun before being shot four times.

Police have not responded to her claims and her account could not be immediately verified.


The protests came a day after police in the city of Tulsa, in Oklahoma, said a black man they had killed on Friday was unarmed.
The North Carolina and Oklahoma incidents are the latest in a string of police shootings that has gripped the US and led to mounting racial tensions across the country.
Mr Scott's family plans to hold a news conference later on Wednesday in the area where he was shot.
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Saturday, September 17, 2016

Syria conflict: US air strikes 'kill dozens of government troops'

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The US-led coalition has admitted its planes carried out an attack in eastern Syria that the Russian army says killed at least 62 Syrian troops fighting IS.
The US said its planes had halted the attack in Deir al-Zour when informed of the Syrian presence.
A spokesman for US President Barack Obama apologised for "unintentional loss of life", AP news agency reported.
The strikes allowed IS to advance, said the Russians, who called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Russia earlier said the current ceasefire in Syria was in danger of collapse and the US would be to blame.
The cessation of hostilities does not include attacks by the US on IS or other jihadist groups.
The US Central Command statement said the coalition believed it was attacking positions of so-called Islamic State and the raids were "halted immediately when coalition officials were informed by Russian officials that it was possible the personnel and vehicles targeted were part of the Syrian military".
It said the "Combined Air Operations Center had earlier informed Russian counterparts of the upcoming strike".
It added: "Syria is a complex situation with various military forces and militias in close proximity, but coalition forces would not intentionally strike a known Syrian military unit. The coalition will review this strike and the circumstances surrounding it to see if any lessons can be learned."


Russia's defence ministry earlier said that if the US air strikes did turn out to be an error, it would be because of Washington's refusal to co-ordinate military action with Moscow.

Only if the current ceasefire - which began on Monday - holds for seven days, will the US and Russia begin co-ordinated action against the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham group, which was previously known as the al-Nusra Front, and IS.
The Russian defence ministry quoted a statement by Syrian army general command as saying that the four coalition air strikes on Syrian troops had allowed IS to advance.
The Russian foreign ministry said the attack had jeopardised the US-Russia agreement on Syria.
The Syrian statement said that the air strikes were "conclusive evidence" that the US and its allies supported the jihadist group.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group put the death toll at at least 80.
There have been no confirmed cases of US air strikes targeting Syrian troops. Last December, Syria accused the coalition of attacking a government army camp in Deir al-Zour but the US denied it.

'Repeated messages'

Earlier, Russia's military expressed fears for the ceasefire. It said rebel groups had increased attacks and it urged the US to act or be responsible for the collapse of the truce.
Russian General Vladimir Savchenko said "the situation in Syria is worsening", with 55 rebel attacks over the past 24 hours, leading to the deaths of 12 civilians.
Gen Viktor Poznikhir said Russia, an ally of the Syrian government, was doing all it could to rein in Syrian troops.
"If the American side does not take the necessary measures to carry out its obligations... a breakdown of the ceasefire will be on the United States," he said.
"The United States and the so-called moderate groups they control have not met a single obligation they assumed in the framework of the Geneva agreement."
The terms require moderate rebel groups to separate themselves from jihadists.
Gen Poznikhir said: "Our repeated messages to the American side are left without a response. There is doubt that the US is able to influence the moderate opposition they control."
A US National Security Council spokesman later said: "While there have been challenges on both sides, violence is considerably lower and the cessation is broadly holding.
"What we're not seeing is humanitarian aid getting through and it will be hard to build confidence on the ground until that occurs."
Some 20 trucks have been waiting since Monday for safe passage from Turkey into Syria and on to rebel-held east Aleppo.

Truce's days may be numbered - BBC's James Longman, Beirut

This was meant to be a trust-building exercise, but nearly a week after the truce began, the blame game has begun.
There was deep scepticism from the rebels about details in the plan which called for their separation from extremist groups. That is why they never formally accepted the deal.
It was always a major sticking point. Were US backed groups supposed to surrender territory to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham? Or were they required to fight them? It was never clear. Either way, the stipulation would leave them far weaker on the battlefield. But refusing and standing in the way of much-needed humanitarian aid would not have been popular.
Now this weekend, the main rebel groups are due to meet to discuss their position. Their mistrust of the government and its Russian allies runs deep. They see the obstruction of aid deliveries on the border as a stalling tactic, and one which they have seen before.
If aid doesn't reach besieged areas soon, the ceasefire's days are numbered. And co-ordinated strikes against IS won't happen.


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