Saturday, January 14, 2017
Poland welcomes 3,500 US troops amid fears over Russia aggressionPl
Poland has welcomed US troops into the country amid security fears over Russia - with joint picnics held for citizens and American soldiers.
The arrival of the 3,500 soldiers is part of a deployment to NATO's eastern flank aimed at deterring aggression from Moscow.
Hailing from Fort Carson, Colorado, the so-called "Iron Brigade" is made up of highly trained soldiers and heavy military equipment.
They will be deployed with NATO partners Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary on a rotational basis.
Prime Minister Beata Szydlo welcomed the troops in Zagan, the Polish town on the German border where the brigade will be headquartered.
"We hope you feel at home," she said.
"The presence of American soldiers in Poland is another step in our strategy to ensure safety and security for Poland and the region," she added.
The defence ministry held "Safe Poland" picnics on Saturday in cities across the country.
The picnics enabled people to meet Polish and US troops and view their military hardware. They were offered typical Polish army food, including pea soup with ham.
Carrie Fisher will not be digitally recreated in future Star Wars films
The makers of Star Wars have dismissed rumours that Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia may live on.
In a statement Lucasfilm said: "There is a rumour circulating that we would like to address.
"We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher's performance as Princess or General Leia Organa."
Fisher, who reprised her role as Leia in 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, had finished shooting Star Wars: Episode VIII, due out next December, when she died of a heart attack on 27 December aged 60.
But Fisher had also been slated to appear in Episode IX, due for release in 2019.
That film is still being scripted and the writers are deciding how to handle her death.
Adding to the speculation was the brief appearance of a digitised 1977-era Fisher in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which was released last month.
But Lucasfilm insisted Episode VIII will be Fisher's last.
"Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family," the company's statement said.
"She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend.
"We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honour everything she gave to Star Wars."
In a statement Lucasfilm said: "There is a rumour circulating that we would like to address.
"We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher's performance as Princess or General Leia Organa."
Fisher, who reprised her role as Leia in 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, had finished shooting Star Wars: Episode VIII, due out next December, when she died of a heart attack on 27 December aged 60.
But Fisher had also been slated to appear in Episode IX, due for release in 2019.
That film is still being scripted and the writers are deciding how to handle her death.
Adding to the speculation was the brief appearance of a digitised 1977-era Fisher in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which was released last month.
But Lucasfilm insisted Episode VIII will be Fisher's last.
"Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family," the company's statement said.
"She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend.
"We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honour everything she gave to Star Wars."
Trump will keep Russia sanctions 'for period of time'
Donald Trump has said he would keep sanctions against Russia in place "at least for a period of time".
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, the US President-elect suggested, however, that he might do away with the sanctions if Moscow proves helpful in battling terrorists and achieving other goals.
He said: "If you get along and if Russia is really helping us, why would anybody have sanctions if somebody's doing some really great things?"
Mr Trump also told the newspaper he is prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin some time after he is sworn in on 20 January.
"I understand that they would like to meet, and that's absolutely fine with me," he said.
The sanctions were imposed by the Obama administration in late December in response to Moscow's alleged cyberattacks during the election campaign.
They targeted the GRU and FSB, leading Russian intelligence agencies that the US said were involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other groups.
The US also kicked out 35 Russian diplomats who it said were actually intelligence operatives.
:: When does Donald Trump become President?
The remarks by Mr Trump come at a time when alleged ties between his campaign and Russia - and his own friendly posture toward Moscow - have come under intense scrutiny.
On Friday it emerged that Mr Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and Russia's ambassador to Washington, Sergey Kislyak, have been in frequent contact in recent weeks, including on the day the Obama administration imposed the sanctions.
While it is no unusual for incoming administrations to have discussions with foreign governments before taking office, the timings of the contacts would raise questions about whether Mr Trump's team discussed Russia's response to the measures.
Mr Trump has promised a friendlier relation with Moscow.
"If Putin likes Donald Trump, I consider that an asset, not a liability, because we have a horrible relationship with Russia," he said on Wednesday during his first news conference since the election.
He repeatedly dismissed US intelligence agencies' assertions about Russia's role in the hacking of Democratic groups, though he acknowledged for the first time during the press conference that he accepts that Moscow was behind the hacking.
Mr Trump has rejected as "fake news" a report including unsubstantiated claims that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.
He blamed the report on "sleazebag political operatives".
The report was put together by a former British spy, Christopher Steele, who is now thought to have fled his home fearing for his and his family's safety.
In the interview with the WSJ, Mr Trump also said he would not commit to the "one China" policy until he sees progress from Beijing in its currency and trade practices.
"Everything is under negotiation including One China," he said.
The US acknowledgement of the Chinese position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China had underpinned relations between Washington and Beijing for decades.
Mr Trump already angered the Chinese by taking a congratulatory phone call after his election win from Taiwan's leader and questioning the "one China" policy.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, the US President-elect suggested, however, that he might do away with the sanctions if Moscow proves helpful in battling terrorists and achieving other goals.
He said: "If you get along and if Russia is really helping us, why would anybody have sanctions if somebody's doing some really great things?"
Mr Trump also told the newspaper he is prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin some time after he is sworn in on 20 January.
"I understand that they would like to meet, and that's absolutely fine with me," he said.
The sanctions were imposed by the Obama administration in late December in response to Moscow's alleged cyberattacks during the election campaign.
They targeted the GRU and FSB, leading Russian intelligence agencies that the US said were involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other groups.
The US also kicked out 35 Russian diplomats who it said were actually intelligence operatives.
:: When does Donald Trump become President?
The remarks by Mr Trump come at a time when alleged ties between his campaign and Russia - and his own friendly posture toward Moscow - have come under intense scrutiny.
On Friday it emerged that Mr Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and Russia's ambassador to Washington, Sergey Kislyak, have been in frequent contact in recent weeks, including on the day the Obama administration imposed the sanctions.
While it is no unusual for incoming administrations to have discussions with foreign governments before taking office, the timings of the contacts would raise questions about whether Mr Trump's team discussed Russia's response to the measures.
Mr Trump has promised a friendlier relation with Moscow.
"If Putin likes Donald Trump, I consider that an asset, not a liability, because we have a horrible relationship with Russia," he said on Wednesday during his first news conference since the election.
He repeatedly dismissed US intelligence agencies' assertions about Russia's role in the hacking of Democratic groups, though he acknowledged for the first time during the press conference that he accepts that Moscow was behind the hacking.
Mr Trump has rejected as "fake news" a report including unsubstantiated claims that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.
He blamed the report on "sleazebag political operatives".
The report was put together by a former British spy, Christopher Steele, who is now thought to have fled his home fearing for his and his family's safety.
In the interview with the WSJ, Mr Trump also said he would not commit to the "one China" policy until he sees progress from Beijing in its currency and trade practices.
"Everything is under negotiation including One China," he said.
The US acknowledgement of the Chinese position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China had underpinned relations between Washington and Beijing for decades.
Mr Trump already angered the Chinese by taking a congratulatory phone call after his election win from Taiwan's leader and questioning the "one China" policy.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard finalise bitter divorce
After months of highly publicised claims of domestic violence and counter-claims of financial blackmail, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's divorce has been finalised.
Court papers filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court detailed a splitting of marital assets and an agreement by Depp to pay a previously announced sum of $7m to Heard.
Heard, 30, filed for divorce in May after 15 months of marriage, and days later obtained a temporary restraining order against Depp, 53.
She said in court filings that Depp was abusive to her throughout their marriage, culminating in a row in May in which he threw a mobile phone at her face and broke various objects in her apartment.
A lawyer for Depp denied allegations of abuse and argued that Heard was "attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse".
As part of the divorce settlement, Heard dismissed her request for a continued restraining order against Depp.
She also dropped her defamation lawsuit against Depp's friend, comedian Doug Stanhope, over an article he had written accusing the actress of blackmailing and manipulating her estranged husband.
The divorce papers showed that Depp would retain sole possession of numerous real estate assets, including properties in Los Angeles, Paris and his private island in the Bahamas. He will also keep more than 40 vehicles and vessels, including vintage cars and his motorbike collection.
Heard will maintain custody of her dogs Pistol and Boo, the two canines at the centre of a scandal in Australia in which Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying travel documents to sneak her pets into the country in 2015 without proper quarantine procedures.
Heard said she would split her $7m divorce settlement between the American Civil Liberties Union and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
Heard's lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, hailed the finalisation as a "great day" for his client, adding: "All Amber wanted was to be divorced and now she is."
There was no immediate statement from Depp as it also emerged that the star has launched a $25m court action against his former business managers over claims he has been the victim of "gross misconduct" which cost him "tens of millions of dollars".
According to documents filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, Depp claims the company, The Management Group (TMG) failed to properly pay his taxes, made unauthorised loans and overpaid for security and other services.
Court papers filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court detailed a splitting of marital assets and an agreement by Depp to pay a previously announced sum of $7m to Heard.
Heard, 30, filed for divorce in May after 15 months of marriage, and days later obtained a temporary restraining order against Depp, 53.
She said in court filings that Depp was abusive to her throughout their marriage, culminating in a row in May in which he threw a mobile phone at her face and broke various objects in her apartment.
A lawyer for Depp denied allegations of abuse and argued that Heard was "attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse".
As part of the divorce settlement, Heard dismissed her request for a continued restraining order against Depp.
She also dropped her defamation lawsuit against Depp's friend, comedian Doug Stanhope, over an article he had written accusing the actress of blackmailing and manipulating her estranged husband.
The divorce papers showed that Depp would retain sole possession of numerous real estate assets, including properties in Los Angeles, Paris and his private island in the Bahamas. He will also keep more than 40 vehicles and vessels, including vintage cars and his motorbike collection.
Heard will maintain custody of her dogs Pistol and Boo, the two canines at the centre of a scandal in Australia in which Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying travel documents to sneak her pets into the country in 2015 without proper quarantine procedures.
Heard said she would split her $7m divorce settlement between the American Civil Liberties Union and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
Heard's lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, hailed the finalisation as a "great day" for his client, adding: "All Amber wanted was to be divorced and now she is."
There was no immediate statement from Depp as it also emerged that the star has launched a $25m court action against his former business managers over claims he has been the victim of "gross misconduct" which cost him "tens of millions of dollars".
According to documents filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, Depp claims the company, The Management Group (TMG) failed to properly pay his taxes, made unauthorised loans and overpaid for security and other services.
MPs urge Theresa May to set out Brexit plan within month
MPs are calling on Theresa May to publish her Brexit plan by the middle of next month and make clear whether she wants to keep Britain in the single market.
The Commons’ committee on Exiting the EU also said in a report that the Prime Minister should commit to giving MPs a vote on the final Brexit deal with EU nations.
Meanwhile, the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has offered the first hint of a compromise from Brussels to ensure member states continue to have easy access to the City, according to The Guardian.
Mrs May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, to formally begin divorce talks, by the end of March.
But, six months after the 23 June referendum, she has revealed very little about the Government’s Brexit plan.
"The government needs to publish its Brexit plan by mid-February at the latest, including its position on membership of the single market and the customs union, so that it can be scrutinised by Parliament and the public," said Hilary Benn, chair of the committee.
The plan must be presented in the form of a white paper, a government policy document, and should be published alongside economic assessments of the different options for market access and trade, the committee added.
The PM has insisted she would not be giving a "running commentary" on preparations, saying this would weaken the government's hand in the talks with Brussels.
On Tuesday, she is due to give a major speech in which she is expected to set out her vision for Brexit.
The report said the government should seek a transitional deal with the bloc, warning that a "cliff edge" departure would be "extremely disruptive".
The absence of transitional arrangements could push some businesses to relocate out of the UK or move investment overseas, it said.
The committee urged the Government to ensure continued access to EU markets for UK financial services providers and to keep up cooperation on sectors including defence, financial crime and counter-terrorism.
Mr Benn called for "clarity" on the Government’s broad aims.
"This is going to be a hugely complex task and the outcome will affect us all," he said.
"Whatever deal is concluded, Parliament must be given a vote on it and the Government should make this clear now."
On the other side of the negotiating table, Mr Barnier has reportedly told MEPs that he wants a "special relationship" with the City to avert financial instability once Britain leaves the bloc.
The Guardian cited unpublished minutes of a meeting and quoted a source who was present as saying the minutes represented a "more or less accurate" account of the discussions.
A spokesman for the European Commission, however, told The Guardian that the minutes, drawn up by European parliament officials, did not "correctly reflect what Mr Barnier said".
The cross-party committee on Exiting the EU includes prominent Brexiteers like Michael Gove and Dominic Raab, as well as former backers of the Remain campaign like Mr Benn. This was its first report.
A spokesman for the Department for Exiting Europe said the Government was focused on achieving a "smooth and orderly exit" and said it was approaching the talks "with the full intention of securing a deal that delivers the best possible outcome for the UK".
The Commons’ committee on Exiting the EU also said in a report that the Prime Minister should commit to giving MPs a vote on the final Brexit deal with EU nations.
Meanwhile, the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has offered the first hint of a compromise from Brussels to ensure member states continue to have easy access to the City, according to The Guardian.
Mrs May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, to formally begin divorce talks, by the end of March.
But, six months after the 23 June referendum, she has revealed very little about the Government’s Brexit plan.
"The government needs to publish its Brexit plan by mid-February at the latest, including its position on membership of the single market and the customs union, so that it can be scrutinised by Parliament and the public," said Hilary Benn, chair of the committee.
The plan must be presented in the form of a white paper, a government policy document, and should be published alongside economic assessments of the different options for market access and trade, the committee added.
The PM has insisted she would not be giving a "running commentary" on preparations, saying this would weaken the government's hand in the talks with Brussels.
On Tuesday, she is due to give a major speech in which she is expected to set out her vision for Brexit.
The report said the government should seek a transitional deal with the bloc, warning that a "cliff edge" departure would be "extremely disruptive".
The absence of transitional arrangements could push some businesses to relocate out of the UK or move investment overseas, it said.
The committee urged the Government to ensure continued access to EU markets for UK financial services providers and to keep up cooperation on sectors including defence, financial crime and counter-terrorism.
Mr Benn called for "clarity" on the Government’s broad aims.
"This is going to be a hugely complex task and the outcome will affect us all," he said.
"Whatever deal is concluded, Parliament must be given a vote on it and the Government should make this clear now."
On the other side of the negotiating table, Mr Barnier has reportedly told MEPs that he wants a "special relationship" with the City to avert financial instability once Britain leaves the bloc.
The Guardian cited unpublished minutes of a meeting and quoted a source who was present as saying the minutes represented a "more or less accurate" account of the discussions.
A spokesman for the European Commission, however, told The Guardian that the minutes, drawn up by European parliament officials, did not "correctly reflect what Mr Barnier said".
The cross-party committee on Exiting the EU includes prominent Brexiteers like Michael Gove and Dominic Raab, as well as former backers of the Remain campaign like Mr Benn. This was its first report.
A spokesman for the Department for Exiting Europe said the Government was focused on achieving a "smooth and orderly exit" and said it was approaching the talks "with the full intention of securing a deal that delivers the best possible outcome for the UK".
Troops evacuate thousands amid fears of severe flooding
Hundreds of soldiers are helping evacuate thousands of people from their homes as Britain's coast prepares for the possibility of severe flooding.
Seventeen severe flood warnings - meaning danger to life - have been issued for the east coast.
There are fears giant waves could crash over coastal defences in areas including Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Residents in Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire have also been warned to stay away from coastal areas.
One hundred soldiers from the Catterick Army base have been deployed to Skegness, Lincolnshire, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued 83 flood warnings and 69 flood alerts as gale-force winds wreak havoc.
It is expected the east coast will be hit by the storm surge during the second high tide.
:: All the latest as extreme weather hits the UK
Evacuations are under way in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk and Jaywick, Mistley and Mersea in Essex.
Residents in 1,800 properties in East Suffolk are also being told to leave their homes.
Rest centres have been set up for residents in areas affected by the flooding.
The risk of flooding in Great Yarmouth is expected to peak at 9.30pm, Norfolk Police said.
Rescue workers will visit more than 5,000 properties in the coastal town ahead of a storm surge at high tide.
Superintendent Dave Buckley said: "Military resources - around 200 troops - are en route.
"They will start arriving shortly to assist with the evacuation process."
In Suffolk there is potential for severe flooding from 9.30pm, with Lowestoft and Waveney expected to be the worst hit, police said.
The EA has moved more than five miles (8km) of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast.
Mark Sitton-Kent, from the EA, said: "The combination of gale-force winds, high tides, dangerous waves carrying rocks and a coastal surge means parts of the east coast are extremely dangerous.
"We have issued severe flood warnings and urge everyone to check their flood risk and ensure they are in a safe place."
Three schools in Norfolk and nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, were closed for the day.
The flooding threat comes as Britain is battered by wintry conditions, with severe Met Office weather warnings for ice in place.
Temperatures plummeted to minus 2C (28.4F) in parts of the East and South East during the early hours of Friday.
Scotland and the North of England were covered with a blanket of snow.
Conditions are expected to turn milder and become more settled over the weekend.
The Environment Agency's severe flood warnings cover 17 areas:
:: Aldeburgh and Thorpeness
:: Blythburgh and marshes upstream of A12
:: East bank of the River Yare at Great Yarmouth from South Denes to South Quay
:: East banks of the Rivers Yare and Bure at Great Yarmouth including North Quay, Newtown and Bure Park
:: Lowestoft Seafront and Docks
:: North Bank of Lake Lothing
:: Oulton Broad near Mutford Lock
:: Riverside Business Park and Kirkley
:: Rivers Yare and Bure from Runham Vauxhall to Scare Gap including Vauxhall Holiday Park.
:: Snape, Iken and surrounding marshland
:: South Bank of Lake Lothing, Bourne Business Park to Mutford Lock
:: Southwold and surrounding marshes
:: The coast from Clacton to Lee Wick
:: Tidal River Stour at Mistley, including the Quay and The Walls
:: West bank of the River Yare at Great Yarmouth from Gorleston to Ferry Hill
:: West Bank of the River Yare at Great Yarmouth including Southtown and Cobholm
:: West Mersea, The Strood and adjacent marshland
Seventeen severe flood warnings - meaning danger to life - have been issued for the east coast.
There are fears giant waves could crash over coastal defences in areas including Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Residents in Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire have also been warned to stay away from coastal areas.
One hundred soldiers from the Catterick Army base have been deployed to Skegness, Lincolnshire, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued 83 flood warnings and 69 flood alerts as gale-force winds wreak havoc.
It is expected the east coast will be hit by the storm surge during the second high tide.
:: All the latest as extreme weather hits the UK
Evacuations are under way in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk and Jaywick, Mistley and Mersea in Essex.
Residents in 1,800 properties in East Suffolk are also being told to leave their homes.
Rest centres have been set up for residents in areas affected by the flooding.
The risk of flooding in Great Yarmouth is expected to peak at 9.30pm, Norfolk Police said.
Rescue workers will visit more than 5,000 properties in the coastal town ahead of a storm surge at high tide.
Superintendent Dave Buckley said: "Military resources - around 200 troops - are en route.
"They will start arriving shortly to assist with the evacuation process."
In Suffolk there is potential for severe flooding from 9.30pm, with Lowestoft and Waveney expected to be the worst hit, police said.
The EA has moved more than five miles (8km) of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast.
Mark Sitton-Kent, from the EA, said: "The combination of gale-force winds, high tides, dangerous waves carrying rocks and a coastal surge means parts of the east coast are extremely dangerous.
"We have issued severe flood warnings and urge everyone to check their flood risk and ensure they are in a safe place."
Three schools in Norfolk and nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, were closed for the day.
The flooding threat comes as Britain is battered by wintry conditions, with severe Met Office weather warnings for ice in place.
Temperatures plummeted to minus 2C (28.4F) in parts of the East and South East during the early hours of Friday.
Scotland and the North of England were covered with a blanket of snow.
Conditions are expected to turn milder and become more settled over the weekend.
The Environment Agency's severe flood warnings cover 17 areas:
:: Aldeburgh and Thorpeness
:: Blythburgh and marshes upstream of A12
:: East bank of the River Yare at Great Yarmouth from South Denes to South Quay
:: East banks of the Rivers Yare and Bure at Great Yarmouth including North Quay, Newtown and Bure Park
:: Lowestoft Seafront and Docks
:: North Bank of Lake Lothing
:: Oulton Broad near Mutford Lock
:: Riverside Business Park and Kirkley
:: Rivers Yare and Bure from Runham Vauxhall to Scare Gap including Vauxhall Holiday Park.
:: Snape, Iken and surrounding marshland
:: South Bank of Lake Lothing, Bourne Business Park to Mutford Lock
:: Southwold and surrounding marshes
:: The coast from Clacton to Lee Wick
:: Tidal River Stour at Mistley, including the Quay and The Walls
:: West bank of the River Yare at Great Yarmouth from Gorleston to Ferry Hill
:: West Bank of the River Yare at Great Yarmouth including Southtown and Cobholm
:: West Mersea, The Strood and adjacent marshland
Friday, January 13, 2017
Trump hits out at 'sleazebags' and 'guilty as hell' Clinton
Donald Trump has blamed "sleazebag political operatives" for a leaked dossier that alleges Russia has damaging information about him.
In a flurry of tweets, the President-elect also hit out at Hillary Clinton, who he described as "guilty as hell".
And Mr Trump promised a report within three months on allegations of hacking during the US presidential election campaign.
Mr Trump tweeted: "It now turns out that the phony allegations against me were put together by my political opponents and a failed spy afraid of being sued...
:: When does Donald Trump become President?
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