President Donald Trump should be given a chance to prove himself, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe says.
He went on to express his support for Mr Trump's America-first policy, saying "America for Americans" and "Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans".
It is unusual for the veteran head of state to publicly back any US president.
The US imposed sanctions such as travel bans and an assets freeze on Mr Mugabe and his allies in 2001.
The sanctions were imposed over allegations of human rights abuses and election rigging.
Zimbabwe's government says they caused the country's economic collapse.
Most experts however blame Mr Mugabe's seizure of white-owned farms, which used to be Zimbabwe's economic backbone.
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With Mr Trump's reputation for being unconventional, Mr Mugabe is hoping his administration might decide to lift the sanctions.
"Give him time," Zimbabwe's leader said of Mr Trump in an interview aired ahead of his 93rd birthday on Tuesday.
"Mr Trump might even re-look [at] the sanctions on Zimbabwe." Image captionMr Mugabe has hoped Mr Trump might lift US sanctions
President Trump has caused global uproar over his policies, including his ban on people from seven mainly Muslim countries entering the US, although this has been overturned by the courts, and his pledge to rebuild the US economy on "America-first" principles.
Mr Mugabe is unfazed by such policies as he seems to identify with Mr Trump's brand of nationalism.
"When it comes to Donald Trump... talking of American nationalism, well America for America, America for Americans - on that we agree. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans," Mr Mugabe said.
As far as the nonagenarian president is concerned, there is more hope with Mr Trump in the White House than if it had been Hilary Clinton.
"I was surprised by his election, but I did not like Madam Clinton to win either," he said.
"I knew she could slap sanctions on us as a legacy."
President Mugabe, Africa's oldest head of state, also repeated that he is not ready to step down from power.
"The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, successor who to them is acceptable, as acceptable as I am," he told state media.
His Zanu-PF party has endorsed Mr Mugabe as its candidate in elections due next year.
Last week, first lady Grace Mugabe said if the party were to field his corpse, he would still win.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Google and Bing make searching for piracy sites more difficult
Illegally streamed live football matches, pirated music and other creative material will be more difficult to search for under a plan to crack down on piracy websites.
Google and Bing have signed up to a voluntary code of practice aimed at protecting users' safety and preventing them from visiting disreputable content providers.
Demotion of illegal sites will be accelerated by the code, which is the first of its kind in the UK.
Anyone who searches for content such as music videos, digital books and football coverage will more likely be taken to bona fide providers rather than pirate sites where a user's security may be at risk.
Eddy Leviten, director general at the Alliance for Intellectual Property, said: "Sometimes people will search for something and they will end up unwittingly being taken to a pirated piece of content.
"What we want to ensure is that the results at the top of the search engines are the genuine ones.
"It is about protecting people who use the internet, but also protecting the creators of that material too."
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) led the discussions to create the code, with the assistance of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Ofcom has examined in detail the way that search results are presented to internet users, and explored possible techniques and metrics that make it easier for UK consumers avoid illegitimate content.
The code, expected to be rolled out in the summer, will run in parallel with existing anti-piracy measures aimed at reducing online infringement.
These include court-ordered site blocking, work with brands to reduce advertising on illegal sites, and the Get it Right From A Genuine Site consumer education campaign, which encourages fans to value the creative process and directs them to legal sources of content.
Stan McCoy, of the Motion Picture Association in Europe, said: "Pirate websites are currently much too easy to find via search, so we appreciate the parties' willingness to try to improve that situation.
"We look forward to working on this initiative alongside many other approaches to fighting online piracy."
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of BPI, representative body for UK record labels, and the Brit Awards, said: "The code will not be a silver bullet fix, but it will mean that illegal sites are demoted more quickly from search results and that fans searching for music are more likely to find a fair site."
Google and Bing have signed up to a voluntary code of practice aimed at protecting users' safety and preventing them from visiting disreputable content providers.
Demotion of illegal sites will be accelerated by the code, which is the first of its kind in the UK.
Anyone who searches for content such as music videos, digital books and football coverage will more likely be taken to bona fide providers rather than pirate sites where a user's security may be at risk.
Eddy Leviten, director general at the Alliance for Intellectual Property, said: "Sometimes people will search for something and they will end up unwittingly being taken to a pirated piece of content.
"What we want to ensure is that the results at the top of the search engines are the genuine ones.
"It is about protecting people who use the internet, but also protecting the creators of that material too."
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) led the discussions to create the code, with the assistance of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Ofcom has examined in detail the way that search results are presented to internet users, and explored possible techniques and metrics that make it easier for UK consumers avoid illegitimate content.
The code, expected to be rolled out in the summer, will run in parallel with existing anti-piracy measures aimed at reducing online infringement.
These include court-ordered site blocking, work with brands to reduce advertising on illegal sites, and the Get it Right From A Genuine Site consumer education campaign, which encourages fans to value the creative process and directs them to legal sources of content.
Stan McCoy, of the Motion Picture Association in Europe, said: "Pirate websites are currently much too easy to find via search, so we appreciate the parties' willingness to try to improve that situation.
"We look forward to working on this initiative alongside many other approaches to fighting online piracy."
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of BPI, representative body for UK record labels, and the Brit Awards, said: "The code will not be a silver bullet fix, but it will mean that illegal sites are demoted more quickly from search results and that fans searching for music are more likely to find a fair site."
US defence secretary James Mattis rules out seizing Iraq's oil
The US defence secretary James Mattis has said his country is not in Iraq "to steal anybody's oil" on a surprise visit to Baghdad.
Mr Mattis, who is in the country to get a first-hand assessment of the continuing fight against so-called Islamic State, distanced himself from remarks made by President Donald Trump.
"I think all of us here in this room, all of us in America have generally paid for our gas and oil all along and I'm sure that we will continue to do so in the future," Mr Mattis told reporters.
"We're not in Iraq to seize anybody's oil."
In January, President Trump told CIA staff: "We should have kept the oil. But okay. Maybe you'll have another chance."
It is a familiar theme for Mr Trump, who, as long ago as 2011, told the Wall Street Journal that this was his policy for Iraq.
"You heard me, I would take the oil," he said, claiming it amounted to reimbursement for the cost of the Iraq war, rather than theft.
It is not the first time the pair have disagreed, as Mr Trump has admitted he and Mr Mattis differ on the usefulness of torture as an interrogation tactic, but the president has said he will defer to his defence secretary.
Mr Mattis, who is in the country to get a first-hand assessment of the continuing fight against so-called Islamic State, distanced himself from remarks made by President Donald Trump.
"I think all of us here in this room, all of us in America have generally paid for our gas and oil all along and I'm sure that we will continue to do so in the future," Mr Mattis told reporters.
"We're not in Iraq to seize anybody's oil."
In January, President Trump told CIA staff: "We should have kept the oil. But okay. Maybe you'll have another chance."
It is a familiar theme for Mr Trump, who, as long ago as 2011, told the Wall Street Journal that this was his policy for Iraq.
"You heard me, I would take the oil," he said, claiming it amounted to reimbursement for the cost of the Iraq war, rather than theft.
It is not the first time the pair have disagreed, as Mr Trump has admitted he and Mr Mattis differ on the usefulness of torture as an interrogation tactic, but the president has said he will defer to his defence secretary.
Adolf Hitler's phone sells for more than $240,000
Adolf Hitler's personal telephone, which the Fuehrer used to dictate many of his World War II commands, sold at auction for $243,000, the US house selling it announced.
Originally a black Bakelite phone, later painted crimson and engraved with Hitler's name, the relic was found in the Nazi leader's Berlin bunker in 1945 following the regime's defeat.
The auction house Alexander Historical Auctions, which did not reveal the winning bidder's identity, had estimated its worth between $200,000 and $300,000. The starting bid for the auction on Sunday was set at $100,000.
The Maryland company auctioned off more than 1,000 items including the phone and a porcelain sculpture of an Alsatian dog for $24,300.
Both winners bid by telephone.
Originally a black Bakelite phone, later painted crimson and engraved with Hitler's name, the relic was found in the Nazi leader's Berlin bunker in 1945 following the regime's defeat.
The auction house Alexander Historical Auctions, which did not reveal the winning bidder's identity, had estimated its worth between $200,000 and $300,000. The starting bid for the auction on Sunday was set at $100,000.
The Maryland company auctioned off more than 1,000 items including the phone and a porcelain sculpture of an Alsatian dog for $24,300.
Both winners bid by telephone.
More than 70 years old, the Siemens rotary telephone is embossed with a swastika and the eagle symbolic of the Third Reich.
Alexander House dubbed the phone - which Hitler received from the Wehrmacht, Nazi Germany's armed forces - as "arguably the most destructive 'weapon' of all time, which sent millions to their deaths".
It said Hitler used it to give most of his orders during the last two years of World War II.
Russian officers gave the device to British Brigadier Sir Ralph Rayner during a tour of the bunker shortly after Germany's surrender.
Rayner's son, who inherited the phone, put it up for sale, its paint now peeling to reveal the original synthetic black resin surface.
Andreas Kornfeld of Alexander House told AFP news agency its estimates were based on a number of factors, including "rarity and uniqueness".
Alexander House dubbed the phone - which Hitler received from the Wehrmacht, Nazi Germany's armed forces - as "arguably the most destructive 'weapon' of all time, which sent millions to their deaths".
It said Hitler used it to give most of his orders during the last two years of World War II.
Russian officers gave the device to British Brigadier Sir Ralph Rayner during a tour of the bunker shortly after Germany's surrender.
Rayner's son, who inherited the phone, put it up for sale, its paint now peeling to reveal the original synthetic black resin surface.
Andreas Kornfeld of Alexander House told AFP news agency its estimates were based on a number of factors, including "rarity and uniqueness".
Trump protests across UK as MPs debate state visit petition
Protests are set to take place across the UK against Donald Trump, as the upcoming state visit by the US president is debated in Parliament.
MPs will consider Theresa May's invitation for Mr Trump to meet the Queenin response to a petition signed by 1.8 million people.
Some 20,000 people are expected to gather for a rally outside Parliament.
According to the Stop Trump coalition website, protests against the president and in support of migrants will also be held in Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Leicester, Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
In Westminster Hall, MPs will debate the petition, which calls for the visit - due later this year - to be stripped of the trappings of a state occasion, to avoid causing "embarrassment" to the Queen.
An alternative petition, backed by nearly 312,000 people, demanding the state visit goes ahead will also be considered.
In its official response, the Government stressed ministers believe "the president of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit".
"We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised," the response said.
The Stop Trump coalition has called a nationwide day of action and dozens of protests have been coordinated by the One Day Without Us movement celebrating the contribution immigrants make to British society.
MPs will consider Theresa May's invitation for Mr Trump to meet the Queenin response to a petition signed by 1.8 million people.
Some 20,000 people are expected to gather for a rally outside Parliament.
According to the Stop Trump coalition website, protests against the president and in support of migrants will also be held in Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Leicester, Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
In Westminster Hall, MPs will debate the petition, which calls for the visit - due later this year - to be stripped of the trappings of a state occasion, to avoid causing "embarrassment" to the Queen.
An alternative petition, backed by nearly 312,000 people, demanding the state visit goes ahead will also be considered.
In its official response, the Government stressed ministers believe "the president of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit".
"We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised," the response said.
The Stop Trump coalition has called a nationwide day of action and dozens of protests have been coordinated by the One Day Without Us movement celebrating the contribution immigrants make to British society.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
At least 14 killed in Mogadishu market blast
At least 14 people were killed when a car packed with explosives blew up near a busy intersection in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, officials and witnesses said.
According to a security official Mohamed Hussein, the powerful blast, thought to be from a car bomb, tore through shops and food stands in Mogadishu's Madina district on Sunday.
"We have counted about 14 people killed and more than 30 others wounded," said local security official Mohamed Jilibey.
"The area was a busy intersection alongside the road and there were many civilians when the blast occurred."
Hussein said the bomb also wounded more than 10 others and casualties may rise as many of the wounded victims suffered horrific wounds.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.
According to a security official Mohamed Hussein, the powerful blast, thought to be from a car bomb, tore through shops and food stands in Mogadishu's Madina district on Sunday.
"We have counted about 14 people killed and more than 30 others wounded," said local security official Mohamed Jilibey.
"The area was a busy intersection alongside the road and there were many civilians when the blast occurred."
Hussein said the bomb also wounded more than 10 others and casualties may rise as many of the wounded victims suffered horrific wounds.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.
Donald Trump attacking media is 'how dictators start' - John McCain
John McCain has warned suppressing the free press is "how dictators get started" following Donald Trump's attacks on the media.
The US president has continued his verbal assaults on "fake news" journalists, saying in a tweet they are "the enemy of the American people".
And he told a cheering crowd at a rally in Florida that he wanted "to speak to you without the filter of the fake news".
Mr Trump added: "They've become a big part of the problem. They are part of the corrupt system."
The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 17 February 2017
But Senator McCain, a former Republican presidential candidate, said a free press was "vital" and "we must have it".
The long-time Trump critic admitted hating the press himself - but said without it many individual liberties would be lost over time.
And he warned: "That's how dictators get started."
Mr McCain pointed out he did not believe the president was trying to be a dictator but said "we need to learn the lessons of history".
The Arizona senator told NBC's Meet The Press: "They (dictators) get started by suppressing free press. In other words, a consolidation of power.
"When you look at history, the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press."
He also claimed the White House team was "in disarray".
During a news conference lasting more than an hour on Thursday, Mr Trump launched an extensive attack on the media, saying "the level of dishonesty is out of control".
He flatly denied links to Russia and hit out at the leaks that had come from inside his administration, but said much of it was "fake news".
The president also insisted his team was running like a "fine-tuned machine".
The US president has continued his verbal assaults on "fake news" journalists, saying in a tweet they are "the enemy of the American people".
And he told a cheering crowd at a rally in Florida that he wanted "to speak to you without the filter of the fake news".
Mr Trump added: "They've become a big part of the problem. They are part of the corrupt system."
The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 17 February 2017
But Senator McCain, a former Republican presidential candidate, said a free press was "vital" and "we must have it".
The long-time Trump critic admitted hating the press himself - but said without it many individual liberties would be lost over time.
And he warned: "That's how dictators get started."
Mr McCain pointed out he did not believe the president was trying to be a dictator but said "we need to learn the lessons of history".
The Arizona senator told NBC's Meet The Press: "They (dictators) get started by suppressing free press. In other words, a consolidation of power.
"When you look at history, the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press."
He also claimed the White House team was "in disarray".
During a news conference lasting more than an hour on Thursday, Mr Trump launched an extensive attack on the media, saying "the level of dishonesty is out of control".
He flatly denied links to Russia and hit out at the leaks that had come from inside his administration, but said much of it was "fake news".
The president also insisted his team was running like a "fine-tuned machine".
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